Revelation - Page 1

Just thought I would write up this post for some Christians, or some who may just be interested in reading. This will cover in short, the first six chapters, and I'll be working on the remaining chapters for the next post later. I hear so often that Revelation is a book of unfulfilled prophecy, and these things are starting to occur in our time; They look for specific things they read in the book; They expect a literal four horsemen; A literal "Armageddon" here on earth; A literal Apocalypse, or even more the "1,000 year reign" on earth of Christ.  But consider a few things.  First that the book of Revelation was written to the seven Churches of Asia; This was written during a time of extreme persecution and oppression on the Church by the Roman empire.  If you were a Christian you could be imprisoned, exiled, or killed. Revelation was written in a time when Domitian was the Emperor who called himself "Lord God Caesar" and expected the people to bow to him. Of course Christians wouldn't do that.  But think about something.....If it was a book of prophecy that wouldn't be fulfilled for a couple thousand years or more; And the application was only to us now; What purpose would it even serve to the Christians at that time? It would be useless to them.  Notice a few things that are so commonly looked over in the first three verses of Revelation.      Revelation 1:1-3 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:   2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.   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.   Notice a few key phrases? "which must shortly come to pass"   "for the time is at hand"     and "signified".   You see similar phrases in the 22nd chapter as well.   These things would happen soon, not 2 thousand years or more start to be fulfilled. This was a letter of encouragement to these Churches that were under extreme persecution/oppression, that would have applied to the other Churches in that day as well considering the times. The prophecies of Revelation were fulfilled within the first few centuries (I can explain more about that in another post), other than that of Christ's second coming;  Revelation is a book that was also written in a symbolic and apocalyptic language. If you make all of the things in it literal you come up with mass confusion and ridiculous things that would happen. Some things that are mentioned in the book are explained in other parts of Revelation(the symbolic things), some are understood through Old Testament passages. But there was not a literal "beast from the sea", nor was there a literal dragon whose tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven.......etc.  Dealing with other figures mentioned in the book, consider again the time frame. If they mentioned literal people's names, and literal things, they probably would have been put to death for doing so. Would you mention the name of someone who wanted to kill you? Probably not. Consider the apocalyptic language, and the symbolic language......This is very similar to Daniel, Zechariah, Ezekiel. (I will put passages later probably in another post showing the verses from Daniel and Revelation.  In those times this type of language was common. Not to mention some of the prophecy in the book of Daniel dealt with, and was fulfilled during this time.  I'll show you what I mean later in this post about the similarities of language.   Here is some of what is mentioned in one of the books from someone I know (I refuse to give his name as I know how some resort to bashing, and I will not subject his name to that), some of this dealing with the time it was written.   "External evidence is stronger for the date of 95-96 AD. Early writers attributed the book of the time of Domitian. By contrast, the earliest source that dates the book in the time of Nero is a heading found in the Syriac Version of AD 508.   Internal evidence supports a time when the kingdom of God was threatened worldwide (3:10;13:8) by a "false prophet" (pagan religion) backed by the beast (political Rome)This fits Domitian's reign but not Nero's. Persecution by Nero was limited to Rome and to blame Christians for setting fire to the city.   Prophetic evidence points to the events of Revelation as the fulfillment of Daniel's visions. In Daniel 7:17-28 he prophesied that a Roman ruler would "war against the saints," but the saints would "possess the kingdom", a prediction that the kingdom of God would never be destroyed.   Political power also is described as enforcing emperor worship (Rev. 13:12, 16-17) which was true under Domitian.   The woman sitting on the beast seems best to represent Rome, not Jerusalem (Rev. 17:18)."   The 2nd/3rd chapter there isn't much need to mention on here. Considering they were just dealing with the instruction itself to the seven Churches of Asia. Some had their strengths, some however were following false teachings, or had left their first love (like Ephesus did); Or consider Laodicea who was "lukewarm". They were basically a Church who didn't even realize that they were lost. If I remember correctly five of the seven Churches were called to repent by Christ, through John. Remember John was the writer of Revelation. Each instruction to the seven Churches starts off by stating the Church it was to, and then a description of Christ Himself and then instruction (remember these things were sent and signified by the Angel to John). Chapters 2-3 kind of refute the whole idea of "once saved always saved" as many claim today. Because these were Christians, but yet many had fallen away and needed to repent or there would be consequences.  Philadelphia though was a strong Church that had no call to repent (Sorry to be so vague, but this post would be incredibly long if I wasn't)   Then we have chapters 4-5 which are basically just showing the greatness of God and Him being worshiped. The one (5th chapter) who was worthy to open the book is Christ Himself. This is made more evident in verse 9. "And they sang a new song, saying, Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation". and verse 12 "saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."   