Revelation

RevelationGod's Prophetic Message To Mankind

Sermon Outline• 1:1-8 The Introduction To Revelation • 1:9-20 The Vision Of The Son Of Man • 2:1-7 The Letter To The Church Of Ephesus • 2:8-17 Letters To The Churches Of Smyrna And Pergamum • 2:18-3:6 Letters To The Churches Of Thyatira And Sardis • 3:7-22 Letters To The Churches Of Philadelphia And Laodicean • 4:1-11 The Throne Of The Lord God Almighty • 5:1-14 The Lamb That Was Slain Is Worthy • 6:1-17 Opening Six Of The Seven Seals Of The Book • 7:1-17 The Sealed Servants And The Great Multitude • 8:1-9:21 Opening The Seventh Seal Of The Book • 10:1-11:14 A Little Book And Two Witnesses • 11:15-12:17 War In Heaven • 13:1-18 The Two Beasts • 14:1-20 Coming Events • 15:1-16:21 The Seven Vial Judgements • 17:1-18 The Great Whore • 18:1-24 Babylon The Great City • 19:1-21 The Return Of The Lord Jesus (The Second Coming) • 20:1-10 The Millennial Kingdom • 20:11-15 The Great White Throne Judgement • 21:1-22:5 Eternity In The New Heaven, Earth And Jerusalem • 22:6-21 Final Reminders, Blessings And Curses

Memory Verses • Revelation 1:3 • Revelation 1:17-19 • Revelation 2:4-5 • Revelation 2:10 • Revelation 3:5 • Revelation 3:15 • Revelation 4:11 • Revelation 5:9-10 • Revelation 6:9-11 • Revelation 7:9-10 • Revelation 8:3-4 • Revelation 11:3

• Revelation 12:11 • Revelation 13:10 • Revelation 14:6-7 • Revelation 15:3-4 • Revelation 17:14 • Revelation 18:20 • Revelation 19:11, 16 • Revelation 20:6 • Revelation 20:15 • Revelation 21:3-4 • Revelation 22:7

Revelation

1:1-8 The Introduction To RevelationMemory Verse: Revelation 1:3

1:1-3 The Author, Audience And Blessing• 1:1a “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” means this book is from Jesus and about Jesus. He

is going to show or unveil “things which must shortly come to pass” or future events. These “things” have already started, will “shortly come to pass,” but have not come to final completion.

• 1:1b The audience of this book is “his servants” or believers. Jesus wanted us to know our future.

• 1:1c-2 God gave this revelation to Jesus. Jesus gave it to an angel. An angel gave it to John, John wrote it down for believers to read. Therefore, the human author of the book is the Apostle John who also wrote the Gospel of John and the epistles: First, Second and Third John. John is a servant of Jesus. His job is to simply “bare record” or be a witness of three things: (1) The Word of God—this is truth from God and not his opinion. (2) The Testimony of Jesus Christ—everything that was sent from Jesus and revealed about Him. (3) All things that he saw—everything he experienced in his vision. John 7:16

• 1:3 There is a special blessing for everyone who reads, hears and obeys this prophecy. This book isn’t just to tell us about our future but it calls us to action. The events in this book could happen at anytime, so we shouldn’t delay but live for God today. Blessed is the man who does this.

1:4-6 Greetings In The Name Of Our Triune God• 1:4a John greets the seven churches in Asia to whom he is writing, wishing them grace

and peace from our triune God.

• 1:4b From God the Father: He emphasizes the eternality of God and His sovereignty over all periods of time: present, past, future. Exodus 3:14-15

• 1:4c From God the Spirit: This is a little confusing but the “seven Spirits which are before His throne” seems to be referring to the Holy Spirit where “seven” is referring to the completeness of the Holy Spirit. Compare: Isaiah 11:2; Zechariah 4:2, 6, 10; Revelation 3:1; 4:5; 5:6

• 1:5-6 From God the Son: He emphases the person and work of Jesus Christ:

- 1:5a Jesus is the faithful witness. Jesus bore witness of the truth and was faithful in proclaiming it even during persecution and death. John 5:31-47; 8:14

- 1:5b Jesus is the first begotten of the dead This has two meanings behind it: (1) Firstborn doesn’t mean that He was the “first one born,” but that He is the one in control of the inheritance or the sovereign ruler. (2) Jesus was the first one to be resurrected back to life with an incorruptible body. Psalm 89:27; Colossians 1:15-18; 1 Corinthians 15:20

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- 1:5c Jesus is the prince of the kings of the earth. He is the King of kings. He rules over all other earth kings (governments, authority, etc.) None is greater than Him.Revelation 17:2, 19:16

• 1:5d John concludes wishing unto Jesus (the One who did the following) glory and dominion for ever and ever.

- 1:5e Jesus works of grace: Jesus loved us. He loves you. Not because you are good but because He chose to love you and die for you. Jesus washed us from our sins in His own blood. He took away ours sins through His death on the cross. He gave His own life to save us. His own blood washed away our sins. Galatians 2:20; John 1:29

- 1:6 Jesus made us kings and priests unto God. We are made a royal priesthood. We offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ and show forth the praises of the God who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Jesus is King and we are part of His royal family. We will one day rule with Him in the Kingdom of God.1 Peter 2:9; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 10:19-20

1:7-8 The Second Coming Of Jesus• 1:7a Jesus is coming back. The Bible teaches a lot about the second coming of Jesus

and it is something that we as believers look forward to. He will come back in the same manner that He left, in the clouds. Luke 12:40; Acts 1:11

• 1:7b Jesus’ return will be a public and undeniable event. Every eye shall see Jesus and all His glory. The unbelieving Jews (they also which pierced him) and the unbelieving gentiles (all kindreds of the earth) will wail at his appearing because He is coming back to judge the world. The elect will be saved and all others will be cast into the lake of fire.Matthew 24:30-31; 26:64; Zechariah 12:10

• 1:7c Even though the unbelievers will be judged and there will be a time of wailing, as believers, we look forward to His return to put an end to this evil world.

• 1:8 Jesus is and will return as the: (1) Sovereign Ruler—“Alpha” is the first letter in the Greek alphabet and “Omega” is the last, therefore, Jesus is stating that from the beginning to the end He is in control. (2) Eternal Lord—Jesus lives today, lived in eternity past, and He is coming again. (3) Almighty—He is the all-powerful God.

Review Questions• Who is the author of Revelation? • Who is the audience of Revelation? • What is the blessing of Revelation? • What emphases does John place on the person and work of Jesus Christ? • Jesus will return with what title?

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1:9-20 The Vision Of The Son Of ManMemory Verse: Revelation 1:17-19

1:9-11 John Receives The Revelation• 1:9a John identifies himself as the receiver and communicator of this revelation. He

humbly encourages those he is writing to by stating the areas they have in common: (1) “Your brother,” he is a fellow believer. (2) “Companion,” he shares something in common with them which he states as follows: “Tribulation” or afflictions, sufferings, and trails for the gospel sake. “Kingdom” shows that he is serving and seeking God’s kingdom. “Patience” or endurance, he would obey the Lord, no matter the cost.Revelation 1:1, 4

• 1:9b John tells us what some of persecutions were that he was experiencing saying he “was in the isle that is called Patmos” and the reason he was there was “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” It is believed that John was banished to the isle of Patmos. He lived as an exile there. The reason for his banishment is because he was preaching the word of God and testifying about Jesus Christ.

• 1:10a On “the Lord’s day,” which is Sunday (being referred to as the Lord’s day because it is the day that Jesus rose from the dead), John was “in the Spirit” meaning that he was supernaturally filled with the Holy Spirit so that He could receive this revelation.

• 1:10b-11 Then John heard behind him “a great voice, as of a trumpet.” This loud voice that sounds like a trumpet to John tells him to write what he sees in a book and send it to the following seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. It is said the order of the churches would be the order a messenger would go delivering a copy of this book to them.

1:12-16, 20 John Sees An Awesome Vision• 1:12a John sees the person who had this great voice. He starts to describe what he sees

in terms that may seem strange to us but they are all symbols to help us understand what this person is like.

• 1:12b-13a First, this person is standing in the midst of “seven golden candlesticks.” In verse 20 the Bible interprets itself and we are told these are the seven churches. So the seven candlesticks represent the church as the light of the world. Also, our context for the rest of the vision is in relation to these churches. Philippians 2:15

• 1:13a He first says this person is “like unto the Son of man.” We know from other parts of Scripture that Jesus is the “Son of Man” and this is a description of Him. We are reminded that He is with His church until the end of the world and that is what this picture of Jesus standing in the middle of the churches represents. John 3:13-18; Daniel 7:13; Matthew 28:20

• 1:13b He then describes His clothing: “clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” This signifies the clothing of the high priest of the Old Testament and points to Jesus being our great high priest. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sins and now lives to forever intercede on our behalf.Old Testament priest: Exodus 28:4; Leviticus 16:4; Jesus’ ministry as high priest: Romans 8:33-34; Hebrews 2:18, 4:14-16

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• 1:14-15a The next thing John describes is his head, hair, eyes and feet. He says, “His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace.” This signifies Jesus’ work among the church. The “white” is referring to Jesus being eternal, His eyes of fire represent His omniscience and His feet of brass represent judgement. This all shows He will purify His church to make it holy. He is the eternal, all-knowing judge. Daniel 7:9

• 1:15b John says His voice was “as the sound of many waters,” meaning that it is loud and authoritative. Jesus’ voice will be heard. Ezekiel 43:2

• 1:16a “He had in his right hand seven stars” in verse 20 Jesus tells us that these seven stars are “the angels of the seven churches.” Angels here most likely means “messenger,” which probably refers to the leadership of the churches or pastors. They are in Jesus’ “right hand” meaning they are under His authority because He is the head of the church. It is through these men He delivers His messages to the churches. Luke 7:24, the same word for “angel” translated as messenger. Christ as Head: Ephesians 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 1:18

• 1:16b Out of Jesus’ mouth “went a sharp twoedged sword” which represents the Word of God. It is through the Word that Christ builds, refines and protects His church.Hebrews 4:12

• 1:16c Finally, Jesus’ “countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” The light represents the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, which shines into our lives and we shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our Father.2 Corinthians 4:6; Judges 5:31; Matthew 13:43

1:17-20 Responding To The Vision: Fear, Comfort, Action• 1:17a Fear: John seeing Jesus for who He really was caused him to tremble. It caused

him to fall down at Jesus’ feet as if he were a dead man.

• 1:7b-18 Comfort: Jesus comforts John, telling him to “fear not” because Jesus is “the first and the last,” or the eternal one. He “that liveth, and was dead” is “alive for evermore”. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins, but arose from the dead and is alive today. He lives eternally and has “the keys of hell and of death.” He defeated sin and death. Believers don’t have to worry about dying and going to hell.

• 1:19 Action: Jesus tells John what to record “thing which thou hast seen,” or the vision he just saw in verses 10-16, “the things which are,” which are the letters he will write to the churches in chapters 2-3 and finally “the things which shall be hereafter” or the future events covering chapters 4-22. This also gives us a timeline about what is being written in this book.

Review Questions• Who received this vision? • What were the names of the churches he was writing to? • Who was the person in the vision? • What were the characteristics of this person and their symbols? • What was the response to the vision?

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2:1-7 The Letter To The Church Of EphesusMemory Verse: Revelation 2:4-5

2:1 Jesus Has A Message For The Church Of Ephesus• 1:9-20 John receives the revelation of the Son of Man and described the awesome vision

of Jesus that he saw. The vision of Jesus was so powerful that John fell at His feet as dead. Jesus comforts John and tells Him to write the things that he saw (the vision). He also instructed him to write down “the thing which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” Now John will write in chapters 2-4 the thing which are, which deal with the seven churches.

• 1:20 Jesus explained what the meaning of the seven stars and the seven candlesticks saying, “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” The angels most likely represent the leadership of the churches, like that pastor. The seven churches are real churches that existed at that time but also are representative of churches in every generation.

• 2:1a Jesus tells John to write unto the first church, Ephesus, by addressing the letter to the angel (pastor) who will deliver it to the churches. This church had a great history and is mentioned through the New Testament. Priscilla, Aquila, Apollos and Paul were all part of evangelizing this city and eventually many believed. The word of god continued to increase and prevail mightily there. Paul worked there for three years building the church. Jesus is addressing this church about four decades later. Also, the books of Ephesians was written to the saints in Ephesus. Acts 18-20; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:16, 18; 4:12; Ephesians 1:1-2

• 2:1b Ephesus was a city in Asia minor known for being a great metropolis, for its great theatre to host games which could seat around twenty-thousand plus people and for being the home of the temple and shrine of the false god Diana. Acts 19:27, 35

• 2:1c Jesus starts His letter, first by clarifying it is He who is speaking: “These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” We know this is Jesus because of the previous verses (1:12-13) and Jesus is stating His authority and power upfront. Jesus, our commander-in-chief, the one who saved us from our sins, commissioned us preach the gospel in His name, head of every church and the one who promised to be with us unto the end of the world, has a message for His church. We need to listen!

2:2-3, 6 Jesus Praises The Church Of Ephesus• 2:2a Paul told us in his letter to the Ephesians that believers were created to do good

works and Jesus praises the church of Ephesus for their works. Despite the hard circumstances of living in that city they were hard workers building the church (labour) and they remained faithful (patience). Ephesians 2:8-10

• 2:2b Jesus praises the church because they don’t tolerate evil men. Believers are called to live holy lives, to be separated for any kind of evil or sin. Ephesians 5:1-11

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• 2:2c Jesus praises the church for rejecting false teachers. Paul warned the church of Ephesus that after he would leave them false teacher would arise and try to get disciples to follow their false ways. The pastors were to watch over and care for the church, to protect them from the false teachers. That is exactly what the Ephesus church did. They tested anyone who claimed to teach things that came from God and only believe those who teach the truths they received from the apostles (now contained in the Bible). Acts 20:28-31; Matthew 24:23-25; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

• 2:3 Jesus praises the church for the right motivation: “for my name’s sake.” Their motivation for working hard, being faithful in hard circumstances, hating evil and rejecting false teachers all was done because they wanted to be obedient to Jesus.

