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B u d D i e n e r

C e l l 0 7 6 5 8 4 9 7 3 4

F a x 0 8 6 6 7 1 2 8 6 6

The Book of Revelation

Apocalypse

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The Book of Revelation Notes

Introduction

Four Approaches

There are four main interpretive views of Revelation:

Interpretive School Basic approach to Revelation

Preterist Believe that the events of Revelation were fulfilled beginning in A.D.70 with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.

Historicist View the book of Revelation as an overview of church history, describing various times of persecution and tribulation.

Idealist Interpret Revelation symbolically, as a nonliteral depiction of the battle between God and the satanic forces of evil.

Futurist Understand Revelation 4-22 as a prophetic account of actual events, specifically focused on the end of this age. This view is the natural result of a straightforward reading of the book.

The preterist, historicist and idealist approaches force allegorizing or

spiritualizing of Scripture to sustain their interpretations.

Timeline of Revelation (see handout)

Opening Remarks

God knows and declares the future – Isa. 46:9-11, “Remember the former

things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there

is no one like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient

times things which have not been done, saying, My purpose will be

established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure; calling a bird of

prey from the east, the man of My purp0ose from a far country. Truly I

have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do

it.”

John opens his revelation (vv. 1:1-8) with two major sections:

Verses 1-6 – specific characteristics of the book

Verses 7-8 – preview of the second coming of Christ

1. CHARACTERISTICS OF REVELATION vv. 1-6

a. It is a revelation of Jesus Christ.

i. ―revelation‖ – means to uncover.

1. Rom. 16:25 says, “Now to Him who is able to

establish you according to my gospel and the

preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the

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revelation of the mystery which has been kept

secret for long ages past…”

2. Mt. 16:17 uses the verb form of the word to

describe how Peter made the confession that

Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living

God, “And Jesus said to him, „Blessed are you

, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did

not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in

heaven.‟” It was God who uncovered, or

revealed this cardinal truth to Peter.

3. In Luke 2:32, Simeon calls Jesus the “Light of

revelation to the Gentiles.” This is a quote

from Isa. 9:6; 42:6; 49:6; Acts 13:47. The use

of the term Gentiles is in its general

application of all the non-Jewish nations in the

world that did not know God.

b. Jesus is the central figure in the book of Revelation.

i. This point is confirmed in Rev. 22:16 where Jesus

says, “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you

these things for the churches. I am the root and the

descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

1. Root and descendant of David – Gen. 49:8-10;

Isa. 11:1; Rev. 5:5

2. Note that God promised that David’s

descendant would always sit on the throne (2

Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 132:11; Isa. 9:6-7; Ps.

89:36-37), a unilateral promise from which

God will not turn back.

c. God gave Jesus the information for the sake of the church

(believers). It was intended to encourage and motivate them

because these things will take place soon.

i. Only God knows the time of Jesus’ coming – Mt.

24:36, 42; Mk. 13:32. Therefore, this book should

help us to be alert and watch for the signs of the times.

Don’t be foolish like the virgins who brought no oil

for their lamps (Mt. 25:1-13).

ii. The book is not setting times and epochs – Acts 1:7.

iii. Revelation was written toward the end of Domitian’s

reign as verified by the early church fathers, Iraneus,

Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Victorinus, Eusebius,

and Jerome. This sets the writing of the book around

A.D. 96 (26 years after the destruction of Jerusalem in

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A.D. 70, a point which eliminates the preterist view

from logical consideration).

iv. The prophecies of this book should also motivate us to

live a holy and obedient life – 2 Pet. 3:14.

d. Vs. 3 – the readers are promised a blessing if they not only

read but heed the message of this book for the time is near.

This blessing is reiterated in Rev. 22:7.

i. ―blessed‖ – comes from the Greek word ―makarioi‖

and the Latin word ―beatis‖ which literally means

bliss, joy, inner happiness. For those who know and

follow the words of this prophecy, there is that

peaceful inner happiness that results.

ii. There are actually seven different beatitudes recorded

in the book of Revelation:

1. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear

the words of the prophecy, and heed the things

which are written in it; for the time is near”

(Rev. 1:3).

2. “And I heard a voice from heaven, saying,

“Write, „Blessed are the dead who die in the

Lord from now on!‟ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so

that they may rest from their labors, for their

deeds follow with them” (Rev. 14:13).

3. “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the

one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so

that he will not walk about naked and men will

not see his shame” (Rev. 16:15).

4. “Then he said to me, “Write, „Blessed are those

who are invited to the marriage supper of the

Lamb.‟ ” And he said to me, “These are true

words of God” (Rev. 19:9).

5. “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in

the first resurrection; over these the second

death has no power, but they will be priests of

God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a

thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).

6. “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he

who heeds the words of the prophecy of this

book” (Rev. 22:7).

7. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that

they may have the right to the tree of life, and

may enter by the gates into the city” (Rev.

22:14).

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iii. The apostles Paul, Peter, James and John all wrote that

the day of Christ’s return was near:

1. Paul – Rom. 13:12

2. Peter – 1 Pet. 4:7

3. James – Jas. 5:7-9

4. John – 1 Jn. 2:18

e. Vv. 4-6 – Point to John as the human author and brings two

important figures into play:

i. The seven churches.

1. Seven is the number that represents

perfection, symmetry, completeness and

fullness.

2. While these churches are literal churches, the

fact that there are seven of them addressed in

Revelation shows that they are representative

of the whole church of God.

The Seven Churches of Asian Minor

ii. “the seven Spirits who are before His throne”

1. Again, the number seven represents the

fullness, completeness, perfection of the Holy

Spirit.

2. This reference is made also in Rev. 3:1; 4:5;

5:6.

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3. In the OT prophecy of Isa. 11:1-2 we see a

depiction of seven characteristics of the spirit

that would rest on the Messiah (see also Zech.

4:1-10).

4. These are NOT different spirits, but

characteristics of the Holy Spirit.

2. PREVIEW OF CHRIST’S SECOND COMING vv. 7-8

a. In these two verses, John provides us with a preview of what

will come later (in detail) in the book of Revelation.

b. Vs. 7 – has been called the motto of Revelation.

i. The first line of this verse echoes Dan. 7:13 – Jesus

will come on the clouds.

ii. The second part of this verse draws from Zech. 12:10

– which says that those who pierced Christ will mourn

over Him.

iii. The same connection is seen in Mt. 24:30, “And then

the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and

then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they

will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the

sky with power and great glory.”

iv. Rev. 7:9 is a fulfilment of the Zech. 12:10 and Mt.

24:30 prophecies.

c. Vs. 8 – the Alpha and Omega

i. The beginning of the verse begins with “I am,”

reminiscent of Ex. 3:14 when Moses asks God what

he should say to Pharaoh about who sent him. God’s

response was, “…I AM sent me to you.” This term is

also used in John 8:58 where Jesus tells the religious

leaders that before Abraham was born, “I AM.”

ii. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the

Greek alphabet.

iii. The title affirms that God is the sovereign Lord of all

ages.

iv. He is the one who is, who was and who is to

come…He is the Almighty God, the Creator of

the universe, the cause of anything and

everything.

3. JOHN’S PROPHETIC CALL vv. 9-20

a. Christian’s were considered disloyal to Rome because they

were unwilling to acknowledge Caesar as the supreme

authority and they rejected the Roman gods.

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b. In A.D.64 Rome was burned. Many suspected that Nero was

the instigator of the destruction so to avoid suspicion he

blamed the Christians. This fuelled an empire-wide

persecution against the believers which saw the apostle Paul

arrested and beheaded for Christ.

c. Thirty years later, Domitian sanctioned an official persecution

against Christians. This persecution spread to the province of

Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and impacted the life of the

apostle John.

d. In this section (vv. 9-11), John records the circumstances of

his call to prophecy. You will notice that his call to ministry is

not unlike Isaiah’s call (Isa. 6:1-13), in that there is a

characteristic vision of God.

i. Vs. 9 – John identifies himself as a “fellow partaker.”

John shared three things with the churches to which he

wrote: (1) he shared in their tribulation, (2) he shared

in their kingdom and, (3) he shared in their

perseverance. As such, he was in forced exile on the

Island of Patmos because of his faith and testimony

for Christ.

ii. Vs. 10 – “in the Spirit” – refers to the fact that John’s

experience was beyond the bounds of normal human

apprehension. If John was left to his own wisdom and

knowledge, he would have never gained the kind of

revelation knowledge without the help of God. Under

the Spirit’s control, John was transported to a plane of

experience and perception beyond that of human

senses. In that state, God supernaturally revealed

things to him that could be known in no other way.

Similar episodes were experienced by:

1. Ezekiel – Ezek. 2:2; 3:12, 14.

2. Peter – Acts 10:9-16.

3. Paul – Acts 22:17-21; 2 Cor. 12:1-7

iii. Vs. 10 – “a loud voice, like the sound of a

trumpet” – here the simile employed by John is

description of a loud, distinct, impossible to

ignore sound. The literal reality was that the

voice which spoke to John was loud. Throughout

the book of Revelation a loud voice or a loud

sound is used to indicate the solemnity of ensuing

revelation – Rev. 5:2, 12; 6:10; 7:2, 10; 8:13;

10:3; 11:12, 15; 12:10; 14:2, 15, 18; 16:1, 17;

19:1, 17; 21:3.

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iv. Vs. 11 – John was commissioned to record the

vision and send it to the churches. The fact that

John was to send this letter to seven churches

(which are named) gives further textual evidence

to the literal existence of the seven churches.

e. Vv. 12-20 – John sees the vision, responds to the vision

and the vision is explained.

i. Vs. 12 – “seven golden lampstands” – as we

learn from vs. 20, the lampstands are the seven

churches. Two important descriptions are given in

this verse:

1. “seven” – as we have seen already, the

number seven represents completion or

perfection. It is significant that there are

seven churches because Christ is speaking

to the present day church as a whole.

2. “golden lampstands” – the original words

used here refer to common portable oil

lamps that could be carried around inside

or outside. When used inside, the lamps

were placed on lampstands which elevated

them and increased the output of light for

the house. The use of gold in the

description is a symbol speaking to the

exceedingly great value of the church

(Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25). The fact that

these lamps were placed on lampstands

represents the fact of the church being the

light of the world, set on a lampstand to

give light to all (Mt. 5:14; Phil. 2:15).

ii. Vs. 13a – in the middle of the lampstands (the

churches) John saw one like a son of man (human

being). It is significant for us to realise that Jesus

always dwells in the midst of the church. The

church is His body and as head, He will never

leave or forsake her (Heb. 13:5). This fulfils His

promise to the disciples in John 14:18, 23, “I will

not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Jesus answered and said to him, „If anyone loves

Me, he will keep My work; and My Father will

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love him and We will come to him and make Our

abode with him.”

iii. Vv. 13b-16 – the vision of Jesus

1. Vs. 13b – “clothed in a robe reaching to

the feet” – is a high priestly garment (Ex.

28). Isaiah saw the train of the Lord’s

robe filling the temple in his vision of Isa.

6.

2. Vs. 13c – “girded across His chest with a

golden sash” – the imagery here is rich!

Ex. 28:4 and Lev. 16:4 speak of the high

priest’s sash made of linen. Jesus’ sash is

made of gold representing His more

excellent and eternal priesthood.

a. Heb. 3:1 – describes Jesus as the

High Priest of our confession.

b. His model of priesthood exceeds

the Aaronic priesthood of the Old

Testament – Heb. 7:11, 22-28;

10:11-14.

3. Vs. 14 – “His head and His hair were

white like white wool, like snow” – this is

an obvious reference to Dan. 7:9, “I kept

looking until thrones were set up, and the

Ancient of Days too His seat; His vesture

was like white snow and the hair of His

head like pure wool. His throne was

ablaze with flames; its wheels were a

burning fire.” White carries the

connotation of bright, blazing, brilliant

and symbolizes Christ’s eternal, holy,

glorious truthfulness.

4. Vs. 14 – “His eyes were like a flame of

fire” – again John uses simile to

illuminate the burning judgement of

Christ. In the Bible, fire is often

associated with judgement and

purification – Isa. 47:14; 66:16; Jer.

48:45; Lam. 1:13; Ezek. 39:6; Mt. 13:42;

25:41; John 15:6; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Heb.

12:29. The eyes represent the penetrating

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knowledge of Christ’s judgement – Mt.

10:26; Heb. 4:13.

5. Vs. 15 – “His feet were like burnished

bronze” – the idea of glowing burnished

bronze is a picture of the holy and pure

foundation upon which Christ will make

His judgements (Dan. 10:6).

6. Vs. 15 – “His voice was like the sound of

many waters” – Ezek. 43:2 also pictures

the resounding authority of a mighty crash

of the surf breaking against the rocks. No

longer is the voice a clear but loud

trumpet, now it is a tumult of terrifying

thunderous power.

7. Vs. 16 – “seven stars” – these stars are in

the right hand of Christ which represents

them being under his authority. Vs. 20

gives us the identity of these stars as the

angels of the seven churches. But what

should we understand from the

designation of angels? Are they angelic

beings or something else? Though

generally the Greek word angelos refers to

angels, here it does not appear to the be

the best understanding:

a. Angels are not given the

opportunity to repent, but by

reading the message to the seven

churches, it implies that the angels

of the churches along with the

churches themselves are called on

to do just that.

b. There seems to be no need for God

to communicate with the angels by

first given a message to a human

agent, then through him

communicating to the angels.

c. The Greek word angelos is also

translated messenger (Lk. 7:24,

9:52; Jas. 2:25). It would appear

that the idea of messenger of the

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churches would fit best. John is

referring to the leading

representatives (pastor/elders) of

the churches who demonstrate the

function of spiritual leaders in the

church.

8. Vs. 16 – “sharp two-edged sword” –

pictures the cutting clarity of the truth of

God’s Word applied to the churches’

condition (Isa. 49:2; Hos. 6:5; Eph. 6:17;

Heb. 4:12).

iv. Vv. 17-19 – John’s response to the vision

1. “I fell at His feet like a dead man” – in

the common vernacular John is saying that

he fainted. This is similar to the

experience Daniel had in Dan. 10:8-9. It

is a response of intense fear and terror.

Rev. 6:16-17 describes this same feeling,

“and they said to the mountains and to the

rocks, „Fall on us and hide us from the

presence of Him who sits on the throne,

and from the wrath of the lamb; for the

great day of their wrath has come, and

who is able to stand?‟”

2. “Do not be afraid” – words of comfort

from the Lord (see also Gen. 15:1; 26:24;

Judges 6:23; Mt. 14:27; 17:7; 28:10).

3. In verse 18 Jesus claims that he was dead

but now is alive forevermore. This is the

essence of Him being the firstborn from

the dead (Rev. 1:5) which means that of

those who have been resurrected, He is the

first to never again experience death.

Heb. 7:16 describes this as an

indestructible life and Rom. 6:9 clearly

says that He will never die again.

4. Therefore, Jesus has the keys (authority)

of death and of Hades (John 11:25).

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5. Vs. 19 actually provides us with an outline

of the book of Revelation. John is to

write:

a. “the things which he has seen” –

referring to the vision he had seen

of Jesus and which we have just

read about.

b. “the things which are” – which is

contained in chapters 2-3 – the

messages to the seven churches,

describing the current state of the

church in the world.

c. “the things which will take place

after these things” – referring to

the events of chapters 4-22 of the

book of Revelation.

The vision of Christ establishes His sovereign right and moral

qualifications to pass judgement on the church. In the same way that

God presents Himself as Creator (Gen. 1-2), thus having the

sovereign authority to command and punish, so here, Christ is

portrayed as the sovereign God with a right to rule and judge.

Though the visions in this book are startling and disturbing, they are

God’s Word and are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and

training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

4. MESSAGE TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES vv. 2:1-3:22

a. Ephesus – 2:1-7

i. The backsliding church.

ii. They were commended for their perseverance and the

fact that they did not tolerate evil men.

iii. They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans (also

mentioned in Rev. 2:12-15 in letter to Pergamum).

1. Nicolaitans cannot be positively identified,

though some have offered a couple of

explanations. What is consistent however is

that the few references made by the early

church fathers all connect this group with

Nicolas (one of the seven men chosen in Acts

6:5).

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2. One suggestion says that Nicolas was actually

a false believer, but retained his influence in

the church because of his credentials of being

one of the ―chosen seven.‖

3. Another suggestion states that the Nicolaitans

as a group misrepresented some of Nicolas’

teachings.

4. Whatever the identity and origin, we know the

Nicolaitans led people into immorality,

idolatry and other wickedness. The letter to

Pergamum actually links the sin of the

Nicolaitans with the evil of Balaam (Num. 22-

25).

iv. The problem of the church was that they left their first

love. They were a fulfilment of the prophetic claim in

Mt. 24:12 that people’s love for God would grow

cold. Their love had also become mechanical.

Though they went through the motions of ministry,

their hearts were far from God (Mt. 15:8).

b. Smyrna – 2:8-11

i. The suffering church.

ii. Though they were enduring difficult times, we know

that Christ knew what they were going through and

would ultimately perfect, confirm, strengthen, and

establish them (1 Pet. 5:10).

iii. They were enduring tribulation which is a picture of

extreme pressure like that of being between a rock and

a hard place.

iv. They experienced poverty of the kind that required

them to beg for their very existence trusting on the

generosity of others to sustain them.

v. The church would go through an intense tribulation of

ten days after which, if they hold fast, they will

receive the crown of life (1 Cor. 9:25; Jas. 1:12).

c. Pergamum – 2:12-17

i. The worldly church.

ii. They held fast the word and even one of their church

members (Antipas) was martyred for his faith.

iii. The problem was that they tolerated false teachers.

They did not rid themselves of the Nicolaitans who

like Balaam led people astray to immorality. When

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they should have confronted sin, they instead, like the

church at Corinth (1 Cor. 5) tolerated sin.

d. Thyatira – 2:18-29

i. The unrepentant church.

ii. The problem with this church was not external

persecution but internal compromise. Paul was

concerned about this very thing when he warned the

Ephesian elders that from among themselves men

would arise trying to lead people astray (Acts 20:29-

30; see also Jude; 2 Pet. 2).

iii. There was a period of grace given for repentance, but

it was not to happen. Jezebel (1 Kin. 16-2 Kin. 10)

had a firm foothold on the church.

e. Sardis – 3:1-6

i. The dying church.

ii. This was a social church that was just resting on their

reputation. They were a church in name only.

iii. They were a visible church but many of them were not

members of the invisible church (Mt. 7:21-23).

iv. It is important to remember that the kingdom of

heaven has no grandchildren. Everyone must have a

personal relationship with Jesus…it is neither

hereditary nor associative.

f. Philadelphia – 3:7-13

i. The serving church.

ii. There are no condemnations for this church and

because they persevered, Christ would keep them

from the hour of testing which was to come upon the

whole world.

g. Laodicea – 3:14-22

i. The apostate church.

ii. They had syncretised their beliefs to the point that

Jesus said that they were lukewarm and because they

were lukewarm He would spew them out of His

mouth.

iii. The impact and effectiveness of any church is

absolutely destroyed by mixing with the world. It is

for this reason that Paul calls the Corinthian church to

come out and be separate from the world (2 Cor. 6:14-

18).

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So John introduces the book of Revelation with a vision of the

mighty One who is the Alpha and Omega, the pure, holy and just

judge of all the earth.

So we have read about the things which John had seen, and the

things which are; the remainder of the book deals with the things

which are yet to come…

Judgements and Blessings in Revelation

Below is a chart that summarises the three judgements in Revelation and

the blessings contained in the book. It is helpful to get an overview before

launching into these judgements.

Judgements Blessings

7 Seals 7 Trumpets 7 Bowls

7 Beatitudes

On those who…

1 Antichrist

Rev. 6:1-2

Vegetation Burned

Rev. 8:7

Terrible Sores

Rev. 16:2

Read and heed this book

Rev. 1:3

2 War

Rev. 6:3-4

Sea Life Destroyed

Rev. 8:8-9

Seas Turned to Blood

Rev. 16:3

Die in the Lord

Rev. 14:13

3 Famine

Rev. 6:5-6

Waters Made Bitter

Rev. 8:10-11

Fresh Water to Blood

Rev. 16:4-7

Wait for His coming

Rev. 16:15

4 Pestilence

Rev. 6:7-8

Heavens Struck

Rev. 8:12-13

Sun Scorches Men

Rev. 16:8-9

Are invited to the supper

Rev. 19:9

5 Martyrs

Rev. 6:9-11

Demonic “Locusts”

Rev. 9:1-12

Darkness and Pain

Rev. 16:10-11

Are resurrected

to life

Rev. 20:6

6 Cosmic Disasters

Rev. 6:12-17

Deadly Plagues

Rev. 9:13-21

Euphrates Dries Up

Rev. 16:12-16

Keep these words

Rev. 22:7

7

The Seven Trumpets

Rev. 8:1-6

The Seven Bowls

Rev. 11:15-19

Final Destruction

Rev. 16:17-21

Do His commands

Rev. 22:14

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It is important to note that the chronology of the Book of Revelation is not

completely linear. Some of the events are taking place in heaven and some

are taking place on earth. There is also the element of the chronology of

John’s visions which requires careful attention in our study.

The Bible records only two people who have been taken to heaven and

then returned to earth. Paul (2 Cor. 12), who was not allowed to reveal the

details of his trip and John, who is actually commanded to write down the

vision and send it to the seven churches of Asia Minor, who are

representative of the whole Church.

Beginning in Revelation chapter four, we are informed about the series of

events taking place after John’s vision of Jesus in the midst of the

lampstands (Rev. 1:9-20).

We are taken to the throne room of God in heaven which became John’s

vantage point for most of the remainder of this book. The vision of the

throne forms a prologue to the future, historical events that unfold in

chapters 6-22.

5. THE ONE ON THE THRONE vv. 4:1-3

a. John was not swept away in some mystical fantasyland, but

spiritually transported into the reality of heaven. Remember

that being “in the Spirit” refers to the necessary condition for

him to receive revelatory truth that could not be apprehended

with normal human sensory perception.

b. In vs. 2b-3a, John describes God, the One who sits on the

throne. Note the use of simile which is all John could use to

describe the indescribable God.

i. “was like a jasper stone” – later in this book (Rev.

21:11), John refers to jasper as being crystal-clear;

something like a diamond. There is an unmatched

brilliance in the vision of God.

ii. “sardius” – a fiery red ruby stone, named for the city

by which it was found.

iii. “rainbow” – is the sign of the covenant with

Noah (Gen. 9:13-17), but is also mentioned by

Ezekiel in his vision (1:28).

iv. “emerald” – a huge brilliant green emerald-like

gem also dominated the rainbows appearance.

6. THOSE AROUND THE THRONE vv. 4:3-11

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a. ―twenty-four elders‖ – many have offered varied views about

the identity of the 24 elders. Here is what we can conclude

about their identity:

i. The imagery of their thrones (vs. 4), their white

garments (cf. Rev. 19:7-8), their golden crowns (cf. 1

Cor. 9:25; Jas. 1:12) seem to indicate that these 24

elders represent the redeemed (cf. Rev. 4:9-11; 5:5-14;

7:11-17; 11:16-18; 14:3; 19:4). The question is which

redeemed?

ii. It cannot be Israel, because the nation is not yet saved,

glorified or crowned. Their resurrection and glory

will not happen until the end of the Tribulation (Dan.

12:1-3).

iii. Tribulation saints are not yet saved (Rev. 7:9-10).

iv. Only one group will be complete and glorified at this

point – the Church. Here the elders represent the

Church. They are overcomers who have been brought

up to live in the place prepared for them (John 14:1-4).

b. At this point, let’s consider the rapture of the church.

According to chronology the Tribulation doesn’t really begin

until the opening of the first seal on the scroll. This initiates

the seal judgements which telescope into the trumpet

judgements all occurring in the first half of the seven year

Tribulation. Many are confused about the rapture and the

second coming. Here are some significant distinctions between

the two events:

i. The rapture entails the removal of all believers while

the second coming is the appearing or the

manifestation of the Son to reign on earth.

ii. The rapture sees the saints caught up into the air,

while the second coming has Christ returning to the

earth.

iii. In the rapture, Christ comes to claim His bride, while

at the second coming, Christ comes to claim His

crown and establish His millennial kingdom.

iv. The rapture is imminent and could happen at any time,

while the second coming is preceded by a multitude of

signs.

v. The rapture brings a message of comfort, while the

second coming brings a message of judgement.

vi. The rapture is related to the programme of the Church,

while the second coming is related to the programme

of Israel and the unbelieving world.

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vii. At the rapture believers are judged, while at the

second coming unbelieving Gentiles and Israel are

judged.

viii. The rapture leaves creation unchanged, while the

second coming entails a huge change in creation.

ix. At the rapture Israel’s covenants are unfulfilled, while

at the second coming all her covenants are fulfilled.

x. The rapture has no particular relation to the

programme of God in relation to evil; while at the

second coming evil is judged.

xi. The rapture is said to take place before the day of

wrath, but the second coming follows it.

xii. The rapture is for believers only, while the second

coming has its effect on all men.

xiii. The expectation of the church with regard to the

rapture is ―the Lord is at hand‖ (Phil. 4:5), while the

expectation of Israel with regard to the second coming

is ―the kingdom is at hand‖ (Mt. 24:14).

c. Vv. 5-8a - the four living creatures

i. These are cherubim; angels who are frequently seen in

the Old Testament in connection with God’s presence,

power and holiness. NOTE: Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-15;

Ezek. 28:12-15) was the ―anointed cherub that covers‖

meaning that he was the cherub designated to protect

the holiness and glory of God.

ii. Although John’s definition is not identical to

Ezekiel’s, they are referring to the same supernatural

and indescribably beings (Ps. 80:1; 99:1; Ezek. 1:4-

25; 10:15).

iii. These cherubim were full of eyes which

communicates that nothing escapes their scrutiny.

iv. John obviously is using symbolic language in an

attempt to describe these creatures by using certain of

God’s earthly creatures. Ezekiel also indicates that

cherubim have these four attributes (Ezek. 1:6):

1. Like a lion – representing strength and power.

2. Like a calf – this image demonstrates humble

service rendered unto God.

