The end of the age pt 1
THE END TIMES
Will the world end in 2012?
INTRODUCTION.
The film 2012 has raised speculation that Armageddon will happen on or around Dec 2012 according to Mayan prophecies etc. The film is pure hype and imagination with no substantial foundation at all. However it has grossed some $700million so the makers are quite happy!
The world seems to be anticipating some great event. Probably a cataclysm of some sort in the near future. So what is the World’s next Great Event?
2nd Coming of Christ.
Matt 24;1
The disciples as many others through the ages, were intrigued by Jesus’ assertion that the Temple would be destroyed. It was a huge edifice. 100ft high. The foundation stones still in place are 44.6 feet by 11 feet by 16.5 feet and weighing approximately 567 to 628 tons. Although the Romans destroyed the Temple in AD70 it was not until the Dome of the Rock was built in AD687 that the last remnants were taken down.
The Disciples wanted to know when this would happen and recognized that the world would end sometime, The disciples had in mind that the three were linked.
In Luke 21 Jesus gives a list of the things that will happen at the end of the age. Also in Matt 24. On its own this is quite an Impressive list. We will look at it later on. But the Bible says far more. It is one of the most mentioned things in the Bible. Add the whole lot together, and we have an impressive doctrine that we can stand firmly on.
Some people have differing ideas about 2nd coming; Just four here.
MYSTICAL.
Believe that Revelation is purely fantasy. Illustrative and spiritual only: Events won’t actually happen.
PRATORIST
Believe that visions of Revelation were fulfilled as were Christ’s forecasts, during destruction of Jerusalem in AD70.
POST MILLENIAL.
The Millennium (more later) is a purely Spiritual kingdom after which Christ will come back to earth. Since this has some adherents even in AoG, lets read 2 Thes 2;8.
Christ destroys Antichrist at his coming. But Antichrist appears before the Millenium.
See Rev 20;6. The dead in Christ are raised at His coming before the millennium.
PRE MILLENIAL
Christ’s coming ushers in the millennium (or 1000 yrs reign) and Christ then reigns with the saints (you & me) for 1000 years on the earth.
THE CERTAINTY OF HIS COMING
See ENOCH Jude 14
JOB; Job: 19 :25-
JESUS John 14 ;3. (nb; although some say Jesus ‘comes’ at death, taken with other scriptures, this is obviously far more than that)
ANGELS Acts 1;11
APOSTLES Acts 3;19-20.
JAMES Jas 5;
PETER . 2 Pet 3:3
PAUL I Thess. 4; 13- 18
Christ’s coming referred to over 400 times in O.T. 318 in N.T. Twice as often in N.T. as doctrine of salvation , and by far the greatest number of prophesies concerning Christ in O.T. are connected with His 2nd coming!
HOW HE WILL COME
His coming is NOT;
Conversion. At conversion we come to Christ. At 2nd coming he comes for us. (1 Thess 4 see above)
At conversion the dead spiritually receive life. (Eph2 :1-2 ) At 2nd Coming dead physically receive life. (1 Thess 4)
Again; Christ comes for Believers, whereas at conversion we become a believer!
Death. Titus 2:13 Death not a hope, but an enemy; 1 Cor. 15;26 Death comes to all , whereas Christ comes for saints.
We are not told to watch for death: but for Christ’s coming.
See also John 21; 22
Baptism in Spirit. Acts 2;16-17 see also vv 32-33 At Pentecost it was Holy Spirit who came, sent by God at Christ’s request. Christ’s coming was preached after Pentecost.
Destruction of Jerusalem AD70 This a type or picture of the tribulation. Years after the destruction of Jerusalem, John was still looking for Christ. Rev.22 ;20
Christ’s Second coming IS;
A LITERAL COMING.
300 prophecies concerning Christ’s first coming were literally fulfilled.
e.g.; His mother a virgin Isa 7;14
Born in Beth. Micah 5:2.