I'm not going to go in depth on things and much of the symbolism (maybe in another post), and I'll only cover the chapters in brief; At least recognize things like 7 often is a number that represents something "complete" or perfect as so evident through the Scriptures. Things that are white often represent what is holy; It does clarify certain things like what the jasper stone means later on I believe in Revelation 21:11 (the Jasper stone mentioned in chapter 4:3) And it mentions the twenty four elders in Chapter 4....Those are mentioned to be the "twelve tribes of Israel" and the "twelve Apostles" in Revelation 21:12,14 if I remember correctly.    The next part I'm going to take once again from my friends writings in his book. This explains chapter 6 easier than I would.   "The preceding chapters have been introductory. The letters to the seven Churches showed the character, temptations, and rewards of the church. The throne scene reassured the Christians of the sovereign power of God both in creation and redemption through Christ. With the opening of the sealed book the curtain is raised as the dramatic movement of the Apocalypse actually begins. We now see the pictures of the sufferings of the Church, the divine judgments upon its enemies, and the ultimate triumph of Christ.   1. The First Six Seals, Rev. 6:1-17  A First Seal - White Horse, Rev. 6:1-2    1. There are no lines and no action other than the riding of the horse. From the color of the horse and the description of the rider we must identify him.    2. This first scene seems to represent Christ or perhaps the cause of Christ. He is elsewhere pictured as being on a white horse (Rev. 19:11-16) which color represents heavenly purity. The crown suggests His royalty; the bow represents His means of overcoming His enemies (Psa 45:5; Habbakuk 3:9,11).   3. "Went forth conquering and to conquer" - the idea of the conquering Christ is a thread running through this book from beginning to end (Rev 17:14; 19:11-16).   B. Second Seal - Red Horse, Rev 6:3-4   1 Wherever Christ makes His entrance the sword of persecution usually follows (2 Tim 3:12). The rider of this horse was given power to take peace from the earth. This probably refers to persecution rather than war between nations.    2. The "sword" given him is the same word used in Matt 10:34 (machaira), a sacrificial sword; but it is different from the word used in Rev. 6:8 (rhomphaia). A long heavy sword of warfare.   C. Third Seal - Black Horse, Rev. 6:5-6   1. A pair of balances is in the rider's hand, and a voice was heard saying, "A measure of wheat for a penny." This was equivalent to saying, "a whole day's wages (penny) for enough wheat or barley for one person for one day.  2. This represents Economic Hardship which along with the "sword" follows the gospel (Rev 13:15-17). This is not famine, for one could get all he wants provided he can pay, but a certain class of people will be hard pressed. Believers were oppressed and crowded out of jobs, forced to take jobs of lower wages because they insisted on being true to convictions. 3. "Hurt not the oil and wine" - these comforts of life are not affected The rich continue to enjoy their food and all the comforts of life while the poor have hardly enough.   D. Fourth Seal - Pale Horse, Rev 6:7-8   1. This rider was named, "Death," and "Hades" follows with him. The horsehas a sickly, gruesome color, symbolical of disease and death.   2. This seems to represent common woes or pestilence of mankind in general (Ezek. 14:21), for he was given power to kill a fourth part of the earth with sword (rhomphaia), hunger, death, and beasts of the earth. Add these common woes of mankind to the specific persecutions brought on the saints, and one can easily understand the agonizing plea of the souls under the altar seen in the fifth seal.   E. Fifth Seal - Martyred Saints, Rev 6:9-11   1. These souls under the altar had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony (perhaps the same as those slaughtered under the second seal).   2. "How long?" This agonizing plea reveals the yearning of the saints for the day when the majesty and holiness, th esovereignty and righteousness of God in Christ shall be publicly revealed.  3. "Avengement" is sought which is just punishment for wrong doing. This is different from "revenge" which is retaliation in order to get even.  4. White robes were given them, a symbol of righteousness, joy, glory, and victory. But this is a message of triumph and tragedy. The days of martyrdom are not yet completed. A further time of testing shall follow, but the Lord will come, justice will be vindicated and the martyrs will share the victory of the king.   F Sixth Seal - Earthquake, Judgment, Rev 6:12-17  1. Old Testament writers frequently used these terms to signify great day of the Lord in judgment against wickedness (e.g. Joel 2:10; Isa 13:10; 2:19; Hosea 10:8; Luke 23:30). These are symbolic changes and not necessarily exact events, but pictures as if these should occur: (1) Sun turns black as sackcloth; (2) Moon becomes as blood; (3) Stars fell unto the earth; (4) Heaven departed as a scroll rolled up; and (5) Every mountain and island moved out of its place. 2. All these seem impossible of happening. Wherein man feels secure, even this shall be turned upside down, for the Lord will show His superior power. 3. Six classes of men try to hide themselves: (1) Kings; 2 Princes; 3 Officers; 4 Rich; 5 Strong; 6 Slave and freeman. Men of all stations in life who refuse to serve the Lord shall wish to flee His wrath. 4. "Who shall be able to stand?" This sobering question is answered in the next scene.

