Revelation 22:6-21
These verses are the Epilogue of the Book of Revelation. They deal with practical exhortations, warnings, and blessings. In them, the Lord Jesus speaks by an angel, solemnly confirming to John the contents of this book. He assures him that all these things are true - that there has been no deception of the senses in these visions, but that they were really divine disclosures of what would soon and certainly occur.
In this last chapter, God calls every one to be a witness to the declarations made here. Thus, the book must be kept open, to have an effect upon all men the filthy and unjust more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those who are upright with God.
Near the end of the chapter (v.17) Jesus invites everyone to, Come to Christ for salvation and to share in eternal happiness. Lest any should hesitate, it is added, “Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take the water of life “freely”. His final invitation, take it while it is still available.
"Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
The Truth
“But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 2:5-10)
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Friday, October 16, 2015
A New Heaven And New Earth
Revelation 21:1a
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth;”
During the Millennial Kingdom, sin and death had not yet been vanquished (Isa.65:20; Rev.20:9). Now John sees the creation of a new heaven and earth (which is in response to the destruction of the previous) and differs fundamentally from the old.
Simply put, the new creation is perfect. There is no more sin, nor death, nor sorrow or crying. Those who populate the new earth enjoy full communion with God, who will wipe away every tear and build a New Jerusalem.
What God creates in the new heaven and new earth will surpass anything which man has imagined.
The Truth
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ ” (1 Cor. 2:9)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth;”
During the Millennial Kingdom, sin and death had not yet been vanquished (Isa.65:20; Rev.20:9). Now John sees the creation of a new heaven and earth (which is in response to the destruction of the previous) and differs fundamentally from the old.
Simply put, the new creation is perfect. There is no more sin, nor death, nor sorrow or crying. Those who populate the new earth enjoy full communion with God, who will wipe away every tear and build a New Jerusalem.
What God creates in the new heaven and new earth will surpass anything which man has imagined.
The Truth
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ ” (1 Cor. 2:9)
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Millennial Kingdom On Earth
Revelation 20
The phrase “Millennial Kingdom” refers to a future period when Jesus Christ reigns over an earthly kingdom for 1,000 years. Most agree, when taken at face value, chapter 20 of the book of Revelation reveals there is to be a future earthly kingdom of 1,000 years duration following the Second Coming of Christ.
During this time Satan will be bound and tossed into the bottomless pit for 1000 years, the Tribulation Martyrs will be resurrected so they can rule and reign with Christ and at the end of the millennial reign of Christ, the final resurrection will consist of all of the unbelieving, wicked dead. They will be found guilty at the Great White Throne Judgment and cast into the Lake of Fire, which burns forever and ever.
The redeemed will be blessed with God’s intimate presence for eternity, but these (the unbelieving) go away into torment and eternal separation from all that is good.
The Truth
“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
The phrase “Millennial Kingdom” refers to a future period when Jesus Christ reigns over an earthly kingdom for 1,000 years. Most agree, when taken at face value, chapter 20 of the book of Revelation reveals there is to be a future earthly kingdom of 1,000 years duration following the Second Coming of Christ.
During this time Satan will be bound and tossed into the bottomless pit for 1000 years, the Tribulation Martyrs will be resurrected so they can rule and reign with Christ and at the end of the millennial reign of Christ, the final resurrection will consist of all of the unbelieving, wicked dead. They will be found guilty at the Great White Throne Judgment and cast into the Lake of Fire, which burns forever and ever.
The redeemed will be blessed with God’s intimate presence for eternity, but these (the unbelieving) go away into torment and eternal separation from all that is good.
The Truth
“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
The Second Coming
Revelation 19
In this chapter, John sees the exultation in heaven at the destruction of the Great Harlot on the earth below. Then he sees the marriage of the Lamb, which is followed by the return of Jesus Christ to earth at His victorious Second Coming.
Revelation 19 can be considered the apex of the book of Revelation because it describes the most important event remaining in history. Not only is the Second Coming of Christ perhaps the most dramatic event in Scripture, it ends the continually downward trend of history. Although sin and death remain for another one thousand years (Isa.65:20-25), the coming of the Righteous King to earth starts history on an upward path.