Wise men. Ps 72;10-15
Entry to Jerusalem. Zech 9:9,
30 pcs silver. Zec. 11;12-13
Resurr. Psa 16 ;8 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
There are hundreds more! So we may expect the hundreds of prophecies concerning the 2nd coming to be fulfilled.
He is coming IN PERSON .
Not an angel. John 14;3. 1 Thess 4; 16 NOT A SPIRIT but a visible tangible real Jesus. – Acts 1 ;11
WHEN HE WILL COME
The disciples asked him. …Matt 24;3 WHEN THESE THINGS BE Jesus had foretold destruction of the temple v 2. Within 40 years this was fulfilled. 26 years before Revelation written.
WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN.
Jesus did not condemn the disciples for asking this. We do not know the day or hour. Jesus gave many signs of His imminent return. Many are as up to date as today’s newspaper.
False Christs. Matt 24;23 Some years ago it was estimated there were 44 around.
Wars and Rumours of wars. In the 1914-18 was 10 million people died. In WWII, 30 m. In Revelation, we read of the last great war when 200m will die. We only need to read the papers. Cambodia, Iran, Ethiopia, Iraq, Israel, Korea, Afghanistan etc. There have been around 31 wars since 2003. Many are still being fought.
Nation v Nation. Cp Lu 21;10, All over the world there is economic peril. The world’s banking system crashed last year. Kingdoms are shaking. Luke 21;9,
Dispersion of Jews. Luke 21;24
Famine. Luke 21;11; 1/3rd of world goes hungry to bed. David Pimentel, professor of ecology and agriculture at Cornell University, and Mario Giampietro, senior researcher at the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition (INRAN), claim in their study Food, Land, Population and the U.S. Economy that to achieve a sustainable economy and avert disaster, the United States must reduce its population by at least one-third, and world population will have to be reduced by two-thirds. The authors of this study believe that the mentioned agricultural crisis will only begin to impact us after 2020, and will not become critical until 2050. The oncoming peaking of global oil production (and subsequent decline of production), along with the peak of North American natural gas production will very likely precipitate this agricultural crisis much sooner than expected. Geologist Dale Allen Pfeiffer claims that coming decades could see spiralling food prices without relief and massive starvation on a global level such as never experienced before.
Plagues and Pestilences. Luke 21;11 New diseases are constantly appearing. Diseases which are endemic in one country appear inexplicably elsewhere – possibly due to travel. ScienceDaily (Nov. 24, 2005) — Emerging infectious diseases pose a global threat to human and animal health, and the problem is likely to worsen, The recent emergence of diseases, such as AIDS, SARS and avian flu, have catapulted emerging infectious diseases to the top of the medical and political agendas, writes Dr Andrew Cunningham. The rise in international trade and travel is also important. The emergence of West Nile virus in North America, and AIDS and SARS globally, for example, arose from such travel and trade. This globalisation of people and products is difficult to control and is largely related to increasing air transportation. With world air travel expected to grow at about 5% a year for at least the next 20 years, the problem of emerging infectious diseases will continue to grow, he warns.
Some scientists believe that some diseases are coming from outer space.? But Jesus said it would happen.
Earthquakes. Luke 21;11 Several major earthquakes every year. Even in UK. So common now they don’t report them! Just last week Huge earthquake in Haiti, but there was one the week before in California!
In 10th Cent. 32 recorded. In 19thC 2119. Now?
This year so far, 3 major earthquakes of 6or7 magnitude, Solomon Isles, California, Haiti. – in 10 days!!
2009 there were 18 major earthquakes.
Matt 25-6. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. (Tsunamis?)
But all this is but the beginning; Matt 24;8
Persecution; Matt 24;9 Millions wiped out in Cambodia, How many in Russia, China, Albania, Yugoslavia etc? We are now seeing a rise in persecution of Christians in UK and USA, so called Christian countries!
False Prophets. Matt 24;11 Dozens of them. Christadelphians, Moonies, JW, CofG, Modernists, and now “Christian TV” – how many? Beware what you watch!
