The opening of the seventh seal includes the sounding of the seven trumpets and the pouring out of the seven bowls of wrath.
Seven Trumpets blown by Angels. 1 One third of the earth set fire 8:7. 2 A great mountain falls into the sea destroying one third of everything in and on the sea 8:8. 3 A meteorite falls from the sky onto rivers turning rivers and springs bitter, causing many to die because of the bitter water 8:10. 4 Reduced light 8:12. 5 A plague of locusts for five months 9:1. 6 An oriental invasion 9:13. 7 The kingdom of God comes upon the world it is taken over by God after a final great earthquake 11:15
A verse to remember
For God did not appoint us to Wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 5:9.
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The sealing of the redeemed in chapter seven, happens during an interval of quiet between the sixth and seventh seals. ( those who hold a mid-trib view, favour the rapture of the saints at this point.
After the terrors of the sixth seal, the winds of the earth depicting the forces of devastation yet to come, are held back by four angels under the instruction of a strong angel from the east carrying the seal of God, who tells them to hold back while the redeemed of Christ receive a seal on their forehead’s. The one hundred and forty- four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel 7:4 could be a literal band of Jewish evangelists, (that is according to dispensational pre Millennialism) or symbolic of all Israel Romans 11: 26, or spiritual Israel? The number one hundred and forty four thousand also symbolises completeness 7:4
Who is the vast crowd in 7:9 ? again there are many suggestions, 1 The martyrs of 6:9. 2 The 144 thousand. 3 Those coming out of the great tribulation 7:14. 4 The redeemed from every age and nation, notice they all had the same credentials, white robes washed in the blood of the Lamb. God includes everyone who trusts in the righteousness and sacrifice of Jesus. No true believer need ever worry about which group they will be in!
A verse to remember
For the Lamb who stands in front ofthe throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to the springs of life- giving water. And God will wipe away all their tears. Revelation 7:17 N.L.T.
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Historicists believe that Chapter six represents the whole time period from the early apostles to the present day. It’s true the world has witnessed some cataclysmic events already, but I think that during the coming tribulation many of these past tragedies will be repeated to a much greater degree.
The first seal. A rider on a white horse, this rider is not Jesus but a future world leader (antichrist) who will deceive the whole world Daniel 18:25. This rider also represents many dictators who have tried to enslave the world. ( Antichrist is one who seeks to replace Jesus Christ, being a master of deception he will not appear to be anti Christian his lies will seem like the truth. He may well seem to hold the Bible in esteem.
The second seal A rider on a red horse taking away peace from the world, causing people to kill each other, through murder, civil unrest and warfare.
The third seal A rider on a black horse seen holding a pair of scales, a sign of severe inflation and famine. Do not harm the oil or wine could indicate that those with wealth are still able to buy life’s luxuries.
The fourth seal. A rider on a pale grey horse whose name is death, hades (the grave) follow this rider who in turn follows the previous riders bringing to pass what they have been allowed to initiate. But the devastation death causes is limited in scope to a quarter of earth’s population
The fifth seal Persecution and martyrdom of the saint’s, notice these martyrs were crying out for vindication (avenge) not vengeance. Stephen Acts 7:60 Lord do not charge them with this sin.
The sixth seal. Cosmic disturbance, the great day of wrath has come 6:17 all seven classes of mankind refuse to repent 6:17. kings, great men, Rich men, Commanders, Mighty men, Slaves , and Free men. The order of these seals is I believe sure but the timing is uncertain, the six seal looks like events that happen at the point of Christs return.But more on this as we continue to read Revelation.
A verse to remember
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 the them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
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The book or Scroll had writing inside and out, meaning that nothing can be added to Gods last Will and Testament Revelation 22:18-19.
The scroll contained seven seals which are located throughout the scroll. As each one is broken so the next phase of Gods plan is revealed.
Only Jesus is able to open each seal in turn, Jesus life of total obedience to His Father will qualified Him. Jesus is the Lamb who was dead but now lives forever! Jesus is the Lion (power and authority) and the Lamb ( submission to Gods will) Only Jesus who is the root and offspring of David has the right to open the seals 5:5
The scroll containing Gods Will is taken from His fathers hand by Jesus Christ. Who is depicted as having seven horns (strength and power) and seven eyes, the seven spirits of God, reminding us that Jesus is God and is omnipresent. The bowls of incense which are the prayers of the saints, reveals that none of our prayers are wasted, they don’t die with us, for our Heavenly Father who hears our prayers is eternal. ( your prayers feature in Gods end time plan!)
A verse to remember
And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” And the four living beings said “Amen!” And the twenty four elders fell down and worshipped God and the Lamb. Revelation 5:13-14 N.L.T.