• 2:6 Jesus praises the church because they hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans or for hating idolatry and immorality. Jesus hated the false teachings of this group and the church did right by hating it as well. Revelation 2:12-15

2:4-5, 7 Jesus Criticizes And Challenges The Church Of Ephesus• 2:4a Even though Jesus praised the church for their works, nevertheless, He had

something against them: they left their first love. They lost their love for Christ and each-other. Jesus criticized the church because even though they were doing good works with the right motivation, they forgot to love. They forgot about their personal relationship with Jesus which led to forgetting to love one-another. Ephesians 1:15; 3:17-19; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Mark 12:30

• 2:5a Jesus advises the church to do three things: (1) Remember. They need to remember they love they had for Jesus when they first started believing in Him. (2) Repent. They need to stop going in the same direction they are going, realize their sin of not loving Jesus fully, forsake it, and start doing right. They need to start loving again. (3) Do the first works. They were doing right at first, loving Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, but now they have drifted off and stopped. They are to sincerely love Jesus and let it rekindle a fire in their heart to truly worship him through loving obedience. John 14:15

• 2:5b If they refuse to do these three things, Jesus says that He will come quickly unto them and remove their candlestick out of its place. This means that Jesus would judge the church in such a way that they will cease to be a church.

• 2:7 It is the responsibility of individual believers to hear this message and if their own heart is convicted through the Holy Spirit, they need to listen to its message and repent. All true believers (him that overcometh) will be given eternal life (tree of life) in heaven (paradise of God).1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 22:2, 14, 19; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4

Review Questions• Who is writing the letter to the churches? • Why does the church receive praise? • Why does the church receive criticism? • What was the challenge to the church? • Who are overcomers and what will they be given?

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2:8-17 Letters To The Churches Of Smyrna And PergamumMemory Verse: Revelation 2:10

2:8 Jesus Has A Message For The Church Of Smyrna• 2:8a Jesus tells John to write unto the second church, Smyrna, by addressing the letter to

the angel (pastor) who will deliver it to the churches. This church is only mentioned here in Revelation. The city was an ancient city devoted to Rome and had pagan religions.

• 2:8b Jesus starts His letter by clarifying it is He who is speaking: “These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.” We know this is Jesus because He is continuing the conversation from above (1:17-2:8) and the description can only describe Him (1:18). Jesus is the first and the last, meaning He is the eternal one. He died on the cross for mankind, but three days laters he rose from the dead defeating sin and proving He is God. He is alive today and has a message for His church, we should listen carefully.

2:9 Jesus Praises The Church Of Smyrna• 2:9a Jesus praises the church for enduring tribulation. This church was persecuted

because of their faith in Jesus. They couldn’t pledge full allegiance to Rome or participate in all the activities of the pagan religions activities.

• 2:9b Jesus praises the church for enduring blasphemy. The church was accused of doing wrong and slandered by unbelieving Jews. When the Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah then they became a tool of Satan. Today, any church that preaches a false gospel can be considered a “synagogue of Satan” and they may speak against the reputation of genuine churches.John 8:44; Romans 2:28-29

• 2:9b Jesus praises the church for enduring poverty. The believers in this local church were financially poor, most likely due to following Jesus. Jesus not only mentions that they were poor, but that they were rich. He isn’t contradicting Himself, but He is noting that even though they might be financially poor, they are spiritually rich. As Christians, we have different priorities. It doesn’t matter how much money we have, but it matters how much of Jesus we have, how much we know Him, and how much we are living for Him. 2 Corinthians 6:10

2:10-11 Jesus Challenges The Church Of Smyrna• 2:10 Jesus does not criticize the church, but instead He warns that more persecution is

coming. They will be cast into prison for ten days and may even face death. He advises them to “fear not” and to be “faithful unto death.” A reward for enduring this type of persecution is the “the crown of life,” which probably refers to eternal life or a literal crown, either way it would be a just reward from Jesus Himself. John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

• 2:11 It is the responsibility of individual believers to hear this message. All true believers (one who conquers) will not be hurt by the second death, even though they may experience the first death as a result of persecution. 1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 20:13-15

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2:12 Jesus Has A Message For The Church Of Pergamum• 2:12a Jesus tells John to write unto the third church, Pergamum, by addressing the letter

to the angel (pastor) who will deliver it to the churches. This church is only mentioned here in Revelation. Pergamum was the ancient capital of Asia.

• 2:12b Jesus starts His letter, first by clarifying it is He who is speaking: “These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” This is Jesus, who speaks the Word of God, has a message for His church. Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17; 15:3, 11; 16:33

2:13 Jesus Praises The Church Of Pergamum• 2:13 Jesus praises the church for being faithful even though they lived in an extremely

hard place to live. They held fast to Jesus's name and didn’t deny the faith. One of the believers (Antipas) was even killed for being a faithful witness of Jesus. The place they lived was referred to as “where Satan’s seat is” and “where Satan dwells.” This could mean this was (1) a horrible place filled with sin, (2) a place for worshipping false gods, or (3) a place the contained anything that is against God.

2:14-17 Jesus Criticizes And Challenges The Church Of Pergamum• 2:14-15 Jesus criticized the churches for holding to the doctrines of Balaam and the

Nicolaitans. First, Balaam (a prophet) taught Balac (the King of Moab) to trick Israel to intermarry with the Moabites and follow their false religion (eat things sacrificed unto idols, and committing fornication). Second, the Nicolaitans’ teaching seemed to be similar, teaching that believers could be involved in idolatry and immorality. The scripture is clear that all immorality, idol worship, or participation in pagan practices are sinful for believers. We are called to be separated from the world and devoted to God.Numbers 22-25; 22:31; 25:1-2; Acts 15:29; James 4:4; Romans 12:2

• 2:16 Jesus advises the church to do one thing: Repent. They should change their mind about tolerating or participating in these sinful doctrines, forsake it, and start doing right. If they refuse to repent, Jesus says that He will come quickly unto them and fight against them with the Word of God, meaning Jesus will bring judgement upon the church.

• 2:17 It is the responsibility of individual believers to hear this message and if their own heart is convicted through the Holy Spirit, they need to listen to its message and repent. All true believers (him that overcometh) will be given spiritual nourishment and blessings (hidden manna), and a white stone with a new name written on it. The stone probably symbolizes the Roman custom of giving a stone to the winners of athletic competitions as an award or invitation to a banquet. Therefore, it symbolizes that, in Christ, we have the victory and heaven is the celebration feast. 1 John 5:4-5

Review Questions• Who is writing the letter to the churches? • Why does each church receive praise? • Why does each church receive criticism? • What was the challenges to the churches? • Who are overcomers and what will they be given?

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2:18-3:6 Letters To The Churches Of Thyatira And SardisMemory Verse: Revelation 3:5

2:18 Jesus Has A Message For The Church Of Thyatira• 2:18a Jesus tells John to write to the fourth church, Thyatira, by addressing the letter to

the angel (pastor) who will deliver it to the church. This church is only mentioned here in Revelation. The city was a prosperous commerce center located on a main road.

• 2:18b Jesus starts His letter by clarifying it is He who is speaking: “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.” Jesus is the Son of God. His eyes of fire probably represent His omniscience and His feet of brass represent judgement, that is to say, He is the all-knowing One who has the authority to judge His church. We should listen carefully.

2:19 Jesus Praises The Church Of Thyatira• 2:19 Jesus praises the church for their works, charity, service, faith, and patience. This

church was full of good works. They were loving and serving God and others. They were being faithful and steadfast as their good works continued to grow more and more. Hebrews 6:10

2:20-28 Jesus Criticizes And Challenges The Church Of Thyatira• 2:20, 24b Jesus criticizes the church because: (1) They allowed a woman to teach, which

violates the role of women in the church. (2) They allowed this false prophetess to teach wrong doctrine. (3) They allowed her to seduce believers to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (4) They were involved in what some call the deep things of Satan.1 Kings 16:30-31

• 2:21-23a Jesus gave this false prophetess time to repent, but she refused, therefore Jesus will judge and cast her into hell (bed). Jesus gives her followers a chance to repent. If they refuse to repent then the unbelieving followers are threatened with death and believers who are deceived by her false teaching will go through great tribulation because they are living in sin.

• 2:23b Jesus’ judgement will cause all the churches to know that He is the one who searches mind and heart, and will give to each person according to their works. He won’t judge those who aren’t guilty, but He will judge sin. Romans 2:6

• 2:24-25 Jesus comforts the believers who aren’t involved in this false teaching and challenges them to “hold fast” until He comes. Jesus knows the burden they are carrying because of the false teaching, so He doesn’t add to it but tells them to keep doing what is right even if it is hard.

• 2:26-29 Believers (the one who conquers) are testified by their works and will be given authority by Jesus to rule over the nations in His millennial kingdom. They will also be given the “morning star,” which most likely represent Jesus Himself. Psalm 2:7-9; Revelation 22:16; 1 Corinthians 13:12

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3:1 Jesus Has A Message For The Church Of Sardis• 3:1a Jesus tells John to write unto the fifth church, Sardis, by addressing the letter to the

angel (pastor) who will deliver it to the churches. This church is only mentioned here in Revelation. The city was a prosperous metropolis at the foot of a mountain.

• 3:1b Jesus starts His letter, first by clarifying it is He who is speaking: “These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.” The seven Spirits of God refer to the Holy Spirit and the seven stars are the leaders of the churches. Jesus works in His churches through the Holy Spirit. Leaders in the church should lead according to His sovereign rule.

3:1c-6 Jesus Criticizes And Challenges The Church Of Sardis• 3:1c, 2b Jesus doesn’t praise the church like He did with the previous five churches, but

instead pronounces the church as dead. The church had a name and reputation of being alive or a church that was doing right, but Jesus said they were living a lie and are actually a dead church. Jesus said their works were not complete before God.

• 3:2a, 3 Jesus advises the church to do five things: (1) “Be watchful,” meaning they need to be awake and alert to their spiritual condition. (2) ”Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die,” meaning they need to strengthen those spiritual areas that aren’t dead yet. (3) “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard,” meaning they need to remember the teaching they were first taught, the Apostles’ doctrine and the truths of the Bible. (4) “Hold fast,” meaning they need to keep doing what is right even though it is hard. (5) “Repent,” meaning they need to turn from their “deadness” to start living according to and for the greatness of their God. If they would do these things God would bring spiritual revival to this dead church. If they didn’t heed Jesus warning, then He would quickly judge them and they would cease to be a church. (This also works individually. If you think your spiritual life is dead and cold, follow the five steps above.)

• 3:4 There was a small remnant of believers in the church (whom Jesus praises) who weren’t characterized by this deadness. They aren’t living lives of sin (defiled their garments). They will be rewarded and walk with Jesus in righteousness (in white).

• 3:5-6 Believers (He that overcometh) will be clothed in righteousness (clothed in white raiment) as we participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb. A believer’s name will never be blot out of the book of life, but Jesus will confess his name before God and the angels. This should comfort believers that we are eternally secure. If you are willing, you need to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. If you are not a believer, today, repent and believe. If you are a believer but your spiritual life isn’t on fire for God, then today rekindle that fire and start living the victorious Christian life. Let’s not be a dead church…impressive from the outside but no Spiritual life on the inside. Revelation 19:7-9; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 21:27

Review Questions• Who is writing the letter to the churches? • Why does each church receive praise? • Why does each church receive criticism? • What was the challenges to the churches? • Who are overcomers and what will they be given?

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Revelation

3:7-22 Letters To The Churches Of Philadelphia And LaodiceanMemory Verse: Revelation 3:15

3:7 Jesus Has A Message For The Church Of Philadelphia• 3:7a Jesus tells John to write to the sixth church, Philadelphia, by addressing the letter to

the angel (pastor) who will deliver it to the church. This church is only mentioned here in Revelation. This city located in a valley that was a center for Greek language and culture.

• 3:7b Jesus starts His letter by clarifying it is He who is speaking: “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.” This description of Jesus isn’t taken from the previous vision of Him, but from the Old Testament. (1) God alone is holy. Therefore, when Jesus claims to be the Holy One, He is claiming to be equal with God. He is completely separated from sin and perfectly good. (2) Jesus is truth. In a world of lies and error, we can come to Jesus to find real meaning and understanding. (3) He has the Key of David, symbolizing He is the authoritative Messiah. He controls who enters His kingdom. (4) Jesus can open and close the “doors” and no one can reverse His decisions, because He holds the ultimate authority. We should listen carefully. John 14:6; Isaiah 22:22

3:8-10a Jesus Praises The Church Of Philadelphia• 3:8a, 10a Jesus praises the church for their works. Jesus gave the church an “open door”

which probably symbolizes their opportunity to preach the gospel. Even though their might have been many adversaries, they couldn’t “shut the door,” or take away this opportunity to share the gospel. The church was faithful with their given opportunity.Colossians 4:2-6;1 Corinthians 16:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:12

• 3:8b, 10b The church had little strength, maybe because it was a small or poor, but Jesus commends them for being obedient, faithful and loyal. (1) They kept Jesus’ word, meaning they were doing their best to be obedient to the teachings of Jesus. (2) They didn’t deny Jesus’ name, meaning that even though there was opportunity, pressure or gain to deny Jesus, they refused to and remained faithful to Him. (3) They kept the word of Jesus’ patience, meaning that through the difficulties they experienced, they were faithful in persevering.

• 3:9, 10b Because this church was obedient, faithful and loyal, Jesus makes two promises to the church: (1) Jesus will make the false Jews come and bow down before their feet, and they will learn that Jesus had loved them. (2) He will keep the church from experiencing the seven-year tribulation period. This last promise is indicating that Jesus will remove all faithful or real churches from the great tribulation period that is coming.

3:11-13 Jesus Challenges The Church Of Philadelphia• 3:11 Jesus doesn’t criticize the church, but He does challenge them. First, He says, “I

come quickly,” meaning that He could return at anytime. Therefore, they need to “hold fast” or continue to persevere, revealing they have genuine faith and no person could take away eternal life from them (the crown). God gives us the power to endure, thus those who leave the faith didn’t loose it but reveal they never had it.Matthew 10:22; 24:13-14; 1 John 2:19

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Revelation

• 3:12-13 In the end, Jesus will give true believers (him that overcometh) a permanent position in the temple of God (a pillar in the temple of His God - go no more out). They will enter a personal relationship with God (write upon them the name of His God), be given citizenship into the heavenly city of new Jerusalem (write upon them the name of the city of His God), and know Jesus for who He really is (write upon them His new name). If you are willing to hear this message, then listen and obey it. 1 John 3:2

3:14 Jesus Has A Message For The Church Of Laodiceans• 3:14a Jesus tells John to write unto the seventh church, Laodiceans, by addressing the

letter to the angel (pastor) who will deliver it to the churches. This church is only mentioned here in Revelation. The city was a strategically located and prosperous commercial city.

• 3:14b Jesus starts His letter, first by clarifying it is He who is speaking: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.” Jesus is the Amen, meaning that Jesus affirms the truth of God and His will. He is the faithful and true witness because He Himself, bore witness of God without error. He is the source or beginning point of everything that is created, thus holding ultimate authority in His hands.