Godlessness. Matt 24;12 And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity,
Gospel preached worldwide. Matt 24;14 By radio and TV the gospel is now being heard around the world.
2Tim3;1-5 A list of the last days; If you need any proof we are in the last days, read this chapter!
‘Having a form of Godliness but denying the power’…
“From such turn away”.
Start looking up!
Luke 21;28
Matt 24; 32
THE RAPTURE
The first great event of the end of the age.
No general resurrection taught in Bible. No single judgement of all. Luke 20;35
Rev 20;6 “1st resurrection. Phil 3;11 “Resurrection out of the dead.
An example of not taking the Bible literally. Vine says this refers to Paul’s not wanting to be associated with Christ in His resurrection life. Not so!
By comparing Scripture we see the truth of 2 resurrections. See 1 Cor 15;22-24. Nb “Thereafter” used twice. (Own order; military term for ‘class’ or ‘division’. END = last in a succession or series. cp Matt 26;58 The end of r = remainder of the dead.
The O.T viewed both resurrections as one; eg Dan 12;2 & 13.
In Christs teaching the two are together in John 5;28-9.
This could be in view of the fact that they could not as yet accept two resurrections. See John 16;12-13. The bible is a record of God’s gradual unfolding of His full revelation. Finally, Rev. 20;4-5 makes it plain.
“It belongs to the glorifying of the Christ as the Head that his memebers should share in a SPECIAL resurrection. One like His own – a “res. Out of the dead”. Cp Mark 9;9-10. They wondered what he meant by res. From dead. Nb They knew about resurr of the dead see Mary in Jn 11;24-25. Obviously Jesus was saying something new here. After Christ’s res. They knew what he meant. See Acts 4;2 ‘out of’. Paul; Phil 3;11.
So the rapture is first of all the resurrection of all Christians.
1st res. Rev 20;5-6 An OUT res. Phil 3;11, Luke 20;35.
Of the righteous; Luke 14;14
To life; John 5;29
God’s Day (s)
We live in the last days. Acts 2;17. (Not the present day meaning of the term) cp Heb 1;2 I Jn 2;18.
Heb 9;26-28 These are the end times; “His first appearing is the beginning of the end and His 2nd appearing begins the end of the end”.
Paul 1 Cor 10;11 “Ends of the ages have arrived (Lit Gk)
Since Christ we have witnessed the END developing progressively.
The OT was like coming up one side of the hill to Christ. Now we are going down the other side.
God’s reference to a day can mean 1000 years; 2 Pet 3;8
In fact the ‘last day’ in God’s calendar is approx 1000 years. Begins with the res. Of the righteous (Jn 6;39,40,44,54) and ends with the judgement of the lost; Jn 12;48.
To attempt to date the rapture is fruitless. Luther said 1556. John Cocceius 1667. Amos Comenius 1672, Isaac Newton 1715, JA Bengel, 1836, not to mention 7day Adventists, Jehovah’s witnesses etc.
We are warned not to date it. Acts 1;7, Matt 24;36.
There is a near and distant aspect. Jesus said, “I come soon” (Rev 22;20) but told parables; Luke 19;11-12 (distant land, long time etc) So we must WATCH (Matt 25;13 and Luke 12;35-6)
We shall all be changed; 1 Thess 4;16-17. I Cor 15;51.
We shall be caught away. Word used is Harpazo which = to seize hastily, snatch, grab, rob with violence, draw to oneself quickly. Luke uses is in Acts 23;10 of Paul’s being torn from the mob by soldiers.
In 1 Thess 1;10, similar Gk = rescue with power cp 2 Tim 4;17.
Shout = ‘war cry’. A triumphant caonquring and deliverance. Cp Jn 14;2 We are caught to Jesus.
For the first time, the church of all times and lands will be together, and the completed church will exist for the first time. Not on earth but in the air. 1 Thess 4;17 Millions of saints drawn up by the power of God. Cp Phil 3;21 The power that works in the whole world will work on us; We will be Transfigured; 1 Cor 15;51-51.