The most graphic portrayal of Christ’s second coming is found in Revelation 19:11-21. In this extended passage Jesus Christ is described as leading a procession of angels and saints or armies in heaven to claim the earth, destroy the armies of the world, and defeat the Antichrist and False Prophet. This passage shows that Christ’s return will be one that entails great physical destruction and many deaths. For those who are not Christ’s own, it will be a terrifying and terrible event. For those of us who know Him as Savior, it will be a time of great joy, vindication, and anticipation.
However, make no mistake, Jesus Christ will strike the nations and rule with a Rod of Iron.
The Truth
Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. For I raise My hand to heaven, and say, “As I live forever, if I whet My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh, with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.” (Deu.32:39-42)
In this chapter, John sees the exultation in heaven at the destruction of the Great Harlot on the earth below. Then he sees the marriage of the Lamb, which is followed by the return of Jesus Christ to earth at His victorious Second Coming.
Revelation 19 can be considered the apex of the book of Revelation because it describes the most important event remaining in history. Not only is the Second Coming of Christ perhaps the most dramatic event in Scripture, it ends the continually downward trend of history. Although sin and death remain for another one thousand years (Isa.65:20-25), the coming of the Righteous King to earth starts history on an upward path.
The most graphic portrayal of Christ’s second coming is found in Revelation 19:11-21. In this extended passage Jesus Christ is described as leading a procession of angels and saints or armies in heaven to claim the earth, destroy the armies of the world, and defeat the Antichrist and False Prophet. This passage shows that Christ’s return will be one that entails great physical destruction and many deaths. For those who are not Christ’s own, it will be a terrifying and terrible event. For those of us who know Him as Savior, it will be a time of great joy, vindication, and anticipation.
However, make no mistake, Jesus Christ will strike the nations and rule with a Rod of Iron.
The Truth
Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. For I raise My hand to heaven, and say, “As I live forever, if I whet My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh, with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.” (Deu.32:39-42)
Monday, October 12, 2015
God Will Avenge His People
Revelation 18
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”
In contrast to the world wailing over the complete and utter destruction of Babylon (v.11-19), we find Heaven rejoicing (v.20) at the destruction of “The Great Harlot” which is said to be God’s vengeance of “the blood of His servants shed by her” (Rev.19:2).
Moses taught Israel a song prior to crossing into the Promised Land, it ended with the promise of God’s vengeance concerning the spilled blood of His servants: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people” (Deu.32:43).
As Jesus said in his parable of the unjust judge, “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:7-8).
One message communicated at both the beginning and the end of scripture. One truth to go along with this one, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
The Truth
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!”
In contrast to the world wailing over the complete and utter destruction of Babylon (v.11-19), we find Heaven rejoicing (v.20) at the destruction of “The Great Harlot” which is said to be God’s vengeance of “the blood of His servants shed by her” (Rev.19:2).
Moses taught Israel a song prior to crossing into the Promised Land, it ended with the promise of God’s vengeance concerning the spilled blood of His servants: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people” (Deu.32:43).
As Jesus said in his parable of the unjust judge, “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily” (Luke 18:7-8).
One message communicated at both the beginning and the end of scripture. One truth to go along with this one, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
The Truth
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
Thursday, October 8, 2015
The Seven Bowls
Revelation 16
This chapter depicts the actual pouring forth of the seven bowls upon the earth below. As each bowl is poured out, those on the earth receive a plague.
The primary purposes of the seven bowl judgments are: (1) to pour out God’s righteous wrath in judgment of the earth dwellers; (2) to graphically demonstrate the unrepentant nature of the earth dwellers who are already doomed by the mark they have taken (Rev.14:9-11). Unlike the trumpet judgments, which were partial and intended to produce repentance, the bowl judgments are completely punitive, as the earth dwellers have passed the point of possible return.
People often confuse the relative calm of our own day for meekness and mildness on the part of God. In truth, God never changes. The strength with which He acts against sin at the end, reflects the intensity He holds even now toward that which we often have a cavalier attitude toward.
The righteous nature of God’s judgment is spoken of by Paul in Romans 9:14-24. In fact, God’s judgment is required by His righteousness (2 Th.1:6), for if He were to forever delay judgment, then He would be in violation of His own righteous nature.
For God to forego judgment when it is due, is as impossible as it is for the Holy One to lie.