3:15-22 Jesus Criticizes And Challenges The Church Of Laodiceans• 3:15-17 Jesus doesn’t praise the church but criticizes them for being lukewarm, meaning

they were claiming to be believers but not acting like it. They were not hot—passionately living for God above all else; nor were they cold—openly rejecting God and going their own way. They were materially rich which caused them to think they needed nothing, but spiritually they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. They were hypocrites.

• 3:18 Jesus gives the church counsel, inviting them to salvation. He uses the metaphor of “buying” from Him, which means to have faith in Him, to obtain three things: (1) Gold tried in the fire or salvation; (2) White raiment or righteousness; (3) Eyesalve or spiritual understanding.Acts 26:18

• 319-20 Jesus loves the entire world, therefore He will rebuke and chasten them, showing them their false ways, convict them of their sin or judge them. He challenged them to be zealous, no longer passive, and repent. If they did they could believe in Jesus who stands at the door and knocks. Those who hear His voice and opens the door will enjoy a real relationship and fellowship with Him. Will you repent and believe in Jesus today?John 3:16

• 3:21-22 Believers (the one who conquers) will sit with Jesus on the throne the same way He conquered and sat down with His Father on His throne. If you are willing to hear, obey!

Review Questions• Who is writing the letter to the churches? • Why does each church receive praise? • Why does each church receive criticism? • What was the challenges to the churches? • Who are overcomers and what will they be given?

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Revelation

4:1-11 The Throne Of The Lord God AlmightyMemory Verse: Revelation 4:11

4:1-2 An Invitation To Come Before The Throne Of God• 1:1-3:22 The timeline for the book of Revelation is given to us in 1:19: “Write the things

which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” The book of Revelation is patterned after this timeline. We have the introduction in 1:1-8, the vision of Jesus in 1:9-20 which are the things John saw, the seven letters to the seven churches in 2:1-3:22 which are the things which are, and finally 4:1 starts the things hereafter and will continue until the end of the book in 22:21.

• 4:1 After John finished recording the seven letters from Jesus to the seven churches, a door was opened in heaven and he heard the authoritative voice of Jesus talking to him (as it were of a trumpet). The voice told him to go up to heaven and he would show John the things which must be hereafter. This confirms the timeline is switching from “things which are” to “things which shall be hereafter”. Revelation 1:10

• 4:2 Immediately John was spiritually transported to heaven. The first thing He sees is a throne and the One seated on it. He will spend the rest of 4:3-11 describing what He sees and what is taking place at the throne of God. The throne represents God’s place of sovereign rule. For Christians this is exciting, because (1) we get a glimpse into the dwelling place of God, a place we will dwell when we die; (2) because we get to better understand what our God is like as He is reigning in Heaven. We also need to note that what follows is not a literal description of God, not something that can be drawn on a piece of paper, but a word picture that helps us better understand Him. John 1:18

4:3-6a The Vision Of The Throne of God• 4:3 John starts with describing what He sees on the throne. He sees God sitting on the

throne with the appearance of a jasper and a sardine stone. Then around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. All of these represent beautiful luminous colors that signify the magnificence, glory, splendor and greatness of God. The rainbow could also signify God’s faithfulness (to keep promises) to mankind. All of this should lead us to seeing God with a respectful awe, knowing He is an awesome God. Isaiah 6:1-6; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Genesis 9:13-17

• 4:4 Also, around God’s throne are twenty-four seats with twenty-four elders seated in them all wearing white raiment and crowns of gold. These twenty-four elders are most likely twenty-four representatives of the church because (1) the seats signify places of authority and believers will reign with Jesus; (2) believers will be clothed in white garments, symbolizing our righteousness in Christ; (3) and believers are promised crowns. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; 9:25; Revelation 2:10; 26-27; 3:5, 18; 19:8

• 4:5 Next, John says out of the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings and voices. This represents the judgment coming from God. Before the throne were seven lamps of fire burning, which are the seven Spirits of God. The seven Spirits of God is a name that represents the Holy Spirit and the seven lamps of fire burning represent God’s coming wrath which the Holy Spirit will carry out. God’s judgement and wrath will be poured out later in the book of Revelation.

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Revelation

• 4:6a Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal. This isn’t an actual sea but they are describing what the ground under the throne looked like. The ground was see-through, yet reflected the luminous colors. It was an incredible sight that is hard to describe and imagine. But one day believers will get to be eye-witnesses of this greatness. All of this together shows the Almighty God sitting upon His throne and is ready for pending judgement. Exodus 24:9-10

4:6b-11 The Worship Before The Throne Of God• 4:6b-8a Finally, John describes two groups who are worshipping before the throne of

God. The first group is the “four beasts” or cherubims. They are a special type of angel. John sees them in the midst of and around the throne. He described them as being full of eyes before and behind—meaning they are aware of all that is going on. Then he says the first beast was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face as a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of these represent all the creatures that God made. Each of them had six wings—which from the Old Testament we know probably represent their acts of worship. Thus they represent all created beings and worshippers of God.Ezekiel 10:15; Isaiah 6:2

• 4:8b-9 These four beast rest not day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” This helps us understand what the One sitting on the throne is like: (1) The four beast ascribe holiness unto Him, repeating it three times for emphasis. Holiness means that because He is perfect in goodness and righteousness He should be exalted and is worthy of our complete devotion. (2) He is Lord, meaning He has authority. (3) He is God, meaning He is the source of all life, the Supreme Being. (4) He is Almighty, meaning He is the most powerful. (5) He is the Eternal One, meaning He has always existed and will always continue to exist. Understanding what God is like should cause us to have reverential respect and make us to join in with these four beast praising the Eternal One who sits on the throne.Isaiah 6:3

• 4:10-11 When those beasts gave glory, honour and thanks to Him that sat on the throne, the second group started worshipping God. They are the twenty-four elders. They fell down before the eternal God on the throne, worshipped Him and cast their crowns before His throne, saying, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” God is the Creator of everything. He created everything for His own pleasure. Therefore, because He is the Creator, He is worthy to receive glory, honor and power. These three things are usually attributed to a king or the highest ruler, thus attributing them to God shows He is their Sovereign Ruler above all else. As believers, we only worship God because He alone is worthy. He is worthy of our complete devotion. Psalm 33:9; 90:2; Exodus 20:3-5

Review Questions• Are we now studying past, present or future events? • Where is this scene taking place? • What is God and His throne like? • Is God worthy to receive glory, honor and power? Why? • Are you worshipping God and living a life of complete devotion to Him? Is He worthy?

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Revelation

5:1-14 The Lamb That Was Slain Is WorthyMemory Verse: Revelation 5:9-10

5:1-4 No Man Worthy To Open The Book• 4:1-11 Continuing on from the last chapter, our location is in heaven where John just

finished describing the One who sat on the throne, as well as, what was around, before and coming out of the throne. Everything we learned showed Almighty God sitting upon His throne and He is ready for pending judgement. As the Eternal One who sits on the throne, He alone is worthy of our complete devotion. Now John, shifts his focus to the book in the hand of the One on the throne.

• 5:1 In the right hand of God Almighty who is sitting upon His throne John sees a book. This book (scroll) had writing within and on the backside. It was also sealed with seven seals. Although we won’t find out in this chapter what this book contains, we know that it contains lamentation, mourning and woe. The seven seals were used to keep the book closed until it was open by the proper authority. Ezekiel 2:9-10

• 5:2-4 Then an unnamed angel, only described as a strong angel, proclaimed with a loud voice saying, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” He was searching for someone worthy to open the book. As the call went forth, the response came back empty. There was no man in heaven, the earth or under the earth that was worthy to open the book or look thereon. Because there was no worthy man, John started to cry. Would the contents of the book never be carried out because there was no worthy man? These tears symbolize the helpless state of mankind on his own.

5:5-7 The Lamb Worthy To Open The Book• 5:5 As John was crying because of the helpless state before him, one of the elders told

Him to stop crying because there was a worthy One. He said, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the sevens seals thereof.” These references clearly point to the Messiah, the One worthy to open this book and loosen its seals. (1) The Lion of the tribe of Juda, represents the Messiah as a powerful leader that conquers His enemies. (2) The Root of David, represents that the Messiah will come as King from the seed of David. Both of these are fulfilled in Jesus, who, (3) Hath prevailed, meaning, as the Messiah, Jesus conquered His enemies through His sacrificial death and rules as King of kings, therefore He is worthy to open the book.Genesis 49:8-10; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Romans 1:3; 15:12

• 5:6-7 Then John sees the Messiah as a Lamb standing in the midst of the throne, the four beasts, and the elders. He then describes Him: (1) As it had been slain, meaning although the Lamb was standing alive, it had the marks in its body of being killed. This represents Jesus, the Lamb of God who died on the cross and rose again from the dead. Even though Jesus is a powerful ruler and rightful King, He had to win the victory not through the sword but through sacrificing His own life like the lambs of the Old Testament. (2) He had seven horns, which symbolize complete power and might, He is now the prevailing ram. (3) He had seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. The Bible interprets itself here, so we know this refers to the Holy Spirit. The lamb metaphor represents Jesus as a sacrifice for sins and a reigning ruler who brings victory. It is He who is worthy to take the book out of the right hand of God.Exodus 12:3-6; Isaiah 53:7 John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19

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Revelation

5:8-14 The Worship Of The Worthy One• 5:8 Jesus takes the book out of the hand of God, this symbolizes that the end is near and

full redemption is about to be carried out. Before Jesus opens the first seal, the four beasts and twenty-four elders see this, they fall down before Jesus. Every one of them had harps and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. These prayers represent that all our yearnings for redemption are about to be answered. The harp is connected to prophecy and worship, which could symbolize all prophecy is about to be fulfilled which should cause us to worship.

• 5:9-10 First, the worship starts with the elders as they sing a new song, a song of redemption (most likely just the elders because they represent the message being sung). They said: “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” They restate Jesus’ worthiness to open the book because He died on the cross and redeemed mankind from every nation on earth, making them a royal priesthood. We have direct access to God and will reign with Him.

• 5:11-12 Second, a great innumerable multitude of the angels along with the beasts, and elders who together say in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” All of then recognize the worthiness of Jesus because He was the Lamb that was slain. Jesus’ death on the cross changed everything and it is what makes all the difference. His sacrifice makes him worthy of it all!

• 5:13 Third, every creature which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, and in the sea said, “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” All of God’s creation worshipped Jesus as the worthy One. Jesus provided the way for everything to be redeemed. Everything is going to be made right. All things are going to be made new. Justice will prevail—all because of the Lamb that was slain. Therefore He is worthy of never-ending praise and worship.Psalm 69:3-4; 150:6

• 5:14 Finally, the four beasts said, “Amen.” They agreed with all that was said and wanted the worship to continue forever. Then the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Jesus who lives for ever and ever. The worthy One, Jesus, has possession of the book with the seven seals. He alone is worthy to open in because He alone died on the cross for the sins of the world. As He opens the book the host of heaven know that all wrong will be made right, thus they burst forth in worship. The time has come! Philippians 2:6-11

Review Questions• Why was John crying? • Why did John stop crying? • Who does John see in the midst of the throne? • What is this person described as? What does it mean? • Who worship this person? What do they say?

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Revelation

6:1-17 Opening Six Of The Seven Seals Of The BookMemory Verse: Revelation 6:9-11

6:1-8 The Four Horsemen Of The Tribulation• 4:1-5:14 In chapter 4 we moved from the earthly realm into the heavenly realm where God

on the throne was describe in vivid detail. Then in chapter 5 our attention was turned towards the book in the right hand of God and the One worthy to open it. Jesus was presented as the one and only person worthy to open it because, as the Lamb of God, He died for the sins of the world. He steps forward, takes the book and before He opens it, the heavenly host start worshipping Him.

• 6:1a Now, the story continues in Heaven as Jesus looses six of the seven seals of the book. These seals represent judgements that will be carried out upon the Earth during the tribulation period. The order the seals are opened also most likely represents the sequence in which these events will happen. Revelation 3:10

• 6:1-2 The First Seal: Deception (White Horse) - Jesus (the Lamb) opens the first seal and John hears one of the four beast (his voice like the sound of thunder) saying, “Come and see.” Then John saw a white horse with a person riding it carrying a bow, given a crown and went forth to conquer. This represents deception. It represents a time of false peace that will deceive the multitudes of the world. This peace will not be won (conquer) through war but through a peaceful covenant (the bow has no arrows). He will be looked to as the world leader who unites the nations in peace for a time (a crown was given unto him). It represents the false Christ: promises peace to deceive the world to follow him. Matthew 24:3-5; Daniel 9:24-27

• 6:3-4 The Second Seal: War (Red Horse) - Jesus opens the second seal and John hears the second of the four beast saying, “Come and see.” Then John saw a red horse with a person riding it who was given a great sword and power to take peace from the earth, meaning that they should kill one another. This represents war. The world was deceived by a false peace and it results in war in a great scale where there is going to be lots of deaths because of it. Matthew 24:6-7; Daniel 11:36-45

• 6:5-6 The Third Seal: Famine (Black Horse) - Jesus opens the third seal and John hears the third of the four beast saying, “Come and see.” Then John saw a black horse with a person riding it who had a pair of balances in his hand. Then in the midst of the four beasts John heard a voice 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.” This represents famine. Most likely because of the world-wide war, there will be a world-wide famine and food will be rationed (a pair of balances). The voice is most likely the voice of God, reminding us this is a judgment coming from Him. The amount of wheat and barley at the given prices represent the inflated prices of the basic food supply and the limited supply of other food items (oil and wine).Matthew 24:7

• 6:7-8 The Fourth Seal: Death (Pale Horse) - Jesus opens the fourth seal and John hears the fourth of the four beasts saying, “Come and see.” Then John saw a pale horse with a person riding it whose name was Death, and Hell followed with him. Power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, hunger, death and the beasts of the earth. This represents death. One-fourth of the worlds population will die.

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Revelation

They will die as a result of the war and famine, but also because natural disasters, such as earthquakes or diseases (death) and animals attacks or disease carried by animals. Matthew 24:7

6:9-11 The Martyrs Of The Tribulation• 6:9 The Fifth Seal: Vengeance - Jesus opens the fifth seal and John saw under the altar

the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. These are believers who where martyred during the above judgments. They are “under the alter” because they haven’t been bodily resurrected yet. They were killed because they were faithful to the Bible and boldly proclaiming Jesus in spite of the opposition to the message they preached. Matthew 24:9

• 6:10 The question of the martyrs: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” These martyrs petition God asking Him when He will put a stop to the evil taking place on the earth and judge those who are working evil against the saints of God, those who are the unrepentant enemies of God.

• 6:11 The response to the martyrs: First, they were given white robes. The white robe represents the righteousness they were given by God. Second, they are told to rest for a little season, because there were other believers who would also be martyred like they were. Martyrdom is part of God’s plan in spreading the gospel.

6:12-17 The Wrath Of The Lamb• 6:12-14 The Sixth Seal: Destruction - Jesus opens the sixth seal and John sees great

destruction caused by natural disasters. Destruction so great that it can only be attributed as the judgement and wrath of God being poured out on the Earth. First, there is a great earthquake, which caused great destruction. Second, the sun is blacked out, it won’t give light like normal. Third, the moon became as blood, the moon will also be blocked causing great confusion and panic. Fourth, the stars of heaven fall to the earth, there will be asteroid or meteor showers. Fifth, the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, the atmosphere will somehow be affected. Sixth, every mountain and island were moved out of their places, meaning the foundations of the earth are shifting.Matthew 24:21, 29; Joel 2:31

• 6:15-17 The reaction to all of this is fear among all men not matter their position in society (kings, great men, rich men, chief captains, mighty men, bondman, free man). They hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains. Instead of repentance they cry out to the lifeless rocks. They wish for death instead of facing the wrath of Jesus. This is the great day of His wrath and they know no one can stand against it.Hebrews 10:31

Review Questions• Who is worthy to open the seals? • What are the first four seals? • What is the fifth seal? • What is the sixth seal? • Who is able to stand during the great day of His wrath?

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Revelation

7:1-17 The Sealed Servants And The Great MultitudeMemory Verse: Revelation 7:9-10

7:1-8 The Sealed Servants From Israel• 6:1-17 The story continues in Heaven as Jesus, the only one worthy to open the book in

the right hand of God, takes the book from God and opens six of the seven seals. These seals represent judgements that will be carried out upon the earth during the tribulation period. The wrath of God and Jesus will be poured out on the earth during this time. Many will died. Many will remain hardened against God, not willing to repent. But there is good news. Now we get a glimpse of the good news between the six and seventh seal judgement.Revelation 3:10

• 7:1-3 “And after these things…” indicates the next vision that John is going to receive, but before he sees Jesus open the seventh seal. He first sees four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, representing the north, east, south and west poles. They are given power over nature and specifically power of letting the four winds blow on the earth, which possibly represent more judgements coming from God. When they released these “four winds” it would hurt the earth and the sea. Then John sees another angel coming from the east. The fifth angel cried out loudly to the other four angels not to hurt the earth or sea until something specifically was accomplished, that of sealing the servants of God.

• 7:2a, 3a, 4 This fifth angel had “the seal of the living God.” A “seal” represents being owned and protected by the person who owns the seal. Here the seal is from “the living God,” meaning the our God is not like the idol gods of other nations, but His is alive and forever will be alive. God is not dead. He is alive. There was going to be 144,000 servants of God of all the tribes of the children of Israel that will be sealed with the seal of the living God. God will use these men to preach the gospel during the tribulation. Revelation 14:1-5

• 7:5-8 Then John lists what tribes of Israel these 144,000 servants of God were going to come from. There was going to be 12,000 servants from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, which totaled 144,000. These 12 tribes are: Juda, Reuben, Gad, Aser, Nepthalim, Manasses, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zabulon, Joseph, and Benjamin. An important Bible truth to understand is the God is not finished with Israel and still has a plan for them. Israel is not the church. They may have failed in the past, but God will give them another chance and they will succeed. We will study more about them in the coming chapters.Romans 9-11

7:9-17 The Great Multitude From Every Nation• 7:9-10 “After this…” the next vision John had was that of a great innumerable multitude

made up of all nations, kindreds, people and tongues. This great multitude stood before the throne of God and before Jesus, the Lamb. They were clothed with righteousness (white robes) and ready to celebrate (palms in their hands). Together they praised God loudly saying, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” This is the worship of the redeemed. They attribute their salvation to their God and Jesus. We know the Lord desires this loud and joyous worship and as believers, we praise God for the work of salvation in our lives. Our salvation is all of God. The grace of God and the death and resurrection of Jesus is the only way for us to be redeemed. Praise them.Psalm 66:1-4; 100:1-5

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Revelation

• 7:11-12 Then all the angels stood round about the throne of God, the elders and the four beasts and the angels fell before the throne of God on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” They start and end their praise with “amen” meaning, “we agree” or “let it be.” What did they want to happen or agree with? They wanted blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might to be given to God for all eternity. He is eternally worthy of all of this. We serve a great God.

• 7:13-14 After these two groups worship God, one of the elders addressed John, saying, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?” John answered Him, saying, “Sir, thou knowest.” Then the elder responds saying, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” The elder asked John this question to emphasize who these people are. This great innumerable multitude made up of all nations are believers who were saved during the time of tribulation (when the seals were opened and God judged the earth). This is good news, because not only will terrible things happen during this time period, but God will still be working to save people. Just like today, if anyone repents and puts their faith in Jesus they can be saved. The only reason these people had the right to come before the throne of God was because they had white robes, meaning they were righteous, and they were made righteous through washing them in the blood of the Lamb, meaning they placed their faith in the death of Jesus as the substitute for their sins. Thus, these believers obtained salvation through faith in Jesus during the great tribulation.Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

• 7:15 Because this group of people have been redeemed by God, they have the right to be before the throne of God. They are able to serve God continuously (day and night) in His temple (the heavenly place that God resides during that time). God whom sits on the throne will dwell among them, He will cover them like a tent does, meaning He will protect them. Many of these believers will be martyrs, all had lived during part of the great tribulation and now they have been fully redeemed and will eternally live under the protection of almighty God.

• 7:16-17 In the presence of God, the redeemed will no longer hunger or thirst. The sun will no longer strike them or deal with scorching heat. On earth these believers most likely experience these problems, but now they have been saved from it and will never experience it again. Now, Jesus, the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will be their Shepherd. He will feed them. He will lead them unto living fountains of waters. God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no sorrow or pain. All things will be made new. We will live in eternal joy with the Father and the Son.Isaiah 49:10; Psalm 23:1-6; John 10:11-18; Hebrews 13:20

Review Questions• Chapter seven takes place during what two seals? • How many people is the angel going to seal with the seal of the living God? • The sealed servants represent that God is choosing to use what nation again? • Who is the great multitude? How were they redeemed? • What is it going to be like to be with God in Heaven?

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Revelation

8:1-9:21 Opening The Seventh Seal Of The BookMemory Verse: Revelation 8:3-4

8:1-6 The Seventh Seal Is Opened• 6:1-17, 7:1-8 Jesus has already opened six of the seven seals of the book he took out of

the right hand of God (as the only one worthy to do so). These seals represent judgements that will be carried out upon the Earth during the tribulation period. As we studied each seal and its accompanying judgement, the future looked bleak. Then in chapter seven we saw the good news before the final and seventh seal was opened, that God is going to save a countless number of people during the tribulation period. From every nation people will be saved and live in eternal joy with God. Now, we must move on to the seventh seal, as God continues to pour out His wrath upon the Earth during the time period.

• 8:1-2 Jesus opens the seventh and final seal. All of heaven is silent for a time. Then there were seven angels standing before God who were given seven trumpets. Before they prepared to blow the trumpets, which blowing a trumpet symbolizes the start of a judgement on earth, another angel comes on to the scene.

• 8:3-5 An angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar (similar to the Old Testament) before the throne of God. He was given much incense to offer which symbolizes the prayers of all saints asking God to judge and avenge. These prayers came before God and in response to them the angel took the censer, filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth. This symbolized God’s judgement and vengeance upon the Earth in answer to their prayers. It caused a storm with voices, thunderings, lightnings and an earthquake. Exodus 30:3-8; Isaiah 6:6; Ezekiel 10:2; Revelation 6:9-11

8:6-12 The First Four Trumpets: The Earth’s Ecology Destroyed• 8:6-7 The First Trumpet (Land): When the first trumpet was blown, hail and fire mingled

with blood was cast upon the earth. It caused (1) one-third of the earth to be burnt up, (2) one-third of the trees to be burnt up, and (3) all the green grass to be burnt up. Possible results: grass for the animals to eat would be gone meaning a decreasing animal-food supply, fruit and lumber would be in low supply and parts of the soil would be unusable.Joel 2:30

• 8:8-9 The Second Trumpet (Sea): When the second trumpet was blown, something “as it were a great mountain burning with fire” (which could be a giant meteorite or asteroid) was cast into the sea. This caused (1) one-third of the sea to become blood, (2) one-third of marine life to die, and (3) one-third of the ships to be destroyed (possibly from giant waves). Possible results: the marine-food supply is lowered and ports and ships will be able to do less trade/business causing economic problems worldwide.

• 8:10-11 The Third Trumpet (Water): When the third trumpet was blown, a great star burning “as it were a lamp” (probably meteors or comets) called “Wormwood” fell from heaven down upon one-third of the rivers of the Earth, and upon the fountains of waters. This caused (1) one-third of the waters to become poisonous (wormwood), and (2) many men to die because of the bitter water. Possible results: the fresh-water supply will be poisoned, meaning it will be undrinkable and unusable, thus killing many who drink it.

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Revelation

• 8:12 The Fourth Trumpet (Space): When the fourth trumpet was blown, one-third of the sun, moon and stars were smitten. This caused (1) one-third of them to be darkened, and (2) one-third of the day shone not, and the night likewise. Possible results: the lack of sunlight will cause more confusion and the lack of heat will cause weather patterns to change and cause more problems upon the earth i.e. storms, vegetation growth.Ezekiel 32:7-8

8:13, 9:1-21 Two More Trumpets: Destruction By Demonic Activity• 8:13 Then John sees and hears an angel flying through the midst of heaven warning there

was still three trumpet judgements left and they will be more devastating.

• 9:1-11 The Fifth Trumpet (The First Woe): When the fifth trumpet was blown, John saw Satan (a star) fall from heaven down to the earth. To him was given the key of the bottomless pit. He opened the bottomless pit. This caused (1) smoke to come out of the pit, (2) the sun and the air to be darkened, and (3) powerful demons (locusts) to come upon the earth. The demons are described as locusts to represent their large numbers and the destruction they will cause. Enough time had passed from the first trumpet judgement for the grass to grow back, but they couldn’t hurt it. They were only given power (like a scorpion) to hurt/torment unbelievers (don’t have the seal of God) for five months. These men will desire to die as a way of escaping the pain, but they won’t be able to. John then describes these demons using familiar analogies to help us understand the fierceness, seductiveness and power of these supernatural demons. These symbols are: they were like horses prepared for battle; wearing gold crowns, human faces, women's hair, lions teeth, breastplates of iron, wings that make sound like chariots of many horses running to battle and stinging scorpion tails. The demons have a king who is the angel of the bottomless pit and his name means destroyer. Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18

• 9:12 The demons are the first woe and after their five months is up, there are two more.

• 9:13-19 The Sixth Trumpet (The Second Woe): When the sixth trumpet was blown, four demons (angels which are bound) were loosed to slay one-third of mankind. These four demons would become the executioners of God’s judgement upon the unrepentant. They had an army of horsemen that numbered two hundred million (200,000,000). John then describes these horsemen using familiar analogies to help us understand the danger and death they bring. The riders of the horses had breastplates the color of fire, jacinth, and brimstone or the colors of hell. The horses had heads like lions and tails like serpents with heads, meaning they were powerful and deadly. They used three plagues: fire, smoke and brimstone, or the violence of hell, to kill one-third of mankind.

• 9:20-21 After all of these judgements, including the death of one-third of the human population, mankind will still refuse to repent. They will refuse to turn from their idols, murders, sorceries, fornication and thefts unto the living God.Acts 14:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

Review Questions• What is the first thing that happened when Jesus opened the seventh seal? • What happened in each of the first four trumpets? • What happened in the fifth trumpet? • What happened in the sixth trumpet? • After these judgements will mankind choose to repent?

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Revelation

10:1-11:14 A Little Book And Two WitnessesMemory Verse: Revelation 11:3

8:1-13, 9:1-12 The Seventh Seal, Six Trumpets, Two Woes• 8:1-13 The seventh seal is opened. It contains seven trumpets of judgement. The first four

trumpets destroys one-third of the earth’s ecology: land, sea, water and space. There are three more trumpets following these first four, and each of them are considered a “woe” meaning they are going to be more severe than the previous four.

• 9:1-21 The fifth trumpet (the first woe) unleashed a demonic attack against unbelievers for five months where men will desire to die as a way of escaping the pain, but they won’t be able to. The sixth trumpet (the second woe) released four demons were to use three plagues (fire, smoke and brimstone) to slay one-third of mankind. After all of these judgements, mankind will still refuse to repent. God continues with more judgements in the coming verses, but before we get to the seventh trumpet, John receives another vision to show us how God is working in between the judgements, offering more good news.

10:1-11 The Little Book Which Is Open• 10:1-2a John has a new vision and sees another mighty angel come down from heaven.

He describes this angel with symbolism: (1) clothed with a cloud, which symbolizes coming judgement; (2) a rainbow was upon his head, which symbolize God’s mercy; (3) his face was as it were the sun, which symbolizes glory and power; (4) his feet as pillars of fire, which symbolize the presence of God. (5) he had in his hand a little book open, which symbolizes the book that only Jesus was worthy to open.Genesis 9:12-16; Exodus 13:21-22; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 5:1; 8:1

• 10:2b-4 Then John saw the angel set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth. The angel cried with a loud voice (like a lion’s roar). All of this represents God’s great authority and power. In response to the angels cry, seven thunders uttered their voices. John started to write what they said, but he heard a voice from heaven that said to him not to write the things they said but to seal them up. Thus we can go no farther in speculating what they said, for God did not want us to know.

• 10:5-7 The angel proceeds to lift up his hand to heaven and swear by the eternal and sovereign God, the one who lives forever and created the heaven, earth, sea and everything in them, that there will be no more delay, but the mystery of God will be finished as soon as the seventh angel blows the seventh trumpet. This starts the time period of the seventh seal judgment. All the prophecies will finally come true. Matthew 24:3; Acts 1:6; Revelation 6:10; 8:3-5

• 10:8-11 The voice from heaven spoke to John again, and told him to go and take the little book from the angel. John then goes to the angel and ask for the book. The angel gave it to him and tells him to eat it, saying that it will taste sweet as honey but make his belly bitter. John ate the little book and what the angel said happened, sweet then bitter. This represent the bittersweet judgements that are coming. They are sweet because to believers God is justly taking back everything that is His and will victoriously reign. It is bitter because many unbelievers will continue to refuse to repent and be punished. John was to record these events for all people, nations, tongues and kings as a warning of the things to come.

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Revelation

11:1-14 Two Witnesses Who Stand Before The God Of The Earth• 11:1-2 Next, John is given a reed like a rod. The angel stood and told John to rise and

measure the temple of God, the altar and them that worship therein. This represents God’s ownership and protection of His people. John was also told not to measure the court which is without the temple because it is given unto the Gentiles and the Gentiles will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months (42 months / 12 months = 3.5 years). Persecution will arise against the people of God for three and a half years.Luke 21:24

• 11:3-4 God will give power to two of His witnesses. These two witnesses will be clothed in sackcloth (humble, sorrow) and prophesy for twelve-hundred and sixty days (1,230 days / 30 days = 42 months / 12 months = 3.5 years). These two are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. The bible doesn’t say who these two people are but with the use of the term “witnesses” we know they are two “humans”. Also, because of several reason, many believe these two could be Elijah and Moses (representing the law and the prophets) or Enoch. Their job is clear, to be a witness of the gospel and God’s judgement to the nations. Deuteronomy 17:6; Zechariah 4:12-14; Matthew 18:16; 24:14

• 11:5-6 These two witnesses will be attacked by people trying to hurt them because of the messages they preach. But they have supernatural ways to protect themselves, guaranteeing the message will be proclaimed. This includes the following: (1) They can make fire proceed out of their mouth to devour their enemies. (2) If anyone tries to hurt them, they will be killed in the same manner. (3) They have power to control the weather so that it doesn’t rain. (4) They have power over water to turn it into blood. (5) They have power to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they want.

• 11:7-10 When these two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit (Antichrist) shall make war against them, overcome them and kill them. Their dead bodies will lay in the street of the great city (Jerusalem—where Jesus died—spiritually called Sodom and Egypt because of its sinfulness). All people, kindreds, tongues and nations will see their dead bodies for three and a half days, not putting them in graves. The people on earth will rejoice, make merry and send gifts one to another because the two prophets that tormented them are dead. Their celebrations represent their ultimate rejection of God.

• 11:11-14 After three and a half days the Spirit of Life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet. This caused a great fear to fall upon those that saw them. Then these two witnesses heard a great voice from heaven telling them to come up to heaven. Then they ascended up to heaven in a cloud while their enemies watched them. The same hour there was a great earthquake, which caused one-tenth of the city to fall, killing seven thousand men. Those who were left in the city were scared, and gave glory to the God of heaven, which is a sign of repentance. The second woe is now over and the third woe is coming quickly. Luke 16:31; 17:18-19

Review Questions• What does the angel have open in his hands? • How does the book taste that John eats? Why? • How many witnesses are there? • How long will they prophesy? • What happens at the end on their time?

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Revelation

11:15-12:17 War In HeavenMemory Verse: Revelation 12:11

11:15-19 The Seventh Trumpet Is Blown• 11:15 The Seventh Trumpet (The Third Woe): When the seventh trumpet was blown, there

were great voices in heaven declaring that the kingdoms of the Earth now belong to God and Jesus, and shall be eternally under Their reign. This means that the result of the seventh trumpet will set things right. Satan is the current prince of this world, but he is going to be dealt with, punished and defeated. The host of heaven start rejoicing before the judgement is even carried out because they know it will come to pass. John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11

• 11:16-18 The twenty-four elders, who are representatives of the church, fell upon their faces, and worshipped the almighty and eternal God, giving Him thanks because He has taken great power and reigned. Their prayers are finally being answered. The elders continued, saying that the “nations were angry” meaning they resented and were in rebellion against God. But God’s wrath and time for judgement has arrived. Unbelievers (the dead) will be judged for punishment. They have destroyed the earth with their sin and God is soon going to make all things new. Believers will also we judged, but for reward. All (small and great) of God’s servants, the prophets, the saints and them that fear His name will be rewarded and ushered into the kingdom of God.Matthew 25:34-46

• 11:19 Following the sayings of the elders, the temple of God was opened in heaven and John saw the ark of God’s testament. John who has already seen the heavenly throne and heavenly altar is now able to see into the heavenly Holy of Holies, which is the location of the ark. Both the location and the ark represent the confidence believers have in their relationship with God by the blood of Jesus. Also, there were lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake and great hail—all symbolizing the coming judgments. Exodus 25:11-18; Hebrews 9:23; 10:20

12:1-12 Three Symbols: A Women, A Male Child, And A Dragon• 12:1-2 The symbol of a women (the first wonder): John sees a great sign in heaven

appear to him and he describe is as follows: (1) It was a woman, which most likely represents Israel. (2) She was clothed with the sun, and the moon was under her feet, which could represent Israel’s glory as God’s chosen people. (3) She wore a crown of twelve stars upon her head, which could represent the twelve tribes of Israel. (4) She was pregnant and crying out in birth pains and pain to give birth. This represents the coming Christ (Messiah) and the pain represents what Israel went through until He came.

• 12:3-4 The symbol of a dragon (the second wonder): Then John sees another sign in heaven appear to him and he describe is as follows: (1) A great red dragon, which represents Satan. (2) He has seven heads with seven crowns, which represent seven leaders of seven world empires (Revelation 17:9-10). (3) He has ten horns, which represent Satan’s final kingdom made up of a ten-nation confederacy (17:12). (4) His tail drew one-third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth. This represents that in Satan’s original rebellion he convinced one-third of the angels (stars) to rebel with him, thus being cast to the earth as demons. (5) He stood before the woman ready to give birth so he could kill the child upon birth. Satan did not want the Messiah to be born. He was try to stop it from happening or he wanted to murder the Messiah if He was born.

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Revelation

• 12:5-6 The symbol of a child: Israel (the pregnant woman) brought forth Jesus (a man child). Jesus was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. Jesus was caught up unto God, and to His throne. God has made a promise to save Israel (the woman) and thus God will provide safety and food for them in the wilderness for one-thousand two hundred and thirty days (1,230 days / 30 days = 42 months / 12 months = 3.5 years).Matthew 24:15-21

• 12:7-9 After three important people (Israel, Jesus, Satan) are introduced, next we are shown there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against Satan (the dragon) and demons (the dragon’s angels). We don’t know any details about how angels fight in war. We are just told the outcome of the war: Satan lost the heavenly war. (Satan is know by the following names through scripture: the great dragon, that old serpent, the Devil, Satan, and the deceiver of the whole world. They represent his continued rebellion and evil character from the beginning.) He and his demons were cast out of heaven to the earth. Even though Satan lost, he won’t give up and will continue to device people (just like he does today) and try to fight against God and Jesus.

• 12:10-12 Then John hears a loud voice in heaven saying that now has come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ because Satan has been cast down. The saints in heaven were rejoicing that Satan was defeated in the first battle and He could no longer be in the heavenly realm where he could accuse the believers on Earth before God. Even so, the believers in the tribulation overcame Satan: (1) by the blood of Jesus (the Lamb) who paid the price for every sin—no accusation can change that; (2) by the word of their testimony, meaning they remained faithful even through persecution; (3) they loved not their lives unto the death, their faith was so real to them they were even willing to die for the sake of the gospel. Therefore all the inhabitants of heaven should rejoice. But woe to the inhabiters of the earth and sea because Satan has come there with great wrath and only has a short time to fight (3.5 years).

12:13-17 Satan’s Three Attacks• 12:13-14 The First Attack: Satan is angry and starts to persecute the Jewish believers. But

God supernaturally (two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place) is going to protect and nourish them for the whole three and a half years (a time, and times, and half a time).

• 12:15-16 The Second Attack: Satan launches a great attack against Jewish believers (water as a flood, not sure what it symbolizes), but it fails when supernaturally the earth (possibly an earthquake) intervenes, causing the attack to be swallowed up.

• 12:17 The Thrid Attack: Finally, Satan was furiously with the Jewish believers and decides to make war with any and all believers, not just Jewish believers (remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ). This attack as with the first two will ultimately fail.

Review Questions• What happens when the seventh trumpet is blown? • What does the women, male child and dragon represent? • What was the outcome of the war in heaven? • How did tribulation saints overcome Satan? • What does Satan do when He is cast to the earth?

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Revelation

13:1-18 The Two BeastsMemory Verse: Revelation 13:10

12:1-17, 12:18/13:1, 11 The Red Dragon: Satan• 12:1-17 Satan fought against Michael and his angels in heaven. They lost and were cast

down to earth where they launched attacks against believing Israel and believers. God promised to supernaturally protected a remnant of Israel and believers claimed victory through persecution because of their faith, witness and martyrdom in Jesus name.

• 12:18/13:1a This is an interesting phrase. It refers to John standing on the sand of the sea or it refers to Satan standing on the sand of the sea. Either way the sand of the sea represent the nations. Revelation 17:5

• 12:3, 13:1b, 11 In the last chapter and in the coming chapter we are introduced to three evil characters which make up the satanic trinity: Satan, the Antichrist, and the False prophet. This satanic trinity is Satan’s attempt to become like God. Satan himself tries to be God the father. The Antichrist tries to be God the Son. The False prophet tries to be God the spirit. Their blasphemy will utterly fail and be destroyed after a short-time.

13:1-10 The First Beast: The Antichrist• 13:1 John saw a beast rise up out of the sea. He goes on to describe the beast, which

represent the Antichrist, as follows: (1) Having seven heads—just like the dragon, these represent the seven successive world empires Satan was working through, but here the seven heads are without crowns. (2) Ten horns wearing ten crowns—just like the dragon, as well, these represent Satan’s final empire made up of a ten-nation confederacy, but they are now wearing crowns meaning he is setting up this empire now. (3) Upon his heads the name of blasphemy—each of the seven successive world empires which ruled blasphemed God, their rulers often choosing to be called God. Daniel 7:25; 8:24-25; 11:36-45; 1 John 2:18;

• 13:2 The Antichrist was like unto a leopard—represents the Greek empire (third beast). His feet were as the feet of a bear—represents the Medo-Persian empire (second beast). His mouth as the mouth of a lion—represents the Babylonian empire (first beast). The empire of the Antichrist (fourth beast) will represent characteristics of each of these past empires at one time, meaning that it is going to be greater and worse than each one individually. Satan (the dragon) gave the Antichrist the power, seat and authority needed to establish and rule such a terrible empire. Daniel 7:3-7

• 13:3 Somehow one of the beast’s heads seemed as it were wounded to death, but then his deadly wound was healed. This caused all the world to wonder after the beast, meaning they started thinking he is like God. This is a lying wonder caused to deceive people. He tries to imitate the death and resurrection of the true Christ.

• 13:4 All the world worshipped Satan (the dragon) because he gave power unto the Antichrist (the beast). They also worshipped the Antichrist, thinking that there is no one like him and no one is able to make war with him. They obviously have an inflated view of the Antichrist and have already been deceived by his lying wonders.

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Revelation

• 13:5-6 But God will allow the Antichrist to have power for forty-two months (3.5 years) to speak great and blasphemous things. He will blasphemy against God, God’s name, God’s tabernacle and them that dwell in heaven. He may seem all-powerful to the unbelieving world but can go no farther than the one true sovereign God permits.Daniel 7:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:4

• 13:7a, 8b The Antichrist was also allowed to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Believers will refuse to worship Him and this will be reason for their persecution. Believers are those whose names are written in the in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. This is comforting for believers because: (1) Our names are in a book and will never be erased. (2) This was secured before the foundation of the world. (3) We are redeemed with the incorruptible blood of Christ, the Lamb slain.Revelation 3:5; 11:7; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 1 Peter 1:18-21

• 13:7b-8 The Antichrist was given power over all kindreds, tongues and nations. He will rule the unbelieving world—those whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world—and they will worship him.

• 13:9-10 Then attention is called to an important proverb, which means that believers will at this time have to endure with patience and faith, not with their own strength or method.

13:11-18 The Second Beast: The False prophet• 13:11 Next, John sees another beast coming up out of the earth. He described it as

having two horns like a lamb—it seems to be harmless, but it is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing because it speaks like a dragon—meaning it will speak the lies, blasphemies, and deceptions of Satan. It is the False prophet. Matthew 7:15; Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10

• 13:12-14 The False prophet will (1) exercise all the power of the Antichrist; (2) cause the world to worship the Antichrist; (3) do great wonders—make fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men—imitating the two great witnesses; (4) deceive the world by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; (5) tell the world to make an image to the beast, that one who claims “death and resurrection.” He mocks the role of the Holy Spirit and leads people to worship the false-christ.

• 13:15 The False prophet was permitted to have power to give life unto the image of the Antichrist, so that (1) the image should speak, and (2) those who don’t worship the image should be killed. This is another lying wonder to deceive and kill.

• 13:16-18 Finally, the False prophet caused all (small, great, rich, poor, free, bond) to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads. You could only buy or sell if you had this mark, which is the name of the Antichrist (beast) or the number of his name: 666 (six hundred threescore and six). We know this number and those who live at the time need to be wise and know not to take the mark of this number.

Review Questions• Who is the first beast? • What miracle did the first beast try to copy? • Who is the second beast? • The second beast tries to mock the role of who? • What is the number of the beast?

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Revelation

14:1-20 Coming EventsMemory Verse: Revelation 14:6-7

14:1-5 The 144,000 Servants Of God• 14:1 John’s attention is turned from the false satanic trinity to seeing Jesus (the lamb)

standing on Mount Zion, the place where He is going to return as reigning King. With Jesus was one hundred and forty-four thousand servants of God of all the tribes of the children of Israel (12,000 servants from each of the 12 tribes) that were sealed with the seal of the living God. This seal is in contrast to the mark of the beast. Each of the servants had the name of Jesus and the Father written in their foreheads. This represents rejecting Satan, boldly serving Jesus and being owned and secured by the living true God.Psalm 2:6-9; Revelation 7:1-8; Romans 9-11

• 14:2-3 Next John hears a loud voice from heaven that is like: (1) the voice of many waters; (2) the voice of a great thunder; (3) the voices of harps being played. The voice was accompanied by the singing of a new song before the throne, the four beasts (cherubims), and the elders (the church representatives). This song most likely represents the song of the redeemed and their victory over the beast because of Jesus. Only the 144,000, those who were redeemed from the earth, could learn this song. Revelation 5:8-9; Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1

• 14:4-5 Then John describes the one hundred and forty-four thousand servants of God: (1) They were virgins (not defiled with women)—these men kept themselves pure from all sexual sins, something that will be rampant at that time. (2) They follow Jesus (the Lamb) wherever He goes—they are devoted followers of Jesus no matter the cost. (3) They were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and Jesus (the Lamb)—they were sinful men who were saved by a gracious God through faith in Jesus and set apart for special service for such a time as this. (4) There was no guile found in their mouths—they weren’t speaking lies like the false trinity was, but were speaking the truth of God. (5) They were without fault—just like a pastor should be blameless to lead a church, these men also were blameless to be used for the service of God. They lived godly lives.Deuteronomy 18:3-5; Matthew 16:24; 2 Timothy 2:15

14:6-13 The First Three Angles With Three Messages• 14:6-7 The First Angel (A Message of Repentance): Johns sees an angel fly in the midst

of heaven. This angel had the everlasting gospel to preach to the unbelievers on the earth of every nation, kindred, tongue and people. This gospel is the same that is preached today and it is everlasting because it is offers you everlasting life. Even though many of the earths people have rejected God and followed the Antichrist, God will give them another chance to repent. This angel spoke loudly for all to hear, saying, “Fear God, and give glory to him.” This is the essence of the gospel: turn from the false gods to the true Creator God. Worship should be reserved only for the God that made heaven, earth, the sea and the fountains of waters. The time for this is now because “the hour of God’s judgment is come.” There will be no other chance for salvation after the judgment.

• 14:8 The Second Angel (A Message of Judgement): John sees a second angel following and proclaiming that the great city of Babylon is fallen. This is the empire that the Antichrist has established. It is personified as a great whore that made all the nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

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Revelation

• 14:9-11 The Third Angel (A Message of Damnation): Then John sees a third angel following them. It spoke loudly for all to hear saying that any who worships the Antichrist or receives its mark will be damned. This represents all unbelievers, those who refuse to repent while they had a chance, will face the full wrath (without mixture) of God. They will be tormented with fire and brimstone, they will have no rest, day nor night, and their torment will be for ever and ever. Isaiah 66:24; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 3:12; Luke 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:9

• 14:12-13 True believers will persevere to the end. This means they will keep the commandments of God, and their faith in Jesus. This is important to note because many believers will be persecuted and martyred during this time for not receiving the mark of the Antichrist. Then John heard a voice from heaven telling him to write, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” The death of a believer is blessed because He died in the Lord. He persevered to the end. He will be in heaven with God. This is a blessed time. This will encourage the believers living then. The Holy Spirit agrees saying, “Yea, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” There are two more blessings or benefits. First, the “labours” or the hard times the believers went through will end after death. Second, the believers will be rewarded for their works. Hebrews 6:10

14:14-20 The Second Three Angles: The Harvest Of Wrath Joel 3:12-13, 21; Isaiah 63:1-6; Matthew 13:30, 39-42

• 14:14-16 The Fourth Angel (The Grain Harvest - The Coming Vial Judgments): Next John sees a white cloud—representing glory—with Jesus (like unto the Son of man) sitting on it. He was wearing a golden crown—representing victory—and He had a sharp sickle—representing judgment. Another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Jesus that it was time for Him to use the sickle (a razor sharp blade on a long pole used to reap wheat) because the harvest of the earth is ripe and the time has come. Then Jesus thrust in His sickle on the earth and it was reaped. This represents Jesus judgement of the Earth in the coming vial judgments.

• 14:17-20 The Fifth and Sixth Angels (The Grape Harvest - The Coming Final Battle): Another angel came out of the heavenly temple with a sharp sickle. Then another angel with power over fire came out from the altar and cried loudly to the other angel to thrust in the sickle—represents judgment—and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth because her grapes are fully ripe. Then the angel thrust in the sickle into the earth, gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Finally, the winepress—this was a stone press used to smash grapes to extract the juice—was trodden without the city (Jerusalem), and blood came out of the winepress—representing the great slaughter of God’s enemies in the final battle. The battle will be so bloody that blood will be up to the horse bridles in an area of about 3.22 kilometers long (one-thousand and six hundred furlongs). Hebrews 10:31; Psalm 2:12

Review Questions• Who are the 144,000? What are their characteristics? • What is the everlasting gospel? • What are the messages of the first three angels? • What does the grain harvest represent? • What does the grape harvest represent?

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15:1-16:21 The Seven Vial JudgementsMemory Verse: Revelation 15:3-4

15:1-8, 16:1 The Seven Angels With The Seven Last Plagues• 15:1 John saw another sign in heaven that was great and marvelous. There were seven

angels with the seven last plagues—not diseases but impacts of judgment. They represent the final wrath of God to be poured out upon the earth.

• 15:2-4 Then John saw platform that looked like it were a sea of glass mingled with fire. The wonder of heaven is seen in the “sea of glass.” It is also is mixed with fire—representing coming judgment. John also sees the believers from the tribulation period standing on the glass. They stand victorious over the Antichrist (the beast), his image, his mark and the number of his name. They had the harps of God—which represents rejoicing and praise. They were singing the song of Moses—the servant of God and of the Lamb—both have the same themes of deliverance. They praise the Lord God Almighty, the King of the saints because: (1) His works are great and marvelous. (2) His ways are just and true. (3) His holiness should cause all to fear and glorify Him. (4) His judgements are revealed and all nations shall come and worship before Him. Exodus 15, Revelation 5

• 15:5-8, 16:1 Afterwards, John saw that the heavenly Holy of holies (temple of the tabernacle of the testimony) open. The seven angels with the seven plagues came out of the temple clothed in pure and white linen—representing holiness and purity—and having their breasts girded with golden girdles—possibly representing their special positions. Then one of the four beasts (cherubim) gave the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of the eternal God. This caused the temple to be filled with smoke from the glory and power of God. No man was permitted to enter into the temple until these seven plagues were fulfilled. Finally, John heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.”

16:2-21 The Seven Vial Judgements Are Poured Out• 16:2 The First Vial: The first angel pours out the first vial upon the earth which caused a

noisome and grievous sore to fall upon the unbelievers (which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image). This will cause them physical torment.

• 16:3 The Second Vial: The second angel pours out the second vial upon the sea which caused it to become as the blood of a dead man killing all sea life. Seventy percent of the earth’s surface is the ocean, thus this will have a worldwide impact with all sea life dead.

• 16:4-7 The Third Vial: The third angel pours out the third vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters which caused them to become blood. All fresh drinking water will be unusable. Then John heard the angel of the waters state the eternal God is righteous in these judgements. This is revenge for the martyrs against those who shed the blood of saints and prophets. They are only worthy of blood to drink since they shed blood. Then John heard another out of the altar say, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.” God is completely justified in these fierce judgments being poured out.Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30

• 16:8-9 The Fourth Vial: The fourth angel pours out the fourth vial upon the sun which caused power to be given to it to scorch men with fire and men were scorched with great

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heat. The sun will supernaturally become so hot that it scorches the unbelievers. In spite of these judgments, the unbelievers refused to repent and give God glory but instead blasphemed His name, the one with power over these plagues.

• 16:10-11 The Fifth Vial: The fifth angel pours out the fifth vial upon the seat of the beast (Antichrist) which caused his kingdom to be full of darkness. The earth will become completely dark. Each vial adds more suffering—they build on each other and the unbelievers gnawed their tongues for pain. They continued to refuse to repent of their deeds but continued to blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores.

• 16:12-14, 16 The Sixth Vial: The sixth angel pours out the sixth vial upon the great River Euphrates which caused the water thereof to be dried up so that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared. The river is dried up so the kings will be able to gather at Armageddon for the final battle. Then John saw three unclean devil spirits (like frogs) come out of the mouths of the satanic trinity (dragon, beast, false prophet). They performed miracles to deceive the kings of the whole world and to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. They gathered them together at Armageddon.

• 16:15 Then before the final judgment is poured out, believers are encouraged by Jesus. He reminds us that He is coming back. (Behold, I come as a thief.) Then He says that we are blessed if we are ready and prepared for his coming. (Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)

• 16:17-21 The Seventh Vial: The first angel pours out the first vial into the air which caused:

- A great voice to come out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done.” Just as Jesus proclaimed, “It is finished,” before He died on the cross for the salvation of those who repent, God proclaims, “It is done,” before His final judgement is carryout for damnation on the unrepentant.

- There were voices, thunders, lightnings. A storm of some sort possibly started.

- There was a great and mighty earthquake that was never seen before. This caused Jerusalem (the great city) to divide into three parts. The cities of the nations fell. Matthew 27:51-54; Zechariah 14:4-10

- The great Babylon (the Antichrist’s capital city) came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

- Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. Isaiah 40:4

- Great hail fell out of heaven upon men, every stone about 100 lb. (about the weight of a talent). Unbelievers continued to blaspheme God because of the plague of the hail was exceeding great.Hebrews 4:7

Review Questions• What did John see believers doing? • Who did John see coming out of the temple? What did they have? • What were the effects of the first six vials? • What was declared as the final vial was poured out? What happened after that? • Did these signs, wonders and judgements cause men to repent?

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17:1-18 The Great WhoreMemory Verse: Revelation 17:14

17:1-6 The Angel’s Vision• 15:1-16:21, 17:1 John saw seven angels with the seven last plagues. These angels were

given seven golden vials full of the wrath of the eternal God and they poured out all seven of the vials upon the earth. Now, we move on to the next chapter and one of the angels stops to explain more about what happened during that time. Therefore, the following is a description of what has happened in the pouring out of the vials and not something that is yet to happen (except for the battle).

• 17:1-2 One of the seven angels who had one of seven vials talked with John, telling him to come so that he can show John the judgment of the great whore. The great whore is not an actual woman or prostitute but a metaphor that represents false religion—a religion that engages false worship for the sake of influence and misleading people. This whore sits on many waters which represent the entire world—the influence of this false religion will be spread world-wide. The kings of the earth (governments) have committed fornication with this great whore—meaning they are engaged in this false religion. Also, the unbelievers (inhabitants of the earth) have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication—meaning they are so influenced by this religion that they are controlled by it.

• 17:3-6 Then this angel carried John away in the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. Here John saw a woman (the great whore), and when he saw her, he wondered with great admiration (wonder, marvel). He describes what he saw: (1) She was sitting on a scarlet colored beast full of names of blasphemy and having seven heads and ten horns. It seems clear from the description that the beast is the Antichrist. Her siting on the Antichrist represents that he will support this false religion. (2) She was arrayed in purple and scarlet color—just like a prostitute dresses in a way that is attractive and deceptive, this false religion will do the same. (3) She was decked with gold, precious stones and pearls—this false religion will have obtained wealth. (4) She has a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication—no doubt she will use her influence to cause others to drink and participate in all her wrong doings. (5) She had a name written on her forehead, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH”—this false religion is identified as Babylon. (6) She is drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus—this false religion will kill believers.Revelation 13:1, 4; 14:9; 16:10

17:7-18 The Angel’s Explanations• 17:6b, 7 John was confused at the scene he saw. What he saw was beautiful yet bloody.

Then the angel questioned John why he was confused and said that he will tell the mystery of the woman and the beast with the seven heads and ten horns that carries her.

• 17:8 The First Explanation (The Beast): The beast that John saw is the Antichrist and is described as he who “was, and is not, and yet is.” This refers to the lying wonder the Antichrist used to deceive people by trying to imitate the death and resurrection of the true Christ. The Antichrist came on the scene (was). He received a deadly head wound and appeared to die (is not). Then he will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go into perdition (yet is). This will cause the unbelievers to wonder when they see him. The unbelievers are those that dwell on the earth and whose names were not written in the

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book of life from the foundation of the world. True believers will not be deceived. Revelation 13:3, 8, 12, 14

• 17:9-11 The Second Explanation (The Seven Heads): The next explanation the angel is going to give John is confusing, therefore wisdom is needed to understand it. This might even be something that can’t be fully understood until it actually happens. The angel goes on to explain that the seven heads that John saw are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. They are seven kings. The mountains and kings together represent seven world empires and their leaders. These world empires would be interpreted as the empires of that time. The angels said that five of the seven are fallen, thus this should represent Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. Then he says that one of the seven is currently reigning, which at the time of this writing would have been Rome. Finally, he says one of the seven has not yet come, which represents the world empire of the Antichrist. When the final king comes (the Antichrist) he will only continue a short time (3.5 years). Finally, the Antichrist (the beast) “that was” (before his deadly head wound and appeared to die) reigned as the seventh king. Then he “will come” as the eighth king (after his resurrection from the dead) and he will go into perdition—condemned by God to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.Revelation 13:5; 19:20; 20:10

• 17:12-14, 16-17 The Third Explanation (The Ten Horns): The ten horns that John saw are ten kings which are described as follows: (1) They have received no kingdom as yet—these are future kings that will reign at the same time as the Antichrist who gives them power to be kings for a short time (one hour) and thus will be devoted to him (the beast). (2) These kings are united for one purpose (one mind): to make war with Jesus (the Lamb). The Antichrist will assemble all these kings together (they will give their power and strength to him) to try and defeat Jesus. (3) These kings and the Antichrist will be utterly defeated. Jesus will overcome them because He is the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. Believers (the called, chosen and faithful) will be with Jesus when He returns to defeat them. (4) The kings of the earth will eventually hate the false religion (the whore), and they will completely obliterate it (desolate, naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire) so that everyone turns from it to completely following the Antichrist. (5) These kings will do the will of God. God will put in their hearts to fulfill His will and therefore they will agree to give their kingdom unto the Antichrist (one-world rule) who will war against God and be destroyed thus fulfilling the words of God. Revelation 19:14; Matthew 22:14; 24:30-31; Ephesians 1:4; John 6:44; Romans 8:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:7

• 17:15 The Fourth Explanation (The Waters): The waters that John saw the whore sitting on are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues. This shows the world-wide influence of this false religion (the whore).

• 17:18 The Fifth Explanation (The Woman): The woman that John saw is that great city, Babylon, that reigns over the kings of the earth. Babylon is the city if the Antichrist.Revelation 18:10, 18, 21

Review Questions• Who talked with John? • What did John see? • Why was John confused? • What are the five explanations? • Will Jesus be defeated? Why?

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18:1-24 Babylon The Great CityMemory Verse: Revelation 18:20

18:1-3 The Proclamation: “Babylon Is Fallen!”• 17:1-18 One of the seven angels who had one of seven vials talked with John, telling him

to come so that he can show John the judgment of the great whore. After seeing the vision John was confused at the beautiful yet bloody scene. Therefore, the angel explained to John the mystery of the woman and the beast.

• 18:1 After the last vision and explanation, John saw another angel come down from heaven who had great power and lightened the earth with his glory.

• 18:2-3 This angel cried mightily with a strong voice announcing that Babylon the great is fallen. She has fallen because: (1) Babylon has become the habitation of devils, the hold of every foul spirit and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. All the demons that have been released on the earth have gather there. (2) All nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of Babylon’s fornication, 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. The world will be seduced by this city following her false religion and being deceived by her material riches.Babylon's Fall Predicted: Revelation 14:8; Demons Released: 9:1-16, 12:4, 9

18:4-8 The Cry: “Vengeance Is Coming!”• 18:4-5 Then John hears another voice from heaven telling believers (my people) to come

out of Babylon so that (1) they won’t partake in her sins, (2) they don’t receive her judgements (plagues), and (3) because her sins have reached to heaven and God has remembered her iniquities—therefore He is going to act.