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The open door is the open door of prophetic revelation, which is opened by God, unlike the door of fellowship 3:22 which has to be opened by those that heed the voice, and knocking of the Lord, opening the door of their hearts to Him. True prophecy always comes from God through the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:20-21.
Come up here and I will show you what must happen after these things 4:1, has been interrupted as the rapture of the church. However I think it should be taken literally meaning John was given an invitation by God to see what was to happen after the delivery of Gods message to the seven Churches. Gods message is always certain and clear like the sound of a trumpet blast! 4:1.
Because John was sensitive to the Holy Spirit he experienced a heightened sense of the Spirits presence ( I was in the Spirit 4:2)
This description of God the father is about His brilliance and glory not his likeness. Could the twenty four Elders be a representation of the twelve Old Testament patriarchs, and the twelve apostles?
The Holy Spirit is one Spirit, these seven are the holy attributes of God the Holy Spirit, and speak of completeness.. See Isaiah 11:2.
The winged creatures are cherubim, see Isaiah 6, and Ezekiel 1:5 and 10.
A verse to remember
“ Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Revelation 4:8.
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Jesus walks in the midst of the seven golden Lamp-stands, nothing is hidden from Him, We hear much about the desire for revival today, but do we know what we are asking for? Revival is essentially reviving that which once had life, that is the church.
Speaking of the church. That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be Holy and without blemish Ephesians 5:26-27. Now this, “yet once more,” indicates the removable of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain Hebrews 12:27
Sardis Praised that some had not soiled their garments, rebuked for being superficial, told to wake up and repent. I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Their true condition did not reflect how they were thought of in the community or in their own eyes.
Philadelphia Praised for their faithfulness, the church was not rebuked, they were told to hold on to what they had. Their little strength was not a sign of weakness but spoke of their dependence on the Lord. The key of David means authority, an open door speaks of evangelistic opportunity.
Laodicea they received no commendation, but were rebuked for being lukewarm , they were told to be earnest and repent. Being lukewarm makes the Lord sick! Luke warm Christian’s come in various categories, and if we’re honest most of us have suffered from this complaint at some point. Lukewarm or cold, 3:18 tells us what we must do. Gold stands for true riches, White garments for salvation having our sins forgiven and blotted out. Eye salve to open the eyes of our heart.
A verse to remember
I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends. Revelation 3:19-20 N.L.T.
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Revelation carries the promise of blessing to all who read it but a warning to anyone who would add or take from its message 22:18-19
Revelation is a prophetic book, it’s futuristic but relevant for every age of the church. It is believed that Antipas was martyred in A.D 92. (2:13) this helps with dating Revelation, with the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70 well before Revelation was written, raising questions about the Preterist and partial preterist views?
Revelation was written to seven churches in the first century A.D. But the message is still relevant to todays churches with similar problems. The Lord commended six of the seven churches and rebuked five. Nothing is ever hidden from the Lord who walks in the midst of the golden lamp stands.
Ephesus praised for her hard work and perseverance, rebuked for forsaking her first love, they were to remember and repent.
leaving the first love can happen when the church becomes orthodox, giving place to form rather than genuine heart worship 2:4.
The Nicolaitans which means “laity conquerors” were false teachers who exploited the people, instead of spiritually developing them they promoted all kinds of immorality. It is thought by some commentators that these so called “ministers” were responsible for dividing the church between clergy and laity 2:6
Smyrna Praised for their faith suffering persecution and poverty, no rebuke, just remain faithful and don’t fear.
Synagogue of Satan. We’re Jews who claimed to be true Jews who followed God, but we’re in darkness because they rejected Christ and the gospel, persecuting the true church 2:9
Pergamum. Praised for their faith, but rebuked for compromise, told to repent.
Persecution was within this church as well as outside, satan had got a foothold through the false Nicolaitans teaching causing sexual immorality which was a great stumbling block, just like in the days of Balaam who caused Israel to sin. The result of their compromise was the martyrdom of a church member Antipas.2:13-15
Thyatira Praised for their faith, Love, and service, rebuked for immorality, need to repent.
They failed to test Jezebel who claimed to be a prophet. she was false and her words caused devastation in this church. Let’s all be sure we test everything that purports to come from God.
God promises to all who overcome the wiles of the devil The Morning star the herald of a new day! 2:28
A verse to remember
Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
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Written during a time of extreme persecution, uncertainty about the date some put it as early as A.D. 70 but more likely about A.D. 90-95. The timing effects some of the views below!
John the Apostle simply wrote what he “saw” the revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave Him (Jesus) to show His servants what must shortly happen.
Main views of the book of Revelation
Futurist view / classical pre- millennialism.
