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HIS
SERVANTS' MINISTRY, Inc.
www.godcannotlie.org
Welcome to our web site
The
Book of Revelation
Lesson 1
As I attempt to bring this Book to you, I approach
it with a feeling of great awe and respect, mingled with joy
and fear (I know I don’t have the ability to do it properly,
so I need His help). I realize that this Book is a stumbling
block to a great many people because they say “I don’t
understand it.” Quite frankly there are many things in
the Bible I can not completely comprehend, including this wonderful
Book. I think there are things in there we are not meant to
know. To understand this Book, you must have at least some knowledge
of the Old Testament. This is the last Book in the Bible, so
it only makes sense that we must know about the other 65 Books
first.
This book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ which is to discover
the purposes of God concerning the church, and the nations as
connected to the end of this world as we know it. The events
in this Book will surely come to pass. It’s as good as
done! Although Christ Jesus is Himself God, and does have light
and life in Himself, He, as Mediator between God and man, receives
instructions from God the Father. To Him we owe all the knowledge
of what we are to expect from God, and what God expects from
us. On all who read or hear the words of this prophecy, a blessing
is pronounced. Those who search the Bible will never be disappointed
although it is not enough that we read and hear, we must obey
the Truths that we read and/or hear, embed them in our hearts,
in our memories, in our minds, in our affections, and we must
practice what we learn, then we shall be blessed.
The Book of Revelation was written by the
apostle John (Rev.1:1,4,9; 21:9; 22:8), probably about A.D.
96.
- It is the only prophetic Book in the New Testament
(17 in the Old Testament).
- It is the only Book that has a special blessing
promised (Rev.1:3).
- It also has a warning (Rev.22:18-19).
- It is not a sealed Book like Daniel (Dan.12:9;
Rev.22:10).
- Literal interpretations are always preferred
unless John tells us otherwise.
REVELATION (the Apocalypse) means an uncovering or unveiling,
a bringing to light of that which had been previously hidden
or only vaguely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and
at different times (Hebrews 1:1) to make l revelations of Himself
and His purposes and plans, which, under the total guidance
of His Spirit, has been put in writing (the Bible) so we can
better understand our awesome and wondrous God.
We see NO humiliation of Christ in this Book as we did in the
Gospels.
The closing chapters of Revelation are in direct contrast to
the opening chapters of Genesis. Genesis speaks of the creation
of the sun, entrance of sin into the world, God’s curse
on the ground, Satan’s triumph, and exclusion from the
tree of life. Revelation tells of a place where there will no
longer be any need of the sun, sin is completely banished, there
will be NO more curse, Satan is overthrown for good, and admission
to the tree of life.
Revelation is the only Book to ‘divide’ itself
(1:19), into past, present, and future.
(A) 1st division, past —
“Things which thou hast seen” John recorded
these things in 1:9-18. (B) 2nd division, present — “Things which are” are recorded
in chapters 2 & 3. These ‘present’ things
refer to that which takes place during the entire church age
(from the beginning of the church in Acts 2, to the Rapture). (C) 3rd division, future — “Things which will be hereafter”.
Starting with chapter 4, the church is not mentioned
again until chapter 19.
There will be times when John will be drawn away for a short
period to receive additional information about something already
introduced. During these interludes, things are more fully explained.
These chapters are called ‘parenthetical’
chapters. Chapter 7 is a parenthetical chapter, between the
6th and 7th seal judgments; too chapters 10 and 11, between
the 6th and 7th trumpet judgments; and a brief interlude in
8:13.
Revelation may seem strange to some with all its symbolism,
but nearly all the symbols in this Book can be found in the other Books of the Bible. Most
are taken from Exodus, Psalms, Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah and Zechariah.
It is written to encourage, comfort, strengthen and stop doubts;
showing that God will indeed be 100% victorious, and He will
triumph over all sin and evil and wrongdoings and wickedness!
We can look pessimistically at our problems, our suffering
and troubles, and all the evil around us, and be discouraged
— OR we can look beyond our troubles, to the glorious
eternal realities that belong to God’s children.
I will present verses from Revelation
in the King James Version of the Bible; followed by what that
verse is saying to me, then my comment on the verse.
Revelation Chapter
1
Rev. 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ,
which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which
must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his
angel unto his servant John: [KJV] This Book is a revelation
from Jesus Christ, which God (Jesus) gave to John concerning
the events that shall absolutely happen, soon. An angel was
sent to God's servant John, so that John could share the revelation
with God's people.