Even more triumphant – “Prince of the Power of the air”. We are caught up to the air, in the headquarters of the conquered foe. Meets the conqueror and his victorious hosts. The persecuted are crowned at the headquarters of their defeated enemy.
Jews sign of 2nd coming.
Earlier, various signs, earthquakes, unrest etc. But is there a convincing proof that we are in the last days?
How about this?
“It is a gloomy moment in the history of our country. Not in the lifetime of most men have there been so much grave and deep apprehension; Never has the future seemed so incalculable as at this time. The domestic economy situation is in chaos. Our currency is weak throughout the world. Prices are so high as to be utterly impossible. The political cauldron seethes and bubbles with uncertainty. Russia stands as usual like a cloud, dark and silent, upon the horizon. It is a solemn moment. Of our troubles no man cans ee the end.” (Harper’s Weekly, Oct 1857.)
Fred. the great asked ‘Is there a tangible proof of the existence of God?” The answer not only proves God, but also Xts 2nd coming: The answer is the Jews.
4000 yrs a separate nation. Never intermarried (except for few exceptions, which were dealt with (e.g. EZRA)
God led them, dealt with them and because of their disobedience scattered them. They were warned: Ezek. 36 ;18-19 I dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered through the countries; I judged them according to their conduct and their actions. Scattered over the earth, the land left desolate. But a returning: Ez.36;24. For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.
Now here’s the strange thing: for 2000 yrs the Jews retained their identity…. Others dispersed and ..disappeared. Not the Jews. Incredible. Zeph 3;20…God said he would bring them back.
cp Gen. 13;14—15 and 17;8 Land for ever.
Jer. 7;7 God says “I gave it for ever and ever’.
Because of their rejection of Xt, and God, they were disp. Isa. 11 ;9—12 most emphatic. nb it was a 2nd return. 1st under Ezra and Nehemiah. Then scattered again, and never came back for 2000 yrs. .
In 1895 Dr Theodor Herzl the founder of modern Zionism moved a return to Israel of the Jews. He died in 1904 but wrote in his will, 2It is my desire to be buried in a metal casket beside my father and lie there (in Vienna) until the Jewish people will bring my body to the land of Israel.
In 1948 following the War, Jews allowed back and Jewish state proclaimed. 1/2 million Jews vs.40m Arabs who had vowed to push them back into the sea! On 14th May 1948 Israel was reborn and came into possession of the land.
J Whitfield Foster, Missionary to the Jews tells how he stood in the courtyard of the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem in 1949 and see the coffin standing there on a pedestal with the words from Ez 37;12 written on it.
1956 Egypt, Jordan and Syria formed an alliance to exterminate the Jew. Israel won.
But even through it all, they never had Jerusalem
Although God had promised: Gen 15 ;18—21 Nile to Euphrates .. see map! no conditions!
God confirmed this promise to Jacob, Gen 28;13-15, Moses, Ex 3;8, and Joshua, 21;43.
In 2 Kings 5;2 is known as “The land of Israel” God speaks of Israel as HIS land in Lev 25;23 and His eyes are always upon it Deut. 11;12
Gen 17;7-8 unconditional, irreversible. now op Gal.3;17
Law of Moses did not disannul it. Nothing can.
Despite their sin and rebellion to this day, God hasn’t cast off Jew.
Now see Rom.ll;2 & 25. Fullness of times of Gentiles be fulfilled. And Luke 21;24. Till times of G. be fulfilled.
In 1967 Arabs tried again, by all laws Jews should have been wiped out. Arabs 2 ½ times the might, but their planes never even took off. Jews won hands down, and more importantly they now had all of Jerusalem…. go back to Luke 21;24.. Arabs have tried 3 times to take it back and failed.
The times of the Gentiles was fulfilled in the 1st week of Jun 1967.
Now read on in Luke 21; All these things shall be fulfilled. in THIS generation.
