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A ONE WEEK SEMINAR ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION
@ CALVARY PANDAN B-P CHURCH , 30 TH MAY TO 3 RD JUNE 2005
“AND THE THINGS WHICH SHALL BE HEREAFTER”
DAY ONE
INTRODUCTION
Revelation 1:19 , “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; ” is the key verse that naturally divides the book of Revelation into three easily understood parts. The first part, “the things which thou hast seen, ” refers to Revelation 1:12-18 . The second part, “the things which are” refers to Revelation 2:1-29 ; 3:1-22 which are the short “epistles” to the seven churches. The third part, “the things which shall be hereafter” refers to the Revelation 4:1-11 ; 5 ; 6 ; 7 ; 8 ; 9 ; 10 ; 11 ; 12 ; 13 ; 14 ; 15 ; 16 ; 17 ; 18 ; 19 ; 20 ; 21 ; 22:1-21 .
Another way of looking at these three divisions would be “the past, the present, and the future. ”
There is no other book in the Bible where the blessing of studying the Bible is as explicitly stated as in Revelation 1:3 , “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. ” The promised blessing will come to the person who keeps on reading (literally to know something over and over again), keeps on and hearing (lit. to understand and not let go) and continue to keep (lit. to always hide it in our hearts). The object of these three verbs is “the word of this prophecy. ” The urgency and need to obey these active verbs is stated in “the time is at hand. ” The time refers to the final moments of man’s existence.
The world as we know it in its present form and set up will soon become a thing of the past. All the boundaries of the world with her respective sovereignty will be erased. The systems of economic function and political maneuverability will be snatched from the hands of weak mortal man by force. Man will be shown for what he really is a totally depraved sinner in need of the Saviour. To reject Him is to reject the only One who is able to save the sinner from condemnation and Hell and ultimately the Lake of Fire which burns without end.
The purpose of this study is to know what God has revealed to us in the Book of Revelation regarding future events and how we need to re-order our lives in the light of what God says will happen to this planet of ours in the foreseeable future. In genesis 41 , young Joseph was taken out of prison two years after the king’s butler was released. No one in Pharaoh’s kingdom was able to give Pharaoh the interpretation to the dreams he received. Pharaoh was very troubled. The butler remembered that Joseph had interpreted his dream for him. Joseph woke up one day and was requested by the Pharaoh to interpret his two dreams. Pharaoh’s two dreams were told to Joseph. He gave the correct interpretations. Joseph went one step further. He explained to Pharaoh that this was what God wanted him to do NOW in light of what will surely come to pass. During the seven years of great plenty, tax the Egyptians 20 per cent; appoint officers over the land; and build store houses to keep the corn throughout all the cities in Egypt . This additional corn would be sufficient to see Egypt and the surrounding regions through the seven years of great famine.
Joseph did something in the present-in the light of the revelations given to him by God. This is what it means to read, to hear and to keep. Our present life must be changed in the light of what God has revealed about future events. If we do not do that, then we fool ourselves and are of all men most foolish. Our heavenly Father is revealing to His children what Father would do and His own children would not believe Him. How sad.
“Both the OT and NT are filled with promises of the Second Coming of Christ. There are 1, 845 references to it in the OT and a total of 17 OT books give it prominence. Of the 260 chapters in the entire NT, there are 318 references to the Second Coming or one out of 30 verses 23 of the 27 NT books refer to this great event.... For every prophecy on the First Coming of Christ, there are 8 on the Second Coming of Christ. ” [ Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 15, 000 Illustrations , (Dallas: Bible Communications, Inc 1998), # 6283, page 1407. ]
We shall be studying only future things in this seminar. It will be from Revelation 4 to 22.
I. THE THINGS WHICH SHALL BE HEREAFTER (4:1-22:5)
A. The Second Vision: Christ and the World – 4:1-11 ; 5 ; 6 ; 7 ; 8 ; 9 ; 10 ; 11 ; 12 ; 13 ; 14 ; 15 ; 16:1-21
1. Commission of the Lamb – 4:1-11 ; 5:1-14
This is the final section of the threefold revelation that God gave to John as recorded in Revelation 1:19 , " Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; " Now we enter into the “things which shall be hereafter. ” This is confirmed by Rev 4:1b . The word “church” will not be mentioned again. Rapture would have taken place. The believers would have been taken up to glory. Those who have died in Christ will be resurrected and all who are alive in Christ when He comes would be raptured.
a. The Scene is Heaven (Revelation 4:1-11 )
i. The One who sits on the Throne ( 4:1-3 )
Revelation 4:1 , " 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 shew thee things which must be hereafter. "
The chronology of events from the events recorded in chapters 2 and 3 is that of a continuation. After the seven churches which represent the present situation or better known as the church period, John is now brought physically into the final stage of God’s revelation of man’s existence, “the things which must be hereafter. ”
The door to heaven was already opened to John. This refers to the third heaven that the apostle Paul was brought into. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 , " It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. "
This was where the very presence of God is; and ever will be.
The first voice that he heard sounded like a trumpet which was similar to what he had heard earlier in 1:10 . The comparison is that of authority. John was commanded to come up hither!
How is it that sinful man can enter into the very presence of God and not be consumed? Did God not say to Moses that no man can see Him and live? (cf. Exo 33:20 )
The purpose of coming up before the presence was to be shown the things that were to occur in the future. We regard this to be in the future still, even from our perspective, nearly 2000 years later.
The reason is that the local church period will end with the coming of the First Resurrection (for those who have died in Christ) and the Rapture (for those who are alive when Jesus returns to bring us up to heaven). All the local churches that remained would be apostate churches only. The unbelievers will not be raptured and remain on earth. The world would probably blame the aliens for the mass disappearance of the Christians. Have we not realized a new worldwide interest on aliens? This new upsurge is further fueled by Hollywood ’s current emphasis on the extra terrestrials.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 , " But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. " (cf. 2Thess 2:1-17 )
Revelation 4:2 , " And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. "
The phrase “in the spirit” is similar to that used in 1:10 to describe John when the great voice that sounded like a trumpet. What this phrase means is that the Spirit of God strengthened him to receive what God has in store for him. John will not be able to endure God’s revelation on his own strength. God must sustain him in such a spiritual exercise.
Some like MacArthur believe that the throne mentioned here does not refer to a piece of furniture but a symbol of God’s sovereign rule and authority located in the temple in heaven. MacArthur’s argument is that the temple mentioned in Rev 21:22 is spiritual, therefore the throne mentioned here must be spiritual also (MacArthur, vol 1, page 146, 147). No where in Revelation did God say that the throne was in the heavenly temple. We are told that the throne was set in HEAVEN!
It is true that there are instances in the Bible like Psalm 11:4 , Hebrews 1:8 and Luke 1:32 that talk about a heavenly throne, but it is the immediate context that determines the usage of a word. In Rev 3:21 , the word is used in the literal sense describing Jesus Himself sitting on the heavenly throne which is also the case here as recorded in Rev 4:3 . My understanding of the text here is that the throne refers to an actual seat which also includes the symbolic meaning of authority, power and dominion.
The One who sits on the throne is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. In the OT the term “sit” refers to rest, implying that the task is completed. But here it does not refer to rest but judgement. The omnipotent King of kings and Judge of judges will rule and reign over all. His work is completed and He will now judge the earth.
Some of the OT saints were given a glimpse of such a magnificent view of Jesus Christ: Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-6 ), Micaiah ( 1Ki 22:19 ), the psalmist ( Ps 47:8 ), Daniel ( Dan 7:9-10 ) and Ezekiel ( Ezek 1:26-28 ). Isaiah, Ezekiel and Daniel were all humbled by their experience unlike the flippant, horrendous and blasphemous claims and boasts of today’s claims of visions of God.
“like jasper and sardine stone” – Jasper stone is also mentioned in Rev 21:11 but with an additional description, that it was clear as crystal. This would probably point to a diamond as suggested by MacArthur (ibid). Jasper is understood by us today as green in colour and opaque. But the jasper here is crystal clear. I do not agree with MacArthur that it is a diamond but that this is a special jasper which is green in colour and crystal clear in appearance. Sardine stone is blood-red ruby. The greenish and reddish stones perhaps demonstrate the colourful brilliance of God and this is supplemented by the presence of a rainbow round about the throne. It was a magnificent sight which John beheld!
Jasper and sardine stone were the first and last stone on the breastplate of the high priestly garment. Could this be a reference to the twelve tribes of Israel which will be mentioned in Rev 7 ? Hence Jesus comes as a representative of redeemed Israel as well and saying to John that I am now restoring the pre-eminence that Israel once had as my witness to the world that they are mine. Genesis 9:13-15 says, “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. ”
The entire vision resembles that of an emerald, very green and glorious in colour. The rainbow represents God’s covenant faithfulness to the world about the world’s destruction by water. Perhaps here it is a reminder of the impending judgement that will follow as the wrath of God is poured down upon the earth!
Yet it was not all gloom and doom when we think of the rainbow. It was also a reminder of God’s grace and mercy and faithfulness toward sinful man, that man had existed for so long after the flood was not due to man’s improved condition but that God’s grace and mercy had abounded in man’s life.
ii. The Ones who Surround the Throne ( 4:4-11 )
THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS ( 4:4-5 ) – Round about the throne were 24 thrones (seats) and on them sat 24 elders. WHO ARE THESE 24 ELDERS? Some have said that they refer to angelic beings and others say that they refer to the 12 tribes of Israel plus the twelve apostles.
First and foremost, the 24 elders sat on 24 thrones which means that they reign with Jesus Christ. Nowhere in Scripture did the Bible say that angels sat or will sit on thrones reigning with Christ. They are also not pictured as reigning or ruling but being ruled one day by the Christians (cf. 1Cor 6:3 ). Angels’ roles have always been that of ministering spirits.
Hebrews 1:13-14 , " But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? "
The term “elders ( presbuteroi ) ” have never been used in the Bible to refer to angels but only to men. By the way, elders refer to age like an older person and angels do not age like us. The white garments of the elders refer to the garment of salvation which God gives to us because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary . This is the symbolic garment of righteousness which was imputed to us when a person receives Jesus Christ into his heart.
“Crowns of gold” represents victory and triumph. Victory over sin and death and Satan would be included here. Holy angels though are said to appear in white (cf Jn 20:12 , Acts 1:10 ) but they are never described as having golden crowns on their heads. They have not known sin (other than fallen angels) and definitely have not experienced the grace and mercy of God in relation to salvation.
Could the 24 elders refer to the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles? I do not believe so because John could not be seeing himself seated on the throne as he was observing the entire event. God does not glorify man in the Bible. The context does not argue for this interpretation of 12 plus 12 at all. The reference is to the number 24 not 2 twelves.
Others say that they refer to the saints who go through the great tribulation. This cannot be accepted because they have not occurred yet and why would these saints have pre-eminence over the saints who lived and died in the Old and New Testament periods? Faithfulness is always the measure of the believer’s salvation and rewards, not the degree of his suffering. If this view is true then we better not believe in Jesus before the period of the Great Tribulation but wait until it comes and then believe! This is ludicrous! The saints who are not given the opportunity to live in this period will be left out and God may be charged with being unfair, could he not?
The number 24 have been used in the Old Testament as a number of representation. In 1 Chron 24:4-18 , 24 officers of the sanctuary represented the 24 courses of the Levitical priests, and 24 was also the number of divisions of singers in the temple (cf. 1Chron 25). My interpretation is that it may refer to a representation of the redeemed that have been raptured. These are the ones who will sing songs of praise in the next chapter of Revelation ( cf 5:8-10 ).
“lightnings, thunderings and voices” – Out of the throne of God emanates the lightnings, thunderings and voices. This is a reference to the awesome presence of God (cf. Exo 19 ). In Rev 8:5 , it refers also to the judgement of God during the Great Tribulation. In Rev 11:19 , it represents the awesome presence of God as in Exo 19 . And in Rev 16:18 , it refers to the judgement of vials being poured out upon sinful men. This was symbolic of the impending judgement from the all powerful God who is awesome and no man will be able to stand against Him. The day of His wrath is at hand.
“seven lamps of fire burning before the throne’ – is the sevenfold representation of the Spirit of God. The seven spirit of God represents the sevenfold attribute of the Spirit as spoken by Isaiah in Isaiah 11:2 , " And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; " and also Zech 4:1-10 . [ Deity is the first aspect that would be included in Isaiah 11:2 ]. The Spirit of God is involved in judgement as well.