Revelation (singular) is the title of this book. God (Jesus)
‘unveils’ Christ’s full identity and God’s
plan for the end of the world, and it centers on, and revolves
around Jesus, the Christ (Messiah), His second coming, His victory
over all evil, and the establishment of His kingdom. Jesus gave
His message to John in a vision, allowing John to see and record
certain future events so they could be an encouragement and
comfort to all believers. The visions includes many signs and
symbols that convey what is to happen in the future. Symbols
represent reality! Just what is a ‘symbol’? It is
something that stands for, or represents another thing, for
instance: the symbol of Christianity is the Cross. The symbol
of marriage is a wedding ring. What John saw most of the time,
could not be put into words; it was indescribable; so he used
illustrations to show what it was like. When we read this Book,
let us remember that we do not have to understand every detail
— even John didn’t, and couldn't. Instead, let us
realize that Christ is indeed the glorious and victorious Lord
of all. The word “shortly” is grossly misunderstood.
God’s timetable and ours are quite different (2 Pet.3:8;
Ps.90:4).
Rev. 1:2 Who bare record of the word of
God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things
that he saw. [KJV] John faithfully reported the Word of
God and the testimony of Jesus Christ and everything he saw.
John was an eye witness to all the things in this Book, and
he, in obedience to God, wrote it all down as he was instructed.
May we all be as obedient as John.
Rev. 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. [KJV]
God blesses anyone who reads this prophecy to the church, and
He blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says, because
the time is near when these things will take place.
Revelation is a Book of prophecy (foretelling future events)
and proclamation (preaching about who God is and what He will
do). Prophecy is more than telling the future, but it also gives
us important principles about God’s character and Promises.
As we study this Book, we should get to know God much better,
and in so doing, learn that we can trust Him completely.
When John says, “the time is at hand,”
he is urging his readers to be ready at all times for the Last Judgment and the establishment of God's Kingdom, for we do NOT know when the Rapture will take place; and then the Great Tribulation period. We must always be prepared and watching.
They will happen ever so quickly, and there will be NO
second chance to change sides.
Judgment IS coming: http://www.hisservants.org/rapture,_second_coming_h_s.htm. . . http://www.hisservants.org/judgment_seat_h_s.htm . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_coming.htm . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_sure.htm . . . Hell is real: http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_real.htm
The mysteries and difficulties of this book go hand in hand
with learning more about God. It is meant to impress upon us
the awe and wonder of God, and to purify the soul of the reader
(as does all His Word), although we may not totally discern
the prophetic meaning. No part of the Bible more fully states
the Gospel, and too, it fully warns against the evils of sin.
God promises a blessing to all who read or hear this prophetic
Book.
Rev. 1:4 John to the seven churches which
are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is,
and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits
which are before his throne; [KJV] This letter is from
John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and
peace from the One who is, who always was, and who is still
to come; and from the sevenfold Spirit (the Holy
Spirit) before His throne. John was to write to seven churches
that knew and trusted him and had read his earlier letters.
The “seven spirits” is another name for
the Holy Spirit, for He is the perfect Spirit of God. The number
seven is used throughout Revelation to symbolize completeness
and perfection.
There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace;
but where there is God’s grace, peace will follow. This
blessing is in the Name of God, and it is an act of adoration
and praise. God “who is, and who was, and who is to
come," is simply stating His eternal and unchanging
character, and too, refers to the Trinity (our Triune God).
Rev. 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is
the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and
the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us,
and washed us from our sins in his own blood, [KJV] Jesus
Christ, is the Faithful Witness to these things, the first to
rise from the dead, and the commander of all the rulers of the
world. All praise to Him who loves us and has freed us from
our sins by shedding His precious Blood for us.
There were others who had risen from the dead — people
whom the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles had brought back
to life — but those people later died again.
Jesus was the first who rose from the dead in a body that is
imperishable (1 Cor. 15:20), a body that would never
die again. He is the Firstborn from the dead, but there
will one day be many others to follow. The Lord Jesus Christ
was from eternity past and will continue on into future eternity,
a true and faithful Witness to all the counsels of God. He will
one day, by His own power raise up all His people. His great
love set us free from our sins through His death on the cross.
We (His people) have been “freed (washed) from
our sins by His Blood” thus guaranteeing us a place
in His Kingdom. Only His precious Blood can justify us (Ro.5:1,
9-10). Because of these things, we can be assured that John’s
message is reliable, is sure and for certain, and is God’s
Word to us.
Rev. 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests
unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever
and ever. Amen. [KJV] He has made us His kings and priests
who serve before God His Father. We should give to Him everlasting
glory! He rules forever and ever! Amen!
All God’s children are made priests to administer God’s
love to others. The fact that our awesome, all-powerful God
has offered eternal life to us (sinners) is nothing short of
spectacular (1 Jn.3:1).
Rev. 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds;
and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him:
and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even
so, Amen. [KJV] Look! One day He shall come with the clouds
of heaven. And everyone will see Him . . . even those who pierced
Him. And all the nations of the Earth shall weep because of
Him. So be it! Amen!
This is not speaking of the Rapture when believers will be
caught up together with Him in the clouds. This means the physical
and bodily appearance of Christ when He comes to set up His
Kingdom. At that time, ALL who rejected Christ will have deep
regrets for doing so. They do NOT want to see
Him!