3. Face like a man – communicates that the

cherubim are rational beings.

4. Like a flying eagle – shows that they fulfil

their service to God with the swiftness and

endurance of eagles.

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d. Vv. 8b-11 – As the creatures give praise and honour to God on

His throne, they are joined by the 24 elders who not only join

in the chorus of praise but also cast their crowns before the

throne of the Lord. It seems evident that they have already

experienced the Judgement Seat of Christ, by the presence of

their rewards (cf. 1 Cor. 3:9-15).

7. THE ONE WORTHY TO OPEN THE SEALED BOOK vv. 5:1-14

a. Vv. 1-7 – The Worthy One

i. John first sees a book with writing on the inside and

the outside, in the right hand of God, and with seven

seals. It was common in ancient times for all major

contracts or documents to have the actual details of the

document written on the inside of the scroll and a

summary of the document written on the outside.

ii. “strong angel” – we are unclear as to the certain

identity of the strong angel here. It is reasonable to

assume that he is Gabriel whose name means strength

of God (Dan. 8:16). This strong angel also makes a

loud proclamation which would be consistent with

Gabriel’s past missions.

iii. John begins to weep because no one present at the

time was worthy to break the seals and open the book

until one of the elders tells John who is worthy:

1. Lion of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:9; Heb.

7:14

2. Root of Jesse (Isa. 11:1; Rom. 15:12; Rev.

22:16).

3. The Lamb of God as though it had been slain

(Isa. 53:7; Jer. 11:19; John 1:29).

4. Seven horns, seven eyes, seven Spirits –

representing perfect strength and power;

perfect knowledge (omniscience); perfect

character…the sovereign God.

iv. Jesus takes the book and those worshipping at the

throne of God, turned and began worshipping the

Lamb.

b. Vv. 8-14 – the new song

i. The bowls full of incense are pictures of the people’s

prayers in the OT. The priests would stand twice daily

before the inner veil of the temple and burn incense so

that the smoke would carry into the Holy of Holies

and be swept into the nostrils of God. Here they

represent all the prayers of all the saints that have ever

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been offered concerning ultimate and final

redemption. This becomes a major theme throughout

the book (cf. Rev. 11:17-18; 13:7, 9-10; 14:12; 16:6;

17:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9).

ii. Vs. 11 speaks of myriads and myriads of angels which

is another way of saying incalculable. The Greek word

used here can also be translated ―innumerable‖ (Lk.

12:1; Heb. 12:22).

iii. The fact that in vs. 13 those in heaven, on earth and

under the earth are proclaiming the dominion of Jesus

is a direct fulfilment of Phil. 2:9-11.

8. THE BOOK IS OPENED: THE TRIBULATION BEGINS vv. 6:1-17

a. Chapter five revealed that Jesus was the only One found

worthy to open the scroll. As He breaks the seven seals that

secure the scroll, each seal unleashes a new demonstration of

God’s judgement on the earth in the subsequent tribulation

period.

b. The seals and trumpets represent a ―telescoping‖ effect in their

judgements. The seventh seal telescopes into the seven

trumpet judgements and the seventh trumpet into the seven

bowls of wrath.

c. Vv. 1-2 – The first seal – White horse

i. Rider has a bow, which represents war, but the fact

that there are no arrows indicates that the victory is a

bloodless one. In other words, the peace is

accomplished by covenant and agreement, not by war

(cf. Dan. 9:24-27).

ii. The rider has also been given a crown. The Antichrist

becomes king, elected by the world’s inhabitants

regardless of the cost.

d. Vv. 3-4 – The second seal – Red horse

i. The blood red appearance of this horse represents the

holocaust of war. The rider has been given a sword,

granted to take peace away from the earth which

results in men killing each other.

ii. The sword here is not the long broad sword, but the

shorter more easily manoeuvred one that assassins

often used and that soldiers carried into battle.

e. Vv. 5-6 – The third seal – Black horse

i. Black signifies famine (Lam. 5:8-10).

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ii. The result of worldwide war will be the destruction of

the food supply.

iii. The pair of scales represents the scarcity of food

which will lead to rationing and food lines.

1. A quart of wheat is the amount of wheat

necessary to sustain a person for one day.

2. Denarius is equal to one normal day’s wages.

One day’s work will provide enough food for

only one person per day.

3. Three quarts of barely – usually fed to

animals, it is low in nutrients and cheaper than

wheat. A day’s wage will supply enough for a

small family to live one day.

4. Oil and wine – although these were normal

everyday commodities; oil for making bread

and wine for cooking and purifying water;

they will suddenly become luxuries that have

to be carefully protected.

f. Vv. 7-8 – The fourth seal – Pale horse

i. This represents the ashen-green, pallor characteristics

of the decomposition of a corpse.

ii. God grants this horseman the authority to bring death

to 25% of the world’s population or the equivalent of

1.5 billion people.

iii. Hades is literally the place of the dead and is often

used as a partner to death.

g. Vv. 9-11 – The fifth seal – The martyrs

i. This seal describes the force of the saints’ prayers for

God’s vengeance. They souls of martyred saints from

under the throne long to know how long before God

avenges (Rom. 2:5; 12:19).

ii. The saints are told that they must rest a bit longer until

the number is completed. God has predetermined the

number of the righteous whose death He will allow

before moving to destroy the rebels.

h. Vv. 12-17 – The sixth seal – Terror

i. This seal is associated with cosmic disturbances that

produce overpowering fear. This seal represents

judgements that are unmistakably the hand of God to

accomplish His purposes.

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1. There is a great earthquake so severe that all

the land masses are moved thus realigning

entire continents.

2. Accompanying the earthquake will be

numerous volcanic eruptions; and large

amounts of ash and debris will be blown into

the earth’s atmosphere, blackening the sun

and giving the moon a blood-red hue (cf.

Zech. 14:6-7).

3. Stars will fall from heaven. The word “stars”

can refer to any celestial body, large or small

and is not limited to normal English usage.

The best explanation is a large asteroid or a

meteor shower.

ii. The inhabitants of the earth will recognise for the first

time the source of all their trouble is the wrath of the

Lamb. Incredibly, up until now, they were living life

as usual (Mt. 24:37-39).

iii. Such fear will strike the people that they will try to

hide themselves in caves calling on the rocks for

assistance in an effort to hide from the wrath of God.

iv. They will call this the great day of the wrath. But what

they don’t realise is that it will even get worse for

them.

9. EXPLANATORY INTERLUDE vv. 7:1-17

a. Chapter seven forms a parenthesis between the sixth seal

(6:12-17) and the seventh seal (8:1). Two distinct groups

survive the divine fury, the 144,000 Jewish evangelists on

earth (vv. 1-8) and their converts in heaven (vv. 9-17).

b. Vv. 1-8 – The sealing of the 144,000

i. The four angels who are positioned at the four corners

of the earth are in strategic compass positions. They

were holding back the four winds of the earth, which

is the essential engine of our earth’s atmosphere.

Everything was still.

ii. The four angels who were granted permission to do

harm to the earth and the sea were told they could not

move against such until the bond-servants of God

were sealed on their foreheads.

iii. The number of those sealed was 144,000; 12,000 from

each of the 12 tribes of Israel. These Jewish

evangelists are instrumental in the salvation of man

Jews and Gentiles during the Tribulation (vv. 9-17;

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Zech. 12:10). They would be afforded the divine

protection of God while they carry out their mission.

The presence of these missionaries indicates at least

one of the major purposes of the Tribulation…that is

to give Jews from all over the world another

opportunity to accept their Messiah.

c. Vv. 9-17 – A multitude from the Tribulation

i. While the Tribulation is a time of great judgement and

wrath, it is also a time of unprecedented redemption.

ii. People from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue

will come to Christ and worship before the throne in

heaven day and night.

iii. These are believers who have had their robes cleansed

by the blood of the Lamb and have come out of the

Tribulation, meaning that they were either victims of

some catastrophe or they were martyred for their faith.

iv. Now that they are in heaven there is no fear or

discomfort from the heat or from thirst, and the Lord

will wipe every tear from their eye.

10. SEVENTH SEAL AND SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGEMENTS vv. 8:1-13

a. The contents of the seven trumpets indicate that they are

different from the seven seals. The trumpets do not double

back over the seals, but lie under the sixth seal and proceed

from it. In the same way the bowls of wrath proceed out of

the seventh trumpet in rapid succession before Christ’s return.

b. Below is a visual illustrating the relationship of the seals,

trumpets and bowls:

c. Vs. 1 – The seventh seal – Silence in heaven

Seals

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Trumpets

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Bowls

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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i. The silence in heaven is a silence of awe and

anticipation at the grim reality of the judgement God

is about to unleash.

ii. The interlude is now over and the opening of the

seventh seal flows into the first of the seven trumpet

judgements.

d. Vv. 2-6 – The seven trumpets

i. The seven angels – it is not clear as to the identity of

the angels. The use of the definite article indicates

that it is a special group of angels that John has in

mind. Also the perfect tense of the verb “stands”

indicates that they were standing before the throne for

some time.

1. It could be that these angels are those referred

to in Rev. 1:20 which would make them the

representatives of the seven churches of Asia

Minor who were of course raptured with the

rest of the Church, but a different leadership

group than is represented by the 24 elders.

2. Some have suggested the name of this group

of angels be “presence angels.” Those who

suggest this also identify the different ranks of

angels mentioned in Scripture offer that these

angels represent these different types of

angels.

ii. Whatever their identity, they have been given seven

trumpets and are prepared to sound them.

iii. The censer was a bowl used to transport fire from the

brazen altar to the altar of incense which represented

the prayers of the saints.

iv. The censer is filled with fire and cast down to the

earth which ignites thunder, lightening and an

earthquake greater than the intensity of the one in the

sixth seal.

e. Vv. 6-7 – The first trumpet

i. Hail and fire mixed with blood was hurled to the earth

resulting in a third of the earth being burned up

including the trees and the grass.

ii. It is possible that this is a phenomenological

representation of volcanic eruptions which certainly

would take place with an earthquake of this

magnitude. The steam and water thrown into the sky

could easily condense into hail and fall to earth along

~ 25 ~


with the fiery lava (cf. Ex. 9:13-25). Dust and gases

may so contaminate falling liquid water that it appears

blood red.

f. Vv. 8-9 – The second trumpet

i. The thing that is ―like a great mountain burning with

fire‖ is likely to be a meteor or an asteroid that ignites

with fire as it enters the earth’s atmosphere.

ii. The impact of such a huge object would cause a

massive tidal wave that would certainly destroy one

third of the ships.

iii. The reference to the sea turned to blood, definitely has

a supernatural source (Ex. 7:14-22) not necessarily

associated with the impact of the meteor. The result

of the blood is that one third of the living creatures in

the sea die.

iv. This judgement, like that of most of the trumpet

judgements, primarily affected a third of the earth.

g. Vv. 10-11 – The third trumpet

i. A great star fell from heaven, perhaps a comet because

it leaves a fiery tail like a torch. As it enters the

earth’s atmosphere it will disintegrate scattering its

contamination over the globe.

ii. The name of the star, Wormwood, is a bitter,

poisonous root from a desert plant that causes

drunkenness and eventually death. It is mentioned

only here in the New Testament, but is mentioned

several times in the Old Testament where it represents

sorrow and bitter judgement (Deut. 29:18; Prov. 5:4;

Jer. 9:15; 23:15; Lam. 3:15).

iii. The result of the contaminated waters is that many

men died from drinking the water.

h. Vs. 12 – The fourth trumpet

i. Here God supernaturally reduced the intensity of the

celestial bodies by one-third.

ii. The loss of solar heat will cause radical drop in

temperature producing severe changes in

meteorological, botanical, and biological cycles (cf.

Lk. 21:25; Ex. 10:21-23). Note that this affect is

temporary (cf. Rev. 16:8-9).

i. Vs. 13 – The announcement of the final three trumpets

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i. The picture of an eagle in midheaven represents the

swift strong vengeance of the Lord (cf. Deut. 28:49;

Hos. 8:1; Hab. 1:8). Midheaven indicates that the

eagle is flying high in the sky and visible to all.

ii. The proclamation of the triple woe communicates that

although the first four trumpets brought unimaginable

judgements, they are nothing compared to the final

three trumpets that the angels are about to sound.

11. THE FINAL THREE TRUMPET JUDGEMENTS vv. 9:1-21

a. Vv. 1-12 – The fifth trumpet – First Woe

i. The star falling from heaven, unlike the stars of 6:13

and 8:8 is probably a reference to Satan (cf. Rev.