Ezek. 37;25—28 Their return permanent. Amos 9;14,—15 Jer. 31;38—40.No more’
But notice the deeper significance behind Jer.31;31 ff esp 33.
Jer.23;3—4. a promise of fruitfulness and increase. That is happening today.
But a time coming when the nations will rise against Israel. Zech.14;1—3. This we can see. In the United Nations, there have been attempts to outlaw Israel. Even Britain and USA have almost been forced to cut off Israel.
Russia Is arming the Arabs and encouraging them. Ezek39;1—4 Gog the prince of Tubal and Mesech…. Turkey. (see map) But significantly more, for other nations are involved, so more likely an alliance between- all the..Arab nations, supported by Russia. THIS IS LIKELY AT ANY TIME!
Now notice Hos.3;5 There will be a great spiritual revival when Israel will turn back to God. Note they, are not a godly nation at present. Few synagogues. Zionism a nationalistic movement. Many Jews openly Godless.
Cp Ezek. 36; 24—28. also 39; 25—29
God promised many times that Jews would suffer great persecution. They have: Wars etc… Its not over yet. Ezek 22;15 ff. Jerusalem will become the centre of the world. On the map, It is. See Zech.8;20 — 23. 14.;16—21.
Ezek 37;11-12. Valley of dry bones; Typical of Israel coming together as a nation.
Very swift events occur in Rev 1;7, cp Zech 14;4, Matt 26;64, Christs return; All the tribes of the land mourn because of Him. Rev 1;7, with Zech 12;10-11.
They mourn for the Messiah, realising what they did; Zech 12;10. Repent, realising their own sinfulness. Ez 36;31.
Isai 53;36 Lit; “We counted Him as nothing, we held him to be the one who was tormented and smitten and tortured of God. But the Lord cast all our sins upon Him. On account of our transfressions He was wounded on on account of our transgressions was smitten. That we might have peace the punishment lay upon Him and through His wounds we are healed.” The repenting confession that Israel will make when Christ comes. (Erich Sauer).
One thing. is certain. “When these things begin to come to pass”
This Generation shall not pass till all be fulfilled.
Exciting days. Prophecy being fulfilled daily. Perhaps
before we finish this study, we shall see Jesus face to face.
Rev 6;1-8;5
“The great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand? Rev 6;17
The order of His coming;
The rapture of the Church. Christ comes for his saints
The great tribulation on earth. In heaven Christ judgement seat of the saints
The ‘2nd coming’ – Christ comes with His saints.
The millennial reign of Christ and binding of satan
Satan’s release and final rebellion
Armageddon
Great White Throne judgement
New Jerusalem.
Revelation is a series of pictures of the coming events at the end of the world. But does in fact date fro the early church. The 1st 3 chapters deal with the church on earth. When we get to chapter 6 we find the church in Heaven
The rapture takes place between ch 3 & 4??
The comparison between rev 6 and matt 24 is striking.
1 IMPERIALISM; 6;1-2
A conquering horse/rider. A regular sight. The conqueror rode a white horse. Bow – no arrows? Taken for granted.
Some think the horseman is Christ. His crown Calvary, his bow the Word and refer to ch 19. This does not however harmonise with the rest of the chapter. Ch 19 at this point is still future. The other 3 horsement are judgement and disasters, which would be in a sense out of keeping with the Lord.
These horsemen are best interpreted as forces or principles. (Conquest, war, famine, death). Since Rome there has been this spirit of wanting to conquer the world abroad.
Today nations and individuals are looking for ways to conquer
2 WAR. Naturally! Red the colour of fire and blood. He removes peace. Ever since Roman times there have been wars in every century which have got bigger and bigger. There have been more wars in the 20th Century than ever before. Cp Christ’s prophecy of wars and rumours of wars at the end times. Despite all man’s efforts there has never been peace on earth. “Short sword = great – intense?”
3. FAMINE. Black the colour of famine (Lam 5;10) this was not absolute dearth, but a prohibitive cost of living. See v 6. