Scriptures showing the act of believing in Jesus is associated with salvation and those who believe are forgiven and saved.

• John 3 v.18: «He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.»
• John 3 v.36: «He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.»
• John 10 v.9: «I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.»
• Acts 2 v.21: «And it shall come to pass, that whosoever who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.»
• Acts 10 v.43: «Of him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.
• Acts 16 v.31: «They said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.» (Don’t be confused with this verse as it is saying that each one in the jailer’s household had to believe in order to be saved. You cannot save someone else, only yourself)
• Rom 5 v.10: «For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.»
• Rom 10 v.9-10: «That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.»
• Eph 1 v.13-14: «In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation, having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.»

• John 3 v.14-16 «And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.»
• John 5 v.24: «Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.»
• John 6 v.40: «For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who behold the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.»
• John 6 v.44: «No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.»
• John 6 v.46-47: «Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.»
• 1 John 5 v.10-13: «He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and the life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.»

Now that we see to be saved all we have to do is to «believe in Jesus Christ» and to accept Him. But what does this mean, all I need to know is that He was God’s Son and believe that you ask? No, the demons knew Jesus was the Son of God, but they won’t be in Heaven. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their savior, their life will change dramatically. Just as the scripture in Ephesians tells us, the old man dies and the new man is born.

About the Bible

Bible, Where Did We Get It – Inerrancy of the Bible

The Bible was given to mankind by God. In the KJV bible, there is no word «bible» in the entire book but Instead is simply called «The Word of God». (Bible – Testimony of Jesus – Rev 19 v.10) It is the inerrant quality of the Word of God and is an inference from the nature of God. Jesus taught that His Father is «the only true God» (John 17 v.3) and that His Word is truth (John 17 v.17). Equivalently, the apostles taught that God cannot lie (Heb. 6 v.18) and that «no lie is of the truth». (1 John 2 v.21)

«All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:» (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

For those who say that the bible was written by man, that part was true. But it was written by men who were inspired by God Himself to write down scripture exactly as it was given them. Those who question the inerrancy of the bible are guilty of blaspheming. History of the Bible

Timothy’s 3 v.16 is directly from God and appears clearly written in the bible as part of His word. To continue to say men wrote what they wanted is directly contradicting the Word of God. «All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God» This verse is not written so that mankind can not clearly understand its meaning.

Inspiration does not extend to just the thoughts or oral pronouncements of prophets but to their very «words.» Moses «wrote all the words of the Lord», (Exodus. 24 v.4) and David confessed, «His word was in my tongue». (2 Sam. 23 v.2) Jeremiah was told to «diminish not a word». (Jer. 26 v.2) Repeatedly, the prophets prefaced their declarations with the authoritative phrase, «Thus saith the Lord»; (as in Judges 6 v.8; 2 Sam. 7 v.5; Isa. 7 v.7; Hag. 1 v.5; Zech. 1 v.3). Jesus defined Old Testament revelation by what «is written» (Matt. 4 v.4, 7). Paul testified that he spoke words taught by the Spirit (1 Cor. 2 v.13).

2 Tim. 3 v.16 refers to the supernatural guidance of the writers of Scripture by the Spirit of God, so that what they wrote was the divine Word of God, transcribed accurately, reliably, and without error in the original manuscripts («autographs»). The word inspiration itself pictures God breathing out His Word to men. Illustration: Not everything written by an apostle or a prophet was necessarily inspired.

Paul wrote at least three epistles to the Corinthians, but apparently only two were an inspired record. (1 Cor. 5 v.9) Samuel, Nathan, and Gad each wrote accounts of David’s life; only one of these prophets produced an inspired record. 1 Chronicles 29 v.29) Application: Since the Scriptures are given to help Christians grow in maturity, they should rely upon them for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (Right living) (First reference, Gen. 1 v.3; Primary Reference, 2 Tim. 3 v.16, 17; 2 Pet. 1 v.21)

Jesus also affirmed that the whole Old Testament was inspired of God. Everything recorded by Moses and the prophets is from God (Mat. 5 v.17-18) and therefore must be fulfilled (Luke 24 v.44, Rom. 15 v.4). This claim of inspiration, of course, is only for the writings originally given by God, that is, the autographs, not copies subjected to minor scribal errors. The necessary conclusion is that the Scriptures are without error. Whatever God utters is true and without error. With respect to prophecy, the Lord promises to bring to pass the events He predicts (Gen. 41 v.32; Isa. 46 v.11).

Second Timothy 3 v.16 declares, «All scripture is given by inspiration of God,» which contextually refers to the «holy scriptures» of the Jewish faith in which young Timothy was taught (v.15). The New Testament often refers to the authoritative writings of the Jews as «the scriptures.» Jesus said, for example, «The scripture cannot be broken», (John 10 v.35) and concerning prophecy, Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of the whole of Old Testament Law and prophesy on many occasions. (Mat. 5 v.17; Luke 24 v.27, 44)

Furthermore, Jesus promised the inspiration of New Testament doctrine, prophecy, and ethics as well. He promised His disciples that He would send them the Holy Spirit who would teach them and help them remember the things they had seen and heard when Jesus was among them. (John 14 v.26)

Later, the apostles wrote that the Son of God was the final revelation of the Father. (Heb. 1 v.3) They testified that their own writings were equal in authority to those of the Old Testament (Luke 1 v.1-4; Pet. 3 v.16; Rev. 1 v.3; 19 v.10) and were indeed the «word of God» (Acts 4 v.31; 17 v.13; 1 Thess. 2 v.13).

The connection between inerrancy, prophecy, and personal assurance is explained in Hebrews 6 v.18: «That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.» Our hope is based on the inerrant fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus Christ fulfilled Old Testament prophecy to the letter, and His return will fulfill both Old and New Testament predictions.

Sometimes individuals seek to understand prophetic texts, they are unsure whether they should read the biblical passages in a literal or a more symbolic way. The Olivet Discourse began with a «test case» by which we can determine how we ought to read the rest of His sermon. In the verses regarding the destruction of the temple the disciples expected Him to agree about how grand the temple was but instead He told them «Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.» (Mat 24 v.2)

Not only did he prophesize the temple would be torn down, but not one stone would be left standing upon another. History records that Jesus’ words were fulfilled to the letter in 70 AD. The Roman army under the command of Titus destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Fires raged through the city and in the temple area itself. After the flames burned themselves out, the soldiers saw that large amounts of gold had melted and flowed in to crevices of the blocks of the temple. In order to recover the precious metal, the Romans had to take the buildings apart stone by stone, thus fulfilling the prophecy literally.

Keep Informed by the following six steps:

• Know your Bible – Jesus said «the truth shall make you free. – Study the prophecy.

• Test the Spirits – Does teaching agree with scripture. Never trust any teacher who does not believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, His sinless life, sacrificial death, bodily resurrection, and His promise to come again physically to this earth. Does the teaching glorify Jesus as our special object of worship, love & service?

• Seek God’s guidance in Life & Teaching – If you are willing to be led by God, He will guide you to truth.

• Avoid Immorality – Nothing clouds the mind like lust and sin. They impair the reasoning of the mind on matters eternal.

• Share your Faith Aggressively with Others – This world has never been more religiously confused. You should witness and share the Word of God with others about your faith.

• Walk in the Spirit – (Eph 5 v.17-21) All Christians in every age should walk in the Spirit, for Paul says that is «the will of the Lord». As the Spirit fills and uses your life, He will make you sensitive to both truth and error.

Not Worthy to be Compared – The truths of the Scripture do not change. Since God is its author, the message of the Bible can never show any «variation or shadow of turning» (James 1, v.17) So David said, «Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens» (Psalms 119, v.89) For that reason the saints of the Tribulation will cling to one verse out of Romans with every bit of strength in them. It could well become the most important verse to them in all the arsenal of God’s word. As much as this verse comforts us now, we can imagine that it will bring untold comfort then. «For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom 8, v.18)

The keys to the kingdom were first put into Peter’s hands because he was called by God to open the door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 10 v.28) But these spiritual keys were not reserved exclusively for him. They are delegated to all of God’s people, and that is why you need to know what they are and how to use them. Quite simply, keys are used to open doors that are locked. This is true in the natural world and it is true also in the spiritual world. God has given us supernatural keys to open doors of spiritual revelation.

Note that Jesus refers to «keys», meaning more than one and that they are specific keys, «to the kingdom of heaven.» Related references reveal that these spiritual keys were given to us for three major purposes:

The keys to the kingdom of heaven give us command over the enemy, Satan. We have the authority to bind and loose spiritual powers in both heaven and earth.

• And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Mat. 16 v.19)

These keys authorize us to exercise discipline and order in the kingdom of God, we have the power to admit people to the kingdom.

• And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Mat. 28 v.18-20)

We have the power to expel those who walk contrary to the Word:

• It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Cor. 5 v.1, 4-5)

We have the power to restore those who have truly repented:

• Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (2 Cor. 2 v.6-7)

The keys to the kingdom give us the ability to open or shut the door to the knowledge of the kingdom of God:

• Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. (Luke 11 v.52)

This means that you already have in your hands the keys to knowledge in God’s kingdom! All you must do is learn to use them.

2 Peter 3 v.8 «But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.»

30% of Scripture is prophecy.

Revelation, Chapter 22

Revelation chapter 22 contains God’s Last Message to Humankind – Rev. 22 verses 6 to 9 takes us back to the early part of this book, when the faithful and true witness told us that He would send His angel to convey His message concerning the things that must come to pass.

Here at the close of the Bible we are reintroduced to the tree of life, which has not been mentioned in the Bible since Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Paradise is restored in the eternal state. All that was lost in the fall is redeemed by the lamb. The leaves of this tree will be used to heal the relationships of the nations toward each other so that we might live equitably and fairly in eternity.

The picture of eternal life in these verses indicates that we will be busy serving God for all eternity. We will both serve Him (v.3) and reign with Him (v.5). Since He is an infinite God, we can be sure He will have infinite things for us to do as we reign there forever. The phrase, «they shall see his face,» means that, as believers, we will be granted an audience with the King on a regular basis.

Chapter 22

22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

«Pure River of Water of life.» Water of Life In one final glimpse into the future, John sees this river flowing from the throne of God. It is the source of eternal life that emanates from God. Even in heaven, we will drink water and eat food, probably not out of necessity for our health, but because of the pleasure and fellowship it will give us. This is symbolic of eternal life.

Jesus told the woman at the well if she drank of the water He gave her, she would never thirst again, John 4:14. This is the «water» He was talking about here. This «water» possessed life giving powers. The Source is the Father and the Lamb. This «water» springs up into ever lasting life. In our day of pollutions, it is hard to visualize water this clear. When the soldier pierced Jesus’ side, water and blood gushed forth, John 19:34. This is the water of life.

Just like everything else in the New Jerusalem, the river was clear as crystal so that it could reflect the glory of God as it cascades down from the throne of God and of the Lamb in a dazzling, sparkling never ending flow of everlasting life from God’s throne to His people.

22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

Here at the close of the Bible we are reintroduced to the tree of life, which has not been mentioned in the Bible since Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Paradise is restored in the eternal state. All that was lost in the fall is redeemed by the lamb. The leaves of this tree will be used to heal the relationships of the nations toward each other so that we might live equitably and fairly in eternity. Tree of Life

The tree bears twelve kinds of fruit that yields its fruit every month suggesting the infinite variety that will fill heaven.

Monthly, since time exists no more, emphasizes the expression of the joyous provision of eternity using familiar terms of time.

Nations: meaning the people that are in heaven. Sickness will no longer be, so the healing doesn’t imply illness. The leaves therefore will be to promote general health or another way of stating that would be: life in heaven will be fully energized, rich and exciting continuously.

The scripture also doesn’t tell us if we will eat the leaves or the fruit. Angels ate food on earth with Abraham and Sarah as did Jesus after the resurrection with his disciples. Perhaps the saints in heaven will eat for enjoyment and not out of necessity.

22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

The effects of the post-Edenic curse (Gen. 3:14-19) will be totally gone forever. There will be no more curse. No More Curse God’s saints will serve him (Rev. 7: v.15) and reign with Him forever  (Dan 7: verses 18 and 27).

The picture of eternal life in these verses indicates that we will be busy serving God for all eternity. We will both serve Him (v. 3) and reign with Him (v.5). Since He is an infinite God, we can be sure He will have infinite things for us to do as we reign there forever. The phrase, «they shall see his face,» means that, as believers, we will be granted an audience with the King on a regular basis.

Here we see «throne of God» and on his right hand is «the Lamb» These «servants» that shall serve him are us. We Christians have been bought and paid for with the blood of the Lamb. We will be with the Lamb and the Father, but we will not be their equal. We will be their servants.

22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads.

The greatest blessing of eternity is that they shall see his face (Matt. 5: v.8; Heb. 12: v.14). Though this is now impossible for an unglorified human being (Exodus 33: v.20), it will occur in the eternal state. The name of God in their foreheads shows ownership and consecration (Rev. 3: v.12; 13: v.16; Exodus 28: verses 36 to 38).

Throughout the Bible, we have been taught that you could not look upon the face of God and live. Even Moses, who was so close to God, wanted to see God, and God told him no. He put His hand over Moses and passed by him, and Moses saw his back side, Exodus 33:22. There we will be in his presence all the time and can look in his face anytime we want to. We are sealed with the Lamb’s seal. They Shall See His Face

The saints in New Jerusalem will see God’s face. Being perfectly holy and righteous, they’ll be able to endure the blazing, glorious light from God’s presence without being consumed. That was impossible for mortal men.

22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Since in the New Jerusalem God is always present, His glory makes all other sources of light unnecessary (Rev. 21:23; Isaiah 60:19, 20; Zech. 14:7). There Shall Be No Night

We have talked so much about our Lord Jesus being the Light. He is the source of all Light. When the Light is on full power, you certainly do not need a candle. The sun has no more purpose any more either. This presence of this Light is all they need. This Kingdom has no end. It is for all of eternity.

As a final word describing the saint’s heavenly experience, they are told it once again that it will never end. They shall reign forever and forever.

22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Verses 6-21 form a conclusion or summary to the book. They emphasize two themes: (1) the authenticity of the book as a revelation from God; and (2) the imminence of the return of Christ.

These sayings refer to the entire Book of Revelation. They are authenticated as genuine by the angel whom God sent to give them through John to His servants, that is, the members of the churches (Rev. 1: verses 3 and 11).

Here is just a reassurance that all of this is not to be taken lightly. This is the absolute truth. The prophets such as Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah (to name just a few), have all spoken of this special time in history. We even read this in the 24th chapter of Matthew and in the 21st and 22nd chapter of Luke. It is the same information, regardless of who pens it, because the author is God.

The angel’s words reinforce an important truth: Everything John saw in Revelation will come to pass. John’s words are not mystical and the Apocalypse is not a record of his bizarre dreams or the result of an over active imagination. Further it is not an allegory (a form of translation) from which readers can find hidden meanings of their own concoction. It is an accurate description of events and persons that are yet to come.

Verses 6 to 9 takes us back to the early part of this book, when the faithful and true witness told us that He would send His angel to convey His message concerning the things that must come to pass.

22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

This is Jesus speaking when He says, «Behold, I am coming soon».

Three times we find this expression in the last verses of this book. Some have been confused about the literal meaning of the expression because it was uttered almost 2000 years ago. It is more accurately translated, «Behold, I come suddenly.» This saying does not refer to an appointed time soon to come but means that His coming will take place suddenly and without warning. Significant details are given in association with each of these three promises of our Lord.

1. Verse 7 contains the promise, «Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.» This may be a reference to the Rapture of the Church. «Happy are those» who are sufficiently aware of the prophecy of this book to be ready when that Day arrives.
2. «Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done». (Rev. 22 v.12) Added to Christ’s promise of his second coming, this verse proclaims a reward by way of judgment, a standard part of the state of believers after the Resurrection.
3. On the basis of this reward we will reign with Christ forever.

There is a scripture that speaks of tiring of waiting and going back in sin, Hebrews 12: verses 3 and 4. We must not do this. We must watch and wait for we know not at what hour He cometh. Matt. 24: v.36. «Blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book». Rev. 1 v.3: This is referring to the Book of Revelation.

But how in the world can you keep the sayings, if you don’t know what these sayings are? Most people avoid Revelation like the plague, but if we must keep the sayings, then we must read and understand what they are.

Believers are called to guard or protect the book of Revelation. To defend against detractors who deny its relevance, against those critics who deny its veracity and authority as well as against confused interpreters who obscure its meaning. They are called to not only guard Scripture, but also to obey it.

You might ask, what does it mean to obey the book of Revelation? Think of it as a general command to long for Christ’s return and our eternal fellowship with Him. It calls believers to desire heaven, to desire holiness, to desire to see Christ vindicated and for Him to triumph over His enemies, to desire the end of the curse and to desire the glories of Christ’s earthly kingdom and the new heaven and the new earth.

To see God’s face, to see an end of the Babylonian Harlot and the corrupt commercial and political system, to look forward to a life of peace and happiness.

Thus the purpose of Revelation is not to provide entertainment and to merely satisfy the curiosity of believers about the future but to reveal the glory of God’s Son and call believers to live godly, obedient lives in light of His soon return.

22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard [them]. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

Several times in Revelation, we see John overwhelmed by the presence and the power this angel shows him. He, being overcome by the magnitude of it all, starts to worship this angel. Some people have false doctrine centered on angel worship. We must not worship angels. They are created beings. We must worship the Creator. We are warned over and over not to worship angels. John is told several times here in Revelation not to worship this angel.

22:9 Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

The angel quickly reminds the apostle that he too, was a created being by his declaration. Not only his, but also of John’s brethren the prophets, and of all believers that are defined here as «Them which keep the sayings of this book.»

Then the angel commands John to worship God as God alone is the only acceptable Person to worship. The bible forbids the worship of anyone else including angels, saints, the Virgin Mary or any other created being.

22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

The command not to seal this prophetic message is quite different than what the lord told Daniel, «But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end» (Dan 12:4). The reason for the difference in the instructions is simply stated, «the time is at hand.» Until the death and resurrection of Christ, the time for this prophecy had not come. Since Jesus already opened the seven seals prophetically (Rev. 5 and 6) to reveal the future, it is only appropriate that the entire book remain open for us to read as well.

In contrast with Daniel, who was told to «seal» up his book of prophecy (since the end was still in the distant future, but here John is told to leave his book open (Seal not). The Messiah had come, His second coming is imminent, and thus now the time is at hand.

The reason for the difference in the instructions is that one lived after the time of Christ’s crucifixion, the other before. In John’s day it was possible to see the unfolding of the events prophesied; in Daniel’s day they were a long way off.

22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Verse 11 is not a command, but rather a statement of fact and a warning. Character tends to become fixed and unchangeable, determined by a lifetime of habitual action. The arrival of the end will prevent any change of destiny.

Those who hear the truth but continue to do wrong will by that hardened response fix their eternal destiny in hell. Conversely, those who continue to practice righteousness and keep him himself holy give evidence of genuine saving faith.

When Christ returns, the deliberate choice of each person will have fixed his eternal fate.

We cannot cover up from God. God sees into the heart. If you are a sinner, He already knows it. You do not have to tell Him. If you belong to Jesus, He knows that, too. Whatever you are down deep, Jesus already knows.

22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Again Christ declares the imminence of His return. This is in red in the Bible, so this is Jesus speaking directly here. All Christians should be watching the eastern sky for In a moment when you think not, the eastern sky will open, the trumpet will blow, and Jesus shall shout. At that time, we will be called to heaven to be with Him forever.

Our rewards will be for the things (treasures) we have stored in heaven. Rewards Rewards are always based on works done by believers based on their faithfulness in serving Christ in this life. Their works will be tested and only those with eternal value «will be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.» (1 Cor. 3 v.13)

The rewards believers will enjoy in heaven will be capacities for serving God. The greater their faithfulness is in this life, the greater will be their opportunity to serve in heaven, not to mention the crowns believers will receive.

Having knowledge that Jesus could return at any moment shouldn’t lead Christians to a life of idle waiting for His coming. Instead it should produce diligent, obedient, worshipful service to God, and urgent proclamation of the gospel to unbelievers.

Try looking at it this way. By telling everyone you meet now about the good news of Jesus but they don’t listen to you, then suddenly the Rapture happens, those people will then remember every word you said to them. That is why I personally believe that right after the Rapture, more people will begin immediately seek the truth about Jesus and that will begin the largest soul harvest the world has every known.

22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

The three designations of verse 13 are virtually equivalent in meaning.

1. Alpha and Omega
2. The beginning and the end
3. The first and the last

By applying them to Himself, Christ claims unlimited, eternal equality with God (Rev. 1: v.8 and 17; 2: v.8; 21: v.6).

These three designations express Christ’s infinity, eternity and boundless life transcending all limitation. These descriptions describe the completeness, timelessness and sovereign authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

22:14 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

These closing verses of the Bible make it perfectly clear that salvation is a matter of the will – whoever wishes may come. This clearly implies that whoever wills not to come is lost. This teaching abounds throughout the Scriptures. In contrast to those who reject Christ, we encounter the state of the blessed described here in verse 14. Those who have washed their robes in the righteousness of Christ have a right to the Tree of Life and thus are entitled to live forever. Tree of Life

He describes their state as «blessed,» meaning «happy». Every individual wants happiness. The way to eternal happiness is to receive Christ as Lord and Savior, which entitles you to entrance into the Holy City, access to the Tree of Life, and the marvelous blessings of a loving God. If there is any question in your mind as to whether or not you have received the living Christ, I urge you, on the basis of His challenge, to change your will and receive Him as your Lord and Savior today.

They that do his commandments are believers John 14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments. See (Rev. 12: v.17; Rev. 14: v.12; Matthew 7: verses 13 to 21; 1 John 3: verses 6 to 10).

The tree of life indicates immortality and divine blessing (Rev. 2: v.7 and 22: v.2). To be able to enter in through the gates into the city is to have heavenly citizenship in the eternal dwelling place of God and redeemed mankind.

All unbelievers are without (outside) the city, i.e. in the lake of fire. See Rev. 21: v.8 for a list of the type of sins that exclude people from heaven that was given to John. Also read Rev. 21 verse 27.

In James 1:22 we read, «But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.»

You see, we are to be about the Father’s business. If we truly are sold out to God and have made Jesus the Lord of our lives, the desire of our hearts will be to do His Commandments. The Jews were the natural branches of the tree. We Christians (when we are born again), are grafted into the Tree of Life, who is Jesus Christ our Lord.

22:15 For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

The dogs are impure and malicious people or someone with a low character. The first time blatantly impure sinners were called dogs is in Deut. 23: verse 18. This is where male homosexual prostitutes were in view.

Sorcerers are those who practice occult or witchcraft. Greek Pharmakos is the root of the English word pharmacy which often accompanies those practices.

Whoremongers are those who practice all kinds of sexual immorality. Greek pornos is the root of the English word pornography.

Murderers: means pre-meditated murder. This has nothing to do with accidental killing or killing in war. They are included in the list given in Rev. 21 v.8: «But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.»

Idolaters are just those who put anything ahead of God which includes mammon (money) or the love of everything which takes one’s attention off serving God. Someone once said: Show me someone’s calendar and checkbook and I’ll tell you where their heart lies. Think about that. Idolaters are also those who worship false gods or worship the true God in an unacceptable matter.

Maketh a Lie: Everyone sometimes during their life has lied as It’s human nature. Some tell little white lies, even some Christians. But all lies are acts of deceiving and can be very harmful to others. Simply withholding some of the truth when asked a question is in itself lying.

Consider carefully how you answer and instead of a white lie or withholding a part of the truth, find another way. I would rather be told the truth no manner how bad it is rather than find later I had be deceived. Those who «loveth and maketh a lie» has to do with hurting someone else. Any time we hurt someone else, it is sin.

It is not all who have ever committed any of these sins listed above that will be excluded from heaven. But it is those who love and habitually practice these sins and stubbornly cling to them and refuse Christ’s invitation to salvation who will be the ones cast into the lake of fire.

22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

«I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify.» This is the first time that the words «I Jesus» appear in the bible. It establishes that this final invitation in Scripture is not a human invitation, but a divine call issued personally to sinners by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

This verse is Jesus’ seal of approval on the whole book of Revelation. It marks the first use of the word «church» since chapter three. Why is there no reference of the Church during the time of tribulation on earth described in chapters 6 through 18? Because the church, having been raptured to heaven, will not be on earth.

How can Jesus be «the root and the offspring of David» both? In the Flesh this is impossible. David, in the flesh, was the ancestor of Jesus. In the Spirit, Jesus was David’s ancestor. Jesus was David’s God.

We read in II Peter 1:19 «We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:»

You see, it is not unusual in a symbolic way to speak of Jesus as a star. Here is our Bright Star. Until we receive this Star into our life, we are full of darkness.

22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

The Lord’s Last Invitation to Humankind -The Lord Jesus Christ, ever concerned for the souls of the lost, closes His great revelation with a challenge for individual people to call on His name. He indicates that there are two who invite us to come to Him: the «Spirit» and the «bride». In addition, He will even use «him who hears.»

God the Holy Spirit will use the printed page as well as those who are just repeating what they have heard but may not even believe what they are saying. He also uses the «bride», which indicated that the primary ministry of the Church of Christ during the entire Church Age is to tell others about the Savior. All Christians everywhere should be engaged in saying to their fellow human beings: «Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.» Jesus Christ, of course, is the water of life. How Do I Become a Christian

The Holy Spirit, since the beginning, has been saying «Come». Unless the Holy Spirit of God woos you, you can forget being saved. It is God’s wish that all should be saved. I really believe what this is saying, in this particular instance, is that the Spirit and the believers are saying, «Come quickly Lord Jesus». Salvation is open to whosoever will.

Everyone has a hungering and thirsting for God. Some do not know what they are hungering for. It is so simple just to give in and let Jesus bring you salvation, peace, joy, and life that lasts forever. When we take of this Water of Jesus, it brings Eternal Life. The water, Spirit, and blood testify for us and assure us of a heavenly home, John 5:8.

22:18-19 «For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:» «And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.»

The speaker who testifies to the authority and finality of the words of the prophecy of this book is the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Severe Warning to the Detractors From This Prophecy – I (Jesus) warns everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

This is one of the most awesome challenges in the Word of God against tampering with Holy Writ. Far too many today glibly ridicule, detract from, and cast disparaging remarks on Holy Scripture. This is their day of opportunity, but their judgment will come upon them swiftly in God’s good time. It is a fearful thing to disbelieve God, and it is unbelief that causes someone to detract from His Holy Word.

Although this is not a reference to Bible believing commentators of the Word who mistakenly translate some passage and inadvertently minimize it. The Lord’s warning here is addressed to those who engage in deliberate falsification or misinterpretation of Scripture, those who Paul denounces as peddlers of the Word of God, (2 Cor. 2 v.17.

Still it does serve as a soul stirring challenge to those who have taken in hand to write and preach on this marvelous book.

22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

As previously stated, the translation is «surely I come suddenly», when lest expected. The cry of every Christian should be «come quickly Lord Jesus», as I said before. My cry, as I go through the land telling people of my Savior and Lord, is «JESUS IS COMING».

John speaks for all true believers when he writes, «Come Lord Jesus», since Christians are those «who have loved His appearing» (2 Tim. 4 verse 8). Scoffers may mockingly ask, «Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation» (2 Peter 3 verse 4). But things will not continue forever as they are. Jesus will return, just as Revelation predicts. If the certainty of Christ’s return to judge sinners does not motivate people to repent, then nothing will.

«Amen» means so be it.

22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.

This scripture is an expression of God’s grace toward fallen humanity.

The Lord of glory, as He promised in Scripture, offers heaven exclusively to those who accept His gracious invitation. Without the «grace of our Lord Jesus» none of us would be saved.

Revelation, Chapter 20

Revelation chapter 20 is one of the most controversial chapters in the Bible, not because it contains anything essentially complex, but because it touches on a subject of preconceived bias.

Now is the time when Satan will be taken, bound and put into the bottomless pit (abyss) where his influence will not have any effect on the Tribulation Saints who have lived through the seven years of Tribulation. Can you imagine a life where Satan isn’t around to temp anyone? Do you think that the 1000 year millennium will be a time of paradise? That nothing bad will happen?

No one will enter into the 1000 year millennium unless they are a believer. Most will live for the entire one thousand years and will procreate and have children. Yes even the curse on the animals is lifted and the wolf will lie down with the lamb and will live in peace with each other.

But human nature is what it is. The children of those Saints will still have to be taught about Jesus, even though He will be with them constantly. Many will not accept Him. Remember, the heart is very wicked and unfortunately, that is the nature of man. Many of those children will be rebels and with a tremendous population explosion during those one thousand years, there will be probably billions of people at the end much like it is now. However the unbelievers at that point will be as «the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea», verse 8.

Chapter 20

20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

This «angel» is not Jesus Himself but is a ministering spirit that Jesus has given authority to. This angel comes from heaven (near the throne). We can assume from this that Jesus has turned the key to the bottomless pit over to this specific angel and has given him power and authority for this job. This «great chain» in this angel’s hand, shows the power God has given him over the devil for this task, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended.

The key shows authority, and the chain depicts imprisonment and binding. Before the millennial kingdom begins, Satan is bound in the Abyss.

When he bound the devil for the 1000 years, the angel put him in the abyss, not in the burning hell. This burning hell was reserved for his final punishment.

Here we see the devil spoken of as the dragon which we read about in a previous lesson. We also see him recognized as the serpent. You see, he was the one who deceived Eve in the garden. The devil will not be here on the earth to harass the Christians until the millennial 1000 year reign of Jesus is over.

20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

The seal indicates god’s authority and guarantee that Satan will not be released until a thousand years have passed. During the Millennium (Latin for «one thousand years») Satan will not be able to tempt or deceive the nations. Any temptation to sin during the Millennium must come from within those people who are born after the kingdom begins. It must be assumed that all of Satan’s demons or fallen angels are also imprisoned at this time (Isaiah 24: verses 21-23). Christ will reign on earth without opposition, and His kingdom will be characterized by righteousness, peace, and love (Isaiah 2: verses 3 and 4; 11: verses 3-5, 2; Dan 7: verse14; Zech. 14: verse 9). However, after the thousand years Satan will be released for a short while (v.7-9).

At the end of the 1000 years, Satan will once again be released to deceive the nations. He will find many unsaved descendants of those who lived through the millennium. There will be a very large number as we are told in verse eight as they will be like the sand of the seashore or a vast uncountable multitude.

Satan’s deceptive way of getting those sinners to revolt against God is not revealed, but it will fit into God’s plan when He destroys those rebels. These rebels will come from the four corners of the earth is and this is also known as Gog and Magog. The first mention of Gog and Magog was in Ezek. Chapters 38 and 39 (which I suggest reading), and is mentioned here in verse eight.

20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Many of the writers do not believe that this thousand years is a literal time. I personally do. They believe that this is spiritual, and that Jesus bound the devil when He defeated him on the cross. If that were so, who is this terrible thing that has been nipping at my heels all the time that I have been working for God. The devil is real. Just as he brought trials and tribulation (with permission from God) on Job, Christians are allowed to go through tribulation here on this earth to make them strong. Believe me; the devil is not locked up now.

In the scripture above, we find that the martyrs and those who refuse to take the mark of the beast will reign with Christ right here on this earth. Christians, from all generations, will live here on this earth during the millennium and will rule and reign with the Lord Jesus. We will rule with Christ during those years but we will not be equal as we will reign as His subordinates. Won’t it be wonderful to reign with the martyrs like Stephen?

The thrones represent the administration of the messianic kingdom. Those whom John sees come to life are the Tribulation martyrs, who refused to worship the beast.

Christ will rule through three classes of kingdom administrators:

1. Old Testament saints (Isaiah 26:19; Dan. 12:2), who will be resurrected at this time;

2. The apostles and the church (Matt. 19: verses 28 and 29); and

3. Tribulation saints (Luke 19: verses 12 to 27). Only believers will enter the Millennium at its beginning (John 3: verses 3 – 5).

God’s promises to Abraham (Gen. 12: v.2-3) and David (2 Sam 7: v.16) will be fulfilled (Luke 1: v.31-33; Rom. 11: v.15 and 29). After the Millennium, Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father and will then be appointed Ruler forever (1 Cor. 15:24-28).

20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.

The first part of verse 5 is a parenthesis, and comes chronologically after verse 11.

A parenthesis is defined: A qualifying or amplifying word, phrase, or sentence inserted within written matter in such a way as to be independent of the surrounding grammatical structure.

The first resurrection is the resurrection included in verse 4. It has three principal phases:

1. The resurrection of Christ (the firstfruits-1 Cor. 15: v.23; Rev. 1: v.5);

2. The resurrection of the church (the dead in Christ – 1 Cor. 15: v.23; 1 Thess. 4: v.16); and

3. The resurrection of Old Testament and Tribulation saints (v.4; Isaiah 26: v.19; Dan. 12: v.2). The rest of the dead (unbelievers) will be raised in the second resurrection, described in verses 12 and 13.

The first resurrection is a resurrection to life  (John 5:28, 29), whereas the second resurrection is a resurrection to death.  The second death is eternal punishment in the lake of fire (see verses 14)

20:6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

We Christians are the blessed. You can easily see that the wicked dead have no part in this resurrection. We believers in Christ (the redeemed) are not subject to death because we have life (which Jesus breathed into us), when we were born again. We will never die. This second death mentioned here is for the lost. Not only will the Christians reign on this earth with Jesus for 1000 years, but we will live for all eternity in heaven with Jesus, because we have eaten of the Tree of Life which is Jesus Christ our Lord.

What is the Millennium – Christ’s 1000 year reign upon David’s throne is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, Israel and to David, but its more than that. It is the final proof of the incorrigible nature of man’s sinful heart. Christ is present in Jerusalem, ruling the world, and the saints of all ages in resurrected bodies administer the kingdom righteously under His direction. All evil is prohibited and punished immediately. Even Satan is locked away so that he cannot in any way influence mankind.

20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

Satan and his demons will be imprisoned in the abyss for 1000 years while Christ rules with unopposed sovereignty. They are not permitted to interfere in the affairs of the kingdom in any way.

All those who initially went into the kingdom were without doubt redeemed sinners who had turned to Christ in faith. The bad news is that they still will possess a sinful human nature. That sin nature is passed on to their children, grandchildren, etc.

Thus each generation born in the millennium will have need for salvation. Many will come to salvation but amazingly despite the most moral society the world will ever know, a great number will love their sin and reject Him.

When Satan is loosed, he provides the leadership needed to bring the latent sin and rebellion to the surface of those unrepentant sinners. This act of rebellion will start immediately when he is released. 

20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

Gog and Magog: The use of these names here and in Ezekiel 38 – 39 has confused some readers. A thorough reading of the two passages will reveal that the events are not the same. The one thing these events have in common is that both national entities (Gog and Magog) are driven by the spirit of rebellion against God. In these two cases, God uses the same names because of the deceptively satanic spirit that motivates them both.

They will muster their forces from one corner of the globe to the other and will march on Jerusalem, where they will «surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city.» But there will be no battle. No call to arms. No defensive strategy or late night negotiations or propaganda campaign or deploying of gigantic nuclear weapons.

The four quarters of the earth refers to the entire globe. Gog is used as a title for an enemy of God’s people, not a particular person. Magog seems to be the term used here to describe area where the sinful rebels of all the nations come from that gather together for the last war in human history.

The number of these rebels will be like the sand of the seashore which is a figure of speech used in the bible to define a vast and uncountable multitude.

Consider how when Joseph sent for his father and family that a total of 70 people came to Egypt. A little over 400 years later there were millions who God lead out of Egypt. There will be a lot more people left than 70 that will go into the millennium and there will be 250% more time for procreation. There will probably be many billions of people at that time so Satan could have a huge gathering that will join together for that final battle. «the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.»

20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

These enemies of God here come against Jesus and the saints. In fact, they surround the saints. The «beloved city» here mentioned is Jerusalem. When the devil thinks he has won, fire comes down from heaven (from God) and devours them.

Again like in the battle of Armageddon before the millennium started, this battle too will in all reality be an execution. As the rebel forces moved in to attack, they are swiftly and totally exterminated. They will be physically killed and their souls will go into the realm of punishment awaiting final sentencing to the eternal hell that will shortly take place.

20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

The beast and false prophet have been waiting for Satan in the lake of fire and brimstone for the last one thousand years. Now their deceiver joins them.

There will not be a moment’s peace for them all the rest of eternity.

20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

This is judgment day. Now John describes the terrifying scene set before him. He sees the Judge who is seated on His throne of Judgment and all of the accused standing before Him. The verdicts handed down from this throne will be equitable, righteous and just.

We also remember Ecclesiastes 12 verse 14, which promises, «God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil» as well as Romans 2 verses 5 and 6, where Paul speaks of the day of God’s wrath «when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God will give to each person according to what he has done».  It is a fearful thing even to imagine standing before God «from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away», and have nothing but your own wicked works to show for the time on earth the Almighty had given you. On that day the words of Paul the apostle will come true: «Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God». (Rom 3 verse 19) The final word, of course, will be God’s.

This vision follows those of the Second Coming and those of the Millennium, immediately preceding that of the new heaven and new earth.

The use for the earth is over. The earth, heaven, and everything in them are under control of God, and if He tells them go they will have to. This is an amazing, incredible statement that is describing the un-creation of the universe. The earth was reshaped by the tribulation judgments, restored during the millennial kingdom, now God will create a new heaven and a new earth as it states in 2 peter 3, verse 13. «Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness»

20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

The «dead» are those who are spiritually dead because of their rejection of Christ. They will stand in their resurrected state before Jesus to be judged by Him.

The books contain the record of every unsaved person’s life. Each unsaved person is judged in accordance with his works (Rom. 2: verses 6 and 16), which clearly show that each one is a guilty sinner (Rom. 3: verses 9 to19) deserving of eternal death (Roman 3: v.23; 6: v.23).

These statements immediately call our attention back to the words of the Lord Jesus: «What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs» (Luke 12 v.3). And «There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open» (Luke 8 v.17)

Remember that the Christian dead have already won their victory. Those are judged by Jesus at the Bema Seat.  Now is this final fearful scene, where these include all unbelievers who have ever lived. This is the resurrection of judgment and they stand before Christ now at the White Throne Judgment.

The scope of the scene is chilling. The great mass of these unbelievers before God’s throne includes everyone from presidents and kings, to paupers. There is no partiality with God as all will now face judgment.

«books» is plural here. There are books which contain a person’s every thought, word and deed.  Nothing will be hidden. Think about the fact that God knows the secrets of one’s heart.

God has kept perfect, comprehensive and accurate records of every person’s life (deeds), and those will be measured against God’s perfect and holy standard.

Those who didn’t accept Jesus will have to stand or fall on their deeds. Of course, they will all fall if they didn’t accept Him, because scripture clearly tells us that «all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.»

The Book of Life is the Lamb’s Book of Life where the names of all believers are written who have accepted, believed and followed Christ. The Christian’s sins have been done away by the blood of Jesus. Those Christians all have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life and will not taste of the second death.

20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Those who are lost wait in torment in a place of punishment until judgment day. The terrible thing is that they are aware that they will be thrown into the lake of fire on judgment day. These are all of the unbelievers though all ages who have died. They will be raised up by Christ for judgment called the second resurrection.

Before the sea was uncreated and disappeared out of existence, it gave up the dead that were in it. The sea may be mentioned as it is seemingly the most difficult place from which dead bodies could be resurrected. But God will summon new bodies for all who perished in the sea throughout history.

Death symbolizes all of the places on land from which God will resurrect new bodies for the unrighteous, unrepentant dead.

As the next scene in this courtroom drama unfolds, the lost will be summoned to appear before the judge. Since their deaths, their souls have been tormented in a place of punishment, now the time has finally come for them to be judged and sentenced.

20:14-15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.» And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The second death is eternal punishment in the lake of fire, experienced only by the unsaved. Once this final judgment occurs, there is no further need for either death or hell (Hades) (1: v.18; 6: v.8, Isaiah 25: v.8; 1 Cor. 15: verses 26 and 55). An eternal separation is now made between those who have life and those who have «death» (Dan. 12: v.2; John 5: v.29).

It does not mean these places are thrown into the lake. It means the inhabitants of these places.

This final hell is described as the lake of fire. It may already exist but presently is not occupied until the beast and the false prophet is cast into it. They don’t arrive there until the end of tribulation.

Those who die in their sins in this world will die a second death in eternity. They will be sentenced to the lake of fire forever at the great White Throne Judgment.

Whether this fire is symbolic, the reality it represents will be even more horrifying and painful. The bible also defines hell as a place of total darkness, which not only separates the unbelievers from the light, but from each other as well.

What is written in these last two verses should drive each of us to continue to spread the gospel as long as there is breath in your body. I cannot bear to think of anyone I know going to this terrible place of torment.

And that’s it. In a ball of celestial flame, the rebellion is over. There will be no repeat of the plagues of the Tribulation, nor of the judgments of the Great Tribulation. Once and for all, human rebellion will have been wiped out of existence. And once and for all, it will be crystal clear to a watching universe that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is absolutely essential for making the unrighteous human heart into a receptacle of God’s holiness. The Millennium will prove that even the best of conditions, a thousand years of peace, prosperity, safety, long life, health, abundance, cannot change the wickedness of the unredeemed human heart. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can do that!

Awesome is the Word – It probably is not humanly possible to meditate on these awesome truths for extended periods of time. Who can long ponder the lake of fire, an eternal place of torment, possibly billions of unredeemed souls, a divine Person «from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away,» or fear some books of judgment that seal the fate of the unsaved?

And yet our Lord tells us of these awesome events. Why? To give us every opportunity to escape the terrible judgment that is to come. Remember, no believer in Christ will stand before God at the great white throne. That terrible spot is reserved only for those who have rejected Christ as Savior, who have decided to crown themselves king, and who have refused to accept Jesus Christ as their true Lord.

Do not make that terrible mistake! Instead, place your faith in the Lord Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins; then you will be ready «to stand before the Son of Man» at the judgment seat of Christ. (Luke 21 v.36) One thing is certain: You will stand in one place or the other. Hell or heaven. Make sure its the latter. And don’t think that you can choose not to believe there is such a thing as heaven or hell. Makes no difference. Everyone will be judged and assigned to one place or the other. As on earth, it is the same there, ignorance is no excuse of the law!

Sometimes, when I am with a group of people who I feel are lost, I cry for hours. I am not a crier, but I remember this Scripture. It is so easy to get your name written in the Lamb’s book of life. In chapter 10 of Romans verses 9 and 10 tell you how.

• 10:9 «That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.»

• 10:10: «For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.»

You see, Jesus must be our Lord as well as our Savior. If you truly believe, you will repent and be baptized. If your name is not written in the book of life, do not delay, do it today.

Click on the link below «The Meaning of Worship» and see what it’s like to worship the risen Savior. Also be sure to click the link regarding «Can you Lose Your Salvation» once you have it.

Revelation, Chapter 19

Revelation chapter 19 and 20 bring the climax of the Book of Revelation: the return of Christ to establish His Earthly Kingdom. This is Christ’s Earthly Kingdom.

But first, the first five verses show heaven’s response to the judgment of the harlot.

The multitude in heaven praises God for judging the great whore (Babylon, the harlot) and avenging the blood of the martyrs (7:9-17). The word Alleluia is the Greek equivalent of Hallelujah, and means «Praise Yahweh» or «Praise the Lord» (Psalms 106; 111-113; 117;135; 146-150). The eternal smoke symbolizes the permanence of Babylon’s destruction (Isaiah 34:8-10). Amen derives from a Hebrew word meaning «to be firm,» and may be translated «truly» or «so be it.»

This chapter is one of the most dramatic in all the Bible. In it, the Church, the Bride of Christ, is the guest of honor at the marriage of the Lamb in heaven (v.1-10) and returns with Christ in His triumphal Second Coming (v.11-21). It is the only chapter in the New Testament where this word «Alleluia» is found, and it appears four times. The people mentioned here are distinct from the other beings in heaven, for they are singing a song that includes mention of salvation. This scene incorporates believers-the Old Testament saints, the Church age saints, and the Tribulation saints. Together they join this great chorus proclaiming. «Alleluia!»

The scene now shifts from the earth where it has been since chapter 6, to heaven.

 Chapter 19

19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

In the last chapter, we saw the terrible destruction of commercial and political Babylon symbolized by its capital city of Babylon.  Now the scene totally changes to heaven. We hear the voices of the redeemed. This «great voice» here is because of the number of people speaking. It is not the magnitude of each voice. These words of praise here are focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. The redeemed are the ones who are praising. There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to say enough about what Jesus has purchased for us all.

The marriage of the Lamb and the marriage supper of the Lamb «in heaven» (19:6-9) are evidence of the Church being in heaven prior to the return of Christ to earth. Christ is the Bridegroom at the marriage and his Church is the Bride. The word «church» (GR. ekklesia) appears nineteen times in Revelation 1-3, and does not appear again until Revelation 22:16, emphasizing the absence of the Church from the earth during the judgments of Rev. 4-18.

Verse one is most likely the voices of angels. The redeemed saints are not told to praise our God until verse 5. Heaven rejoices because salvation has now come for God’s people and with it the power and glory which belongs to God.

19:2 For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

It appears that those who were redeemed were looking on from heaven and approving of the destruction of Babel, because the Messiah was bringing justice and righteousness to the world.

There is a reassuring tone here telling the Lord that He was justified in His judgment. They have long waited for the time when God’s justice would triumph. Now that time had come.

19:3 And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

This is saying that this judgment is permanent and is similar to the language that God used in Gen. 19 verse 28. This is just a statement telling us it will never be built again.

This destruction of the last, most powerful empire in history marks the end of man’s day. The rebellion that had begun in the Garden of Eden is finally ended. Never again will there be more false religions, worldly philosophy, injustice or unrighteousness.

Then entire sorry results of human depravity will finally be vanquished.

19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

These twenty-four elders, I believe, as I said before, are two groups of twelve, twelve disciples and twelve Old Testament prophets. These are actually representative of the church.

The four beasts are the cherubim as described in Rev. 4 verse 6.

Together, these two groups add their voices to the angels previously described.

19:5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

The speaker isn’t identified but is probably an angel and refers to God as our God. His instructions are to praise God.

The redeemed in heaven are called God’s «Bond Servants» and this is the group being addressed here to add to the other 3 mentioned groups.

The small and the great mean everyone which includes all human categories and distinctions. All redeemed are told to praise God.

19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

So vast is this group that they are without number. These are the faithful. When this great multitude begin to praise God, the volume would be so great as to sound like «mighty thunderings».

This name used here, pertaining to our Lord, is a very strange one.  This is the only place in the Bible where the word «omnipotent» occurs. Omnipotent means almighty: having unlimited power. When you couple that with «Lord», which means supreme in authority, and «God», which means supreme deity; you have an overwhelming understanding of Who this is.

Then we look at «reigneth».  This has no time element attached.  It means continually reigns.

At this point the evil world system has been completely destroyed and God’s kingdom has come into its fullness.

19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

The heavenly praise continues, this time for a call for gladness, rejoicing and giving God glory for a fifth reason, the marriage of the Lamb has come.

The marriage of the Lamb: The wife or bride of Christ is the church (Matt. 22:2-14; John 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph 5:25-32). And the marriage is the eternal union of the church with Christ following the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:17). The fine linen, clean and white, represents the righteousness of the church, which has now been judged and purified at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:12-15: 2 Cor. 5:10).

In ancient times, a marriage was the single greatest celebration and social event in the biblical world. Preparations and celebrations were much more elaborate than those of today. And they also lasted much longer.

They were in three distinct stages which first involved the betrothal or engagement. This was an arrangement by both sets of parents, was legally binding and could only be broken by divorce. Then there was a time of preparation as the groom prepared for his bride.

Second was the presentation which was a time of festivities just before the actual ceremony. Those festivities could last up to a week and sometimes even more depending on the economic or social status of the bride and groom.

Lastly was the wedding ceremony during which time the vows were exchanged.

The same imagery of a wedding picture’s the Lord’s relationship with His Church.

19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

The fine linen the bride is clothed in represents the righteous acts of the saints.

Just as I said, these robes have been made white by the blood of the Lamb. This «righteousness» was not ours until we received the Lord Jesus into our lives and took on His righteousness. Our own righteousness had been as filthy rags, but Jesus replaced the filth with His righteousness. Just like, as many other places in the Bible, «her» does not mean just women, it is the bride. All believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are the bride of Christ, whether they are male or female.

I would like to say a few words about this «fine linen». In the tabernacle in the wilderness, the High priest wore a very ornamented robe with a breastplate of all sorts of jewels when he represented God to the people; but when he went into the Holy of Holies, he wore pure white linen. You see, all of the fineries of the world mean nothing to God. This tells us something about our approach to God. Salvation is simple. It is not complicated, just bare all to God. He knows all there is about us already. We do not have to pretend to be something we are not. He accepts us plain and simple.

19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Those who are invited to the marriage supper are Israel, who will turn to Christ in faith during the Tribulation (Jeremiah 31 verses 31-34; Zech. 12 verse 10; 13 verse 9; and Romans 11 verses 25-27).

The marriage supper of the Lamb represents the millennial kingdom of Christ, which will take place on earth following the return of Christ (20:4; Matt. 25:1-13; Luke 14:15-24). The Jewish marriage consisted of three major elements: (1) the betrothal; (2) the presentation; and (3) the marriage feast (supper) as was discussed just before.

Figuratively, with reference to the church,

1. The betrothal takes place on earth during the church age;
2. The presentation will take place in heaven following the Rapture (v.7); and
3. The marriage feast will take place on earth following Christ’s return with the church.

19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

John here was so awed by all of this that he fell at this angel’s feet from verse 5 to worship him. Then the angel quickly tells John not to worship him. Only God is to be worshiped (22: v.8, 9; Acts 10: v.25, 26).

The «testimony of Jesus» is what the whole Bible is about. Without Jesus, there would be no salvation.  The Old Testament points forward to Jesus, beginning in Genesis. The New Testament is the «last will and testament» of Jesus, and to receive our inheritance, we must read the will.

If you preach on prophecy, you are bringing the testimony of Jesus.  If you understand the testimony of Jesus, then you must preach and prophecy so that others may live.  This testimony here is not Jesus giving it, but we believers who testify of the Lord. Whoever this angel is, he too, had the testimony of Jesus.

19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

In these next six verses, (11-16) we are swept up into the triumphal entourage of redeemed saints in the heavenly procession with the King of Kings. Jesus Christ comes to make war on Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and the kings of the earth. He rides on a white horse and has on His head «many crowns.» When this war with Satan is over, He becomes the absolute ruler of the earth.

Notice several things about the description of our Lord’s return. First, it will be public, obvious, and not restricted to a small group. He says His coming will be like lightning that flashes from the east to the west. Everybody will see it, and there will be no hiding it. Second, He says it will occur «immediately after» the Great Tribulation. Third, His return will be accompanied by «mourning» on the part of «all the tribes of the earth» – the mourning of sadness on the part of the Jewish nation, that it so long rejected Christ as Messiah, as well as the mourning of despair on the part of the ungodly, who reject Him as King even as He appears in the sky.

Again as we saw in chapter four, a door opened in heaven. This opening of heaven is not to go in, but is the opening for Jesus and His followers to come out. The door to heaven has never been closed for the Christians to enter in. The «horse» symbolizes war, and the fact that it is «white», symbolizes victory. White, also, symbolizes holiness and righteousness. This tells us that this war is a holy war, and Jesus is victorious.

Just the fact that «Faithful and True» are capitalized, lets us know that this figure is God the Son who has been made Lord of Lords and King of kings, Jesus is the Judge. He is always faithful to His promises and what He speaks is always true.

This white horse is not that of 6:2. Here the True Messiah returns in victorious conquest. He is Faithful to His Word and promises. He will fulfill the twofold role of judge and warrior. His judgment of the earth will be totally righteous (Rev. 16 v.5-7; 19 v.2; Psalms 96: v.13).

We are assured that His judgments are right. He has been sitting at the Right Hand of the Father in heaven, but now He is about to set up His kingdom here on the earth.

The most detailed description of the Second Coming was given by our Lord Himself in Mat. 24: For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matt. 24 v.27)   Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matt. 24 v. 29-31)

19:12 His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

«eyes» show wisdom, and these, like «flames of fire» can see right into the soul of man.

This «fire» here speaks of purity and judgment. The crowns indicate total sovereignty and authority (contrast 12: v.3; 13: v.1). The secret name expresses the mystery and greatness of the person of Christ (2: v.17; 3: v.12; 19: v.13, and 16; Phil. 2: verses 9 -11).

There was a secret name on the stone underneath the breastplate of the high priest worn into the Holy of Holies. This was the unspeakable name of God. This name here is similar to that name. It is a name that no one knew except our Lord. In chapter 3 verse 12 of Revelation, we studied about this name the Lord will put on us.

19:13 And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

This is not representative of the blood Jesus shed on the cross, but is a picture of judgment, not redemption. This is the blood of his slaughtered enemies. This is not His first battle, but His last. He has fought for His people through out redemptive history and His «war clothes» bear those stains. The blood represents the judgment of Christ’s enemies (14: verses14-20; Isaiah 63: verses 1-6).

Over and over in these lessons, I have given the Scriptures where the word of God took on the form of flesh and dwelt among us. In the book of John, the first chapter, we read about the Word of God.

John 1:1 «In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.»

Jump down to John chapter 1 verse 14. «And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.» We also see here, that this Word (Jesus) was, is, and always will be God the Word.

19:14 And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

This is speaking of the Battle of Armageddon.

The armies may be (1) angels (Zech. 14: v.5; Matt. 26: v.53); (2) the raptured church; or (3) all the inhabitants of the heavenly Jerusalem: angels, the church, and spirits of Old Testament and Tribulation saints (Heb. 12: verses 22-24). They will share in Christ’s victory and glory (Roman 8: verses 18 and 19). The linen symbolizes righteousness (v.8)

Here we see the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ following, these are the called, chosen, redeemed, the bride. The whole army is on «white horses».  They have white horses, because they have overcome the devil. They are washed in the blood of the Lamb. They have on pure white linen for the righteousness of Christ. This army has been in heaven waiting for the wrath of God, on the ungodly, to be over.

19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

The sword from His mouth depicts judgment through His spoken Word (1: v.16; 2: verses 12 and 16; Isaiah 11: v.4; 2 Thess. 2: v.8). The Bible says that it is so sharp that it can divide the soul and spirit. Hebrews 4: v.12 «For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.»

Smite the nations: Christ will destroy all unbelievers (19: v.21; Matt. 25: verses 41 and 46; 2 Thess. 1: verses 8 and 9). Rod of iron: Christ will subject all nations to Himself, and destroy all His enemies (Psalms 2: verses 8 and 9; 1 Cor. 15: verses 24 and 25). Winepress: See 14: verses 17 to 20.

Words relating to wrath and anger are found 15 times in Revelation. We see how powerful this Word is. This «rod of iron» that He is to rule with just means that His law is absolute and unwavering. He never changes.

When we see this «treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath»,  This wrath of God is for three and a half years of Tribulation, then after those, another  three and a half years that is call the Great Tribulation, making a total of seven years of God’s Judgment and Wrath.

19:16 And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS: Christ has universal sovereignty. This expresses His sovereign triumph over all foes and His absolute rule in His soon to be established Kingdom. (17: v.14; Deut. 10: v.17; Dan. 2: v.47; 1 Tim. 6: v.15).

There are approximately ninety-seven names throughout the Bible that the personage that we know as Jesus is used. The name He was called at the time had to do with the circumstance at hand. Here He is coming to the earth to take over as Supreme Ruler, so He is called by the name «KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS».

19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

An angel speaking in a loud voice invites all of the birds to feed on the results of the carnage which will shortly take place. This angel is declaring Christ’s victory before the battle even begins. A similar passage is found in Luke 17 v.37 stating: wherever the corpse is, there the eagles (vultures) will gather.

This «supper» that this speaks of, is right after the battle of Armageddon.

19:18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great.

What this is saying is that for those lying out there dead in the valley of Megiddo, it will not matter whether you were a general or a private. The birds will not know the difference. With God, there has never been a distinction. He is not impressed with your position in life. The birds will eat them all.

This reveals the extent of the massive slaughter. To have one’s unburied body left as food for birds would be the ultimate indignity, especially for the mighty military commanders and the proud kings. The same fate awaits the God hating rebels everywhere in the world.

19:19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

This beast is the Antichrist, the leader of the last and greatest empire in human history. The kings of the earth are those ten kings who rule the ten sectors which the Antichrist’s worldwide empire is divided in to.

The Antichrist has gathered his armies to do battle with Jesus and His army. The formidable and seemingly invincible armed might of the beast, with all of its firepower, now awaits the arrival of the Rider on the white horse.

Ever since the beginning of time, the armies of God and the armies of the devil have been in mortal combat. The flesh and the Spirit have been in combat also. Isaac (Spirit) and Ishmael (flesh) are still in mortal physical combat through their descendents in Israel today. This Scripture above is speaking again of the battle of Armageddon.

19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

But before the battle can even begin, it’s over. Not only that, but those two demonically empowered leaders, Antichrist and False Prophet, are dealt a terrible blow. Those two are thrown alive into the lake of fire.

The false prophet and the beast were used of Satan to perform his evil deeds. As the two most evil, vile and blasphemous people who have ever lived, it is fitting that they should be the first two to arrive in that awful place. And they will be there by themselves for a thousand years until the devil joins them at the end of the millennium. Then at the second resurrection (the second death) they will be joined by all unbelievers for all eternity.

This is the first mention in the bible of the «lake of fire». This is the final hell and the ultimate destination of Satan, his angels (or demons) and the unredeemed.

Hell has always existed, but this is hell’s final form. Unlike Hades which was a temporary holding place, this is the final permanent place for incarceration and punishment.

We see here, the total victory over the beast and the false prophet. This shows here that the «KING OF KINGS» throws them into the «lake of fire». This «brimstone» is sulfur. This is final victory over the earthly manifestations of Satan’s power.

19:21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Then all of the rest who were with the Antichrist and the false prophet will then be destroyed and the rest of those gathered to fight against Christ.

Then suddenly it will be all over. Actually there will not be any war at all as we think of war. There will be just a word spoken from the Rider who sits on the white horse. That’s the same One who spoke the heavens and the earth into existence at the very beginning. The One who spoke to a fig tree and it withered away. Who spoke to the howling winds and heaving waves and the storm clouds vanished and the waves were stilled. Who spoke to a legion of demons in a man and instantly they fled.

Now by His Word, the Beast is stricken where he stands. The false prophet windbag from the pit is stilled. Then they’re hurled into the everlasting flames. Then another Word and all of the panic stricken armies stagger and fall down dead.

Then all the birds ate and were filled with the flesh of those who were killed.

The rest of the unredeemed throughout the world will be judged at the sheep and goat judgment which takes place at this time.

This is not just defeat, but is physical death for those who followed the beast and the false prophet. The Word of God defeated them. They actually die in the battle of Armageddon by the Words of Christ and not by an easy death as scripture tells us that the blood in that valley ran up to the horses bridles, about 4 to 5 feet deep for the entire length of the 184 mile valley.

Revelation 16

Revelation chapter 16 describe the final seven Vials of the wrath of God, representing the climax of God’s punishment of sinners during the Tribulation period. No repentance is invited or shown. The judgments are somewhat parallel both to the 10 plaques on Egypt and to the trumpets of chapters 8 and 9.

The bowls are more total and universal in their effects than were the trumpets, and generally affect people more directly.

Chapter 16

16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

The seven angels, each holding a bowl containing the judgments that are about to fall on the earth, seem reluctant to cast forth their bitter judgments. However, they are obedient to the voice of God when He speaks: These bowls constitute what the Lord Jesus referred to as the «great distress» (Mat. 24 v.21), or the last 42 months of the Tribulation period. Great Tribulation

Four of these seven judgments occurred literally in Egypt among the ten plagues and have never been accepted by credible Bible teachers as anything but literal. In addition, part of the 6th judgment; that of drying up the Euphrates River and producing frogs, was also literally fulfilled during the history of Israel. Frogs were generated as one of the plagues of Egypt, and both the Red Sea and Jordan River were rolled back so that God’s people could walk forth on dry ground.

Therefore, nothing new will be transpiring when God dries up the Euphrates River in order that the kings of the East may march over on dry ground.

If the plagues of Egypt were literal, and they certainly were, why should we not expect these awful judgments likewise to be literal?

16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and [upon] them which worshipped his image.

The First Bowl Judgment – Foul and Loathsome Sores – when men choose to worship Antichrist rather than Christ and demonstrate their allegiance by accepting the mark of the beast, God responds by sending on them a plague of «foul and loathsome» sores. John makes it clear that these awful sores afflict only those who worship the Antichrist and who have accepted the mark of the Beast; no Tribulation saint suffers from them.

Further confirmation that the three judgments; the seals, the trumpets, and the vials are sequential, not concurrent, (as some bible teachers suggest) is clarified in the time of this judgment.

Antichrist will not be set up as the object of worship until the middle of the Tribulation period. This judgment falls on the human race because of their worship of Antichrist, which can only occur after the middle of the Tribulation. (Revelation Chapter 13)

The recipients are the beast worshipers. The selection from among the peoples on the earth is clearly seen in this passage: Only those containing the mark of the beast and worshiping his image will be selected for those awful sores. Mark of the Beast

This indicates that God in His marvelous grace will not bring judgment on believers during this latter half of Tribulation, but will protect them as He did the Israelites during the plagues of Egypt.

This further confirms our assumption that in the previous judgments, when He slays 25 % and then another third of the world’s population that’s remaining, (making a total of 50%) He will exempt believers.

16:3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead [man]: and every living soul died in the sea.

The Second Bowl Judgment – Now the second angel pours out his bowl on the sea, and it turns into blood like that of a dead man, and every living thing in the sea dies.

We have already seen that God will cause a third part of the sea to turn to blood during the 2nd trumpet, but this second bowl includes the entire sea. Imagine when all living creatures in the seas die. Think of the unbearable stench and the potential for disease.

This judgment may well interfere with commercial shipping and send whole populations into confusion as people grope for an adequate supply of water, not to mention destroying what is left of the fish industry.

16:4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

The Third Bowl Judgment -The third bowl, a sequel to the second, carries with it an interesting explanation as to why God will permit it. God will destroy the only remaining sources of water, the rivers and fountains or springs of the deep, by letting them turn to blood.

Whether this means literal blood is inconsequential, for if Christ can turn water to wine, He certainly can turn water to blood. What is significant is that it will become corrupt blood, which will breed disease and pestilence. One of the basic needs of humankind is water. Unless God provides water from another source or engineers by some process can turn this corrupted water into pure water, the world will be in a state of riot and confusion, seeking this necessity of life.

All of this describes devastation beyond what we can comprehend. The judgment of God has fallen.  Sometimes, God uses wars to bring His will about. At any rate, this no doubt does away with a good part of humanity.

16:5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

Notice here, this is not the people saying that God is righteous. This is the angel saying God is righteous. At no time do the people repent. The angel here is saying that this judgment that God has brought is justified. This God mentioned here is the I Am.

16:6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

It seems that blood in their water supply is in punishment for the blood of the saints and prophets. Throughout the ages, the world and its evil system has been opposed to God and His people. They deserve this punishment.

16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.

As bad as these judgments are, they are deserved. As it was said before, everyone likes to think of God as love, but few remember, also, that He is the Judge of the world. Thank God His grace saved me. He is longsuffering, not willing that even one should perish. However, there is a day of reckoning when the God of the entire world will judge fairly. This seems to be that time.

16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

The Fourth Bowl Judgment – The Sun Scorches Men – Their mouths already parched from lack of water, those who are unrepentant suffer even more intense thirst when God causes the sun to «scorch» them with «great heat». But even this does not drive the rebels to their knees in repentance. Instead, they blaspheme the name of God «who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.»

How right the angel was who said to God, «True and righteous are Your judgments». (16 v.7) Like Pharaoh, their hearts have become hardened (Exodus 7:13, 22, 8:15, 19, 32, 9:7, 34, 35).

The environmentalists are telling us every day that we are destroying the Ozone layer above the earth.  Every time a person sprays their hair or uses an aerosol spray of any kind it does away with Ozone. The scientists tell us that this is so thin that it might just go away altogether. And if it did, people would die by the thousands from harmful rays from the sun that had not been filtered to make them safe.

You see, God put this earth together very intricately and man, in changing God’s ways, has messed up the atmosphere. An interesting thing to note in connection with this is, that it takes just a very thin coat of the shed blood of Jesus to protect us from the enemy. What a comparison.

16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

With this type of rays from the sun, they would be covered with sores. This terrible plague is vented at the beast and its followers. The worst thing they could possibly do was to curse God, and that is just what they did. They did not repent, their hearts had been hardened. They either were not aware of God’s power or just did not want to give Him the glory. Either way, they are in trouble.

This type of «heat» would burn up all crops, cause droughts, and probably even melt all of the polar ice region.

16:10-11 «And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,» «And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.»

The Fifth Bowl Judgment – Darkness:  What’s John talking about when he refers to the judgment falling upon the throne or seat of the beast and his kingdom? It’s probably best to think of the beast’s throne as a reference to his entire kingdom since his kingdom was full of darkness. Some see this to mean the city of Babylon, but his kingdom will be worldwide.

Notice also that tremendous darkness envelops the beast’s kingdom. This same phenomenon occurred in Egypt during the plagues; the whole land was consumed in darkness so oppressive that Moses said you could actually feel it. That’s the sort of thing that will come upon the kingdom of the Antichrist at this time. This divine judgment will give a physical illustration of their spiritual darkness.

You see, the beast may have control of evil men upon the earth, but he cannot control God or nature.

This «darkness» here was not just physical darkness, which is bad enough; but this «darkness» is of the spirit, as well, bringing depression, attempted suicide, and all sorts of evil attacks on the mind.

Two things indicate that this darkness will prevail for some time on the earth: the predictions of other prophets, and the effects on human beings. This judgment, a repetition of the 9th plague of Egypt, is to be understood literally:

«Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light.» (Amos 5 v.18)

«Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him» «but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness.» (Nahum 1 v.6,8)

«That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness». (Zephaniah 1 v.15)

Christ’s own prediction was: «But in those days, following that distress, «the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light» (Mark 13 v.24). The effects on people, described in Rev. 16 v.10 («Men gnawed their tongues in agony»), indicate that the relief from the heat will soon produce an exasperating, frustrating darkness. We may forecast that human ingenuity in producing electricity may solve this problem, but we must remember that the water supply produces electricity, and with the tampering of the water supply, as seen in the second and third judgments, people may be incapable of continuing to draw electrical power and illumination from the rivers and bodies of water.

These judgments are so clearly supernatural that everyone will know that they descend from the God of heaven. But instead of falling down before Him to become the recipients of His mercy, people only «cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.» They not only blaspheme God, but refuse to change their ways. Let it be understood that those who reject the Lord do so not because of philosophical doubts or unexplained answers to unanswered questions, but as a result of hardness of heart and love for sin.

16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

The Sixth Bowl Judgment – Euphrates Dried Up: The sixth bowl judgment comes in 2 parts. (1) the drying up of the Euphrates River, which will be a preparation for the «battle on the great day of God Almighty;» and (2) the tremendous demon forces that will bring the rebellious armies of the world to the Valley of Megiddo for the purpose of opposing the Lord.

The Euphrates River is the eastern border of the land God gave to Abraham (Gen. 15 v.18). It is about 1800 miles long and so large that it forms a natural barrier against the armies of the world. Most people are not particularly conscious of the fact that it served as the eastern border of the Roman Empire. The sixth bowl judgment will dry up that river to make way for the «kings of the East.»

It is likely that when the Euphrates River – the natural boundary between east and west is dried up,» the «kings from the east» will march a sizable army across to battle with the King of kings. That army will probably be 3 to 5 million strong. These forces will be joined in the valley of Megiddo by huge armies from all over the world, and while that valley is vast as Napoleon has said, «the most ideal, natural battlefield in the world», even it has a limit to how many people it can hold.

This river could have dried up because of the problems caused by some of the other vials. There will be such a drought that this waterway will dry up and these armies from the east will come into Israel on dry land.

These kings from the east have befuddled Bible prophecy scholars for many years, for few scholars mentioned anything about them. That is, until the communist takeover of China after WW2. Since then it has become apparent that this largest of all countries, by population, has a prophetic role in end time events. China

China is controlled by some of the most dedicated Communists in the world. They are not «reformers» or «progressive» as our media tried to represent them a few years ago. They are a ruthless group of elite gangsters who have never wavered in their plan to use China as a military platform from which to conquer the world. The events of the next 2 decades, if indeed we have that long, will prove that point. One thing we can be certain: China is not going to go away. John the Revelator saw them as players on the world scene in the end times.

Even so, the Bible has very little to say about China. In fact, what is said includes more than just China, for the terms «kings from the east» really means «kings for the rising sun,» which would include Japan and possibly other Asian countries.

Dr. John F. Walvoord was considered perhaps the world’s foremost interpreter of biblical prophecy. He was a member of the Dallas Theological Seminary faculty. He was born in 1910 and died on December 20, 2002. He was 92 years old.

He was considered the dean of prophecy scholars when he wrote: There has been some tendency to take the expression «the kings of the east» literally, «the kings of the sunrise» as referring specifically to Japan where the rising sun is a symbol of its political power. However, it is more natural to consider the term «rising sun» as a synonym for east. The Euphrates River, one of the first rivers mentioned in the Bible, has served for centuries as the natural dividing line between East and West.

The significance of the rise of China to become a principal player among the nations of the world was not lost on Dr. John Walvoord. ( China )He saw the prophetic significance of the Chinese rise to prominence back in 1967 when he wrote:

The fact that the rise of Asia has occurred in the 20th century with so many rapid and unexpected developments is further evidence that the world is moving toward its final climax and the end of the times of the Gentiles. In Asia, as in other parts of the world, the stage is being set for the final drama in which the kings of the east will have their important part.

If he were writing on that subject today, he might be inclined to say the curtain is about to rise. We are the first generation to witness the sleeping giant of China reach the potential of fulfilling this prophecy. No one doubts that unless something drastic and unforeseen occurs soon, China will gain control of most of the countries of the East, with whom she shares many religious and cultural similarities.

It is realistic to believe that she could be led in these very days by her master, the dragon, «that old serpent, the devil,» to so rebel against God that she would actually join the armies of the world in opposition to the coming of Jesus Christ. What is needed to bring her to that point? Very little! Merely the deceiving spirit forewarned by John the Revelator. She is almost there today and could gain control of the entire Orient in 10 or 20 years.

Remember, the events of Revelation Rev 16 v.12 do not take place until 7 years after the rise of Antichrist, which follows the Rapture of the church. More than enough time to be fulfilled and just one more reason to believe Christ may return for His church in our generation.

16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

The three unclean spirits are demons who support the activities of Satan, the beast and the false prophet. By means of miracles, they will convince the eastern «kings» and all the armies and kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather in Palestine to fight against the second coming of Christ (Rev. 19 v.19). This is Satan’s final attempt to prevent Christ’s return.

These unclean spirits will no doubt perform supernatural signs as part of their deception. Undoubtedly they will work lying wonders to deceive the eastern kings, seducing them to make the difficult journey to their doom at Armageddon.

16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

To gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. This is the battle of Armageddon. Armageddon

You see, it tells you here that these are «spirits of devils».  In other words, they are the followers of the devil. Demons are the fallen angels who followed Lucifer out of heaven. These «spirits of devils» have power to do miracles, just like the Egyptian magicians copied some of Moses’ miracles. Their power is limited, just as was the Egyptians.  When Moses threw his rod down and it became a snake, the Egyptians threw two rods down and they became snakes. The only difference was that Moses’ snake swallowed their snakes, Exodus 7:9 -12.

The Bible says that at the end, the devil will have power enough to call down fire from heaven.  His miracles will be so convincing that people will believe a lie. This is deception to the utmost. These evil spirits are so deceiving, that they convince these armies to come against Israel. They willingly come to the battle of Armageddon, believing they will win. This battle is actually the forces of evil coming against God Himself. This war has actually been going on for centuries, but here is the culmination of it all.

16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

We see here that this comes unexpectedly. The garment spoken of here is the robe of righteousness.  We must not despair of His coming and fall away into sin. We need to walk in righteousness after we receive our robe of righteousness, washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Verse 15 is an exhortation to the surviving believers to be watchful and alert (Matt 24:32-25:13), and to remain faithful and loyal to Christ during a time of intense persecution. To have garments, rather than be naked, relates to spiritual preparedness.

16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

Armageddon is the place where this great battle is to be fought is in Israel. Armageddon The blood will run to the horses bridle in this valley of Megiddo during this battle. This valley is called by the name Jezreal, also. There have already been twenty battles fought at this very spot, but never a battle of this magnitude. This battle will be the twenty-first (3 x 7).  Three means God.  Seven means spiritually complete. God Himself will settle the outcome of this once and for all. This truly will be the war to end all wars. Shortly after this battle, Jesus will set up His Kingdom. Kingdom

Verse 16 identifies the place of the final battle as Armageddon, from the Hebrew Har Megiddon (the Hill of Megiddo). The hill country of Megiddo and the adjacent valley of Esdraelon have been the site of many important battles (Judge 5:15; 2 Kings 9:27; 23:29).

16:17-19 «And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.» «And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great.» «And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.»

This «great voice out of the temple» was probably God. In Genesis, when God made the earth in six days, then He said «it is finished». When Jesus hung on the cross six hours, He said «it is finished». I believe that is just what this «It is done» means here. I believe this is at the close of the six-1000 year days of work for the earth, just before the 1000 year Sabbath of rest. God would be the one to decide, and I believe this is Him speaking here.

The Seventh Bowl Judgment – The Wrath of God: – Then came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed.

God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. ( Babylon the Great ) Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.

When the seventh angel pours out his bowl into the air a voice will be heard from the Temple of God before the throne, conveying a most welcome message: «It is done!» It is most welcome because it signifies the consummation of the Tribulation, the conclusion of the day of God’s wrath on the ungodly, the end of the time of Jacob’s trouble.

This final judgment of God will appear in the form of the world’s greatest earthquake, one that «has never occurred like it since man has been on earth.» As prophesied in Haggai chapter 2 verses 6-7 «For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;» «And I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.»

In chapter 11 verse 8 we see where the witnesses were killed described as «the great city». This is Jerusalem where it is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

The massive earth quake will split Jerusalem into 3 parts. When the Mount of Olives splits in two, it will create a chasm into which the believers can seek refuge until the awful carnage is completed. Its interesting to note that there is a fault line that runs under the Mount of Olives that moves in exactly the same direction that the Bible prophesies.

Zech. 14 verses 3 to 5 says:  «Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. And you will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah.»

Jerusalem is being prepared for the central role it plays during the millennial kingdom. This is where New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven and rest.

In addition, «cities of the nations collapsed,» meaning that all of the cities of the world will be destroyed.

16:20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

In addition, every island will vanish and the mountains will not be found. This will indicate a complete renovation of the earth, which may be a fulfillment of 2 Peter 3 v.10, which predicts that the entire earth will be destroyed, and «the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.» When it is done, the earth will basically flat with no seas, no islands and no mountains, preparing it for restoration to something like its pre-flood condition. New Heaven and a New Earth

16:21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

If this were not enough catastrophes, great hailstones, weighing about 100 pounds apiece will come down out of heaven. It is difficult for us to conceive of hailstones that large or the devastating effect they will have on the people they hit.

Dr. David L. Cooper draws attention to «what the Lord said in Job 38 v.22, 23. He has filled His armory full of hail and snow «against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war.»

Even now, these men do not repent.  Instead of repenting and asking for God’s help, they curse Him. You see, in all of these plagues, God wants them to repent and turn to Him.

Revelation 6

Revelation chapter 6 begins with the seals that represent the beginning of Christ’s judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation period. (Tribulation – Judgment ) There is a close similarity between these judgments and the event predicted by Christ in Matthew 24 verses 4 – 31.

The purpose of the Tribulation period is to punish unbelievers for their sin and rejection of Christ and to bring the remnant to faith in Christ.

Chapter 6

6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

The Lamb here is Jesus Christ, the only one worthy to open the seals. This noise as thunder indicates God revealing something to His people. Many times throughout the Bible, God’s voice has been mistaken for thunder. Here one of the four beasts, or four living beings, says «Come and see». Of course, all of the four gospels say «Come and see». We are invited to look into the heavenly stage and see things never told upon the earth until now. We will see in the opening of this first seal, the triumph of Christ and His church.

This part begins what is called «The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse». The four horsemen present the picture of man’s inhumanity to man. They seem to be a divine prediction of the affairs of humankind that will cause much human suffering. This is not new, for those in control of the affairs of this world have a history of causing their fellow human beings much suffering, with false hopes of peace followed by wars, famines, and death.

One of the worst horrors of the Tribulation is the many plagues that will strike the world’s people, particularly those who reject the Savior and refuse to have their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The judgments are started with the 7 seals.

The seals represent the beginning of Christ’s judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation period. There is a close similarity between these judgments and the events predicted by Christ in Matthew 24:4-31. The purpose of the Tribulation period is to punish unbelievers for their sin and rejection of Christ and to bring the remnant to faith in Christ.

6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

The First Seal: A White Horse (The first of the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse is white). The rider has a bow but no arrows, indicating that although he is militarily strong, in the beginning he does his conquering by diplomacy. Since he wears a crown, we know he is successful in his efforts. And who is the rider on the white horse? There can be no doubt that it is the Antichrist, who through deceit and clever maneuvering will bring a false peace to the world. ( Antichrist ) But that peace will not last.

6:3-4 «And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.» «And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.»

The Second Seal: John writes of the 2nd horseman, «It was granted to the one who sat on the red horse to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.»

John is encouraged to «Come and see».  We, too, may get a glimpse through the eyes and the pen of John. This red horse means war. This war could be twofold in nature. There is a constant attack of the devil and his demons on Christians, but I believe this goes much further than this. This red horse (in my opinion) indicates a large war.

This red horse also means the martyrs who died holding up the name of Jesus. Blood ran freely all throughout the Bible. Believers in some parts of the world are even being made martyrs now. War is on every side. In Israel and Lebanon these days there are many killed every day. Ireland has what they call a holy war going on. Even these are not the extent of what I believe this Scripture means. I really believe this red horse has to do with a global war of great magnitude. The Spirits of war.

We believe this seal represents a great conflagration we might call World War III. When Daniel’s «three kings» oppose the Antichrist, he will respond in deadly fashion, swiftly crushing his enemies and bringing death to earth on a massive scale never before known. Only since the advent of the atomic age has it been possible to bring this kind of unimaginable, swift destruction to bear on widely scattered portions of the globe.

His purpose is to cause «mankind to slaughter one another» The Greek word that is used, and also the verb, means «to butcher, slaughter or massacre someone». This contains a purpose clause which reveals that peace is taken from the earth for the very purpose that mankind should butcher each other. And in the remainder of the Revelation’s Seals, Trumpets and Golden Bowl Judgments, mankind does this to himself with ruthless skill.

We read in Zechariah about these four horses, and we can easily see what it is because the Bible tells us. Zechariah 6:1 «And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass.»

«Brass» means judgment. The number «four» means that this is a universal message. Zechariah 6:2: «In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;» Zechariah 6:3 «And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled and bay horses.»

This is a vision of the same horses that we are reading about in Revelation. To understand the entire message, you need to read chapter 1 and chapter 6 of Zechariah. Zechariah 6:4 «Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?»

When Zechariah asked the angel what this meant, this is the answer he got. Zechariah 6:5 «And the angel answered and said unto me, these [are] the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.»

We see again the spirit of war in this red horse. 

6:5-6 «And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.» «And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine».

The Third Seal: A Black Horse – Rampant inflation – a common aftermath of war – Famine is suggested by John’s words, «A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.»

Since in biblical days a denarius was a common wage for a day’s work, and a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley are basically subsistence diets, John is indicating that a man will have to work all day just to get enough food to eat, with nothing left over for his family or the elderly.

In the parable of the vineyard, Matthew 20:2, a day’s work was a penny. This «penny», in the verse above, means a full day’s pay. I believe this means that a loaf of bread will be so inflated in price, because of scarcity of food, that it will take a whole day’s wages of a man to buy one loaf.

We surely know that it is a «measure», which is a very small amount. Barley seems to be a third the cost, so perhaps a meager meal of barley for three could cost a whole day’s wages.

The famine will be so great, that food will be weighed by the ounce and dispensed carefully. This famine will probably be as bad as the famine that was in Egypt in Joseph’s time. Probably drought will trigger crop failures in many places. Only the very rich will be able to buy food.  Personally, I believe, God will instruct Christians, who are totally sold out to Him. They will know when to plant and exactly what to do, as Joseph was told, of God, what to do.

This is run-away inflation to its worst possible conclusion. In many parts of the world inflation is already to that terrible extreme. I just read in some parts of Africa where the inflation rate is over 1200%.

When inflation is coupled with famine, we see a situation more horrible than we care to imagine.  We must stay closely in tune with God. If He tells us to dig a very deep well, we must do that. If He tells us to plant a garden, we must do that.  It is going to be very important to be able to take daily instruction from God.  Not to question, just do it.  I believe God is even now setting up places of refuge for Christians.

On the other hand, the call to not «harm the oil and the wine,» are symbols of wealth, indicates that the rich will do just fine. Or it could mean something referring with Spirit-filled Christians.  Oil and wine are symbolic of the Holy Spirit of God. That His Hand will be on the Tribulation Saints protecting them during the tribulation.

I cannot stress enough, that this famine may not be just physical but spiritual, as well. During this time, I believe, that many churches will teach false doctrines. Even now there is a terrible famine of truth in the church. Never before have so many denied: the virgin birth of Christ, the Red Sea parted, Jonah being swallowed by the large fish, God as Father. Jesus is God with us, «Emmanuel»,

Many churches are ordaining homosexuals to preach. Secular Humanism makes man a god.

How much more famine of the Spirit can we take?  Truly there will be a physical famine, as well.  Stay tuned to the voice of God.  He will see you through it all.

The third horseman of the Apocalypse, who rides out early in the Tribulation, will take a heavy toll in deaths and sickness. The black horse he rides is an obvious symbol of famine and disease, which often follow war.

This could be a message of hard times for all of mankind. «black» symbolizes:

• woe
• mourning
• terrible times
• famine, physical or spiritual
• evil
• opposite of goodness
• everything that opposes God

Christian Saints will be saved IN the famine and not FROM the famine. Noah was saved IN the flood, not FROM the flood.  God can rain manna from heaven if necessary. I believe God will set up places of refuge where believers can run, so they can have physical and spiritual food.

God will not forsake the righteous.

6:7-8 «And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.» «And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.»

The Fourth Seal – A Pale Horse – This horse represents death.

John says the rider who sat on this horse «was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.» One quarter of the earth’s population, well over a billion people, will die as a result of WWIII.

I believe that this has to do with wars, such as the one in Israel now, famine and drought worldwide, and death from hundreds of other things. An example is the plant in Russia, Chernobyl, which exploded. «Chernobyl» means wormwood. The Bible says a third of water will become wormwood, Rev.  8:11. I really believe this happens later in the scenario.

That Hades follows Death shows that those slain are unbelievers, for upon death believers do not go to Hades but straight to the Savior’s side.

This «pale» here, means a sickly color, a sickly green color, as if sick to the death.  «Death, and Hell» are grouped, meaning a termination of earthly dwelling.  Death is inevitable for every one of us. Death of the body, that is.  Hell does await some, but heaven awaits Christians. Hell is sometimes a word used for the grave. In that particular instance, Hell would follow death, because our bodies lie in the grave until resurrection day. Death and real hell is reserved for the lost.

I really believe this is a time in the end that is spoken of as a time when men’s hearts will fail them for fear of things that are coming upon the earth, Luke 21:26.  We have the capability to knock the earth off of its axis with the nuclear bombs. Fear is rampant, not only here in the U.S., but around the world. All it would take is for one crazy man to push the wrong button and total destruction would occur.

6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

When the 5th seal is broken, John sees «under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.»

Shortly after the beginning of the Tribulation there will be a great «soul harvest» in which millions will come to faith in Christ, Many as a result of the preaching of the 144,000 witnesses described in Rev. 7.

Most of these Tribulation saints will be killed by the forces of Antichrist. These martyred souls will cry out for God to avenge their deaths, but they will be told to «rest a little while longer,» until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

Imagine! Despite the desperate evil of the Antichrist, despite the horrors of war and famine and pestilence and death, God is still so much in control of earthly events that even the number of believing martyrs has been fixed by divine decree.

God, as the apostle Paul reminds us: «It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.» (2 Thess. 1, v.6-8)

So many churches have forgotten that persecution comes to the true believer. Many teach that if you are not living prosperously, both physically and spiritually, that you are not in right standing. That’s certainly just not so, quite the opposite is true.

We must be crucified with Christ. We must get our flesh under subjection. 

In Galatians 2:20 «I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.»

The Christian has tribulation which makes him strong. We are no better than our Master. If He suffered, we will suffer. The difference in our suffering and His, is that our suffering is generally not unto the death.

6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

John did not see these souls with his physical eye, but saw them in the Spirit. These souls were waiting for the Judge of all the earth to interrupt the evil of the devil and his persecution of the saints who remained there. Their cry was the same, in a sense, as the Christians who say, come quickly Lord Jesus.

This is not a reprimand of the Lord, but just a pleading for it to all be over. These souls are not looking for vengeance, but are just crying out for the Lord to end all of it and set up His kingdom. Who better can sympathize with our generation of martyrs than the martyrs of the past? Some of the martyrs of today are not physically killed, but are persecuted by their peers.

6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

These are the ones who were martyred during the tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.» White robes are the uniform issued to all believers in the Lord Jesus.

When the fullness of time comes, the time that God has chosen, Jesus will appear in the clouds and blow the silver trumpet of redemption. He will gather all believers with Him in heaven. He will not come one hour early or late. He will be on time.  It will be at the specific time He chose from the foundation of the earth.

These martyrs are our fellow servants.  They arrived in heaven the same way we will, through their faith unto the death. The white in these «white robes» shows that these have been victorious over the problems in this earth.

6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

The Great Earthquake – The first four seals described judgments largely inflicted by man; the sixth seal describes a judgment clearly supernatural in origin. John tells of an earthquake so massive that «every mountain and island was moved out of its place.»

Perhaps John is referring to enormous volcanic activity, for he says «the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.» Particulate matter scattered in the atmosphere after a volcanic eruption has often turned the sky black and made the moon seem to turn red.

The sixth seal brings natural disasters of various kinds (Matt. 24:7, 29). The earth and the heavenly bodies will go into convulsions. Joel 2:30, 31 predicts many of these judgments in nature as signs of the day of the Lord.

This terrible earthquake is told about in Isaiah 2:19, «And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.»

In Ezekial 32:7-8, we read about the darkness of the sun, moon, and stars. In Matthew 24:29, we read of this same thing in the heavens.  «Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:»

6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

The fig tree (physical Israel) rejected Jesus and His Holy Spirit. In Acts chapter 2, we read of the sound as of the rushing mighty wind that came and filled them with the Holy Ghost.  This mighty wind is of God. Many times when we read of the mighty wind it is a sign of the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit can be beautiful, as we read in Acts 2, or frightening to those who do not believe.

The Old Testament and the New Testament agree that there will be a time when the heavens will be shaken. Isaiah chapters 7, 13, 17, Matthew 24 and at least a dozen more chapters in the Old and New Testaments agree that there will be a day, just as this one spoken of that John saw, when the heavens will be shaken.

We read, also, of the spiritual shaking that will take place.  We read that there shall be a great falling away in the church right before this occurs. II Thessalonians 2:3 «Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;»

As you can see, believers will be tried and many will fall away. In Luke chapter 21, we read how many will be betrayed by those of their own household.

Luke 21:25-26, we read again of the commotion in heaven.  «And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;» Luke 21:26 «Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.» You can easily see that this is prophesied, not just of John, but by dozens of pens throughout the Bible.

6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

This earthquake will be so strong that mountains will flatten out and islands will disappear. An earthquake of this magnitude would immediately put up a screen of smoke that nothing in the heavens would be visible. We read in Isaiah 34:4, a similar Scripture as above.

«And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.» Whatever this is, it is of great magnitude.

I remind you again, that Revelation is not written in chronological order. The happenings in the verses above are long after the believers are in heaven. We, Christians, should not fear things we see happening that is in fulfillment of these passages. We should look up and rejoice at the beginning of any of these things, because our redemption draweth nigh, Luke 21:28.

6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

This really is the time when even silver and gold will not be able to save people from the Wrath of God.

Hiding in «dens and in the rocks» will be of no use because these openings will close up from the earthquake.  Men will seek death, but death will not come, Rev. 9:6.

6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

The people of earth will clearly recognize these phenomena as coming from the hand of God, for they are said to cry out to the mountains where they take cover, «Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!

Suddenly they realize who Jesus is, but it is too late.  They have rejected Him

Now that it is too late, they realize their terrible mistake of rejecting Jesus as their perfect Lamb sacrifice. They would rather die right now, than face Him and be told of their eternity in hell that awaits them. They now even realize that Jesus sits on the throne. What a terrible awakening.

This that John sees is very much like a dream, in that the things he sees are not particularly in consecutive order.

6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The answer to that is «no one».  The thing we must do is make sure that we are not left here to face all of these horrors. The way to assure that is by selling out to Jesus NOW.  Make Him Lord of your life NOW before it is too late.

As a result of these first six seal judgments, many unbelievers will want to die and to hide from God, but will be unable to. The great day of his wrath is the day of the Lord, the predicted time of God’s judgment of the earth and its inhabitants ( Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31).

The day of wrath is contrasted to the present «day of grace.» Is come means God’s day of judgment «is here», it has finally arrived, having begun with the first six seals.

The «great day» spoken of in V-17, begins three and a half years of the worst things you could ever imagine. The last day has to be the last judgment. DOOM for the unbelievers.

Remember, Revelation is written to the church, the Christians. It encourages us to look forward to heaven.  It, also, tells us the terrible things we will be saved from when the Wrath descends on this earth.

And it leads true Christians to witness to their friends and family while there is still time. Knowing what is coming, we certainly don’t want to leave anyone behind.

Revelation 2

Revelation, Chapter 2

This will begin by giving you the scripture from the King James Version of the Bible, then will go into our description of what the verses mean.

The Messages to the Churches – When you read Revelation chapters 2 and 3, it’s important to see there are four applications to the messages.

Each message was given to the seven churches as originally addressed. And these churches were in existence in Asia at the time of the revelation. Many other churches existed in Asia at the same time, but the churches selected were representative of the spiritual conditions which existed at that time.

The message can also be applied historically. According to history, the Church has passed through eras similar to that which is described in each of the seven churches.

These messages can be applied to current churches of today. These special messages were written to the specific churches in Asia but the same strengths and weaknesses can be found in today’s Body of Christ. (Today’s Church)

The messages can be applied to each of us on an individual basis. Look at the messages for each church during that time and ask yourself how you measure up personally today.

These messages were written by John in 95 AD when the Church of Jesus Christ was about 66 years old. The church had experienced tremendous growth despite intense persecution. Under the rule of Rome, records show over 45,000 Christians were slain by crucifixion, burned to death and thrown to wild animals. In addition, corruption was springing up in the Church. When John wrote the messages to the seven churches, many believers were afraid about the unsure future. They were afraid of being strong enough to stand up to adversities that they would be facing and if they could endure the persecution.

To these early Christians Jesus gave his end time plan through these messages.

John was told to write what he saw in a book and send that book to the 7 churches in Asia. (Rev. 1 v.11) The entire Book of Revelation which includes the special messages to those 7 churches, was sent to those churches and a blessing was pronounced upon all who would read, hear and keep the words contained in this prophecy. Jesus wanted believers to know that He knew exactly where they were. He saw their good works, faithfulness and patience in the face of persecution. He also saw the bad which included their compromise, apostasy, indifference, and lukewarmness. Apostasy He wanted them to know that despite persecution from without and corruption from within, He stood in their midst as a mighty conqueror and that through Him they too could overcome.

Christ’s purpose in sending those messages to the seven churches was to empower believers to overcome the enemy. His purpose was to rise up His people in victory, to make them strong. When we take the mask off, we see that today’s Church in its present condition is not ready for Christ’s return. That’s why Christ is again walking in the midst of His people preparing His Bride for His coming. By His Spirit, He is stirring us out of our complacency. He is revealing and reproving sin, calling us to repentance, bringing us to a new, stronger position of dedication and commitment, and releasing a fresh anointing of His Spirit upon us.

As Jesus walks in our midst, He knows our individual and corporate strengths and weaknesses. His message to us today is the same as it was to the seven churches in Asia. He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

As we study the messages given to each of these churches, open your spirit to hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you. Ask God to reveal any problems that need to be dealt within your life. Yield yourself fully to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to purge anything from your life that is displeasing to Him.

Chapter 2

2:1-3 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks» «I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:» «And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.»

There are many things that we must note about these verses.

First, they are in red, so this is the Lord Jesus speaking.  Literally there was just such a church sixty miles north east of the isle of Patmos. So there was a literal church of Ephesus.  Many believe that this particular church was symbolic of the apostolic age from about 30 to 100 AD – It is called the Apostolic Church. I believe after viewing it carefully, we can see some of the churches in our own day falling into just this category.  Here again, this message is sent to the ministering spirit of this church.

Second, we are reminded again here that Jesus holds these stars in His right hand. Jesus walks in the midst of this church; so we know quickly, it falls into the category of Christianity.

Notice Jesus always starts off by telling something good.  Here He commends them for their hard work, and patience. To be patient is certainly a virtue, and one that most of us do not possess. This leader of this church and the people, seem to be working for the Lord.

This spiritual leader hates evil. Note that this leader seems to do as the Scripture suggests, and tries the spirits to see whether they are of God or not. This church does not just accept everyone who says he is an apostle. They judge the message before they accept the apostle. It seems that this church is well grounded in the Word. This church (the physical church) was one of the older churches founded by Paul and nurtured by Timothy. This physical church of Ephesus was located in a busy city.

From the spiritual standpoint of churches today, we would see this church located in the midst of a very worldly surrounding but being a church holding up a standard against   the evil surroundings.  This church would be a spiritual church guided and taught through the Holy Spirit of God. This church will be found working when the Lord comes back.  They have been full of the power and presence of God. Jesus first tells them the good, then tells them of their weakness, as we see in the next verse. Even though this church has worked hard and not given up, we will see here that they have a few short-comings.

2:4 Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Our first love, if we are believers, is putting Jesus ahead of everything else. This church’s problems spiritually, can be seen in most of our churches today. God will not allow compromise, but on every hand we see just that.

In II Timothy 3:5: It says, «Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.» Probably this church has gotten too sophisticated for healing and deliverance.  Perhaps some of the world’s music has crept in unaware.  Perhaps this church has begun to entertain more than teach. This church is more appealing to the world than to God.

As we look at all of these churches, we must examine ourselves and our church and see just what category we fall into.

Our first love, if we are believers, is putting Jesus ahead of everything else. This church’s problems, spiritually, can be seen in most of our churches today. God will not allow compromise, but on every hand we see just that.

2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

There is no substitute for undivided, fervent, undying love for Jesus Christ. Jesus warned the church at Ephesus to «repent, and do the first works; or else, I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove the candlestick, out of his place, except thou repent» He warned that if they did not repent, judgment would fall. They would no longer be a true light and witness to the world.

How many of our churches today are lifeless, dull, and mechanical? How many lack the light and witness of Christ and His power? The condition in this church, and in our churches and individual lives, did not happen overnight. It was a gradual process whereby believers left their «first» love, their passionate «bridal» love for Christ. The «first love» to which Christ called the church in Ephesus to return can be with the «bridal» love in a marriage relationship.

A new bride is so in love with her husband that he is the central focus of her life. When she takes her wedding vows, she promises to forsake all others and give herself solely to him. She eagerly anticipates his desires and lovingly tries to meet all his needs. She spends every possible moment with him. In this «bridal love» relationship, there is a special intimacy that develops between the bride and her bridegroom. She longs to know everything possible about him. She opens her heart to him, revealing her innermost secrets and desires. While they are apart from one another, she longs for him and eagerly anticipates when she will be with him once again. Because of her love, the bride puts her bridegroom first, before all else, including her own needs, desires, and ambitions.

It is this type of pure, fervent, self sacrificing «bridal love» for Christ that made the disciples willing to give themselves 100% for the cause of Christ. It was this type of love that burned up their own selfish desires, motivated them to serve Christ with single hearted devotion, and made them willing to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ. It is this type of love that we must have burning within us to enable us to fulfill the purposes of God in these final moments of time before Christ’s return. Just as Christ called the church in Ephesus to return to their first love, He is walking among us today, calling us to repent and return to our first love.

Here are seven warning signs that signal that a church or individual has left their first love.

Christ is no longer the central focus in your life.
You neglect your relationship with the Lord and spend less time in prayer, worship and the Word.
You allow family, friends, job and your own desires to come between you and your relationship with God.
There is a loss of intimacy in your relationship with God.
You are caught in a cycle of dead works
You are more tolerant of sin
You will no longer have a burning passion for the lost

Your works were motivated by intense love and devotion to the Lord. Compare your love for the Lord today with what it was then. Has your love grown deeper or has it lost its fervency? Are your works motivated by a passionate love for God or are you doing them merely out of a sense of duty? Ask the Lord to forgive you for leaving your first love. Begin to do your first works again. Make a new commitment to the basics of prayer, worship, and the Word. Fan the flame of the dying embers of your first love through renewed communion with the Lord. This fervent love is required of all those who belong to the Lord. Jesus called this the first and great commandment:

«Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.» (Mat. 22 v.37-38)

2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Notice here that Jesus, as this church, hates the sin and not the sinner. The deeds are hated, not the doer.  There seems to be no record of the Nicolaitans except for this mention here. It is possible to hate evil and still not be living a pleasing life in God’s sight. Worldliness is something we must avoid entirely.

Nicaulous and Baalam are in the same category.  Probably evil with no certain root.  The doctrine of Baalam, Nicaulous, and the Jezebel church thought that being Christians freed them from the moral law. They believed that idolatry and fleshly things would not be held against them, because they had been set free by Christ.  Some of the liberalism we see in the churches today stem from this very belief.

So many are trying to bring Jesus down to our level or to elevate us up to His level. This is a very dangerous doctrine to make ourselves into gods. That is why Lucifer was thrown out of heaven. Worldliness must not be mingled in with worship of God. We must not only not participate in this, but actually hate this practice.

2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

We all have ears, but this is speaking of that inner ear of the heart that receives the truth. Note here that Spirit is capitalized meaning God’s Spirit. This is not just any spirit, but the Holy Spirit of God.  We also see here, that He is speaking to the churches, and suddenly jumps to individuals in the church when He says, «to him that overcometh».

We are not saved collectively but as individuals. We as individuals must decide who we will follow. We notice here also that there is something to overcome. We must overcome lustful temptations of the flesh.

All believers in Jesus will eat of the tree of life.  Jesus is the Tree of Life. Paradise is heaven, not hell, as many believe today. When Jesus told the thief on the cross, «Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.» Luke 23:43.  Many tried to make it fit in with Jesus’ body being in the grave.  Jesus’ Spirit went to heaven directly from the cross, as our spirit will leave our body the instant we die.

Jesus said, «Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:» Luke 23:46.  The Spirit of Jesus went to God immediately. His Spirit rejoined His body three days later.  Forty days later Jesus’ body and Spirit were taken to heaven on a cloud.

God is a Spirit; Jesus is a Spirit who was housed in a body for His stay on earth.  We are a spirit, as well, housed in a body.  If we are a believer, our spirit will immediately go to heaven when it leaves our body. The body will rise at resurrection and rejoin our spirit. Jesus’ Spirit and the spirit of the thief on the cross were in heaven immediately. The tree of life is in heaven.  Paradise is the garden in heaven. This is a heavenly restoration of the Garden of Eden. The heavenly, being even more wonderful.

2:8-9 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;» «I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.»

100 to 313 AD – The Persecuted Church

Located about 35 miles north of Ephesus, Smyrna was a rich and beautiful commercial city in Asia Minor and was recognized by Rome as its loyal ally and a center of emperor worship. In His message to this church, the Lord again commended their good works, «I know your works, tribulation, and poverty». These believers were persecuted and often lost their means of livelihood as a result of their commitment to the Lord.

Making a public confession of their faith meant poverty, hunger, imprisonment, and sometimes death. The word «tribulation» used here paints a picture of a huge rock crushing whatever lies beneath it. The word conveys intense and constant pressure. Can you identify with that? Many of you are experiencing «intense and constant pressure». You aren’t forgotten! Jesus sees and knows.

It is interesting to me that Jesus calls Himself differently here than at the church of Ephesus. In the Ephesus letter He says, «he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks» Here at Smyrna He calls Himself, «the first and last, which was dead, and is alive»

The designation here is that this message is not from the Father or the Holy Spirit, but from God the Son, Jesus as we know Him. We see from this that God does not deal exactly the same with everyone. He deals with us at the level of our understanding.

You see in the synagogue in Jerusalem, when Jesus called them «whited walls» Matthew 23:27, clean on the outside and filthy on the inside. Jesus said, «Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!» Jesus called them a generation of vipers, Matthew 23:33.

You see not all those who claim to be Christians are actually Christians. If we are not careful, we will be like these Jews. We may say we are a Christian, and the world might actually believe that we are because of our outward appearance.  Jesus looks at the heart. We read in Matthew 7:22 «Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?» Matthew 7:23 «And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.» Their Christianity was a front for some selfish motive.

The repentance and salvation that really counts is what goes on in the heart. It is like having a new regenerated heart placed inside of you, washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Being born again is having a brand new heart, having no desire to sin. The heart is either desperately wicked or clean in Jesus.  Some call it a change of heart. Whatever commitment is made must be made in the heart.

When Jesus speaks of His being «the first and last», He is speaking of His eternal Spirit.

When He speaks of «which was dead, and is alive», He is speaking of His body which resurrected from the grave.

Jesus knows all; He was walking, and is walking amidst the churches. These eyes of fire see everything, even in our hearts.  He has nothing but good things to say about this church in Smyrna. To know them is to love them. Jesus knows how hard they have worked for the kingdom. He knows that they are rich in service to Him. They are rich in knowledge of His Word. They have diligently sought Him in His Word. They are rich in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They have been through great tribulation. Tribulation comes to make you strong. They are strong, because they have been tried and they have not failed God.

Perhaps, their poverty spoken of here indicates that they are not obsessed about having worldly wealth. They are not rich in things the world would class as wealth.  Their wealth is of spiritual things. The treasure that we should all be seeking is the treasure stored up in heaven.

If there is a church in this group that we should all want to be like, it would be this church at Smyrna.

This «synagogue of Satan» that comes against them is what we were discussing before. These are religious people with an outward appearance of belief but with no inward conviction. This literal church at Smyrna had many martyrs who stood against the evil, idolatrous people around them even unto the death.

In our day it is the same situation.  If we are in God’s army, we must be willing to stand for what is right even unto death. The Spirit and the flesh (world) will be locked in battle until the return of Jesus. The world and its system, and even the idolatrous church is opposed to true righteousness and holiness. Jesus is coming back for a church that is without spot or wrinkle.

2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

He said they would suffer. He is letting them know that He and the Father know all about their suffering. They must stay faithful unto the end, and great rewards will be theirs in heaven. Jesus warns them they will be thrown into prison.  We know from history that these believers, in the literal church of Smyrna, were thrown into prison. Many in our day are being thrown into prison for their faith.  It is becoming harder and harder to be a Christian, and even more difficult to be a minister. The church is under attack of the devil.

The meaning of Christ’s words to this church, that they would have tribulation for «ten days», may refer to the fact that the Early Church suffered ten major persecutions under Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Severus, Maximum, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, and Diocletian. There were also some notable persecutions in the local Smyrna Church which lasted «ten days» (One day often is reckoned as one year in biblical prophecy).

It is very easy to follow Jesus when everything is going good. The true test is, will you stay when all odds are against you? When your friends and relatives have given up, will you stand? If we are faithful and stand, there is a crown of life awaiting us. The crown of life is the one the Lord Himself prepares for us. Crown of life means; «ruling over death».  There will be no more death, neither shall there be sorrow. «neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.» «Behold, I make all things new» Revelation 21:4-5. Many shall be martyred before the return of Christ.

Christ’s message to you today, in the midst of your pain, suffering, persecution, and testing is «Fear Not!» No matter what you are facing, sickness, disease, family problems, or even the possibility of death, do not fear because «God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.» (2 Tim. 1 v.7)

2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

We hear again, take out the stoppers in your inner man and receive from God His truths. There is a great promise to the overcomers. The death associated with hell, will not happen to them.  They have been crowned with everlasting life.

The greatest gift that we could ever receive is the gift of eternal life with Jesus. To know we would be separated from Jesus for all of eternity would be more hell than I would care to bear. The only life worth having is with Him. I cannot say enough good about this church at Smyrna. There are only two in the seven that God has no reprimand for.  Smyrna is one of them. Under great persecution this church stands, and having even faced death, still stands. If you were to describe this church in modern English, you would just say that the pure Word of God is preached to people who will accept the Truth.

The minister feeds the flock the Word several times a week. The congregation studies the Scriptures, ever eager to learn more so they can be more and more in the will of God. They are not shaken by winds of false doctrine, for they test everything and everyone against the Scriptures. They have on the whole armor of God. They are filled with the Holy Spirit and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. They realize there is a battle going on for the souls of men, and they have enlisted in God’s army to fight evil at every hand. They are willing to give up homes, family, whatever it takes to serve God. They count the everlasting life more than the short life here. Just as many were martyred

2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

313 to 590 AD – The State Church. Here we have THE DANGER OF DOCTRINAL COMPROMISE

Located about sixty miles north of Smyrna is Pergamos, which at one time was the official Asian center for the imperial cult. It was also the center of worship for four of the most important pagan cults of the day: Zeus, Athene, Dionysos and Asklepios

Jesus, again, calls Himself by a different name. Here He is said to have «the sharp sword with the two edges» The sword with two edges is, of course, the Bible with the Old and New Testament.

They were not forgotten. Jesus recognized their faithfulness despite the satanic environment in which they lived. In the original Greek, the words, «holdest fast» means «to hold onto desperately with all of one’s power.» These Christians were holding onto their faith with everything they had and Jesus commended them for their faithfulness.

There are so many ways to view these, as I have said before.  For our study, we will attempt to use the problems of this church to tell us what not to do in our church today.

God never changes. The things He was opposed to thousands of years ago are the very things He is opposed to today. God never changes; we change.  If we are not careful, these changes will make us complacent about the sin in our life.

2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan’s seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Jesus not only knows their works, He knows everything about them. Judgment begins at the house of God, because Jesus walks to and fro checking them out continually.

Jesus says that He knows where they dwell. He is referring to the very evil surroundings. This was an educational center. There were great libraries and places of worldly education.

This church is committing sin; compromising with the heathen around them. Many times worldly wisdom and faithfulness to God are not cohesive. The Bible says that «The carnal mind is enmity against God» Romans 8:7.

Faith is not fact. The educated mind wants to prove by facts. Faith, I say again, is not fact; Hebrews 11:1 «Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.» Hebrews 11:2: «For by it the elders obtained a good report.»

The mind and heart, even though physically a few inches apart, are miles apart in the Spirit.

Jesus knew this church in Pergamos would have a very hard time. The evil outside the church and the compromise in the church tries to draw more of these people out of the church.  Maybe they had very good intentions, but they got very bad results.  Jesus goes so far as to call this evil city, «Satan’s seat».  We know by this that evil prevailed.

Jesus says to this church, you have My name on your church and I also am aware you have not denied Me.  Jesus even reminds them that He is aware that Antipas was martyred because of his great faith in Jesus. This Satanic influence had come against Antipas and killed him. We must realize that we must not fellowship with those of unbelief. We must witness to them, and then go home. Fellowshipping with the world brings compromise. The shame is that some of this has crept into this church as we see in V-14.

2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

But the Lord also reproved them for allowing members who practiced the «doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans» to remain within their congregation.

In his message to Pergamos, Jesus compares the conduct of some of these believers with the actions of the Israelites who compromised with the Moabites. He also condemned them for allowing the doctrine of the Nicolaitans to remain in their midst.

The word «Nicoliatane» comes from two Greek words, one meaning «to conquer» and the other meaning «the laity.» It is symbolic of the development of a priestly order which ruled over the laity in contrast to Christ’s command regarding serving one another given in Mat. 23 v.8-9: The headship of Christ had been set aside in favor of an ecclesiastical hierarchy.

2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

II Peter 2:1 «But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.» II Peter 2:2 «And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.»

Although they were victorious in keeping their faith during persecution, they opened the door to spiritual destruction when they compromised with the world. Apostasy – Various Religions, Cults Compromise is blending two ideas together. The dictionary says it is «to lay open to danger.» In spiritual matters, any position of compromise opens you up to danger and corruption.

Compromise is rampant throughout the Body of Christ and the Spirit of God is calling us to allow the «sword of the Spirit», the Word of God, to expose and remove compromise just as a surgeon removes a cancerous growth. God cannot tolerate compromise! He hates it.

Even the smallest compromise opens the doors to additional compromise, which leads to even greater compromise and eventually, spiritual death. If you have compromised in any area of your life, you must do what Jesus told believers at Pergamos:

2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Repent means to be truly sorry and turn away from evil.  Go a new direction. Walk in right standing with the Lord.  The sword that Jesus fights with is His Word.  There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God. Jesus has not given up on them.  He just wants them to change their ways.

Jesus issued a stern warning to the church at Pergamos: «Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.» Although the majority of the church at Pergamos were not deceived and were not following the doctrine of the Balaamites and the Nicolaitans, they were guilty of indifference toward the sin within their church.

But there were some who slipped in unnoticed, and brought false teaching.  If you want to know more about all of this false teaching, just read all of chapter two of Second Peter.

2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

As we said before, hear with our inner man. There is a battle, and we are God’s soldiers.  The Spirit and the flesh are locked in battle. When we allow the Spirit of God to control our flesh, then we are His. He is our God, and we are His people.

The stone mentioned in V-17, most think was a diamond. It was probably the stone worn by the high priest that had God’s name on it.  It was hidden from view next to the heart behind the Urim and the Thummim. The others’ stones were symbolic for the Tribes of Israel, and all 12 of them were on the breastplate of the high priest.

We have received the name of Jesus Christ if we are truly His. We are Christians. Whatever the stone is, I am happy to know that our name will be on it.

Jesus will feed us His hidden manna.  Manna fell from heaven miraculously and fed the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land in Exodus 16:14-15. This manna was symbolic of Jesus who is the Bread of Life. We will eat of the Tree of Life (Jesus) and live forever.

Whether this is spiritual or physical, I do not really care.  It will be all we need to sustain us. The original Ark of the Covenant, which the earthly Ark was patterned by, has always been in heaven, hidden to earthly eyes.

The mystery Jesus is revealing is Himself in His fullness.

He is the Tree,

He is the Bread,

He is the Manna,

He is LIFE.

We, too, like Pergamos must repent and come to Jesus with all that we are or ever hope to be. We are nothing until He fills us with Himself.

2:18-19 «And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass;» «2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last [to be] more than the first»

590 to 1517 AD – The Papal Church – THE DANGER OF MORAL COMPROMISE

The city of Thyatira was a vital commerce and trade center located about 40 miles southeast of Pergamos. Jesus commended the church here at Thyatira for its good works.

Many Christians are not aware that they are worshiping idols. Some are so full of pride and self deception that their spiritual eyes are blinded from seeing the areas of their lives where they have refused to let Jesus reign as Lord. Many believers today have made moral compromises. They no longer hold high standards of integrity. If you are guilty of moral compromise, spiritual adultery, then you must do what Jesus told these believers to do: Repent and then hold fast! Hold on to your integrity. Guard your Godly standards. Don’t fall prey to moral compromise.

Speaking of idols, what could some of these be? Material possessions, various lusts, recreation, entertainment, career and selfish ambition. (dwell carefully as you think about the answer)

He said: «I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first». (Rev. 2 v.19) But once again, Jesus sees beyond this outward display of good works and exposes a stronghold of Satan right in the midst of the church. The church of Pergamos was allowing a woman who called herself a prophetess to teach others that it was all right to mix pagan religions with Christianity. She was teaching and seducing people to commit fornication and compromise morally.

The church at Thyatira, many believe, is representative of the Roman Catholic Church and the period of that churches’ prominence.  I would not belabor that point.

We are looking at the spiritual and trying to see all of the seven churches in our modern churches today. Wherever possible, not pointing fingers or calling names. We must examine ourselves before we start pointing fingers.

Jesus shows this church His penetrating eyes which can even discern the intents of the heart. With His feet of fine brass, He shows them that He truly is the final Judge.

It seems that this church here in Thyatira has great love and compassion and is a working church trying to improve the condition of the less fortunate around them.  This church is patient, which is gained by much tribulation. This is not a stiff cold church, as some of the other churches are, but is a loving caring church. It seems that the works of this church improve as they go along, because the last is more than the first. This is really a very nice statement that Jesus made about them.

2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Throughout the Old Testament, this union of that which is holy with that which is impure is considered by God as spiritual adultery. It was an abomination in His sight!

This false teacher is referred to as «Jezebel,» which may or may not have actually been her name, but certainly refers to her spirit. It references Jezebel in the Old Testament, who was the wife of King Ahab. She was an idolatrous woman with unscrupulous methods, to perpetuate her power. Jesus warned the church of Thyatira of coming judgment to this false teacher and all those who commit spiritual adultery by moral compromise. This «Jezebel» was given time to repent, but refused. (Rev. 2 v.21)

Now, those who had been deceived by her teaching were given the choice to repent or face severe judgment. In the Church today, most believers are not tempted to worship pagan idols of wood or stone, but they do worship other idols!

This is one of the scriptures that is often used by certain denominations to say that women should not teach and preach.  If we carefully look at this, we will realize that Jezebel here is not a woman actually, but a system of evil, whether taught by men or women. Fornication is the issue here, not that there is a woman in the church. Just as the Nicolaitans were not really a particular country and Baal was a symbol of evil and not a specific place and person.

We need to look at fornication and see what it is.  Fornication is incest or adultery of either sex that are indulging in unlawful lust. Everyone would agree that any minister of God who promoted any of these sins would be a Jezebel to Jesus.

Men and women who are believers in Christ are all the Bride of Christ.  I do not believe that this Jezebel is all women who minister the Word of God, but just those who teach evil lust.

In Galatians 3:28, we read that with God there is no male and female. «There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.» The same Paul that wrote for women to be silent in church, in I Corinthians 14:34, wrote this in Galatians.

We also need to look at Acts 2:17-18. Acts 2:17 «And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:» Acts 2:18 «And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:»

There is something we are not understanding, or else the Bible contradicts itself. We know the Bible does not contradict itself. We must look more carefully at what the Scriptures mean. The error comes in evil messages that some women or men bring. The Jezebel here could be a woman, but if she is, it is not the fact that she is a woman that is wrong, it is an evil message that is wrong. Let’s look at one more Scripture in Acts.

Acts 21:8 «And the next [day] we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the seven; and abode with him.» Acts 21:9 «And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.» There are many examples just like this of Philip’s daughters.

We must all be careful about criticizing others in their ministry. Look carefully at the context it is written in, before speaking out against others.

Jezebel calls herself a prophetess.  It appears whoever this is or whatever group this represents, they are promoting feelings of the flesh not the Spirit.

Throughout the Bible we are warned not to eat things sacrificed to idols knowingly.

2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

We must carefully look at what must be repented of.  The sin here is fornication. She was not to repent of preaching, but repent of fornication. In the days that John wrote this, there were evil churches that even had harlots working in the church for the convenience of the members.

In our day the satanic churches promote sex.  Some churches teach that homosexuality and lesbianism are alternate life styles. My Bible says they are an abomination to God, Leviticus 18:22.  You can easily see spiritually this church in Thyatira in these churches. Not only did Thyatira need to repent, but modern churches who teach this abomination.

2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Here this could be both physical and spiritual adultery. The people who get involved in these sex sins are guilty, also.  It is no excuse to sin just because your minister tells you that you are not guilty. Try every message you hear by what the Bible teaches.  Do not be deceived by any false prophet, male or female.  Their repentance is of their deeds, not whether they were male or female.

2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

The word translated reins means «the inner most mind», perhaps the subconscious mind. The heart will be judged.  The motive behind our deeds is just as important as the deed.

In the Scripture above, we see that God will not always overlook sin in the church. When His judgment falls, it will begin in the church. Punishment will be swift and so severe that other churches will look and tremble at the punishment.

The works spoken of here are the works of the heart and mind which come to maturity in actual deeds.  Good or evil actually begins in the mind and heart. Just as beautiful words cannot come from an evil heart, beautiful deeds cannot either.  What we are inside will show in what we do for God.

2:24-25 «But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.» «But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come.»

What doctrine is spoken of here?  The doctrine of fleshly lust and fornication. The doctrine that says you can do what you please as long as you are baptized. Jesus wants a chaste virgin for a bride.  Jesus wants us to be holy as He is holy.  Sin must not be practiced, if we are Christians.

Jesus will forgive us of our sins if we ask Him, but we must not go back into that sin over and over.  Our heart must desire to live above sin.

Notice here, also, that even though this particular church spoken of is promoting sin, an individual can repent and be saved even in this situation. God does not judge groups. Jesus judges us one at a time. It would be a terrible burden to have no other church to go to than one that taught fornication. He tells them to hold fast to sound doctrine until He comes.

2:26-27 «And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:» «And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.»

You see here that Jesus specifies His works are what is to be done. It also means that we should not just do a little and get self satisfied, but stay with the Lord’s work to the very end.  Just as Jesus told the parable of the good servant in Luke chapter 19, we must be a good servant and bring the fruits of our labor to Jesus.

Jesus says, the servant, in Luke, was to rule over ten cities.  In V-27 He also promises that His faithful will rule.  Remember the power is Jesus’. He gives us our power. This power is to do His will as we rule.  We are working under Jesus’ direction.  He is our leader. The «rod of iron» means the rule will be strong, unbending.

The rule will be as a shepherd leads if they follow Jesus, but if not, they shall be broken to pieces.  This rod spoken of could be a shepherd’s or a king’s.  Whichever it is, the rod of correction will be used in love. Jesus was given all power on earth, under the earth, and in heaven by the Father.

2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star.  He promises to give Himself to those who will follow Him.

2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Notice again this message is not just given to this one church of Thyatira, but to churches, plural. We must take heed to the warnings. Open the ears of our heart and receive Jesus in His fullness.