12:7).

ii. He was given the keys to the bottomless pit (literally

“the pit of the abyss”). It is mentioned seven times in

Revelation and it always refers to the prison where

some of the demonic hordes are incarcerated (cf. 2

Pet. 2:4; Jude 6-7).

iii. From out of the abyss come locusts which are

grasshopper like creatures that descend in swarms so

thick they can obscure the sun and strip bare all

vegetation. These however are not normal locusts,

but specially prepared ones that are merely the

outward form of demons who like locusts will bring

swarming desolation (cf. Joel 2:1-5).

iv. The word “like” (which introduces a simile) appears

nine times in John’s description which indicates that

he is finding it difficult to describe what he sees in a

way that the reader will understand. Here is the

description given by John:

1. They were given the power like that of a

scorpion, indicating that they probably had

tails that could inflict their victim with painful

stings. They were able to inflict the pain upon

all mankind who did not have the seal of God

on them (i.e. the 144,000 and their converts

still on the earth). This torment would last for

five months and men would seek death but

were unable to find it.

2. They were like horses prepared for battle –

which indicates some sort of armour that

protected them from retaliatory attacks.

3. They had heads that looked like crowns of

gold.

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4. They had faces like that of men, indicating

rationality and intelligence, which is obvious

because they could distinguish between those

who had the seal of God and those who did

not.

5. They had women’s hair (cf. Jer. 51:27).

6. They had lion’s teeth – fierce, powerful.

7. They had breastplates of iron designed to

protect vital organs.

8. They sounded like many chariots and horses

going into battle.

9. They had tails like scorpions – not just the

ability to sting, but the appearance of a

scorpion’s tail.

v. The king who commanded them was an angel from

the abyss whose name was in the Hebrew, Abaddon

and in the Greek, Apollyon. Both terms mean

“destroyer.” There is a hierarchy of power among

demons, just as among holy angels. Apparently the

angel is one of Satan’s most trusted leaders.

vi. The final three trumpets are called “woes.” Vs. 12

proclaims that one woe is past but two more remain.

b. Vv. 13-21 – The sixth trumpet – Second Woe

i. As the sixth trumpet sounded, John heard a voice from

the four horns of the golden altar. God’s design for

the golden altar of incense included small protrusions

(horns) on each corner (Ex. 30:2). Normally it was a

place of mercy as God responded to the prayers of His

people, but now it has become a source of a cry for

vengeance.

ii. The voice proclaims the release of four angels who

were bound at the Euphrates River. The Bible never

refers to holy angels as being bound, so these must be

fallen angels or demons also in chains until the

appointed day and hour of their temporary release, all

of which was predetermined by God.

iii. Some see the army as a reference to forces

accompanying the kings of the east (cf. Rev. 16:12)

and identify them with a human army coming from

Asia. But that event occurs in connection with the

seventh trumpet not the sixth. The language is better

understood as referring to a demon force that makes

ware with the earth’s inhabitants and kills one-third of

humanity (vs. 15).

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iv. The number of the armies of the horsemen was two

hundred million. Though some take this number to be

figurative, there is no textual reason to interpret it as

such.

v. The appearance of the demonic army is as follows:

1. Riders had on breastplates the colour of red,

dark blue and yellow. There is no

significance to their colour other than the fact

that John records it as literal narrative not a

simile.

2. The heads of the horses are like lion’s heads

and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and

brimstone (sulphur). It was this lethal

combination that killed one-third of mankind.

vi. There was also power in the tails. Their tails were like

serpents. Thus these demon horsemen had the ability

to kill from either direction.

vii. Sadly, verses 20-21 records that in spite of all this

supernatural phenomena, those men who were not

killed remained hardened and did not repent of this

wickedness.

Interlude – Rev. 10:1-11:14

Before the sounding of the seventh trumpet there is another interlude. An

interlude took place between the sixth and the seventh seal (Rev. 7:1-17)

and another interlude will take place between the sixth and seventh bowl

judgements (Rev. 16:15).

Because the prophesies of this book are written to those who are believers

still on the earth before the rapture, God, through John offers the interludes

as a source of encouragement, hope, exhortation and a bit of explanation to

help fill in some gaps that may be missing in the midst of the Tribulation

narrative.

Remember that the interlude of Rev. 7:1-17 gave explanation to the

144,000 Jewish witnesses who were sealed with the protective mark of the

Lord. We also were encouraged to see that there would be an incalculable

multitude saved out of the Tribulation. These words of encouragement

were spoken to give us hope before entering into the more severe trumpet

judgements of Rev. 8:1-9:21.

As we look at chapter 10, we are at the halfway point in the Tribulation.

As I have noted before, many scholars refer to the second half of the

~ 29 ~


Tribulation as the Great Tribulation. Let’s continue our study by taking a

closer look at the passages that describe this interlude.

12. APPEARANCE OF ANOTHER STRONG ANGEL vv. 10:1-4

“another strong angel” – many commentators believe this angel

to be Jesus Christ, but the Greek word translated another refers to

another of the same kind, that is a created being like the other

angels. It is also unlikely that John would refer to Jesus as an

angel because in Revelation, where John refers to Jesus it is with

an unmistakable title. Also, this could not be Christ because of the

action taken by the angel in verses 5-6. Christ is God and would

not lift up His hand in an oath, swearing by Him who lives forever

and ever. Since He is God, the risen Christ would swear by

Himself (Heb. 6:13). Finally, this angel came down from heaven

to earth. To identify him as Christ would make this the second

coming of Christ to earth and thus His appearance in Rev. 19-20

would be His third coming which is not at all consistent with

Scripture.

Vs. 1 – the angel’s description:

o “clothed with a cloud” – which symbolises power and the

fact that he comes announcing judgement. Clouds are

elsewhere associated with the second coming of Christ in

judgement (Rev. 1:7; 14:14-16; Mt. 24:30; Mk. 13:26;

14:62; Lk. 21:27).

o “rainbow upon his head” – the rainbow represents God’s

covenant mercy in the midst of judgement. It is a

reminder of God’s promise to Noah after He judged the

world by flooding it. In Gen. 9:12-16, God placed a

rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise not to again

flood the world.

o “face was like the sun” – the brilliant, radiant glory of this

wonderful angel lit up the earth like the blazing sun.

o “feel like pillars of fire” – this description symbolises his

unbending holiness of judgement and the fire pictures that

which consumes the ungodly.

Vs. 2a – In the angel’s hand was a little book which was open.

Though many scholars have offered different views about which

book is referred to, I believe this is the same book or scroll that

had the seven seals on it (Rev. 5:1), which were opened by Jesus

(Rev. 6). The use of the perfect participle form – “which was

open” – emphasises the idea of the scroll being opened; having

been opened; it is to remain open. That further identifies it with

the fully unrolled scroll of Rev. 6. The diminutive “little” may

~ 30 ~


simply refer to the size of the scroll which John is later instructed

to eat (Rev. 10:9). The book is lying open in the angel’s hand and

unveils all the terrors of divine judgement that is yet to come.

Vv. 2b-3 – The angel placed one foot on the land and one foot in

the sea, indicating that the message to be proclaimed was relevant

for all the earth. It also demonstrates that God’s sovereign

authority to judge the entire earth.

o The angel cries out with a loud voice like the voice of a

lion when it roars. This reflects power and authority. The

Old Testament prophets often connected lionlike roaring

with the voice of judgement (Jer. 25:30; Hos. 11:10; Joel

3:16; Amos 1:2; 3:8).

o After the angel cried out, the “seven peals of thunder

uttered their voices.” As we have seen already, the

number seven speaks of completeness and perfection.

“Thunder” is often a mark of judgement in Scripture

(Rev. 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; 1 Sam. 2:10; 2 Sam. 22:14). The

thunder was separate from the angel’s voice and may have

represented the voice of God (1 Sam. 7:10; Ps. 18:13;

John 12:27-29).

Vs. 4 – The seven peals of thunder did not just make a loud sound,

but actually communicated something that John was about to

write. In obedience to God’s commands, John had already written

much of what he saw, and later in Revelation, John would again be

commanded to write what he saw in his visions (Rev. 14:13; 19:9;

21:5). For now, he was commanded to seal up what he heard from

the voice. Whatever the message was we know that:

o It was to be sealed up until God’s timing was fulfilled

(Rev. 22:10; Dan. 8:26-27; 12:9).

o It was something that the prophets had prophesied (Rev.

10:7) which indicates that it may have to do with Israel’s

role and fate at the coming day of wrath.

13. THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE ANGEL vv. 10:5-7

In Rev. 6:10-11, the souls of martyrs from under the throne asked

how long the Lord would delay vengeance and judgement. The

Lord answered, “until the number of their fellow servants and

their brethren who were to be killed even has they had been, would

be completed also.” Here, in verses 5-6, the strong angels lifts up

his right hand to heaven and swore by the Lord, that “there will be

delay no longer.”

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Vs. 7 – the seventh angel is about to sound the seventh trumpet

which will unleash the bowl judgements. These judgements are

the intense pouring out of God’s wrath. When this happens, the

mystery, which God preached to the prophets, will be finished.

Note the following:

o “days of the voice of the seventh angel” – the judgement

that is coming is not one event but covers a period of time

which includes the seven bowls of wrath (Rev. 16:1-21).

The time of God’s patience has ended; He is no longer

sending witnesses out into the world. His programme of

evangelism has given way to His programme of wrath and

judgement. The anticipated time in His disciples’

questions recorded in Mt. 24:3 and Acts 1:6 has come.

o “mystery…He preached to His servants the prophets” – In

the New Testament a mystery is a truth that God concealed

but has been revealed through Christ and His apostles

(Eph. 3:3-5; Rom. 16:25). Here, the mystery is the final

consummation of all things as God destroys sinners and

establishes His righteous kingdom on earth. Though God

spoke to His prophets (Amos 3:7) of these things, they did

not fully see or understand the extent of them because the

Messiah had not yet come.

14. THE UNUSUAL INSTRUCTION vv. 10:8-11

John is instructed to take the book from the angel and to eat it.

The act of eating graphically illustrates taking in God’s Word.

John’s physical reactions to the book represent what every

believer’s response should be to the judgement of God – there is a

sweet anticipation of God’s glory and victory (which is the overall

message and purpose of Revelation), and at the same time, there is

the bitterness of seeing God’s wrath poured out on those who

reject Christ as Lord. As John digests the content of the

judgements still to come he became nauseated.

John is now called on to prophecy to all peoples, nations, tongues,

and kings about what is to take place with the coming bowls of

God’s wrath. The use of the word again indicates that John was

being commissioned a second time (Rev. 1:19) to write the

remaining prophesies God was going to give him.

The second half of the interlude features the role of the two witnesses. The

presence of the witnesses reminds us that God’s purposes for the

Tribulation have much to do with Israel. We must be careful not to

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spiritualise any of this passage by applying it to the Church. The Church is

in heaven, having been raptured and is now before the throne of God day

and night.

As we proceed with this next section of the interlude, we are getting a top-

down view of the first half of the Tribulation, in which the ministry of the

two witnesses takes, place recorded in Rev. 11:1-14.

15. THE MINISTRY OF THE TWO WITNESSES vv. 11:1-14

The period of their ministry – vv. 1-4

o In this vision, John actually becomes an active part of the

vision. He is given a measuring rod and is told to measure

the temple, the altar and those who worship in it. This is

an indication that we are in the first half of the Tribulation.

During which the Jews enjoy the benefits of the firm

seven year covenant established by the Antichrist (Dan.

9:24-27). The temple has been rebuilt and the nation of

Israel (though still in unbelief) is once again worshipping

God with sacrifices.

o Vs. 4 – It is during this time that the two witnesses are

preaching to the Jews who now have access to the temple.

They are dressed in sackcloth which represents penitence,

mourning and humility (cf. Gen. 37:34; 2 Sam. 3:31; 2

Kin. 6:30; 19:1; Esther 4:1; Isa. 22:12; Jer. 6:26; Mt.

11:21).

o As prophesied, the Antichrist will break the covenant

halfway through and ultimately commit the abomination

of desolation (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; Lk.

21:20; 2 Thess. 2:3-4).

o John does not measure the court outside of the temple

because it has been given to the nations (Gentiles) and

they will tread it under foot for forty two months (3 ½

years) counting from the abomination of desolation to the

end of the Great Tribulation. This coincides with the

visibly evil career of the Antichrist (Rev. 12:6; 13:5).

o Vs. 4 – describes there identity as two olive trees and two

lampstands – this description has been drawn from

Zechariah’s vision in 4:1-14. The question of their identity

has intrigued Bible scholars for years and while it is

impossible to be dogmatic about the specific identity of

these two preachers, there are a number of reasons to

suggest that they may be Moses and Elijah.

The miracles they perform are similar to the

judgements inflicted in the OT by Moses and

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Elijah (2 Kin. 1:10, 12; 1 Kin. 17:1; Jas. 5:17; Ex.

7:17-21).

Jewish tradition expected Moses and Elijah to

return in the future (Mal. 4:5 [Elijah] and Deut.

18:15, 18 [Jews believed that this promise

necessitated the return of Moses]).

Both Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ at the

transfiguration, the preview of the second coming

(Mt. 17:3).

Both Moses and Elijah left the earth in unusual

ways.

Elijah never died, but was transported to

heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kin. 2:11-12).

God supernaturally buried Moses’ body in

a secret location (Deut. 34:5-6; Jude 9).

The purpose and power of their ministry – vv. 5-6

o They will display the power of God to unbelieving Jews

and Gentiles, and many will be saved through their

witness.

o They are called prophets (vv. 11:6, 10) as well as

witnesses, which indicates that they will not only

communicate the gospel but also the coming judgement

and wrath that will be revealed on all who reject their

message.

o They were given miraculous power and protection:

Fire flowed from their mouths and devoured their

enemies.

They had the power to stop the rain from falling

on the earth.

They had the power to turn the water into blood,

and control of all the plagues.

Persecution and death – vv. 7-10

o Sinful men have never wanted to hear or obey God’s

Word (cf. Rev. 9:20-21). As a result, sinful men under the

control of Satan tried to get rid of the two witnesses.

o God supernaturally protected the witnesses for 3 ½ years

(forty-two months). When the time came for the

Antichrist to be revealed for who he really was, God

removed His protection and allowed the Beast (Antichrist)

to kill the witnesses.

o After their death, the citizens of Jerusalem would not even

give them a proper burial (Ps. 79:1-7). Verse 9 reveals

that this went on for three and one half days. The godless

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people are so happy to be rid of the witnesses that they

celebrate their death and actually exchange gifts to honour

the occasion.

o All this is in conjunction with the abomination of

desolation which not only marks the halfway point in the

Tribulation, but also marks the initiation of the

Antichrist’s evil, murderous ways. His rule becomes more

godless and violent as the last half of the Tribulation

unfolds.

Resurrection of the two witnesses – vv. 11-14

o After 3 ½ days of celebration, the world was shocked and

terrified at the sight of the two witnesses coming alive as

God breathed into them the breath of life and raptured

them both to heaven in a cloud.

o Vs. 13 records the fact that in the very hour of their

departure, there was a great earthquake that shook

Jerusalem destroying a tenth of the city and killing “7,000

of them.” The literal Greek text for the word “people” is

“names of men.” Some suggestions as to the identity of

the 7,000 have been offered:

Some believe it refers to the high ranking officials

of unbelieving Jews still remaining in Jerusalem.

Others have suggested it refers to prominent

leaders in the Antichrist’s forces.

Others believe it may be certain of the celebrators

who guarded the bodies not allowing them to be

buried. This may also be indicated by the phrase

“and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the

God of heaven.” The rest then may refer to the

ones who had not been killed in the earthquake. It

makes sense that they would see such a surgical

judgement as the hand of God’s judgement,

especially given the nature of an earthquake. The

fact that John mentions that the rest of the gave

glory to God (a term of genuine salvation – 1 Pet.

2:12) indicates that a smaller more specific group

is in mind rather than all the Jews still living in

Jerusalem.

The seventh trumpet – Rev. 11:15-19

The seventh trumpet sets in motion the final consummation of God’s

redemptive plan for this world. During this time will come the fury of the

Day of the Lord judgements, the final harvest of judgement on earth (Rev.

11:18; 16:19), and the Lamb’s defeat of the kings of the earth (Rev. 17:12-

~ 35 ~


18, culminating in the final climactic triumph of Christ at Armageddon

(Rev. 19:11-21).

The sounding of the seventh trumpet not only announces consuming

judgement on unbelievers, but also the coronation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It also marks the end of the interlude that follows the sixth trumpet (Rev.

10:1-11:14).

Although the seventh trumpet sounds in Rev. 11:15, the judgements

associated with it are not described until chapter 15. Chapters 12-14 are a

digression, taking us back through the Tribulation to the point of the

seventh trumpet, via a different path. They describe the Tribulation not

from God’s perspective, but from Satan’s.

1. PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE TO GOD vv. 11:15-19

“the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord

and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever” – this

proclamation brings us back to the predictions of the earthly

kingdom made by God through His prophets in the OT (Ezek.

21:26-27; Dan. 2:35, 44; 4:3; 6:26; 7:14, 26-27; Zech. 14:9).

After the fall of man (Gen. 3) Satan became the ruler of this world

(John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19), but the time

has come when that will change. The fact that this proclamation

(and the prophecies) will be fulfilled at the second coming makes

it clear that the seventh trumpet chronologically reaches to Christ’s

return. Therefore the seventh trumpet introduces and includes the

seven bowl judgements of the wrath of God revealed in Rev. 16.

Vv. 16-18 – the 24 elders are present seen once again on their

faces worshipping before the throne of God. Their song of praise

indicates that the time had come for God to judge the nations, to

judge the dead, and to reward God’s servants.

o That God will one day pour out His wrath on rebellious

men is a major theme in Scripture (Isa. 24:17-23; 26:20-

21; 30:27-33; Ezek. 38:16ff; Rom. 1:18; 2 Thess. 1:5-10).

o The final outpouring of God’s wrath includes judging the

dead (Dan. 12:1-3; Mt. 25:31-46; John 5:25-29). The

judgement has two parts:

God rewards OT saints (Dan. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 3:8;

4:5; Rev. 22:12), the raptured church (1 Cor.

15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18), and Tribulation

saints (Rev. 20:4).

God condemns unbelievers to the lake of fire

forever (Rev. 20:15).

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Vs. 19 – the temple of God is the dwelling place of God in all His

brilliant transcendent glory. The ark of His covenant appeared in

His temple (heavenly temple). The earthly ark is only a picture of

this heavenly one (Heb. 9:23; 10:20), so the Holy of Holies in

heaven is opened to speak of God’s saving New Covenant and

redeeming purpose in the midst of judgement.

Digression: a new perspective – Rev. 12:1-14-20

It is necessary for us to understand the nature of the conflict between

God’s people and the powers of evil. John therefore, goes back to the

beginning and outlines the conflict from Satan’s perspective.

1. THE OPPOSING SIDES IN THE CONFLICT vv. 12:1-6

A sign appeared in heaven of a woman in labour ready to give

birth to a male child and a great read dragon who was preparing

himself to devour the child when the woman gave birth.

Who are these characters?

o The woman – is described as clothed with the sun (reflects

the unique glory and exalted status as God’s chosen

people), with the moon under her feet and a crown of

twelve stars on her head. This description reflects

Joseph’s dream (Gen. 37:9-11) which is a prediction of the

nation of Israel.

o The male child who was about to be born is a picture of

Christ the Messiah. This does not picture the birth of the

Messiah in Bethlehem, but rather the second coming of

Messiah to establish His kingdom on earth and thus fulfil

all of God’s covenants with Israel, destroying Satan once

for all time.

o The dragon – having seven heads and ten horns with

seven diadems on his heads, sweeps away a third of the

stars of heaven. This is figurative language identifying

Satan as the dragon. The seven diadems represent the

seven past worldly kingdoms (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon,

Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the current empire of the

Antichrist) and the future ten nation confederacy (Dan.

7:7, 20, 24). According to Isa. 14:12-15 and Ezek. 28:12-

17, when Lucifer/Satan fell from heaven he took with him

a third of the angels.

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Vs. 5 – Satan sought to devour the Messiah at His birth; he was

unable to prevent Him from dying for sin, rising from the dead and

ascending to heaven (“caught up to God”).

Vs. 6 – the woman, Israel fled to the wilderness where God would

supernaturally protect her for the remaining 3 ½ years of the

Tribulation. Israel must flee when they see the abomination of

desolation take place (Mt. 24:15ff), for it is at this time that the

Antichrist will break the covenant he made with Israel.

2. THE CONFLICT IN HEAVEN vv. 12:7-12

The events on earth during the Tribulation find their counterpart in

heaven. A state of war existed since the fall of Satan (Dan. 10:13;

Jude 9).

Though Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven but they

still have access to it (Job 1:6; 2:1). That access will then be

denied and they will forever be barred from heaven.

Satan will accuse and deceive people during the Tribulation (Rev.

13:14; 20:3). After temporary release from the bottomless pit at

the end of the Millennium, he will briefly resume his deceitful

ways (Rev. 20:8, 10).

Even though he is the accuser of the brethren (vs. 10) he will no

longer be able to accuse the brethren before the throne of God

because he will no longer have access to heaven. He is desperate

because he knows his time is very short.

3. THE CONFLICT ON EARTH vv. 12:13-17

Following his defeat by Michael and the holy angels, Satan (the

dragon) was cast out of heaven. Enraged by his ejection, he

persecuted the woman (Israel) who gave birth to the male child.

The word persecuted means to pursue or to hunt. It carries with it

the idea of pursuit with hostile intent (Mt. 23:34; Acts 26:11).

God supernaturally had prepared a place of protection for them

and they are carried by wings of an eagle (not literal, but

representative of God’s providential protection. They would flee

and be protected in the wilderness (no one really knows exactly

where, though some have suggested Petra, an ancient city carved

into the rocky cliffs of Edom between the Dead Sea and the Gulf

of Aqaba) for 3 ½ years (time, times and half a time).

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Vv. 15-16 – a great army would come against Israel like a flood

only to be swallowed up by the earth (which could be in

conjunction with one of the many earthquakes occurring during

that period).

Vs. 17 – when Satan failed to destroy the woman, in a frustrated

rage he went off to persecute those who followed the Lamb, Jew

and Gentile alike.

The two beasts – Rev. 13:1-18

This chapter introduces us to the two beasts. These verses represent what

many call the ―Satanic trinity-Satan, the beast (Antichrist) and the False

Prophet.

1. ANTICHRIST: THE BEAST FROM THE SEA vv. 13:1-10

Though in the chronology of John’s vision, this appears at the

mid-point of the Tribulation. The work of the Antichrist was

evident as he was introduced (revealed) with the breaking of the

first seal. It makes perfect sense that John would describe him

more closely before moving ahead into the second half of the

Tribulation because the Antichrist and the False Prophet become

more prominent during this latter half.

The Antichrist must be understood as both a kingdom and a

person: (1) a kingdom is represented by the complex description in

the latter part of verse 1. (2) yet he is a person and is always

referred to by using a personal pronoun (Dan. 7:25; 8:24-25;

11:36-45; 2 Thess. 2:4). Note also the similarities of the

Antichrist’s description here and the description of the Dragon in

Rev. 12:3.

These verses reveal seven features of the Antichrist:

o Ancestry – vs. 1 – the Antichrist is from Satan himself.

o Authority – vs. 2 – he possessed attributes like that of a

leopard, a bear and a lion. This is a reflection of the

prophecy in Daniel 7. The leopard represents ancient

Greece alluding to their swiftness and agility as they

conquered, particularly under Alexander the Great (Dan.

7:6). The bear was a metaphor for the ancient Medo-

Persian Empire, depicting its ferocious strength and great

stability (Dan. 7:5). The lion stood for the ancient

Babylonian Empire, referring to their fierce all-consuming

power as they extended their domain. The dragon also

gave his power to the beast.

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o Acclaim – vs. 3 – the Antichrist had been slain by a fatal

head wound (by a sword – Rev. 13:14) and was healed.

Through modern technology, the entire world saw and was

amazed, thus followed after the beast. We don’t know if

the death was staged (faked) or was indeed real energised

by the power of Satan himself (2 Thess. 2:8-12).

o Worship – vs. 4 – the world’s fascination with the

Antichrist will quickly become worship. Not only will

they worship the beast, but also Satan (the dragon)

because it will be clear to them that the power of the

Antichrist stems from the Dragon.

o Arrogance – vv. 5-6 – the Antichrist, once he has broken

the covenant with Israel and begins to persecute believers

wherever he can find them, will speak arrogantly and

blaspheme God for the entire last half of the Tribulation (3

½ years or forty-two months). Note that authority was

given to him to act for this period of time, because no

matter what it looks like, God is in control.

o Activity – vs. 7 – God allowed the Antichrist to make war

with the saints for this period of time. That God allowed

him to overcome (kill) them (thus completing the number

of martyrs that He had pre-determined – Rev. 6:11), gave

the Antichrist confidence that he was actually more

powerful than God, or that he himself was God, thus his

arrogant blasphemies.

o Admirers – vv. 8-10 – all who dwell on the earth will

worship the Antichrist except those whose names were

written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of

the world. Vs. 10 is a call for believers to accept

persecution from the Antichrist with perseverance and

endurance. God has chosen some believers to be

imprisoned and executed which they must not resist (Mt.

26:51-54; 2 Cor. 10:4), but accept with patience such

suffering as God ordains for them (cf. 1 Pet. 2:19-24).

2. THE FALSE PROPHET: THE BEAST FROM THE LAND vv. 13:11-18

Just as the false christs who have plagued mankind will culminate

in the final Antichrist, so also will the false prophets culminate in a

final false prophet (cf. Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The false

~ 40 ~


prophet will be Antichrist’s partner in Satan’s massive final

deception of the world.

John’s vision of the false prophet reveals three key elements:

o His person – vs. 11 – unlike the Antichrist who comes up

out of the sea, the false prophet will come from the earth.

Here is his description:

“he has two horns like a lamb” – illustrating his

relative weakness compared to the Antichrist (two

horns vs. ten horns). Though he will not come

like an obvious ferocious killing animal like the

Antichrist, he is still a deceptively cruel

murderous liar.

“he spoke like the dragon” – which says that he is

Satan’s mouthpiece and speaks the same message

as Satan who is the source of all false religion (cf.

2 Cor. 11:4).

o His power – vv. 12-14 – the false prophet will have all the

authority of the first beast.

He makes the entire world worship the Antichrist.

He is not depicted as violent so he must have great

influence.

He will have the ability to perform signs and even

makes fire come down from heaven. This helps to

convince men of his power, but it also duplicates

the power demonstrated by the two witnesses

(Rev. 11:5).

He will urge all those on the earth to make an

image of the beast. This is a replication of the

Antichrist that is related to the throne he will erect

during the abomination of desolation (cf. Dan.

9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4).

o His programme – vv. 15-18 – his programme involves two

things:

He gives breath to the image of the Antichrist and

it appears to have voice. Its speaking in some way

causes those who do not worship to be killed. The

image of the harmless lamb has been torn away

and his true nature is revealed.

The mark he requires to be imprinted on the hand

or the forehead will clearly identify those who are

worshippers of the beast from those who are not.

The mark will also be required to buy or sell, thus

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the believers will be cut off from the basic

necessities of life. The number 6 is a

representation of man who has fallen short of

God’s perfect number 7. When the Antichrist is

finally revealed, there will be some way to

identify him with this basic number of the

personification of sin or evil.

Verse 18 proclaims that it is wisdom to calculate the number of the

beast. There are many possibilities for the exact meaning of “the

number of his name.” Many have tried to apply numerology

different world leaders (such as the Pope), in an attempt to identify

the Antichrist. While it is possible that the numerical value of the

Antichrist’s name does equal 666, it is unwise and undesirable to

spend any of our remaining precious time on earth seeking to

calculate that name. The wisdom is for those who will be present

during those wicked days, so as not to be deceived and also to be

prepared for the even harder times ahead.

Chapter 13 of Revelation shows the worsening conditions for believers

with the ever-increasing intensity of the evil reign of the Antichrist and his

false prophet. Chapter 14 makes it clear that a post millennial dream of a

world getting better and better through Christian effort and gospel

preaching is NOT supported in the Bible. Instead the final form of world

religion will be apostate, satanic and blasphemous.

Preview – Rev. 14:1-21

In Revelation 14 God gives us a summary or ―panoramic view‖ of the

events that lie ahead in the book of Revelation.

Chapter 14 is a bright contrast to chapter 13:

Chapter 13 – Satan (the dragon), Antichrist and the false prophet,

and the false prophet; deception, unsaved/unredeemed, idolatry,

and the mark of the beast – falsehood, wickedness, corruption, and

blasphemy.

Chapter 14 – the Lamb, angels, redeemed saints, genuine worship

and those who have been sealed by God – truth, righteousness,

purity, and praise.

16. THE LAMB ON MOUNT ZION vs. 14:1a

John has described the Lamb throughout the book as:

o Slain – Rev. 5:6; 13:8

o Glorified – Rev. 5:8, 12-13

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o Exalted – Rev. 7:9-10

o The Redeemer – Rev. 7:14

o Shepherd of His people – Rev. 7:17

o Lord of lords and King of kings – Rev. 17:14

His appearance on Mt. Zion is a significant point in redemptive

history (see Ps. 2:6-9; Isa. 24:23; Heb. 12:22-23).

17. THE 144,000 WITNESSES vv. 14:1b-5

The identity of this group is determined by Rev. 5:9-10 & 7:1-8

and by the seal of God written on their foreheads (which is in

contrast to the mark of the beast on the unbelievers – Rev. 13:16-

17).

The scene is a view to the heavenly Jerusalem – Rev. 21:9-27 (cf.

Heb. 12:22-23).

o Vv. 9-21 – gives a description of the New Jerusalem

o Vv. 22-27 – tells us that the Lamb provides illumination

so there is no need for the sun or the moon. Also the

nations will walk by His light and absolute holiness

reigns.

Vv. 2-3 – a loud voice gets John’s attention and identifies the

location of Mt. Zion and the 144,000 as being in heaven along

with the four living creatures (Rev. 4:6) and the twenty-four elders

(Rev. 4:4). As we have noted in our study of Revelation chapter

four, these two groups are heavenly with the elders representing

the raptured church and the four living creatures as special high-

ranking cherubim.

And “they” (144,000) sang a “new song” which was different

than the creatures and the elders’ new song of Rev. 5:8-10.

That they would sing a different song than the elders and four

living creatures makes perfect sense:

o Four living creatures are cherubim in heaven created for a

special purpose of God in heaven

o Twenty-four elders are the raptured saints who have been

rescued form the wrath of the Tribulation (1 Thess. 1:10;

Rev. 3:10).

o 144,000 are witnesses who preach the gospel in the first

half of the Tribulation with a special seal of God which

protects them from harm…“they were purchased out of

the earth” which indicates that their mission was complete

and are now before the throne of God with Church.

~ 43 ~


They also sing a different song because they are a select and

specially prepared group:

o Vs. 4a – not defiled with women – with divine restraint

removed (2 Thess. 2:6-7) the world will be even more

promiscuous. Note that this does NOT teach that they

were unmarried, for sexual relations within the context of

marriage does NOT defile (Heb. 13:4). The fact that

sexual purity is mentioned speaks to the immoral culture

of the times and to the seriousness of sexual sin (1 Cor.

6:13, 18).

o Vs. 4b – they follow the Lamb… - this illustrates their

complete and single-minded devotion to Jesus (Mt. 6:22-

24; John 10:27).

o Vs. 4c – purchased…as first fruits… - all believers are

purchased by God (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Pet.

1:18-19), but these were a special purchase out of the

Tribulation…first fruits of the multitude that would come

to believe (Rev. 7:9). Like first fruits in the Old

Testament they were offered and dedicated to God (Deut.

26:1-11; 18:3-5) for His use and glory. Paul also used this

designation for the household of Stephanas who were the

“first fruits of Achaia” (1 Cor. 16:15).

o Vs. 5 – no lie in their mouths…blameless – in contrast to

the lies Satan, the beast, and the false prophet, these

witnesses spoke God’s truth. This is prophetically

pictured in Zeph. 3:13. As to being blameless, they had

no credible accusations against them because of their

practical holiness.

18. THREE ANGELIC MESSENGERS vv. 14:6-11

Vv. 6-7 – Angel flying in midheaven

o Before the passing of the opportunity to be converted and

the wrath of God is revealed, every nation on earth will

have the gospel proclaimed and a final salvation invitation

extended.

o The time to worship God is now because the hour of His

judgement has come – the ensuing bowls of His wrath.

Vs. 8 – second angel proclaims the fall of Babylon

o The details of Babylon’s fall are anticipated in Rev. 16:18-

19 and actually described in Rev. 17-18.

o The reference here is not to the specific city of Babylon

but to the Antichrist’s worldwide political, economic and

~ 44 ~


religious empire – Babylon has always, since its beginning

(Gen. 10:8-10; 11:8-9) represented a rebellious anti-God

sentiment. She has always been:

Arrogant – Isa. 14:13-14; Jer. 50:29, 31-32.

Covetous – Jer. 51:13.

Oppressive – Isa. 14:4.

Cruel and destructive – Isa. 14:17; 47:6; Jer.

51:25; Hab. 1:6-7.

o All the godless nations of the world have drunk the wine

of the passion of her immorality.

Vv. 9-11 – the third angel gives a warning

o As we saw at the end of chapter 13, people were required

to receive the mark of the beast in order to buy or sell

(Rev. 13:15-17).

o There is no ambiguity about the meaning of the mark. It is

a sign of allegiance and sealing for the beast in the same

way the Holy Spirit is a seal of our allegiance to God

(Eph. 1:13-14).

o The angel, with a loud voice (so that all hear the warning)

warns against receiving the mark of the beast.

o The warning comes before the mark of the beast was

initiated, which is further evidence that those who receive

the mark do so with full and complete understanding of

what they are doing and what the consequences of that

action will be.

o The consequences of taking the mark is the full force of

God’s wrath:

“drink the wine of God‟s wrath” – Job 21:20; Isa.

51:17; Jer. 25:15; Rev. 16:19; 19:15

“mixed in full strength” – literal translation of the

Greek word is ―mixed unmixed‖ – indicates that

there will no diluting the wrath of God

“fire and brimstone” – associated with the fury of

God’s judgement and wrath – Gen. 19:24-25; Lk.

17:29; Ps. 11:6. Hell is described as a lake of fire

and brimstone (Rev. 19:20; 20:10). Hell is also

described as:

Eternal fire – Mt. 18:8

Unquenchable fire – Mk. 9:43

Where the worm does not die – Mk. 9:48

“torment goes up forever and ever…day and

night” – Lk. 16:23; Mt. 25:46.

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19. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS vv. 14:12-13

No group of saints have ever gone through the degree of

persecution as the Tribulation saints.

In contrast to the wrath brought upon those who receive the mark

of the beast, vv. 12-13 record the blessedness of the perseverance

of the saints.

The ultimate test of true saving faith is staying true to the Lord

until the end.

Mt. 24:21-22 describe the great tribulation as such that has not

occurred ever in the history of the world. It will be so bad that

God in His mercy cuts the days short for the sake of the elect.

John indicates that those who die in the Lord from this point on are

blessed because they will escape the toils of the day and the

testimony of their perseverance will follow them to the cloud of

witnesses already in heaven.

20. THE REAPING OF THE EARTH vv. 14:14-20

The reaper of vs. 14 is Christ:

o “white cloud” – Dan. 7:13; Mt. 24:30; 26:64; Acts 1:9-11.

o “son of man” – Dan. 7:13; Lk. 19:10; John 5:27; Phil. 2:7-

8; Rev. 1:13.

o “golden crown” – is the victors crown, Christ has won the

victory over hell, death and the grave (Hades).

The reaper of verse 17 is an angel – Mt. 13:36-43, 47-50; 2 Thess.

1:7 indicate that angels will assist Jesus in judgement.

In this passage we see two analogies of the harvest. The first is the

grain harvest and it is said to be “ripe.” The word used here

pictures grain that is overripe and rotting, thus speaking to the

moral and spiritual condition of those on the earth. The second

analogy is that of a grape harvest. The word used here for “ripe”

is a word that speaks of fruit in its prime ready for harvest,

indicating that the earth is ready for judgement…the time for

patience and mercy is past and judgement is now.

Vv. 19-20 – picture the grapes thrown into the great wine press of

God’s wrath (Rev. 19:15). The loss of life here is pictured by the

blood coming up to the horses bridles (see the imagery of Isa.

63:3; Lam. 1:15 and Joel 3:13) for a distance of 200 miles.

~ 46 ~


o The battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:11-21) takes place

outside the city of Jerusalem (Dan. 11:45; Zech. 14:1-4),

about sixty miles north of Jerusalem in the plains of

Esdraelon and Megiddo near Mount Megiddo. It will rage

the entire length of Israel as far south as Bozrah in Edom

(Isa. 63:1).

o “the blood will come up to the horses bridles” – this is

about 1.3 metres. Even though millions will be at this

battle fighting against God and the slaughter will be

unimaginable, it is still best to interpret this description as

hyperbole.

The reference about the horses’ bridles could refer

to the blood splatter from the battle or the blood

that will drain into the rivers, streambeds, and

trenches which may be as deep as 1.3 metres.

The reference to the 200 miles tells us that there

will be no ―quiet‖ areas of the battlefield…the

entire arena will be covered with blood.

This preview of the future events of Revelation brings to our minds a vivid

understanding of Heb. 10:31, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands

of the living God.”

Bowls of Wrath – Rev. 15:1–16:21

Before the seals were opened we saw the scene in heaven by way of

introduction (Rev. 4-5). Before the trumpet judgements there was a

similar introduction (Rev. 8:1-6).

Here chapter 15:1-8 provides an introduction to the bowls of wrath or the

bowl judgements.

Verse 1 describes the coming judgement as seven plagues which are the

last because in them the wrath of God is finished.

The Old Testament prophets warned of this day: Isa. 13:6-9; Joel 1:15;

Amos 4:12; Zeph. 1:14-18; Job 21:30.

Paul looked forward to the rapture because believers would be saved from

the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10) because God has not destined us for

wrath but for the obtaining of salvation.

~ 47 ~


Throughout the first half of the Tribulation God has called sinners to

salvation. He has done so using the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Rev. 7:2-

8; 14:1-5), the two witnesses (Rev. 11:3-13), a host of redeemed Gentiles

and Jews (Rev. 7:9-17), and even an angel flying high in the sky (Rev.

14:6-7).

Now God is ready to simply pour out His wrath. All the witnesses are

gone, though the tribulation saints still left on the earth may still witness to

those who have not yet taken the mark of the beast.

The bowls of wrath introduced in chapter 15 and described in chapter 16

actually emanate from the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15).

Chapter 15 opens with a scene of seven angels who have seven plagues

(the seven bowl judgements). That they are called the “last” implies that

the seals and the trumpets were also considered as part of God’s

programme of wrath. “Wrath” – describes rage, a passionate outburst of

anger. As it relates to God’s wrath here, it is against all sin, not forgive

(Zeph. 3:8).

This introduction to the bowls of wrath reveals three motives for the

judgements:

God’s vengeance – vs. 2

o John’s vision of the crystal sea is the same one he saw in

Rev. 4:6, but here it is mixed with fire indicating the

impending doom of God’s final judgement which is about

to commence (Num. 11:1; 16:35; Deut. 9:3; Ps. 50:3;

97:3; Isa. 66:15; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Heb. 10:27-29; 2 Pet.

3:7).

o Around the throne were those who had been victorious

over the beast. They are martyred believers who have

come out of the Tribulation (Rev. 6:9-11; 13:7). These are

those who refused to worship or take the mark of the beast

(Rev. 13:14-15). They have harps which represent praise

(Rev. 5:8; 14:2) and frequently represent this in the Old

Testament as well (cf. 2 Sam. 6:5; 1 Chron. 13:8; 15:16,

28; 2 Chron. 5:12-13; Neh. 12:27; Ps. 33:2; 71:22; 144:9;

150:3).

o They are rejoicing because their prayers for God to take

vengeance on their persecutors (Rev. 6:9-10) are about to

be answered. They stand before the throne and worship

God for:

God’s character – vv. 3-4

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o “the song of Moses” (Ex. 15:1-18) – when God delivered

the Israelites from the Egyptian army through the Red

Sea…this song is combined with “the song of the Lamb”

(Rev. 5:11-14).

o The mixed song includes the following elements:

Great and marvellous are Your works – Ps.

139:14.

The Lord God Almighty – celebrates His

omnipotence – Gen. 17:1; 35:11; 48:3; Ex. 6:3;

Rev. 1:8; 4:8; 11:17.

Righteous and true are Your ways – Deut. 32:4;

Dan. 4:37; Hos. 14:9.

King of the nations – Ps. 86:9; Jer. 10:7.

Who will not fear You for You alone are holy – 1

Sam. 2:2; Ps. 22:3; 99:5, 9; 111:9; Isa. 6:3; 57:15;

Jer. 10:7; Hab. 1:12-13.

All nations will come worship before You – Ps.

86:9.

Your righteous acts have been revealed – Jdg.

5:11; 1 Sam. 12:7; Ps. 103:6; Dan. 9:16; Mic. 6:5.

God’s plan – vv. 5-8

o “the temple of the tabernacle of testimony” – refers to the

Holy of Holies in which was the Ark of the Covenant

containing the stone tablets (cf. Num. 9:15; Ps. 84:1-2).

This reference emphasises that the judgements of wrath

about to be executed are an expression of God’s holiness

and righteousness just as the Law is an expression of the

holy righteous character of God.

o The “seven angels”

Clothed in bright clean linen which is a symbol of

purity and holiness

Golden sashes indicate that they are glorious and

majestic beings.

o “given seven bowls full of God‟s wrath”

One of the four living creatures – cherubim = an

order of high-ranking angels (1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam.

6:2; 22:11; Ps. 80:1: 99:1: Isa. 37:16; Ezek. 1:4-

25: 10:15; Rev. 4:6, 8-9; 5:6, 8, 11, 14: 6:1, 6;

7:11; 14:3; 19:4).

Smoke filled the temple – this is an indication of

the presence of God (Ex. 40:34-35; 2 Chron.

7:23). No one could enter the temple as the

majesty, power and glory, mixed with His terrible

~ 49 ~


anger and wrath filled the temple, until the seven

plagues of His wrath were complete.

The scene is now set for the description of the seven bowls of wrath which

proceed from and as part of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15).

While these all take place in the second half of the Tribulation, there is not

a clear time stamp chronology as to how long each last. From the text we

infer that they happen in rapid succession without gaps.

Since these are the final outpouring of God’s wrath, they are more severe

than any of the earlier judgements. These plagues however, had two sets

of precursors in Scripture:

The localised ten plagues in Egypt – Ex. 7-12.

The seven trumpets in Rev. 8:7-12; 9:15, 18 which are not as

localised as the Egyptian plagues but are limited to one third of the

earth’s population.

These final seven plagues will impact the entire earth.

Vs. 16:1 – the loud voice from the temple must be the voice of God for no

one else could enter the temple until the plagues are completed (Rev.

15:8).

1. THE FIRST BOWL OF WRATH vs. 16:2 - sores

When the angel poured out the first bowl of wrath the result was

loathsome and malignant sores that broke out only on those who

had the mark of the beast and who worshipped the image

The two words used to describe the sores are both Greeks words

for evil, but used together they represent the horrible nature of the

sores that were festering, painful and incurable.

The Greek word used for sore, specifically describes ulcers that

are boil-like, oozing sores much like the ones affecting the

Egyptians (Ex. 9:9-11), Job (Job 2:7) or Lazarus (Lk. 16:21).

2. THE SECOND BOWL OF WRATH vs. 16:3 – water to blood

One of the devastating aspects of the bowl judgements is their

cumulative effect.

Here, the seas (oceans) become blood and EVERY living thing in

them died.

Though similar to the Egyptian plague (Ex. 7:20-24) and the

second trumpet (Rev. 8:8-9), the impact of this plague is far

greater since the oceans cover about 70% of the earth’s surface.

~ 50 ~


The seas become blood “like that of a dead man” – which

indicates that the oceans are no longer fluid but the coagulated,

thick, dark blood of a person who has died.

The result is that the oceans become putrid, stinking pools of

decaying dead flesh.

3. THE THIRD BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:4-7 – rivers and streams

The third plague impacts the remaining sources of fresh water on

the earth as the rivers and streams are turned to blood.

This will cause unspeakable hardship and pain upon the already

suffering godless humanity.

Along with this judgement the angel proclaims the righteousness

of Almighty God in pouring out His wrath on those who killed the

saints and the prophets…they deserve this judgement.

4. THE FOURTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:8-9 – scorching sun

This bowl is poured out on the sun and instead of giving the world

light, warmth and energy it becomes deadly.

The effects of the fourth trumpet (Rev. 8:12) are now completely

reversed and the sun’s intensity scorches those who have the mark

of the beast.

As was true in Rev. 9:20-21, so it is with this judgement; the

people do not repent or give glory to God.

The cumulative affect of the bowls of wrath still don’t get through:

o The scorching sun is on top of…

o No fresh water supply which is on top of…

o The stench and disease of the oceans which is on top of...

o The boil like sores.

5. THE FIFTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:10-11 – poured on the beast

This bowl brings darkness upon the kingdom and the throne of the

beast.

The throne and kingdom of the beast represents the extent of his

rule which is world-wide, so the plague of darkness engulfs the

entire earth.

This darkness is a fulfilment of prophecy (Isa. 13:10; 24:23; Zeph.

1:15; Mk. 13:24; Lk. 21:25).

Acts 2:20 makes it clear that all of this will precede the second

coming of Christ.

The intensity of suffering is illustrated by the description of the

people “gnawing their tongues.” Again, they blasphemed God

and did not repent.

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6. THE SIXTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:12-16 – Armageddon

This bowl is poured out on the Euphrates River.

Though the Euphrates, like all other rivers and streams has been

turned to blood, the intensity of the sun caused the melting of the

permanent ice pack on Mount Ararat. The result will be a huge

flow of water rushing down into the rivers causing the bloody river

to overflow its banks and making it impossible to cross.

This bowl will dry up the Euphrates allowing the kings from the

East to make their final stand at the battle of Armageddon. The

kings will see this as a great provision because they must cross the

Euphrates to reach their ultimate destination, but it is really God’s

set up for their final and unsuccessful stands again Him.

Vs. 13 – John witnesses the unholy trinity:

o Dragon – Satan

o Beast – Antichrist

o False prophet

The unclean spirits were like frogs which were unclean animals

(Lev. 10:11, 41).

Vs. 14 – the demons will perform supernatural signs which are

designed to convince the kings to gather all the armies for war at a

place called Har-Magedon (Mount Megiddo). According to Joel

3:2, 9-13 and Rev. 17:12-14 these ten kings are the Antichrist’s

confederation representing his world-wide rulership.

Vs. 15 – is a note of hope to believers who are on the earth at this

time. It says that He is coming like a thief (1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet.

3:10) which means it will be quick and unexpected (at least to the

invading armies who believe they will have an easy victory against

the Lord’s people).

The imagery of staying awake is reminiscent of Mt. 25:1-13 and

the parable of the virgins. Like the five prudent virgins, a soldier

who stays awake and keeps his clothes on, will always be prepared

for whatever may come.

Vs. 16 – The plain of Megiddo is about 60 miles north of

Jerusalem and has been the sight of more than 200 battles:

o Barak’s (and Deborah’s) defeat of the Canaanites – Jdg. 4-

5.

o Gideon’s victory over the Midianites – Jdg. 7 (cf. Jdg.

6:33), Valley of Jezreel is another name for the plain of

Esdraelon which is near the plain of Megiddo.

o Josiah’s defeat and death by Pharaoh Neco – 2 Chron.

35:22; 2 Kin. 23:29.

The battle of Armageddon will be over almost as soon as it begins,

as the Lord Jesus returns to rescue His people (Zeph. 14:1-3 – note

the this passage marks the plunder of Jerusalem at the half way

~ 52 ~


point in the Tribulation with the Abomination of Desolation, then

the one day fight of the battle).

The sixth bowl of wrath has set the stage, but before the final battle, the

seventh bowl of wrath is poured out.

7. THE SEVENTH BOWL OF WRATH vv. 16:17-21 – it is done!

This bowl is the final outpouring of God’s wrath before the Lord

sets up His millennial kingdom.

At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is allowed one more final act

of rebellion (Rev. 20:7-10) before final judgement.

The seventh bowl will be the worst calamity in the history of the

world. It will be the most complete and devastating catastrophe

the earth will ever experience.

Vs. 17 – the bowl is poured out into the air as if to cleanse the

former domain of Satan (Eph. 2:2).

The loud voice proclaims, “It is done.” (perfect tense verb denotes

the continuing implications of this final bowl of wrath).

Vs. 18 – this bowl dramatically affects the atmosphere and like the

seventh seal (Rev. 8:5) and the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:19) this

bowl introduces a violent thunderstorm (but with much greater

intensity).

Not only is the atmosphere affected, but there is a great earthquake

– the largest that has ever hit the planet (Isa. 24:19-20; Zech. 14:4-

10).

Vs. 19 – Jerusalem is split into three parts.

o Some suggest that the “great city” refers to Babylon, but

Babylon is distinguished from the great city later in this

same verse.

o Also, John has already used this term (Rev. 11:8) to refer

to Jerusalem and there is no reason to believe he would

switch terminology now.

o The purpose of the earthquake is not to judge or punish

Jerusalem, but to prepare her to receive the king who will

rule there in the millennium (Ps. 110:2; Isa. 2:3; 24:23;

Mic. 4:7).

“the cities of the nations fell” – this includes Babylon, which God

remembered to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath.

As the capital city of the Antichrist’s empire, John briefly refers to

her downfall here, but describes it at length in chapters 17-18.

Vv. 20-21 – the continuing affects of the seventh bowl result in:

o All islands vanish – these are just underwater mountains

that have been flattened by the huge earthquake.

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o All mountains are flattened – Isa. 40:4…this is a

continuation of what was begun in the sixth seal (Rev.

6:12-14).

The gentle rolling topography of the earth’s original condition will

be restored. The physical environment will largely return to its

antediluvian condition. This may leave Jerusalem as the highest

point on earth from which the Great King will reign (Jer. 3:17).

Those who escape the earthquake will be hit with 45.5 kg

hailstones. The Greek word translated here is not a specific

number but literally refers to the most weight a normal man could

carry (like denarius is not a specific amount but refers to one day’s

wage). To date, the largest hailstone ever recorded has been just

less than 1 kg in size.

Judgement on Babylon – Rev. 17:1-18:24

If one maintained the chronological flow of the book of Revelation one

would move directly from Rev. 16:21 to 19:1. John stops for a moment

and records the details of the description before moving ahead to the battle

of Armageddon and the return of Christ.

Chapters 17-18 give the details of the fall of Babylon. For the purpose of

this study we will give only a brief outline of this description.

Babylon typifies the world system which is inherently anti-God and is

initiated and rule by Satan.

Chapter 17 emphasises the religious aspects of the kingdom which is

overthrown by the beast (Rev. 17:16-18, who is ultimately judged by God.

Chapter 18 depicts the commercial Babylon which is destroyed by God

The Second Coming of Christ – Rev. 19:1-21

Vv. 1-10 – The particular target of God’s wrath was Antichrist’s

worldwide religious, political, and economic empire, symbolized by its

capital city of Babylon. Babylon’s destruction was described in detail in

chapters 17 and 18. That destruction, which caused dismay and mourning

on earth (Rev. 18:9–11, 15–19), now brings joy to heaven.

With the devastation of its capital city, Antichrist’s empire was dealt a

fatal blow. The final destruction of the world’s forces will take place

shortly at Armageddon (Rev. 19:11–21).

~ 54 ~


The heavenly rejoicing is not over the damnation of those who reject God

(cf. Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11), but because Jesus Christ will soon remove

those obstinate sinners from the world. God will then be properly honored,

the Lord Jesus Christ enthroned, and the earth restored to its lost glory.

Heaven rejoices because history is finally going to reach its culmination as

the true King establishes His kingdom on earth.