The Truth
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)
This chapter depicts the actual pouring forth of the seven bowls upon the earth below. As each bowl is poured out, those on the earth receive a plague.
The primary purposes of the seven bowl judgments are: (1) to pour out God’s righteous wrath in judgment of the earth dwellers; (2) to graphically demonstrate the unrepentant nature of the earth dwellers who are already doomed by the mark they have taken (Rev.14:9-11). Unlike the trumpet judgments, which were partial and intended to produce repentance, the bowl judgments are completely punitive, as the earth dwellers have passed the point of possible return.
People often confuse the relative calm of our own day for meekness and mildness on the part of God. In truth, God never changes. The strength with which He acts against sin at the end, reflects the intensity He holds even now toward that which we often have a cavalier attitude toward.
The righteous nature of God’s judgment is spoken of by Paul in Romans 9:14-24. In fact, God’s judgment is required by His righteousness (2 Th.1:6), for if He were to forever delay judgment, then He would be in violation of His own righteous nature.
For God to forego judgment when it is due, is as impossible as it is for the Holy One to lie.
The Truth
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
God's Wrath
Revelation 15
This chapter describes the scene in heaven which initiates the final seven bowls of God’s wrath to be poured forth in the next chapter (Rev. 16).
The event which led to this, was the sounding of the seventh trumpet found in Revelation 11:15. The bowl judgments, introduced here, are those which come out of that trumpet and are the final plagues from God, which bring about the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
As the judgments have progressed from the seals, to the trumpets, and now to the bowls, their level of intensity has steadily increased. These are the final set of judgments, which conclude with the Second Coming of Christ, when the “great winepress of the wrath of God” is “trampled outside the city” (Rev.14:20). “He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev. 19:15).
Such intense judgment to come! - Such grief, on the part of the Creator, toward anyone who refuses to acknowledge Him. Yet He must judge for His very holiness and justice require it!
Every person born will drink from one or the other of two cups. Either they will drink the cup of salvation: Or they will drink the cup of the wrath of God (Rev.14:10). Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Heb.3:15), for now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).
The Truth
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John. 3:36)
This chapter describes the scene in heaven which initiates the final seven bowls of God’s wrath to be poured forth in the next chapter (Rev. 16).
The event which led to this, was the sounding of the seventh trumpet found in Revelation 11:15. The bowl judgments, introduced here, are those which come out of that trumpet and are the final plagues from God, which bring about the establishment of His kingdom on earth.
As the judgments have progressed from the seals, to the trumpets, and now to the bowls, their level of intensity has steadily increased. These are the final set of judgments, which conclude with the Second Coming of Christ, when the “great winepress of the wrath of God” is “trampled outside the city” (Rev.14:20). “He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev. 19:15).
Such intense judgment to come! - Such grief, on the part of the Creator, toward anyone who refuses to acknowledge Him. Yet He must judge for His very holiness and justice require it!
Every person born will drink from one or the other of two cups. Either they will drink the cup of salvation: Or they will drink the cup of the wrath of God (Rev.14:10). Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Heb.3:15), for now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).
The Truth
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John. 3:36)
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
The Harvest Will Come
Revelation 14:18
“Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, ‘Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.’”
Many today want the restraints of God, law and culture to be completely set aside, to the extent that people get their own way and succeed in essentially “throwing” God out of our countries and lives.
In so doing, we are hastening destruction on ourselves, and our children. When the time is literally “ripe,” God will give the order and this earth and its people will be destroyed. Make no mistake the harvest WILL come. However, even in the worst of times God will protect His people.
The Truth
“Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow—For their wickedness is great.” Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel.” (Joel 3:13-16)
“Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, ‘Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.’”
Many today want the restraints of God, law and culture to be completely set aside, to the extent that people get their own way and succeed in essentially “throwing” God out of our countries and lives.
In so doing, we are hastening destruction on ourselves, and our children. When the time is literally “ripe,” God will give the order and this earth and its people will be destroyed. Make no mistake the harvest WILL come. However, even in the worst of times God will protect His people.