The first three chapters are applicable throughout history, signs precede the coming tribulation; the saints will meet the Lord in the air at His coming at the end of the tribulation period. Views the millennium as Christian. This was the view held by most of the early church fathers from the Apostles to Constantine Christianised the Roman Empire. (This is my favoured view!)
Idealist view
Revelation is symbolic with a spiritual meaning rather than foretelling actual events. This was a view held by St Augustine in the 4th century.
Historicist view
Revelation represents the course of history from the Apostles to the end of the age. A view held by many Protestant reformers and eveangelists.
Preterist view ( means past)
That the all prophecies found in Revelation were fulfilled in the overthrow of Jerusalem in A.D.70 and that we are now living in the good of the Millennium.
Partial Preterist/ Dominionist or Kingdom now theology
Revelations was fulfilled in A.D.70 with the overthrow of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. The world will be Christianised through the witness of the Church through signs wonders and political activity. The world will become better as Satan’s influence diminishes. Jesus will return to a perfect world that His saints have subdued. Some “Kingdom Now” Charismatic Christians hold this view..
Futurist view/ dispensational Pre Millennialism
Except for the first three chapters, John is describing events that will happen at the end of history, expects a pre-tribulation rapture and views the millennium as mostly Jewish. This view was taught by JN Darby a leader of the Plymouth Brethren was popularised by footnotes in the Scofield Bible, and by Hal Lindsay in his many books. This is probably the most popular view.
A verse to remember
God blesses the one who reads this prophesy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen. Revelation 1:3 N. L.T.
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The Holy Spirit is not an influence, He is a person the third Person of the Trinity He is God living inside us, in our born again spirits. With the Father and the Son he shares the same holy attributes. He is with us sharing our life situations, and as the Spirit of truth He can be relied upon as He takes the things of Christ and reveals them to us John 15:26.
Without the Holy Spirit we could never experience Gods power in our lives, because this is Gods chosen way he has chooses to work in the lives of ordinary Christian’s. Without the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence we could never be born again! So knowing this why do so many attempt Christian ministry in their own little strength? For full enjoyment and satisfaction we dare not neglect this great gift of the Holy Spirit.
It’s not simply “difficult” but totally impossible to be a disciple of Jesus without the Holy Spirit’s help. Attempts at trying to do any of the Lords commands in our own strength (flesh) will not only result in failure, but also have the smell of legalism. I’m sure our Lord never intended for discipleship to become a list of do’s and don’ts. The relationship of the disciple to the Lord is living its dynamic! Jesus walked and taught doing mighty miracles in His disciples presence for around three years, they got to know Him, recognise His voice and love Him. Their classroom was being with Jesus on the road, amidst the crowds seeing the miracles and being helped to understand the parables, and on the Lake in a storm. Jesus still walks and talks with His disciples today and will do so until He returns. The Holy Spirit who has been given should not be seen simply as a substitute Jesus but as an equal member of the Godhead He leads empowers and guides disciples, to be effective in continuing Jesus work in Jesus way, (in the power of the Spirit) Luke 4:14 , John 16:12.
A verse to remember
Oh there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting His own ideas; He will be telling you what He’s heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever He receives from me. All that the Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever He receives from me. John 16:12-15 N.L.T.
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A disciple is “ One who learns from another” in the secular Greek world ‘mathetes’ was used to describe an apprentice to a tradesman. A disciple was expected to imitate their teacher. This is what Paul meant when he said “ you are to imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1.
How many times have you heard it said “ we are not told to go and make converts, we are told to go and make disciples” Some Christians have a better start in their new life in Christ than others, We thank God for those who discipled us and continue to do so, who encouraged us to read our bibles, pray, seek Christian fellowship and to go on being filled with the Holy Spirit every day. We have heard sermons about how Christ helps break bad habit patterns, but perhaps not so many about how to create good spiritual habit patterns.
The first few weeks are crucial for new Christians, they have been regenerated by and received the Holy Spirit, and this is when they need the encouragement, and example, of their fellow disciples of Jesus. It’s often noted that at some well known evangelistic events many who came forward to receive Christ quickly fall away? no doubt some were never born again, but I often wonder what happened to the others? I think Jesus tells us in the parable of the sower Matthew 13:3.
Every Christian is called to be a disciple of Jesus and this means they will follow Jesus and put the claims of Jesus first in their lives, regardless of the cost to themselves. So a Christian disciple is a person who is determined to follow Jesus Christ, with the desire to learn from Him and live according to His example. (Bob Gordon)
Disciples are to go and make disciples, this is not optional for Christians but the command of Jesus. Paul was a good example of a new Christian obeying the command to go! Acts 9:20.
A verse to remember
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always , even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 N.L.T.
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End Times Bible Truth with Robert Spiller 