Vv. 11-21 – The coming of Christ

In 4:1, heaven opens to let the church in; but here, heaven opens to

let Christ and His armies ride forth in victory. At His trial, Christ

said that the Father could send legions of angels to deliver Him;

and here the Lord rides forth with the armies of glory: the OT

saints, the church, and the angels (Matt. 25:31; 1 Thess. 3:13). In

6:1, the Antichrist had ridden on a white horse, imitating Christ,

but here the ―Faithful and True‖ (v. 11) rides forth to judge and

make war (Ps. 45).

This description of Christ is thrilling! He is no longer on a humble

donkey, but on a fiery white charger. His eyes are not filled with

tears as when He beheld Jerusalem; nor is He wearing a mocking

crown of thorns. Instead of being stripped by His enemies, He

wears a garment dipped in blood, signifying judgment and victory.

When on earth, He was abandoned by His followers; but here the

armies of heaven follow Him in conquest. His mouth does not

speak ―words of grace‖ (Luke 4:22), but rather the Word of victory

and justice. See Isa. 11:4. He comes to rule with a rod of iron (Ps.

2). He comes not to bear the wrath of God on the cross, but to

tread the winepress of God’s wrath at the Battle of Armageddon.

He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Vv. 17-21 – The battle of Armageddon - Christ destroys the armies with

the Word, the sword that comes from His mouth (Heb. 4:12). Men would

not bow to His Word and receive the Gospel; now they must be slain by

that same Word. The followers of the Beast are ―marked men‖; the mark

of the Beast on their bodies seals them for certain judgment. Christ not

only destroys the armies of the Beast, but He also captures the Beast and

False Prophet and casts them alive into hell.

The Millennium and Final Judgement – Rev. 20:1-15

This is the ―thousand years‖ chapter (mentioned six times here), which

describes the Millennium. The word ―millennium‖ means ―thousand

years‖ in Latin. Some sincere Bible students deny that there will be a

literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. They prefer to ―spiritualize‖

the OT kingdom prophecies and apply them to the church today. But I

~ 55 ~


believe that there will be a literal thousand-year kingdom on earth for

several reasons: (1) To fulfill the OT promises to Israel, Luke 1:30–33; (2)

To give a public display of Christ’s glory to the nations of earth; (3) To

answer the saints’ prayer of ―Thy kingdom come‖; (4) To fulfill the

promises to the church that saints will reign with Christ; (5) To bring about

the complete redemption of nature as promised in Rom. 8:19–22; (6) To

give mankind one final trial under the sovereign rule of Christ.

1. BEFORE THE MILLENNIUM vv. 1-5

The Battle of Armageddon is now over, and the Beast and False Prophet

have been cast into hell. Christ now lays hold of that old serpent, Satan,

and casts him into the bottomless pit. Some of Satan’s followers are

already chained (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), but now the ―old serpent‖ himself is

imprisoned. The Beast came out of the bottomless pit (Rev. 17:8) and was

cast into hell; but Satan’s final judgment is not yet come.

After Satan is cast down, there is a resurrection of the Tribulation saints

who gave their lives in faithful service to Christ. From the description in

Dan. 12:1–3, it seems that the OT saints are also raised at this point. Not

being members of the body of Christ, the church, they are not necessarily

raised with the saints at the rapture. At this point, then, all saved people

have been raised to reign with Christ. This is known as the first

resurrection. It extends from the rapture of the church (1 Thess. 4:13ff) to

the resurrection of the saints described in Rev. 20:4. All who are raised in

the first resurrection are saved people; they will not experience the second

death, which is hell. See John 5:24–29.

The OT saints believed in a resurrection of the dead, but they knew

nothing of the ―out-resurrection from among the dead‖ taught in the NT

(see Mark 9:9–10, where ―rising from the dead‖ means literally ―the out-

resurrection from among the dead‖). The Bible makes no mention of ―the

general resurrection.‖ The saved are all raised (at different times) in the

first resurrection; the lost are raised at the second resurrection. A period of

1,000 years will elapse between the first and second resurrections.

Thrones are prepared, and the purified nation of Israel, the church, and the

Tribulation saints reign with Christ. Matthew 25:31–46 makes it clear that

the living Gentiles will be judged before the Millennium begins. Believing

Gentiles (sheep) will have proved their faith by loving and helping the

believing Jews (―my brethren‖). The saved Gentiles will enter into the joy

of the kingdom that God promised for His people Israel.

2. DURING THE MILLENNIUM vs. 6

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The millennial kingdom will be the divine rule of heaven upon earth.

Christ will rule with a rod of iron, permitting no injustice or sin. Jerusalem

will be the center of the kingdom (Isa. 2:1–4), and the disciples will reign

with Christ (Matt. 19:28). Israel will be in its land, sharing the glory of

Christ, its rightful King. There will be peace on earth among men and

animals (Isa. 11:7–9 and 54:13–14). Each person will be suited to his or

her best job, and perfect efficiency and joy will fill the earth. Of course,

since these human beings on earth are still human (apart from the church

and resurrected saints, who have glorified bodies), children will be born

with sinful natures. At the close of the Millennium, many people will still

give only outward obedience to Christ but will not submit to Him from the

heart. One of the main purposes of the Millennium is to prove conclusively

that mankind cannot be changed, even under a perfect rule in a perfect

environment. For, at the end of the thousand years, Satan will be able to

muster a huge army to rebel against Christ! If people are not changed by

the grace of God, nothing else will change them.

The saints will reign with Christ as kings and priests, and will serve Him in

various capacities during the Millennium. Our faithfulness to Him today

will determine the extent of our glorious responsibilities during the

kingdom age (Matt. 25:14–30; Luke 19:11–27).

3. AFTER THE MILLENNIUM vv. 7-15

The final battle – vv. 7–10 – Satan is loosed at the end of the

thousand years, and he gathers a huge army to fight Christ. This

rebellion proves that a rule of perfect law cannot change the

human heart; sinners would rather follow Satan. This is not the

battle of Gog and Magog, for that battle takes place about the end

of the first half of the Tribulation (Ezek. 38–39). This army will

attack the millennial Jerusalem, but fire from heaven will devour

them. Satan will be captured and consigned eternally to the lake of

fire. Note that the Beast and False Prophet are still suffering in hell

a thousand years after being taken! There is no way to get out of

hell once you are there. As we have mentioned before it is a place

of eternal torment.

The final judgment – vv. 11–15

John now sees a throne of judgment. It is great, because all of the

sinners of history will stand before it. It is white because it

represents the unchanging holiness of God; He is not a respecter of

persons. Heaven and earth flee away; there is no place for the lost

sinner to hide! The Judge on the throne is Jesus Christ (John 5:22–

23).

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There is a resurrection. Death gives up the bodies of lost sinners;

Hades gives up the soul. This brief moment when the body and

soul of the lost sinner are joined before Christ’s judgment throne is

the only relief from punishment these sinners will know before

being cast into hell! All lost sinners will be there: small and great,

rich and poor; there will be no escape (Heb. 9:27).

What books are involved in this final judgment? The Bible will be

there, according to John 12:48. The very Word that sinners hear

and reject today will judge them on the last day. There is the Book

of Life, containing the names of the saints. If a person’s name is

not found in the Book of Life, he or she is cast into hell (vs. 15).

Also present is the book containing the deeds people have done.

God is a Righteous Judge; He keeps a record of their deeds and

will punish each one justly.

There will be no opportunity for sinners to argue their case. When

the books are opened and the facts revealed, they will stand

speechless before Christ (Rom. 3:19). God will not weigh the good

against the bad; He will pronounce every lost sinner condemned.

All those who share in the second resurrection must face the

second death—eternal hell.

Satan and sin have been judged; human rebellion has been put

down; now God can usher in the new heavens and earth—eternal

bliss for the people of God.

The Eternal State – Rev. 21:1-22:21

The theme of these two chapters is stated in vs. 21:5: “Behold, I make all

things new!” While it would be interesting and edifying to go into the

many details of these chapters, we will have to confine ourselves to the

main lessons. Note the “new things” that will be a part of the believer’s

eternal home.

1. THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH vv. 21:1-2

The Greek. word for ―new‖ means ―new in character‖ rather than ―new

in time,‖ and this suggests that God will renovate the old heaven and

earth and remove all that is sinful and destructive. Note 2 Peter 3:7–10,

where we are told that a fiery judgment brings about this renewal of

the old creation. ―Passed away‖ does not mean ―destroyed.‖ The fact

that there is ―no more sea‖ is significant, since John was exiled on an

island and separated from those he loved. Two-thirds of the globe

today is water; so that in the new creation, God will have devised a

whole new system for watering the earth.

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2. THE NEW PEOPLE OF GOD vv. 21:3-8

What wonderful changes there will be when we enter eternity! God

will dwell personally with His people in a glorious and intimate way.

There will be no more tears, death, or sorrow. All of these came into

the world through sin (Gen. 3), but now the curse is removed (Rev.

22:3). God’s ―It is done!‖ parallels Christ’s ―It is finished!‖ (John

19:30). The same Lord who started creation will also finish it; He is

Alpha and Omega. But vs. 8 solemnly declares some people will not

enter this new creation. They are the fearful, or the cowards who

would not confess Christ; those who would not believe in Christ; those

who ―went along with the crowd‖ and practiced sin. Note that God

puts ―cowards‖ at the head of the list! When people are afraid to take a

stand for Christ, they are liable to commit any kind of sin as a result.

3. THE NEW JERUSALEM vv. 21:9-27

Verse 2 suggests that this heavenly city will hover over the earth

during the Millennium, and then descend when the new creation is

ushered in. The city is identified with God’s people; she is looked

upon as a bride. The New Jerusalem is that city. Note that the city

unites God’s people of the OT and the NT, Israel and the church. The

tribes of Israel are named on the gates, and the twelve apostles are

named on the foundation stones. (On the apostles, see Eph. 2:20 and

Matt. 19:28.) The dimensions and descriptions of the city stagger our

imagination. ―Foursquare‖ means ―equal on all sides‖; which may

mean the city is a perfect cube, a ―holy of holies‖ radiant with the

presence of God. Or, it could be a pyramid. In either case, the city

measures about 1,500 miles each way, or two-thirds the size of the

United States! The beautiful colors of the gems (vv. 18–20) suggest

the ―manifold (many-colored) grace of God‖ in 1 Peter 4:10.

Several things are missing from the city: a temple, natural light, and

night. Since God dwells personally with His people, no temple is

necessary. His glory replaces the glory of the sun, moon, and stars.

Night in the Bible symbolizes death, sin, sorrow; these things are

banished from the city forever. The gates will never be shut, so God’s

people will have access to the city from every part of His renewed

universe! This new earth will have nations (vs. 24, see also Rev. 22:2).

All the glory of these nations will be brought to God, where it belongs.

4. THE NEW PARADISE vv. 22:1-5

In this new creation, God reverses all the tragedies that sin brought to

the original creation. The old heaven and earth were plunged into

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judgment; this new heaven and earth glisten with perfection. Eden had

an earthly river (Gen. 2:10–14); but here we have a wonderful

heavenly river. The tree of life in Eden was guarded after man sinned

(Gen. 3:24); but here the heavenly tree of life is available to God’s

people. The curse was pronounced in Gen. 3:14–17; but now there is

no more curse. Adam and Eve were forced to leave the original

paradise and labor for their daily bread; but here men serve God and

see His face in perfect fellowship. When the first man and woman

sinned, they became slaves and lost their kingship; but vs. 5 indicates

that this kingship will be regained, and we shall reign with Christ

forever!

The present creation is not God’s final product. It is groaning and

travailing under the bondage of sin (Rom. 8:18–23). But one day, God

will usher in His new creation, and we will enjoy perfect liberty and

fullness of life forever.

5. THE FINAL MESSAGE vv. 22:6-21

Three times at the close of this book Christ says, ―I am coming

quickly!‖ (vv. 7, 12, 20). The word ―quickly‖ suggests ―swiftly.‖ It

means that when these great events start to occur, there will be no

delay.

The final verses of this book present a plea, a prayer, and a promise. In

vv. 7 and 12, the Lord has said, ―I come quickly!‖ In vs. 17, the Spirit

and the bride say ―Come!‖ to the Lord Jesus. The Spirit prays through

the church for the return of the Savior. The lost soul is invited to

―Come, drink of the water of life!‖ The last prayer of the Bible is that

of the Holy Spirit through John saying, ―Even so come, Lord Jesus!‖

Verses 18–19 are a warning against tampering with God’s Word.

Satan loves for men to add to the Word or take from the Word, but to

do so is to invite judgment. Note Deut. 4:2 and Prov. 30:5–6. In John’s

day, books were copied by hand, and the copyist might have been

tempted to edit or emend the material. Even today, people add their

theories and traditions to God’s Word or strike from it whatever does

not fit into their scheme of theology. John’s warning applied

specifically to the Book of Revelation, but certainly it includes all of

the Word of God.

Thus ends the last book of the Bible, the book of the last things. We

can end these study notes in no better way than to echo the prayer of

the Spirit, ―Even so come, Lord Jesus!‖

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