THE FOUR BEASTS ( 4:6-8 ) – Revelation 4:6-7 , " And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. "
The sea of glass refers to the large area, not a literal sea that looked like glass in front of the throne. It was shimmering and crystal clear in its representation. There were four beasts that were found in the midst as well as around the throne. This refers to their presence in the inner circle of the throne. Perhaps this will be the judgement scene on the day of the Great White throne judgement as recorded in Rev 20:11-15 . WHAT IS THE IDENTITY OF THESE FOUR BEASTS?
“Beast” – the word used here is that of “living creatures”. See Ezek 1:4-25 ). The Greek word is the word for “life ( zao ). ” This is opposed to the word “beast” used in Rev 13 and 17 and 19:19 , 20; 20:4 , 10 which refers to “a wild beast ( therion ). ” This word has been used to refer to wild animals in Acts 28:5 – the poisonous serpent that bit Paul and Hebrews 12:20 and James 3:7 referring to the wild animals that roam the earth.
These living creatures are full of eyes in front of and behind them that refer to their awareness, alertness and comprehensive knowledge. They are not omniscient but nothing that happens in their presence can escape their scrutiny.
Ezekiel identifies the four living beings of Ezekiel 1 as cherubim. These are the exalted order of angelic beings. Note that these are similes.
Beast # 1 – LION. This represents the wild creatures and also the strength and might like that of the “king of the jungle. ”
Beast # 2---CALF. This represents domestic animals. Perhaps service is implied by this representation.
Beast # 3 – FACE OF A MAN. This represents the climax of God’s creation and perhaps reason .
Beast # 4 – FLYING EAGLE. This represents flying creatures and perhaps speed or swiftness.
Revelation 4:8 , " And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. "
They have six wings on them – Why six wings. Isaiah gives us the answer in Isaiah 6:2-3 , " Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. "
The covering of their faces means that they dare not and could not see God directly. The covering of the feet means that they stand on holy ground. And the remaining two wings were used for flying as they go about doing God’s will. Their pre-occupation day and night was to praise God and an ever readiness to serve Him. The focus here is that of God’s holiness which will precede judgement. This is a very appropriate attribute of God to highlight here. Also the reference to God as the ALMIGHTY means that no one is able to stand against Him. His eternality is mentioned here to show that the frame of reference of His judgement will be from the beginning to the present and to the end.
THE UNITED FUNCTION OF THE BEASTS AND 24 ELDERS ( 4:9-11 ) – When these four beasts give glory and honour and thanks to Jesus Christ, the 24 elders also responded in similar fashion, “glory and honour and power. ”
Revelation 4:9-11 , " And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 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, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. "
The cherubim thanked Jesus because the end has come and the punishment of the evil ones including fallen angels, chief among them was Satan himself. Included in their thanks would be the salvation of the believers. Luke 15:7 , " I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. " Luke 15:10 , " Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. "
Above all it must include the doing of the will of God on earth as it has always been in heaven. For this brings glory and honour to God.
The 24 elders did not focus on themselves as seen in their casting of the crowns before the throne. They came off their “seat” and prostrated before their Redeemer and King and worshipped Him. What a blessed day it would be. No matter how wonderful heaven is and the greatness of the reward God has for us, the redeemed with their spiritual and glorified bodies will have only one thing foremost in their mind, to worship the One living and True God! We struggle with this on earth because of our sinful nature. But in heaven, this will be our blessed pre-occupation and focus.
The believers focused on the power of God – This brings great comfort to every believer when they have to endure sufferings and persecutions for the sake of Christ. God will now judge sinful man and His justice will prevail.
The Christian must remember that it must be for the sake of Christ that we can rejoice and count it a blessing to suffer. There is no blessing in God’s eyes when we are persecuted because of our sin.
Matthew 5:9-12 , " Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. "
1 Peter 4:12-19 , " Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. "
2 Timothy 3:12 , “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. ”
Jesus Christ as the Creator of all things is the focus of the believers as they worship Him because as the Creator, Jesus Christ will judge all mankind. This was the basis of God’s judgement upon the Gentile nations in the OT (cf. Amos 1 and 2 ) and for all eternity ( cf Romans 1:18-20 ).
NOTE: The worthiness of Jesus Christ will be the focus in Rev 5 as no one will be able to open the seals which begin the wrath of God poured out upon sinful men. This chapter and the next set the theme for the rest of Revelation.
Jesus Christ sits on the throne in Heaven surrounded by the reigning raptured saints and the cherubim who will be praising Him for the justice of God is at hand. To see the justice of God prevail upon sinful men is not one of vengeance on the part of God’s children but to see God’s perfect justice which is based upon the character and nature of the thrice Holy God. This brings a deep sense of closure and justice especially to those who died for their faith. Evil men will not escape the condemnation for their sins. This is also the basis for our understanding of the imprecatory psalms.
b. The Significance is the Worthy One (Revelation 5:1-14 )
i. A Sealed Book With no Worthy Person to Open it – 5:1-4
Revelation 5:1-4 , " And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon . "
a. “A Sealed Book” – It is not the kind of book with pages like we know books today. It is in scroll form, very much like the one Ezekiel was told to eat. Ezekiel 2:9-10 , " And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. "
This book must not be understood as a will but rather a deed or contract. “This kind of contract was known all over the Middle East in ancient times and was used by the Romans from the time of Nero on. The full contract would be written on the inner pages and sealed with seven seals. Then the content of the contract would be described briefly on the outside. All kinds of transactions were consummated this way, including marriage-contracts, rental and lease agreements, release of slaves, contract-bills, and bonds. Support also comes from Hebrew practices. The Hebrew document most closely resembling this scroll was a title-deed that was folded and signed, requiring at least three witnesses. A portion of text would be written, folded over and sealed, with a different witness signing at each fold. A larger number of witnesses meant that more importance was assigned to the document. ” [ 1 ]
A good OT example of this title deed is found in Jeremiah 32 . See especially Jer 32:9-15 . The deed that John saw was the “title” deed to the earth. It reveals not only the extent of Christ’s inheritance (explain in Rev 21 and 22 ) but it also explains the method in Jesus will reclaim His inheritance. His inheritance, as it were, was now owned by the Prince of this world.
John 12:31 , " Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. "
Hence Satan was able to offer the kingdoms of the world to Christ if He would only worship him. Matthew 4:8-9 , " Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. "
The One holding the Book in His right hand is none other than God the Father. It is as if the Father is presenting the Book to anyone who can open it. It is now TIME for the final revelation to be revealed. The revelation of the last days of man’s existence is hidden in these seals. Remember Genesis? The world plunged into sin and chaos because of the subtle temptation of Satan. He deceived Eve and Eve in turn caused Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit. Death entered into the world and it has interrupted man’s existence on earth ever since. What will become of death? What will become of wicked men who had escaped justice on this earth? What be the end of Satan and his demons? What will become of those who remain faithful to Christ until death? These are some of the questions that Revelation 6 to 22 will answer if the sealed Book was opened.
b. “Worthy” – Who is worthy to open the book was the clarion call made by the strong angel. To be worthy means “to be deserving. ” It refers to a person who has the merits and qualification to take the Book from the hand of God the Father and then to open the seals.
General worthiness from man’s perspective -- 1 Timothy 6:1 , " Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. "
1 Timothy 5:18 , " For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. "
This worthiness is with reference to material blessings.
Worthy to be punished --Hebrews 10:29 , " Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? "
The world was not worthy of the believers-- Hebrews 11:38 , " (Of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. "
The believers are worthy of Heaven--Revelation 3:4 , " Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. "
Jesus Christ is worthy to be worshipped-- Revelation 4:11 , " Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. "
What kind of worth is required here to take from the Father’s hand the sealed book and then to open it?
“Who, he asked, has the innate, virtuous worthiness of character and the divine right that would qualify him to break the seals? And who has the power to defeat Satan and his demon host, to wipe out sin and its effect, and to reverse the curse on all creation? ” [ 2 ]
c. John saw no one worthy – A search of the entire universe, from heaven to earth to under the earth and John found no one who has the necessary qualifications. The book was so near and yet so far as the saying goes. John wept much when he found no one to open it. The word for weeping is “ klaio . ” The same word used to describe Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (cf Lk 19:41 ), and Peter’s bitter weeping after he betrayed the Lord (cf. Lk 22:62 ). It is a word that embodies a strong intense sorrow which expresses itself in an outward demonstration of great unrestrained emotions. This is the only time in Scriptures where tears are recorded in heaven (cf. Rev 7:17 ; 21:4 ).
“ [ John’s tears ] represent the tears of all God’s people through all the centuries. Those tears of the Apostle John are the tears of Adam and Eve, driven out of the Garden of Eden, as they bowed over the first grave, as they watered the dust of the ground with their tears over the silent, still form of their son, Abel. Those are the tears of the children of Israel in bondage as they cried unto God in their affliction and slavery. They are the tears of God’s elect through the centuries as they cried unto heaven. They are the sobs and tears that have been wrung from the heart and soul of God’s people as they looked on their silent dead, as they stand beside their open graves, as they experience in the trials and sufferings of life, heartaches and disappointments indescribable. Such is the curse that sin has laid upon God’s beautiful creation; and this is the damnation at the hand of him who holds it, that usurper, that interloper, that intruder, that alien, that stranger, that dragon, that serpent, that Satan-devil. “And I wept audibly, ” for the failure to find a Redeemer meant that this earth in its curse is consigned forever to death. It meant that death, sin, damnation and hell should reign forever and ever and the sovereignty of God’s earth should remain forever in the hands of Satan. ” [ 3 ]
ii. The Sealed Book was Taken by the Worth One – 5:5-7
Revelation 5:5-7 , " And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne . "
a. He is Found – One of the elders told John to stop weeping. John was told to look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah – a direct reference to Genesis 49:8-10 . This was the blessing of Jacob to his son Judah. The picture of a “lion” is that of ferocity and dominance. Jesus will now come to conquer and not be “conquered. ” He comes not as a suffering Messiah but as the conquering Messiah. This image of Jesus Christ was what the Jews expected at Jesus’ first coming. In their opinion, He failed to deliver them from the bondage of Rome and that was why Judas betrayed Christ and the Jews as well (cf. Jn 6:15 ; 18:36 ).
The Root of David means the descendant of David. This was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.
Isaiah 11:1-10 , " And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. "
b. Only Jesus is Worthy – “He has prevailed. ” When did this happen?
Jesus is able to loose i. e. to open the seven seals of the book.
Jesus was standing in the midst of the throne, of the four living beings and of the elders. He is depicted as a lamb that was slain! This was the imagery of the Passover lamb (a little lamb or a pet lamb is used here in Revelation). The scars were seen of the lamb. He was standing signifying that he will be acting very soon. The only other time Jesus stood in heaven (as He normally sit on the Father’s right hand) was when Stephen died and Jesus stood to receive him into His everlasting presence ( cf Acts 7:56 ). This is a picture of the resurrected Christ who will soon be enforcing His power and sovereign rule over the wicked world and Satan.
“Seven Horns and seven Eyes” – Seven is the number of perfection and horns symbolizes power. Together it represents a sovereign, and absolute power possessed by Jesus Christ. Seven eyes depict His omniscience just as seven horns depict His omnipotence.
Seven Spirits of God – This phrase depicts the fullness of the Spirit of God. Here we have a clear representation of God the Father (who sits on the throne), God the Son who is the slain lamb standing in the midst of the whole heaven scenario, and now the presence of the Holy Spirit of God. The judgement that follows will be the work of the Triune God!
The Lord Jesus Christ has arrived and will now take back what had always been His. The fulfillment of God’s will on earth as it is in Heaven.
Revelation 5:7 , " And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne . "
iii. The Reaction to the One Who was Worthy – 5:8-14
Revelation 5:8-14 , " And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever . "
a. Worship the Lamb – when Jesus took the Book, the living beings and the 24 elders, fell down before the Lamb in worship. He who is worthy is worthy to be worshipped. Jesus is sovereign but the day has not yet come for Him to reign fully and completely until His enemies are dealt with.