The Truth
“Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow—For their wickedness is great.” Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, And the strength of the children of Israel.” (Joel 3:13-16)
Monday, October 5, 2015
A Trinity Of Evil
Revelation 13
Here the scene shifts to describe two great beasts. The first, a beast with seven heads and ten horns (the antichrist), who is closely identified with the dragon in Rev.12:3 (Satan). Then a second beast is described as coming up out of the earth having two horns like a lamb (the false prophet) completing the evil trinity. Together they will institute a series of deceptions, which will bring the whole world under the control of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, and ultimately Satan.
Surely it needs no argument to prove that these three evil persons are opposed to and are the antithesis of the three Persons in the Godhead. The Devil stands opposed to God the Father - ‘Ye are of your father, the Devil,” (John 8:40) The Antichrist stands opposed to God the Son - his very name shows this. The third person of the Trinity of Evil will be an Anti-spirit, who will simulate and oppose the Spirit of God. Just as the great work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ, so the one aim of the Anti-spirit will be to magnify the false christ (Rev.13:12).
These three are the counterfeit trinity and like all fakes, they can be spotted. You just need to know what to look for.
The Truth
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3)
Here the scene shifts to describe two great beasts. The first, a beast with seven heads and ten horns (the antichrist), who is closely identified with the dragon in Rev.12:3 (Satan). Then a second beast is described as coming up out of the earth having two horns like a lamb (the false prophet) completing the evil trinity. Together they will institute a series of deceptions, which will bring the whole world under the control of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, and ultimately Satan.
Surely it needs no argument to prove that these three evil persons are opposed to and are the antithesis of the three Persons in the Godhead. The Devil stands opposed to God the Father - ‘Ye are of your father, the Devil,” (John 8:40) The Antichrist stands opposed to God the Son - his very name shows this. The third person of the Trinity of Evil will be an Anti-spirit, who will simulate and oppose the Spirit of God. Just as the great work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ, so the one aim of the Anti-spirit will be to magnify the false christ (Rev.13:12).
These three are the counterfeit trinity and like all fakes, they can be spotted. You just need to know what to look for.
The Truth
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:1-3)
Sunday, October 4, 2015
The Ruler Of All The Nations
Revelation 12:5
“And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.”
I agree with Dr. J. Vernon McGee and many others that the “male child” of this verse is Jesus Christ, who will indeed “rule all the nations.”
Recorded in this verse is a birth that took place 2000 years ago. He, the Lamb of God, was “caught up to God” after His Ascension and He is the One who has been opening the “seals” we have seen on the “scroll” in Chapters 5 through 8.
The Truth
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)
“And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.”
I agree with Dr. J. Vernon McGee and many others that the “male child” of this verse is Jesus Christ, who will indeed “rule all the nations.”
Recorded in this verse is a birth that took place 2000 years ago. He, the Lamb of God, was “caught up to God” after His Ascension and He is the One who has been opening the “seals” we have seen on the “scroll” in Chapters 5 through 8.
The Truth
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)
Thursday, October 1, 2015
The Two Witnesses Resurrected
Revelation 11:11-12
“But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them.”
In verse 11, God breathed life into His two witnesses (who had been dead for three and a half days) and resurrected them, while those who killed them, mocked them and rejoiced at their deaths, watched. This created great fear among the people concerning what these two may do next.
This second verse (12) has been considered as, the time when the “rapture” of the church will occur. That these two witnesses are taken up is indeed, a “rapture” for them, however it does not say that all are raised to heaven at this time. However, it is not “when” the rapture occurs that should be as important to us as “who” will be included in it.
It is very clear here that the enemies watched as the faithful were taken into Glory. The same thing will occur when rapture occurs, the faithful will be taken while unbelievers watch.
The Truth
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
“But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them.”
In verse 11, God breathed life into His two witnesses (who had been dead for three and a half days) and resurrected them, while those who killed them, mocked them and rejoiced at their deaths, watched. This created great fear among the people concerning what these two may do next.
This second verse (12) has been considered as, the time when the “rapture” of the church will occur. That these two witnesses are taken up is indeed, a “rapture” for them, however it does not say that all are raised to heaven at this time. However, it is not “when” the rapture occurs that should be as important to us as “who” will be included in it.
It is very clear here that the enemies watched as the faithful were taken into Glory. The same thing will occur when rapture occurs, the faithful will be taken while unbelievers watch.
The Truth
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
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