That explains everything....

Chapter 1-Here we receive the announcement of the vision,are informed of its purpose and of its human receiver,
and are told of the blessings which are pledged to all who read and hear its words.

verse2--John bare record of these things which he heard and saw.  Jesus showed it,and John saw it.

verse3--- The early church did not have a bible for each person,one person read while all others listened

4---- John addressed his letter to the seven churches whic were in the Roman province of Asia.Thi area was governed by a Proconsul and sometimes
called,Proconsuler Asia.  Thi is our present Western third of Turkey.
Sevn churches,and seven spirits,just as the seven days of the Genesis creation account
Ther were more churches than 7 in Asia,but these seven reoresented all.

5-----  Christ attributes and comming are lauded in a PRLUDE HYMN VERSES 5-8 THIS VERSE SINGS OF HIS TRUSTWORTHINESS.
His power over death,His Lordship over earthly potentates,and His saviorhood in washing away our sins by His dying at Calvary.

  Cntinued later

    gouda

What would poor simple believers do without all this wonderful explaining and interpreting?
How could they ever understand without you guys explaining the meaning of it all?

Poor souls.

Moons, do you not have anything better to do? You don't believe, we get that. If Christianity is such a waste of time to you, why spend it mocking Christians? Everything I stated will be of no value to you; It will not even make sense to you for that matter I'm sure because you have don't have any desire to believe or understand it. So why even comment?

Because I can,
and because so many of you are such great frauds in real life.

What I said still holds true,
if not for all the explaining and interpreting what would any other poor soul do to find salvation?

How would a god have ever expected anyone to understand it without your help?


I was raised on this, I don't need your help understanding what I read.

I'm a great fraud? Highly doubt it. I would suggest a book to you if you were willing to read it, called "Is the Bible True.....Really".  It's $6, better yet I'd buy another copy and send it to you for free for that matter. It takes about an hour and a half to read through the entire book. Things are addressed accurately, historically, by evidence even, of many of the so called "fallacies of the Bible", the so called "Jesus story" that many claim is a copy of other religions and is nothing new....Or the claim about all of the other different "relgions that are said to have had a Messiah, born on Dec 25th, 12 followers, born of a virgin, died, buried, raised three days later; The claim that Christianity copied off of Pagan mythology; The so called "errors" in the manuscripts....All of these things addressed in the book.

You state you were raised on this and don't need my help........Why are you reading it then? This was directed to "Christians and those who may be interested in reading it", was it not?

Save your six dollars,
and you didn't answer the question.

Again, because I can.

Where do you think you are 08?

You may or may not be a fraud gsdguy08, but that's not what I said is it?

Because I can,
and because so many of you are such great frauds in real life

You stated what I put in italics above. Your questions seemed rhetorical, not to mention I have no reason to answer them.

LOL....

Your no daisy at all guy.

It was a simple question.