• 18:6-8 Then this voice ask God for vengeance on Babylon and that her punishment fits her crimes (reward Babylon even as she rewarded others, double unto her double according to her works, and in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double). The reason for these judgments is because she is conceited (glorified herself), extravagant (lived deliciously), and arrogant (she said in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow). Therefore, the mighty Lord God will judge (death, mourning, famine and to be utterly burned with fire) her in one day and she will receive the torment and sorrow that she is worthy of. Psalm 137:8

18:9-19 The Lamentations: “Judgment Has Come!”• 18:9-10 The First Group of Mourners: Kings - They will lament that such a mighty city was

destroyed so quickly. When the kings of the earth (those who have committed fornication and lived in her extravagance) see the smoke of the city burning they will express great regret, grief and sorrow. They will watch the city burn standing afar off for the fear of her torment. They will say, “Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come.”

• 18:11-17a The Second Group of Mourners: Merchants - They will lament that such a wealthy city was destroyed so quickly. When the merchants of the earth (those who were

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made rich by Babylon) see the city’s destruction they will also expressed great regret, grief and sorrow. They will weep and mourn over Babylon because no one can buy merchandise from there any more. They will stand afar off for the fear of her torment. They will say, “Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, purple, scarlet, and decked with gold, precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought.” The things they sold and that made Babylon so wealthy are listed in as the following items or categories: gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all thyine wood, all manner vessels of ivory, all manner vessels of most precious wood, of brass, iron, marble, cinnamon, odours, ointments, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, beasts, sheep, horses, chariots, slaves, souls of men. The luxuries of the city are lost forever (The fruits that thy soul lusted after and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, thou shalt find them no more at all).

• 18:17b-19 The Third Group of Mourners: Sea-Merchants - They will lament that such a great city was destroyed so quickly. When the sea-merchants (every shipmaster, all the company in ships, sailors, and as many as trade by sea) saw the smoke of the city burning they also expresses great regret, grief and sorrow (they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing). They stood afar off and said, “What city is like unto this great city!” and “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.”

18:20 The Rejoicing: “Vengeance Has Come!”• 18:20 Even though three groups will be mourning that such a mighty, wealthy and great

city was destroyed so quickly, there will be one group that is rejoicing! The host of heaven, the holy apostles and prophets will all be rejoicing because God has avenged them on the city! Righteousness and justices has triumphed.

18:21-24 The Conclusion: “Babylon Is No More!”• 18:21-23a Then John saw a mighty angel take up a stone like a great millstone (which is a

heavy stone that is about four to five feet in diameter and a foot thick), 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.” As quick as such a heavy stone thrown in the sea disappears and will never float to the top, so Babylon will in the same quickness be destroyed and never recover. Life as they know it will end and never return. Never again will there be music (the voice of harpers, musicians, of pipers, and trumpeters), work (craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be), cooking (the sound of a millstone), light (the light of a candle shining) or marriage (the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride).

• 18:23b-24 Finally, the reason for the destruction is once again given in three reasons: (1) Because her merchants were the great men of the earth, (2) because by her sorceries were all nations deceived, and (3) because she killed the people of God (the blood of prophets, of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth).

Review Questions• What is the proclamation? • What is the cry? • What are the lamentations? • What is the rejoicing? • What is the conclusion?

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19:1-21 The Return Of The Lord Jesus (The Second Coming)Memory Verse: Revelation 19:11, 16

19:1-6 The Four Alleluias Of Heavenly Praise• 19:1-2 The First Alleluia: John receives a new vision and hears a great voice of much

people in heaven—most likely the host of heavenly angels. They were rejoicing saying, “Alleluia”—which means praise to God and ascribing the following attributes to Him because they are all on display for everyone to see: (1) Salvation has come—deliverance from sin and its consequences. (2) Justice has come—His judgements are true and righteous. He judged the false religion (the great whore) that corrupted the earth with her false teaching (fornication). (3) Vengeance has come—He has avenged the blood of His servants who were martyred at the hand of this false religion.

• 19:3 The Second Alleluia: Then this great voice of much people in heaven again said, “Alleluia.” This time they were praising God because the smoke of Babylon rose up for ever and ever—representing that it is forever defeated.

• 19:4 The Third Alleluia: The four and twenty elders (representatives of the church in heaven) and the four beasts (special angels) fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, “Amen; Alleluia.” They expressed agreeance (Amen) to all that was said and joined in praising God for all that He has done (Alleluia).

• 19:5-6 The Fourth Alleluia: A voice came out of the throne (probably an angel) telling all the servants of God (those who fear Him, no matter what their rank is) to join in praising their God. In response, John hears the voice of a great multitude (as the voice of many waters and of mighty thunderings) loudly saying, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.” They praised the One with unlimited power because He reigns.

19:7-10 The Marriage Ceremony And Supper Of The Lamb• 19:7-8 As the host of heaven praised God, they continue on saying, “Let us be glad,

rejoice, and give honour to God.” The reason they gave for this was because the marriage of the Lamb has come and His wife has made herself ready. This “wife” represents the church and the marriage represent our salvation completed, where we will be presented to and be with Jesus. Believers are granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. The fine linen is the righteousness of saints. This righteousness isn’t our own righteousness but that righteousness that is imputed to us from Christ Jesus.Ephesians 5:25-32; Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 2:16; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 1:17; 3:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30

• 19:9 An angel told John to write that those who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb are blessed. In ancient times, there was a meal after the marriage ceremony. Therefore, those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb is not the church (bride), but is the saints outside the church (Old Testament believers and tribulation saints). The special position of the church is part of God’s plan, just likely Israel had a special part in God’s plan (but this doesn’t mean we are any better than the other saints). Then the angel confirms what he said to John by saying, “These are the true sayings of God.”In the Kingdom: Matthew 8:11; Luke 13:28; Hebrews 11; Matthew 11:11; Choosing Israel: Deuteronomy 7:7

• 19:10 John responds by worshipping the angel. The angel responds to John telling him not to worship him because he is just a fellow-servant. Worship should only be ascribed to God himself. He reminds John, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

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19:11-16 The Return Of Jesus• 19:11-13, 15-16 Next, John saw heaven opened and behold a white horse with someone

riding on it. The rider is Jesus who is returning in triumph and glory. He goes on to describe Jesus: (1) He is called Faithful and True—Jesus has been faithful to the God’s will and only declared the truth. (2) In righteousness He doth judge and make war—His first coming was for salvation, but this time He comes to righteously judge the world. (3) His eyes were as a flame of fire—representing His omniscience. (4) On His head were many crowns—in contrast to the crown of thorns He wore at His first coming, He now wears many real crowns showing He is the reigning King. (5) He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. (6) He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood—representing the judgment coming on His enemies. (7) His name is called, “The Word of God”—clearly identifying this rider as Jesus, the Word who was made flesh. (8) Out of His mouth goes a sharp sword—which represent that just by speaking He will smite the nations. (9) He will rule them with a rod of iron—He is coming to establish His Kingdom and will not tolerate evil. (3) He will tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God—His judgment will be severe and fulfill God’s wrath against sin. (9) On His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS—which represent He is the absolute sovereign ruler of all.

• 19:14 In the middle of the description about the returning and reining Jesus the armies which were in heaven are mentioned as they followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. These represent the righteous church, Old testament believers, angels and tribulation saints (already in heaven). Jesus’ army is unarmed because He alone will destroy the enemy.Revelation 7:9; 20:4-6; Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 25:31

19:17-21 The Battle Of Armageddon• 19:17-18 John saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, calling

all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven to come and gather themselves together unto the supper of the great God—meaning that they may eat the flesh of kings, captains, mighty men, horses, those who ride the horse and the flesh of all men (both free, bond, small and great)—all the enemies who are at the battle of Armageddon will die.

• 19:19-21 Finally, John saw the Antichrist (the beast), the kings of the earth (the ten kings), their armies, all gathered together to make war against Jesus (Him that sat on the horse), and those who are with Him (Jesus’ army). The Antichrist (the beast) and the false prophet (who did miracles before the Antichrist which deceived those that had received the mark of the beast, and those who worshipped the image of the Antichrist) were captured and both cast alive into a lake of fire (the final hell) burning with brimstone. All the other enemies of God (the remnant) were slain with the sword that proceeded out of the mouth of Jesus (him that sat upon the horse). The carnage of this slaughter was so great that all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Jesus wins the battle of Armageddon.

Review Questions• What are the four alleluias of heavenly praise? • Who is the wife at the marriage ceremony of the Lamb? • Who are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb? • What is the return of Jesus like? • Who wins the battle Armageddon? What is the result of those who lost?

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20:1-10 The Millennial KingdomMemory Verse: Revelation 20:6

19:1-21, 20:1-10 After Jesus’ Return He Will Establish A Kingdom• 19:1-21, 20:1-10 In the last chapter we learned that Jesus will indeed return and what His

return will be like. We learned that all the enemies of God will be destroyed. The Antichrist and the False Prophet were cast into the lake of fire. The tribulation saints that survived the tribulation will enter into the earthly kingdom that Jesus will establish. They will continue to produce children who have the free-will to believe or reject Jesus (just like we do today). Even though Jesus will be ruling the earth during this time, sadly many will still choose to reject Him. Romans 8:7

• There are three views about the millennial reign of Christ: (1) Premillennialists believe that this is a literal kingdom on earth for one-thousand years after Jesus returns. (2) Postmillennialists believe that this is a figurative kingdom of today’s earth that will progressively become better and then Jesus will return. (3) Amillennialists believe that this is a figurative kingdom and interpret it symbolically according to their own system.

• We interpret the book of Revelation literally and naturally according to its genre. This means that if the meaning of the text makes sense literally, then there is no reason to find a figurative meaning to it. Or if the Bible interprets itself, then the meaning is clear. Therefore, because there are no problems with interpreting this millennial kingdom literally, we hold to the premillennialists view of a literal kingdom on earth for one-thousand years after Jesus returns.

20:1-3 Before The One-Thousand Years: Satan Seized• 20:1-3 John saw an angel come down from heaven. This angel had the key (representing

authority) of the bottomless pit (a temporary place of confinement for the demons). He also had a great chain (needed because Satan’s power is great) in his hand. Then he seized Satan (the dragon—the fierce character in Revelation; that old serpent—the deceiver in the garden of Eden; the Devil—a slanderer; Satan—adversary, accuser), bound him, and cast him into the bottomless pit for one-thousand years. He shut it and sealed it over him to make sure that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were fulfilled. This does not mean that the people who will be living during this time will not be able to sin, but that there will be no temptation or deception from Satan or his demons. After the thousand years are fulfilled, Satan will be released for a little season.

20:4-6 During The One-Thousand Years: Kingdom Established• 20:4 Next John saw thrones, and those who sat upon the thrones. Judgment was given to

those who sat on the thrones. Those who sat on the throne are believers. The thrones they sit on represent their positions in the kingdom. Then John identifies a second group of people saying he 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.” This is a clear reference to the tribulation saints—those who were persecuted for the sake of Jesus and never worshiped the Antichrist (the beast). Together we will live and reign with Christ for one-thousand years.

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• 20:5b-6 The resurrection of all saints from all ages is referred to here as “the first resurrection.” As believers, we participate in this resurrection which means we are blessed and holy because: (1) The second death has no power over us—we will never be cast into hell, never be condemned for our sin. (2) We will be priests of God and of Christ—we are a royal priesthood and will serve God and Jesus as priest in His kingdom. (3) We will reign with Jesus for one-thousand years—during the entire length of the earthly kingdom, we will serve in positions of authority with Jesus.Luke 14:14; Acts 24:15; John 5:29; 1 Corinthians 15:23; Hebrews 11:35; Romans 5:9

• 20:5a The rest of the dead—which is referring to unbelievers will not live again until the thousand years are finished. This means that all those who have died in their sins won’t be resurrected, judged and cast into eternal hell (the lake of fire) until after the one-thousand years are over.

20:7-10 After The One-Thousand Years: God Is Victorious• 20:7-8 When the thousand years are expired, Satan will be released out of his prison (the

bottomless pit). Satan, which means adversary, will start his work of opposing God and deceiving the nations from the four quarters of the earth—north, east, south, west—the whole world. Gog and Magog are two names given to describe the enemies of God. These people are the descendants of the tribulation saints who entered the kingdom after Jesus returned. They had one-thousand years of replenishing the earth’s population (since all those who were unbelievers would have died at that time). The kingdom of Jesus will be prosperous and there will be a great population by the end of the thousand years. The purpose of Satan’s deception is that he still thinks he can defeat Jesus. He will deceive the unbelievers of the nations so that he can gather them together to battle against God. He will gather a great number of unbelievers (the number of whom is as the sand of the sea) to follow him into battle against Jesus.

• 20:9 Satan and His army of unbelievers will march up over the broad plain of the earth and surround the camp of the saints, and the beloved city—Jerusalem. When Jesus established His kingdom on earth, He will reign from Jerusalem with the saints. Satan will make one last effort to destroy Jesus and His saints. But as they surround Jerusalem fire from heaven will come down from God and devoured them. In an instant, all the enemies of God are destroyed by the fire of God. Satan and his armies didn’t have a chance against the Almighty God.

• 20:10 All the unbelievers will die and wait until they are resurrected unto judgment and then will be cast into the lake of fire. But Satan (the devil that deceived the unbelievers) was first cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. It is the same place where one-thousand years before the beast and the false prophet were cast into. The satanic false trinity has be defeated once and for all. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Never again will they be released to deceive. Their punishment is never ending. Their punishment is deserved and God has righteously and justly judged them.

Review Questions• After Jesus returns, what will He establish? • What view about the millennial reign of Christ do we hold to? Why? • What happens before the one-thousand years? • What happens during the one-thousand years? • What happens after the one-thousand years?

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20:11-15 The Great White Throne JudgementMemory Verse: Revelation 20:15

20:11 The Great White Throne: The Lord God Almighty• 19:11-20, 20:1-10 John saw the second coming of Jesus and the one-thousand year

kingdom that Jesus established on the Earth. After the one-thousand years were expired, Satan tried to war against God one last time, but God defeated him and his army instantly with fire from heaven. Satan was cast into the lake of fire where the Antichrist and false prophet were already banished to for all eternity. The next event in the prophetical timeline is the final and greatest “judgement”.

• 20:11a John saw a great white throne. The throne is described as “great” maybe because of its size but also because of the position of authority that it represents. It is described as “white” possibly representing righteousness, holiness and justice of the one sitting on it or of the judgements that will be given from there.

• 20:11b John also sees the One that sat on the great white throne—the Lord God Almighty. In chapter 4 God is described sitting on His throne. We learned that He is perfect in goodness and righteousness. He should be exalted and is worthy of our complete devotion. He is the supreme being and source of all life. He has always existed and will always continue to exist. He is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. He is the sovereign ruler above all else. It is He who sits on the throne to judge unbelievers in righteousness by His Son Jesus. Revelation 4:8-11; John 5:22-29; Act 17:31

• 20:11c Then from the very face of God the earth and the heaven fled away—meaning that the earth and heaven as we know them will be removed completely. There was no place found for the earth and the heaven—emphasizing they will cease to exist. God is getting rid of the “old earth and heaven” and preparing a “new earth and heaven” which He will establish after the judgment.Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:10-13

20:12-13 The Great Judgment: According To Their Works• 20:12a, 13a Next, John saw all (small and great) unbelievers (of the dead) stand before

God. The time for the final judgment has come. This is the resurrection of damnation. The sea, death and hell all will give up or deliver up the dead which are in them. All of the unbelievers of all the ages will be resurrected at this time. It won’t matter if their physical bodies were buried at sea or on land. Their bodies that were on the earth and their souls which were captive and tormented in hell—a place of temporary confinement until this time of judgment has come—will be resurrected before God causes the earth and heaven to cease to exist. All of these unbelievers stand before God’s great white throne waiting to be judged for their evil works and rejection of Jesus as Saviour. Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; Acts 24:15

• 20:12b The judgment starts as the books are opened—these books have recorded their every deed, word or thought, even every secret thing, whether it be good or evil. God’s standard is perfection, because He is perfect. From Adam all through the history of mankind, we have failed to live up to God’s standard. We have fallen short of His standard of perfection. We have sinned against God and the punishment for this is death and

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separation from God for all eternity. Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 5:48; Romans 3:23

• 20:12c Then another book was opened, which is the book of life—this book contains the names of those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (believers). We have seen this book several times in Revelation as “the book of life,” “the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” “the book of life from the foundation of the world,” and we will see it mentioned as “the Lamb’s book of life.” This book would be the only hope for the unbelievers if their names were written in it because that would mean that Jesus had already paid the punishment for all their evil deeds that are recorded in the other books from which they are about to be judged. But since we know they are unbelievers already standing before the great white throne of God, meaning they have rejected the grace of God, this book isn’t presented as their last hope, but presented to add damnation because their names are not written in it and thus they have no defense for the sins they have committed against God. Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15, 21:27

• 20:12d, 13b Finally, the unbelievers (the dead) will be judged. They will be judged according to the things which were written in the books. These books are a record of their works. Therefore, every man will be judged according to his works. This will be a fair and just judgment. They will be judged only for their works and not the works of others. There will even be greater damnation for those who committed greater sins—although all sinners will be damned. It is here that we should also note that only those who have saving-faith in Jesus will escape this judgement. Many will be surprised in that day to find out they weren’t really believers because they weren’t trusting in Jesus for their salvation but instead they were trusting in their own works. Many will cry out to Jesus saying that they prophesied, cast out devils and did many wonderful works in His name, but Jesus will respond saying, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Today, make sure you are trusting in Jesus by grace through faith alone for salvation. Matthew 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:8-10

20:14-15 The Great Punishment: The Lake Of Fire• 20:14 After the judgments are given, death and hell are cast into the lake of fire. The lake

of fire is the second death. Both death and hell are no longer needed and since they are immaterial objects being cast into the lake of fire probably means they will cease to exist.

• 20:15 Then as each unbeliever is judged from the books for his works and found guilty by a holy God his sentence will be given. His only hope was that his name was found written in the book of life, but as his name is not found written in that book he is cast into the lake of fire. Since these unbelievers have been resurrected, they will be cast alive with body and soul into the lake of fire which is a place burning with brimstone and there is torment day and night for ever and ever. The bible doesn’t say if the fire is literal or figurative, but it is clear that either way it represents a place of eternal anguish and torment. Matthew 10:28; 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 19:20

Review Questions• What does the great white throne represent? • What happens to the earth and heaven? • What will unbelievers by judged by? • What is the great punishment for all found guilty? • What is the only way to avoid this great white throne judgment?

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21:1-22:5 Eternity In The New Heaven, Earth And JerusalemMemory Verse: Revelation 21:3-4

21:1-8 God Makes All Things New: The Believers’ New Reality• 21:1-2 After John saw unbelievers condemned at the great white throne judgment, he saw

a new heaven and earth. The old ones had already ceased to exist. These new ones are different from the old ones because it has no sea, which means there in no hydrological cycle and things will work differently there. Then he saw a new Jerusalem (the holy city) coming down from God out of heaven. This is new because it is not the historical or millennial city of Jerusalem, but it most likely the one already in existence in heaven where Jesus is preparing a place for us. The city is ready for believers to eternally dwell in it just like a bride adorned is prepared for her husband. Revelation 20:11; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; John 14:1-3

• 21:3-4 John heard a great voice out of heaven declaring that the former things are passed away and everything is new, which means: (1) God’s tabernacle or dwelling place will be with believers and God will dwell among them. We will live in and enjoy the very presence of God Himself. (2) Believers will be God’s people and He will be their God—meaning that they will worship and serve Him. (3) God will wipe away all tears from the eyes of believers and there will no longer be death, sorrow, crying or pain—all of these will cease to exist. The believer’s new reality is a glorious one.

• 21:5-8 John then hears the voice of God that sat upon the throne declaring that He makes all things new—nothing will be like it was. God himself told John to write down what He is saying because: “these words are true and faithful.” Then He continues to tell John the following: (1) His work is completed, it is done—God’s will concerning the salvation and damnation of mankind is fulfilled. God is the Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet), the beginning and the end—meaning He is the Sovereign One in control of all. (2) His people (“him that is athirst,” “he that overcometh”) are rewarded by Him with eternal life (water of life), a great inheritance (all things), and a privileged relationship (God will be their God and they will be His sons). (3) His enemies are punished. All unbelievers (the fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, liars—their lives are characterized by these sins to show they never repented and believed in Jesus) will have their part in the lake of fire (which burns with fire and brimstone), meaning they will not partake in the eternal joy with God. They will participate in the second death—which is eternal separation from God.

21:9-27 The Bride, The Lamb’s Wife: The Believers’ Eternal Home• 21:9-11 The City: One of the seven angels who had the seven vials full of the seven last

plagues came and talked with John, saying, “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife”—characterized by bride/wife because the marriage has already happened and believers are eternally united with God and Jesus, thus the city will hold these believers and have similar characteristics. Then he carried John away in the Holy Spirit to a great and high mountain. From there he showed John the new Jerusalem (the great and holy city), descending out of heaven from God. The city had the glory of God which radiated light like a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone and clear as crystal—the light of God’s glory radiated so wonderfully—this is John attempt to described it.

• 21:12-14 The Wall, Gates, Foundations: The city had a great and high wall. The wall had twelve gates. Each gate had an angel. Each gate (east, north, south, west—each side

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had three gates) had a name written on it which were the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. The wall also had twelve foundations. Each foundations had one of the twelve apostles of Jesus (the Lamb) names on it. The names probably symbolize God’s fulfillment and ongoing covenant relationship with the Old and New Testament saints.

• 21:15-17 The Measurements: The angel had a golden reed to measure the city, gates and wall. The city is a square. The length is as large as the breadth. The angel measured the city: about 1,280 miles (twelve-thousand furlongs). The length, breadth and height of the city are equal. The angel measured the wall: about 72 yards (one-hundred and forty-four cubits). The angel notes that these measurements are according to the measure of a man which is the same for angels—meaning they are literal measurements. This is a huge city.

• 21:18-21 The Building Material: This is a beautiful and colorful city that reflects and radiates the glory of God described as follows: (1) The wall was built of jasper. (2) The city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. (3) The foundations were garnished with all manner of precious stones (first—jasper; second—sapphire; third—chalcedony; fourth—emerald; fifth—sardonyx; sixth—sardius; seventh—chrysolite; eighth—beryl; ninth—a topaz; tenth—chrysoprasus; eleventh—jacinth; twelfth—amethyst). (4) The gates were each made of one pearl. (5) The street was pure gold as it were transparent glass.

• 21:22 The Temple: John saw no physical temple in the city because the Lord God Almighty and Jesus (the Lamb) are the temple of the city.

• 21:23-26, 22:5a The Light: The city’s light was from the glory of God and Jesus (the Lamb), thus no need for the sun or moon to exist. The saved of all nations (believers) will walk in the light of the city.

• 21:25-27 The Gates: The gates will never be shut (not by day and there is no night). The kings of the earth will bring their glory and honour and that of the nations into the city. But nothing will enter into the city that defiles, works abomination or makes lies. Only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life—only believers can enter.

22:1-5 The Water And Tree Of Life: The Believers’ Eternal State• 22:1-4 The angel shows John a pure river of water of life. It was clear as crystal. It

proceeded out of the throne of God and Jesus (the Lamb). In the midst of the street and on either side of the river, was the tree of life. It bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month (time only being relative for our understanding). Its leaves were for the healing or benefit of the believers (nations). This all symbolizes our eternal life and enjoyment with God in the new Jerusalem. Which means there will be no more curse. The throne of God and Jesus (the Lamb) will be in this city and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face. His name will be in their foreheads—we belong to Him.

• 22:5b Finally, believers will reign for ever and ever.

Review Questions• What did John see after the great white throne judgment? • A voice declared there was no longer going to be what? • What did God declare? • What it the city like? • Believers will live and reign for how long?

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22:6-21 Final Reminders, Blessings And CursesMemory Verse: Revelation 22:7

22:6-13 Edification And Blessings For Believers• 22:6 One of the seven angels who had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues

continued talking with John saying: (1) These sayings are faithful and true—the prophecies of this book are truth and they will be fulfilled. (2) The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly be done—God himself wanted His servant to know what will take place in the future and what definitely will take place, so that we can take action today about how we are to live.

• 22:7, 14a Obey: Jesus reminds us saying, “Behold, I come quickly.” His return is imminent—we don’t know when He will return but He could return at anytime. Then He offers a blessing saying, “Blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” In the first chapter of Revelation we are told anyone who reads or hears and keeps the things which are written in the prophecy of this book are blessed. Now, again in the last chapter we are reminded, with the focus being on “keeping” the sayings of this book. From beginning to end, believers should pay attention to everything that is recorded, repenting of any sins we find in our lives, longing for the return of our Lord Jesus and warning unbelievers of the eternal damnation that awaits them if they don’t repent.Revelation 1:3

• 22:8-9 Worship: John confirms it is he who saw and heard these things. Then being overwhelmed by the greatness of what he saw and heard, as well as, forgetting his earlier mistake, he fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed him these things. Then the angel said to John not to worship him but to only worship God. The angel rightly reminded John that even though he is an angel he is still just a fellow-servant just like John, the brethren the prophets and of those who keep the sayings of this book. Worship is a proper response to what John saw but only if it is directed at the proper object. All creatures should reserve all worship for their Creator, not each other.Exodus 34:14; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 19:10

• 22:10-11 Proclaim: The angel continues and tells John not to seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book because the time is at hand. The message is urgent and there is nothing hidden in its message, but it is to be proclaimed. John could not hide this revelation but was to give it to the churches to be taught and preached so all the saints could hear the prophecy of this book. Every generations until Jesus returns should heed this call and teach the book of Revelation. Anyone who forbids its teaching is not keeping the sayings of this book. People will respond to the preaching of this book, some will reject it (he that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still), but others will accept it and strive to live their lives in accordance with it (he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still). Daniel 12:10

• 22:12-13 Serve: Again Jesus reminds us saying, “Behold, I come quickly.” Then He tells us that His reward to give every man is with Him. The rewards will be given according to the work each man has done. With the understanding that Jesus could come back at any moment, and that He is going to reward us for the works we have done, we should be motivated to start living a life of service for Him today. Finally, Jesus states that He has the authority to be to distributor of the rewards because He is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last”—The Eternal Sovereign One!

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22:14-21 A Longing For Jesus’ Return And Sinners’ Repentance• 22:14-15 Two Kinds of People: John then writes another blessings saying, “Blessed are

they that do his commandments.” This blessing means that they have the right to the tree of life (eternal life), and they will enter in through the gates into the city (eternal destination with God). Then as a reminder, so we don’t forget, not everyone will receive this blessings—those who are habitual sinners (sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, whosoever loves and makes a lie) without repentance and faith in Jesus are like the dogs who live without the city. Their final destination is the lake of fire (eternal death—separation from God). John 3:36

• 22:16 Jesus confirms it is He who sent His angel to testify unto John these things so he can give them to the churches and the church is to give its message of hope and judgement to the world. This is encouraging because the message of this book isn’t just from an angel, but from Jesus Himself—identified as King David’s ancestor (the root of David) and descendent (the offspring of David)—this is impossible unless you are the God-man (100% God and 100% man). He also said He is the bright and morning star—meaning He is the Messiah, the Light of the world. Mark 12:35-37; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 132:11-12; John 8:12

• 22:17 An Invitation: The Holy Spirit and the church (the bride) say, “Come.” They are longing, desiring and waiting for the Lord Jesus to return. Then there is an invitation for “him that hears” to say, “Come.” If you aren’t already one who is looking for the return of Jesus, you can be. The invitation is open for anyone who is thirsty (realize your need for Jesus because of your sin) to come (to repent) and take the water of life (faith in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection alone) freely (through grace not of works). Jesus through the written word of Revelation is calling you to repent and put your faith in Him. He is giving you the opportunity to become His child and Him to become your God.

• 22:18-19 John closes the book of Revelation with a warning. He prohibits any person that hears the words of the prophecy of this book to add to or take away form it. Just like all of scripture we are to obey it “as is” without changing it. If a person does add to it they will be treated like unbelievers in judgement (God will add unto him the plagues that are written in this book). If a person takes away from it they will suffer the lake of fire (God will 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 book should be proclaimed and obeyed as truth.Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32

• 22:20 Jesus, the one which testified these things ends the book of Revelation assuring us that He will come again saying, “Surely I come quickly.” John responds looking forward to that day saying, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” We should join him in this saying.

• 22:21 Finally, the last verse of the book of Revelation ends with “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” It is only through finding God’s grace that our lives can be changed and we can obtain the blessings talked about in this book.

Review Questions• Jesus first blessing is for those who do what? • The angel tells John not to do what about the sayings of the prophecy of this book? • There are what two kinds of people? • What happens if you add or take away from this book? • The invitation is open to repent and believe Jesus, are you willing?

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