Psalms 2:6-12 , " Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him . "
Hebrews 1:13 , " But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? "
Hebrews 10:12-13 , " But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool . "
b. Prayers of the saints – The (grammatical structure of the text suggests that only the 24 elders who held these two items and not the 4 living beings.). Harp is associated with worship and the golden vials full of odours represent the prayers of the believers. These vials are the wide-mouthed bowls used by the priests in the Temple worship. They represent the intercessory work of the priests on behalf of the people of God. Taken together it means that what the payers of God’s people have been praying for all these centuries are about to be accomplished by their Redeemer-God.
c. Praises of the saints – They sang a new song. What is this new song? (Cf. Ps 33:3 ; 40:3 ; 96:1 ; 98:1 ; 144:9 ; 149:1 149:1 ; Isa 42:10 ; Rev 14:3 ) The new song is apparently the song of redemption. The central figure is the Redeemer and not the redeemed. Every believer from every nation and every tongue will be singing this new song. The act of Jesus Christ in making the believers into kings and priests will be mentioned. This is the climax of our salvation. It is all a gracious act from God, and not one that we deserve. ( 5:8-10 )
d. Praises of both the angels and the saints – The praises of the two groups focus on the attributes of Christ as God. “ Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing . ”
After that the saints sang , “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever ” and this is followed by the agreement from the angels with an, “Amen. ” ( 5:11-14 )
“Amen” means “may it be so” or “let it be” or “make it happen. ” The angels were in full agreement with all that the saints of God were singing and proclaiming.
Then this is followed by the worshipped of all the 24 elders forever and ever. What a glorious and thrilling hope to look forward to as we sojourn on this earth. We know that this is what awaits every truly born again believers who loves the Lord and who serves Him faithfully.
What shall we do in the mean time while we wait for God’s plan of the last days to be unfolded before our eyes?
Romans 8:14-25 , " For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it . "
REVELATION (6:1-17; 8:1-5)
THE WRATH OF THE LAMB
(Breaking of the Seven Seals – 6:1-17; 8:1-5)
I. DISTINCTION BETWEEN GENERAL TRIBULATION AND THE WRATH OF GOD
From Revelation 6 onwards, there will be quite a fair bit of differences in interpretation amongst the conservative Christians. Those who do not see the opening of the six seals as the wrath of God will interpret the six seals as not referring to the antichrist. Some would interpret them as describing cyclical periods of the history of the world. I do not find this pertinent as the focus is on apocalyptic times. Periods of man’s history have always been fraught with peace, wars, famine and deaths. So why the sudden mention of it here when the focus is on the last days? I do not accept this interpretation.
I concur with MacArthur where he describes the period of the six seals as a summary description of the entire period of the wrath of God from the beginning to the end. “Each of the scroll’s seven seals ( cf 5:1 ) represents a specific divine judgement that will be poured out sequentially on the earth. The seals encompass the entire period of the Tribulation ( 3:10 ), culminating with the return of Christ. It seems best to understand the first four seals as taking place during the first half of the Tribulation, the fifth stretching from the first into the second half, (called the great tribulation” in 7:14 and lasting three and one-half years; 11:2 ; 12:6 ; 13:5 ) and the sixth and seventh taking place during that “great tribulation. ” Apparently the seventh seal contains the seven trumpet judgements ( 8:1-13 ; 9 ; 10 ; 11:1-19 ) and the seventh trumpet ( 11:5 ) contains the seven bowl judgements ( 16:1-21 ). The seven seals thus contain all the judgements to the end when Jesus Christ returns. ” [ 4 ]
The word “tribulation” comes from the Latin word “ tribulum . ” It means a “threshing sledge. ” The ancient farmers would use the tribulum to beat the heads of the grain, separating the chaff from the wheat. Tribulation, therefore, is a type of trouble designed by God to separate the chaff from the wheat in our lives.
The Bible says that all Christian will have to go through tribulation/sufferings in order to build up the faith of the believer.
Romans 5:1-5 , " Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in ribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, xperience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. " [ see also Jas 1:1-4 ]
Philippians 1:27-30 , " Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. "
Sufferings come upon us not to punish us but to enable us to achieve in our lives a Christ like disposition and character.
But the Great Tribulation or the Wrath of God that will come in the last days are for the unbelievers, not the Christians because the wrath of God that was meant for the believers were borne by Jesus Christ on Calvary .
Revelation 3:10 , " Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. "
John 3:36 , " 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. "
Romans 1:18 , " For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; "
Ephesians 5:1-6 , " Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. "
Colossians 3:6 , " For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: "
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 , " For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. "
Revelation 6:16 , " And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: "
Revelation 14:10 , " The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: "
Revelation 15:1 , " And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. "
Revelation 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. "
II. NATURE OF THE WRATH OF GOD
Daniel 9:27 , " And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. "
2. Gospel preached throughout the world –
Matthew 24:14 , " And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. "
3. Abomination of Desolation – cf. Daniel 9:27 quoted above.
Matthew 24:15 , " When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) "
What is this Abomination of Desolation that will desecrate the Holy Place of Temple ?
Revelation 13:11-15 , " And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. "
Matthew 24:21-22 , " For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. "
4. False Prophets and False Christs will appear – They will be on the rise.
Matthew 24:23-26 , " Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. "
Notice any of them around today? What is the nature of “an angel of light? ”
2 Corinthians 11:12-15 , " But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. "
5. Identity of the Antichrist revealed will usher in the start of the Tribulation Period--
It begins with the revelation of the identity of the world leader also known as the Antichrist, the son of perdition, or the man of sin.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 , " Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. "
2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 , " For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: "
6. A Falling Away – Christendom will apostatize. Christians will return to Rome and accept other religions as one of the many ways back to God. Has this occurred?
7. Conclusion--Rapture takes place before the Great Tribulation begins.
B. NATURE OF THE WRATH OF GOD
1. The Lamb Opened the Seals – 6:1
Revelation 6:1 , " And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. "
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Lamb.
John was called by one of the four beasts to come and see. It must be very exciting to see this vision.
2. A WHITE HORSE – 6:2
Revelation 6:2 , " And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. "
It could not refer to Christ.
a. Crown – “stephanos” a crown won as a prize not the kind that Jesus wears (“diademas” – many crowns as in Rev 19:12 ). What Jesus wears are royal crowns.
b. Here the one carries a bow whereas in Rev 19:15 Jesus Christ carries a sword
c. Christ comes at the END not at the BEGINNING of the Great Tribulation
d. Jesus was the one opening the scroll so He could not possibly be the one riding on the white horse.
e. The rider conquer with a bow without arrows-- Bow is a weapon of war to conquer but without arrows signifying to us that he will conquer using non-violence.
1 Thessalonians 5:3 , " For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. "
f. He will be given a winner’s crown. He is no real king and has no real monarch’s crown (diadem). But nonetheless he has won a crown from the world for his triumphant achievements that will lead to some kind of world peace. Deceit and lying wonders will be his weapon for conquest.
2 Thessalonians 2:8-11 , " And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: "
He will also make peace with Israel ( Dan 9:24-27 ). He will promise the world a golden age of peace and prosperity. In gratitude the world will acknowledge him as Lord, the supreme leader of the world. How will he be able to do this? Some have said that he could be a Jew.
Daniel 11:36-37 , " And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers , nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. " [ emphasis added ]
3. A RED HORSE – 6:3-4
Revelation 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. "
a. Red is the colour of blood and it depicts war.
b. This peace will be short lived. Peace and harmony will be shattered within a short period of time. “Take peace from the earth’ will be the rule with the rod of iron. Once he is made supreme ruler his true colours will come forth. His evil nature will surface. Anyone who opposes him will be killed swiftly. Hitler did exactly the same thing when he signed peace treaties with his neighbours like Italy . Soon he attacked and destroyed them.
The false peace of the Antichrist will disappear just as soon as it appears and it will be replaced with a bloody holocaust.
NOTE: it was GRANTED to him i. e. God is in sovereign control. Yes the immediate cause was the evil one. But the over-arching person in overall sovereign control is God almighty. Remember Jesus Christ took the book with the seven seals from the Heavenly Father and no one on earth was worthy to open it except for the Son of God Jesus Christ. There will be war and chaos. Men will kill one another on a global scale.
A great sword was given to the rider who will massacre and slaughter many, especially anyone who opposes him.
c. A Great Sword – The sword used here refers to the “short, stabbing sword of a Roman soldier carried into battle [ MacArthur, vol 1, page 180 ]. ” This was also a weapon used by assassins. The vision depicts a great sword which