Jesus is portrayed as our all-powerful King, victorious in
battle, and glorious in peace. He is not just a humble earthly
Teacher, as shown in the Gospels; He is our glorious and awesome
God. When you read John’s description of the vision, remember
that his words are not just good advice; they are Truth from
the King of kings. Let the Truth about Christ penetrate your
heart and mind, let it deepen your faith in Him, and strengthen
your commitment to follow Him no matter what!
Rev. 1:8 I
am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the
Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. [KJV] Jesus stated: I am the Alpha and the Omega the beginning
and the end. I am the One who is, who always was, and who is
still to come, the Almighty One. He is stating one of the Bible's
tremendous Truths! HE IS OUR ETERNAL GOD!!
Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek
alphabet. The first and the last; the beginning and the end.
Christ is the A through Z in any language.
Again, this refers to the eternal existence of our Lord. Christ
WAS in the past, Christ IS today (now), IS TO COME is His future
reign as Sovereign over all the Earth. Without Jesus, you have
nothing that is eternal, nothing that can change your life,
nothing that can save you from sin. Is Jesus our Lord your reason
for living? Is Jesus “the
Alpha and the Omega” of your life?
We should praise and honor and worship the One who is the beginning
and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power. There’s
a great day coming when we will see the wisdom and happiness
of the friends of Christ (those who have accepted Him), and
the agony and misery of His enemies (those who have rejected
Him).
Rev. 1:9 I John, who also am your brother,
and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience
of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for
the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
[KJV] I am John, your brother. In Jesus we are partners in suffering
and in the Kingdom and in patient endurance. I was exiled to
the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and speaking
about Jesus.
John is not speaking of the Great Tribulation in this verse,
but of the trials, troubles and persecution that had befallen
believers. John’s home was Ephesus, where he was pastor
of the church, and also overseer of surrounding churches. When
the Roman emperor, Domitian, came to rule, he told John to quit
preaching Christ. John refused and continued to teach the Word
of God. Domitian had John exiled to Patmos, which was a small
rocky island in the Aegean Sea, about 50 miles from the city
of Ephesus. We are not persecuted as the early Christians were,
but even with our freedom there are few of us who have the courage
to share God’s Word with others. If we hesitate to share
our faith in easy times, what would we do in times of persecution?
Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's
day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, [KJV] It was the Lord's Day, and John was worshiping in the
Spirit. Suddenly, he heard a loud voice behind him, a voice
that sounded like a trumpet blast.
The day and time when John had this vision was the Lord’s
day, Sunday, the first day of the week, observed in remembrance
of the resurrection of Christ. Let us who call him “Lord,”
honor Him on His own day. This day should be wholly devoted
to the Lord, and not used in a sensual, worldly manner. John
was in a serious, heavenly, spiritual frame of mind, under the
gracious influences of the Holy Spirit of God. All who would
enjoy the worship of God on the Lord’s day, must seek
to draw their thoughts from all earthly things. As John was
“in the Spirit” he heard a “great
voice” like a trumpet blast, and then the apostle
heard the voice of Christ.
Rev. 1:11 Saying, I
am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest,
write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are
in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and
unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto
Laodicea. [KJV] The voice (Jesus) said:
"Write down what you see, and send it to the seven churches:
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and
Laodicea."
Who was speaking? It was Christ Jesus —
our Lord! Only Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the
last! He tells John to write in a book all that he will see
in the vision, and send it to the seven churches in Asia.
The Book of Revelation
Lesson #1, Ch.1:1-11 . . Lesson #2, Ch.1:12-2:7 . . Lesson #3, Ch.2:8-20 . . Lesson #4, Ch.3:1-22 . . Lesson #5, Ch.4:1-5:14 . . lesson #6, Ch.6:1-17 . . Lesson #7, Ch.7:1-17 . . Lesson #8, Ch.8:1-13 . . Lesson #9, Ch.9:1-21 . . Lesson #10, Ch.10:1-11 . . Lesson #11, Ch.11:1-19 . . Lesson #12, Ch.12:1-17 . . Lesson #13, Ch.13:1-10 . . Lesson #14, Ch.13:11-18 . . Lesson#15,Ch.14:1-13 . . Lesson #16, Ch.14:14-20 . . Lesson #17, Ch.15:1-8 . . Lesson#18,Ch.16:1-14 . . Lesson #19, Ch.16:15-21 . . Lesson #20, Ch.17:1-18 . . Lesson #21, Ch.18:1;17A . . Lesson #22, Ch.18:17B-24 . . Lesson #23, Ch.19:1-10 . . Lesson #24, Ch.19:11-21 . . Lesson #25, Ch. 20:1-15 . . Lesson #26, Ch.21:1-27 . . Lesson #27, Ch.22:1-6 . . Lesson #28, Ch.22:7-21
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