BOOK OF REVELATION – Chapters 1-7

God's Warrior

BOOK OF REVELATION – Chapters 1-7
Author - Martha

Revelation means, "the unveiling of something previously unrevealed".
Author: John a servant of Christ and a brother and companion of tribulation. He was on the isle of Patmos because of the testimony of Jesus. John reports that he saw his visions and was told to write them down while he was on the isle of Patmos (a small, barren, rocky island. John was told to write down what he saw in a book and to send it to seven churches in the province of Asia. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The original recipients of Revelation were the believers in these 7 churches.
The Book of Revelation was designed to close the New Testament revelation and to be the final inspired statement from God until the return of Christ Himself.
Revelation 1:3 promises a blessing to those who read understand and obey the contents of the book. The book strongly assumes the perseverance and final salvation of true believers.

Purpose of the book and the theme is the revelation of the person and the prophetic program of Jesus Christ. First it was written to encourage believers to endure persecution and to persevere through suffering, knowing that the victory of Christ over the world and the Devil is guaranteed and certain. Second, it shows how all of prophesy focuses on Jesus Christ. Third, it seeks to unite all the various lines of biblical prophecy both Old and New Testament. Fourth, the book seeks to correct some moral and doctrinal problems that existed and still exist in the churches and to instruct Christians in such things as salvation, prophecy, the person of Christ and Christian living. Fifth the book may be an attack on the paganism and emperor worship of the Roman Empire.

The book presents the conflict between Christianity and Judaism
It reveals the judgment of God on the World (the beginning of the day of the Lord).
21 Judgments
The book of Revelation builds heavily on the book of Daniel.
The number seven is very prominent in Revelation: 7 churches, 7 candlesticks, 7 stars, 7 letters, 7 spirits, 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 thunders, 7 heads, 7 angels, 7 bowls, 7 mountains, and 7 blessings.
Many believe that the number 7, when given symbolic significance, represents completeness and perfection. The numbers 4 and 12 also appear to have special significance in Revelation.

Jesus anticipated the book before His death when He declared that the Holy Spirit would show the apostles "things to come". This was begun through the teachings of Paul and Peter and finished by John.

I Past: Rev. 1 The things which you have seen.

II the Present: Rev. 2-3:22 The things which are.
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III. Future: Rev. 4-22 The things which shall be hereafter.

The seven churches were real churches of that day and also a symbol of churches of today so they remain present tense. Each church a different problem and solution.

Chapter 4 - The Future

This chapter begins with the prophetical future. Verse 1: "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I
heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, come up hither, and I will show the things which must be hereafter ".

John states, "After this." After what? After the completion of the history of the seven churches. After this, John sees a door opened in heaven and hears a trumpet-like voice loudly and victoriously crying "Come up hither". This is the rapture of the church of Jesus Christ. When it occurs, multitudes from all kindreds, people, tongues, and denominations will meet the Savior face to face.

What is the Rapture? It is the literal, visible bodily coming of Jesus Christ to call out of this world, literally and bodily, every born again believer - first the dead then the living. First we see that Jesus is coming bodily. When Jesus returns both in the Rapture (4) and at His Revelation (ch.19), He will come literally, visibly and bodily. Proof? Acts 1:9-11:"And when (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they look steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. The Lord will return exactly as He left.
How did HE leave? In Luke 24:39, Christ appeared to His disciples and said, Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have. Then in verse 41 & 42 He says, "Have ye hear any meat (food)? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. The Lord Jesus Christ possessed a new resurrected body - a body that could be seen, a body that could be touched, and a body that could partake of food - a literal body.
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that he was seen of above (or over) 500 brethren at one after that he was seen of James and last of all he was seen of me (1Cor. 15:3-8). No doubt about it when He returns and the shout "Come up hither", is given, we will see Him. At that glorious moment, we too shall receive new bodies. The Bible teaches in 1 Thess.4: 16 & 17: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Notice the dead in Christ rise first and then we which are alive are caught up together up into the heavenlies to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the twinkling of an eye. (1 Cor. 15:51-54) "Behold I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep (be dead) but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we (the living) shall be changed.
Just that quickly, at that blessed moment, we shall be changed to be like Jesus. David said "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness (Ps.17: 15) John adds that when we see Jesus, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is (1John 3:2). Then Paul chimes in and states: (He) shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body (Phil. 3:21). This then is the Rapture. The word rapture comes from the Latin, rapio, which means, "a snatching away”. We have just learned from God's Word that all Christians, living and dead, are going to be snatched away in the twinkling of an eye, so whether one believes it or not, one believes in the Rapture.
The Bible teaches there is a difference in the Rapture and the Revelation of Christ (His second coming). Chapter 4 describes the Rapture; chapter 19 is a return to earth. Chapter 4 is a meeting in the air, whereas chapter 19 restores the believer to his earthly sojourn as he returns with Christ to planet earth. (1 Thess. 4:16,17.
Immediately following this event, the inhabitants of planet earth experience 7 years of incomparable judgment. This judgment ends with the Battle of Armageddon, at which time the door of heaven is again opened (ch.19: 11-16) in order that the believer may exist heaven with Christ for the return trip to earth. This return of Christ with his saints is called the Revelation. At that time Christ will reveal himself to all humanity.
Some people question if the church will be on earth during the Tribulation hour? I believe not. The church is mentioned 16 times in the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation, but is not found in chapters 6-18 (the Tribulation period). Why?
First of all, the Tribulation is Israel's time of suffering, "Alas, for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it (Jer.30: 7). And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people (Israel) and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people (Israelites) shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book (Dan. 12:1).
Secondly, the first 69 weeks of Daniel's prophecy involved Israel. Why wouldn't the 70 week? The Bible is plain: 70 weeks are determined upon thy people (Israelites) and upon thy holy city (Jerusalem) (Dan.9: 24). That is why the signs in Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 17 & 21 have to do with Israel and the Middle East.
Third, during the Tribulation hour, the people involved are instructed to pray that you flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day (Matt. 24:20) Israel is eternally identified with the Sabbath day (Ezekiel 20:12,20).

Fourth, when Christ return to Jerusalem (Zach.14: 4) all the tribes of the earth mourn (see Matt.24: 30). The mourners are the 12 tribes of Israel, numbering hundreds of thousands of individuals who were brought to repentance by the preaching of the 144,000 Jewish representatives from each of the 12 tribes (12,00 per tribe).
Finally, the persons experiencing the woes of the church are never called synagogue but rather the church (Acts 2:47). As stated, the Church cannot be found in Rev. 6-18, the portion of the book describing the Tribulation. Israel is seen in the midst of the holocaust (Rev. 12:1-5). This correlates with Matt. 24:22. Jesus said, and except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened". This elect group is not the Church but Israel, for God has 2 elect groups on earth, the church and Israel, First, let's look at the Church. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love (Eph.1: 4). This chosen group is called the elect in 1 Peter 1:2. However, the Church, the Bride of Christ, elected to be His sweetheart and wife for all eternity, is not in view in Matt. 24:22. Instead, this text has Israel, the wife of Jehovah in mind Israel was chosen in Gen. !2:2-3. Deut.. 7:7-8 This oath that chooses Israel as an elect group of people has never been abrogated: For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance or without change of mind (Rom.11:29) (Rom.11:26-28)
When God chose Israel as His elect wife, He chose her forever because the calling of God is without change of mind. Though God's elect has often committed spiritual adultery by turning to iniquity and idolatry, still God loves her because God abides faithful.
There is no doubt about it; Israel is the elect group mentioned in the Gospels for whom the days of judgment will be shortened. Israelites are the ones who will pray that their flight for safety will not be on the Sabbath (their day of worship); who will suffer persecution in their own synagogues (only Jews meet in Synagogues); and who have the name Jacob, and who will experience Jacob's time of trouble (Jer.30: 7), for Jacob is Israel (Rom. 11:26).

Therefore, a period of 70 weeks is determined upon Israel (Dan. 9:24). The nation of Israel has seen Jerusalem compassed about with armies (Luke 21:20) and will again observe the armies of the world posed against Jerusalem for the final was as God gathers all nations against Jerusalem to battle (Zechariah 14:2). This definitely is not the Church. All Christians slipped out through the open door in the 4th chapter before the judgments of heaven and earth began to be unleashed in the sixth chapter. They were evacuated when the shout, Come up hither, was given.
Some people believe that Rev. 4:1 is an exclusive picture of John the Beloved in a vision, being caught away in the presence of God. Therefore, they reason, this has nothing to do with anyone else, including the Church. This argument is false because chapter 4:10 states: The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne. When will believers be crowned? Immediately after the Rapture. Proof: Thou shalt be recompensed (rewarded) at the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14). Again, and when the chief Shepherd shall appear (His coming), ye shall receive a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). Obviously the Judgment seat of Christ must take place before believers are crowned. They lay these crowns at Christ's feet, in verses 10 & 11, meaning they were already in His presence. The only way they could have gotten there is through the Come up Hither of verse 1. We must also remember that John, the representative of all of God's people, is shown the things which must be hereafter and the things that will happen, both in heaven and on earth. Chapters 4 &5 picture that which takes place in heaven, while chapters 6-18 picture that which occurs on earth - the Tribulation.
Vs. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
As in ch. 1 , verse 10, the Holy Spirit takes complete control of John in order to give him the vision in all time or eternity - the Lord Jesus Christ upon His throne.
Vs.3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
A comparison of Christ with 2 precious stones. The jasper is clear as crystal (ch. 21:11), and is likened to the light of the holy Jerusalem, which come from the glory of God. The sardine is red, the color of fire. This speaks of the righteous wrath of God and the judgment that is to fall in ch. 6-18. The rainbow proves that impending judgment will not come through a flood because of God's promise to Noah, but that it will be a holocaust of fire. After describing the throne and its occupant, John indicates the presence of another group situated in the very presence of the Lord.
Vs. 4 The 24 seats & 24 elders clothed in white crowns of gold.
The elders depict members of the human race - the redeemed. They are also in resurrected bodies, as is the Lord, for they sit down - a material body is necessary in order to sit down. Christ possesses a new glorified body (Luke 24:39) and when we see Jesus we shall be like him (1 John 3:2). The elders wore white garments and you cannot clothe a spirit. These people are wearing the crowns they will lay down at the Master's feet, so the Judgment seat of the Lamb has already taken place. The 24 are representative of God's people of all ages and this is before the horrible Tribulation begins in ch. 6.
Vs. 5 Lightning, thunder and voices speak of judgment. Rumblings resound thorough the heavens as the saints are informed of what is about to occur on earth.
The present hour is so late that it this very scene could happen soon. We may go home momentarily to become the participants in this scene. Jesus is coming and His appearing is at the door (Matt. 24:33). But wait. The 7 lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the 7 spirits of God, picture the Holy Spirit in all His perfection, for 7 always denote flawlessness in the Bible (The 7 characteristics in Is. 11:2). This blessed Holy Spirit is also involved in the impending judgment. Each member of the Trinity is righteously indignant over earth's wickedness and participates unitedly in the 21 seal, trumpet and bowl judgments which occur in ch. 6-18.
Vs. 6 - Although thunderous judgment will soon be released upon earth, perfect peace surrounds God's throne. The glassy sea pictures calmness, a sea untroubled by winds and storms. This is the Church at rest in heaven before the storm occurs upon earth.
Vs. 7 & 8 - These verses are symbolic. Always take every word of the Bible literally unless God specifically indicates that it is figurative. In these verse "like a" & "as a" express symbolism. The term beast means "a living creature". These are literal living created beings. At this point, the symbolic and figurative expressions depict their strength & knowledge. Eyes before & behind to see clearly and accurately. By comparing the characteristics of these living creatures with Is. 6:1-3, we see they are undoubtedly seraphim - angels of God- created to praise, exalt and adulate the Lord. These beings are not monstrosities. Instead, they are a picture of beauty. Within each species there is always a leader - the lion among wild beasts, the calf among domestic animals, the eagle among birds, and man among all creatures. This is the portrait set before us - angels in all their magnificence praising the Lord, saying Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. This threefold adulation of holiness is for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - the 3 in 1. The description - which was, and is, and is to come - is the title of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This praise is by entire group of God's people.
Vs. 9 -11 This is one of the most glorious moments in heaven. The crowned saints lay their rewards at the feet of Jesus. They lay aside their rewarded glory to add to His glory, thereby ascribing all the glory to Him. They know that their victories came only because of His power working within them. The praise session is concluded with Thou Art Worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honor and power: for thou has created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

CHAPTER 5
Vs. 1 " And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with 7 seals."
The book in the right hand of the Lord Jesus Christ is actually a scroll of either sheepskin, papyrus, or vellum. Its subject is redemption and its contents unlock the remainder of this chapter. The message is contained on the inside & outside and is enclosed by 7 seals.
Vs. 2 The search for a member of the human race, past or present, or any rank of angel to open the book proves fruitless. None is worthy.
Vs. 3 John is heartbroken.
Vs. 4 John's lament has to do with the fact that this scroll is also the title deed to the earth. As long as it remains sealed, Satan will be in complete control of the planet.
Vs. 5 John's weeping ends at the place where all tears are dried. He is pointed to Christ where tears are turned to joy. Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. Since Judah is the leading tribe of Israel and a lion is the king of the beasts, Christ is thus pictured when He comes as Israel's King (ch.19: 16). It is at this same moment that the
Lord God gives unto him the throne of his father David (Luke 1:32). Let's go further in proving that our Savior is the One John sees.
Vs. 6 The 7 sealed scroll is the title deed to the earth and its subject is redemption. The Lamb of God (John 1:29) who earned the right by redemption to the title deed of the earth is the only One worthy to open the seals. This is the Lamb who died for you and for me. Yes, Christ died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3). He shed His precious blood to purchase our redemption John who recorded the fact that Jesus was the Lamb of God when He walked upon the earth, now says that no one can overcome but by the blood of the Lamb. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission for sins. This lamb is worthy because of the sacrifice He paid for your sin and mine.
The Lamb's 7 horns picture strength. Jesus said, "All (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28:18). The 7 eyes picture the fact that He sees everything each of us does: All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (Heb. 4:13). Since 7 means perfection, there will be no mistakes made as the judgment is meted out, because the 7 spirits of God - a picture of the Holy Spirit in all of His fullness - rest upon Christ without measure. Coupling His power (7 horns) His all-seeing vision (7 eyes), along with His filling of the Spirit of God in a sevenfold way (Is. 11; 1-2), not one mistake will be made during the Tribulation hour. The One found worthy now acts.
Vs/ 7
Vs 8
The 24 elders, representatives of all of God's saved people, share in this glorious moment. The praise is so spectacular that the redeemed break out in song. What a heavenly choir. Listen to them.
Vs. 9 and 10.
The song is in appreciation of the fact that Christ was slain on Calvary's cross.
Vs. 11
Vs. 12 Notice that this passage is not a song. No where does the Bible teach that angels sing. They recite their praise, whereas the Church sings her glorious message. The angels associated with the Lord since their creation, know Him as few know Him - for they have lived with Him for thousands of years. They praise the Lamb for 7 reasons: His power, His spiritual riches, His wisdom, His might, His honor, His glory and His blessing. (Phil. 2:9-11 fulfilled).
Vs. 14 answers the response as the heavenly hosts envision this future hour. Notice that they get a head start. They cannot wait to begin their worship of the Lamb - the Lord Jesus Christ.

CHAPTER 6
This chapter introduces the Tribulation hour upon earth. What relationship exists between the Rapture and prophetic signs? None. The Rapture is only an evacuation of believers before the great judgment of the Tribulation hour. It is a meeting in the heavenlies and not Christ's return to earth.
Compare Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 17 or Luke 21. The signs in these chapters with those found in the Book of Revelation are identical. The texts are practically the same. The Church is raptured in ch. 4:1, and believers - represented by the 24 elders in Vs 10 & 11 are placing crowns at the Savior's feet before the signs and judgment of the Tribulation hour begin in ch. 6-18. The signs are fulfilled after the Rapture. Not one sign needs to be fulfilled prior to the Rapture. Thus, there is a period of 7 years following the Rapture during which every sign can be fulfilled. Since the signs point to Christ's return we as believers will return with Him.
Presently a number of the sealed judgments contained in this chapter deserve special emphasis. Each will be discussed later. First in vs. 2, we discover a rider on a white horse. This coincides with Jesus’ statement in Matt 24:3-5, when His disciples asked Him, What should be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ. This rider on the white horse, depicting the first seal judgment is a counterfeit. Satan always attempts to do everything that the Lord Jesus Christ is going to do. The Lord is seated on a white horse in chi. 19:11 when He returns.
Next vs. 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. This is the second sign Jesus mentioned that there would be wars and rumors of wars. (World's greatest war).
Vs. 5 &6 This is a picture of mass starvation and agrees with Christ's third sign (Matt. 24:7)
Vs 7 & 8 Pictures the 4th seal judgment and agrees with Matt. 24:7 (Death blow).
Vs 9 the 5th seal depicts persecution (Matt 24:8 &9.).
Vs 12-16 pictures the 6th seal (ecological disaster (Matt. 24:29).
Thus it is evident that Matthew, Mark & Luke contain the same signs as Revelation.
7th seal.
Chapters 6-18 we witness the events, which take place upon the earth during the Tribulation. Hour. 30:7).
Chapter 7 (the 7th seal)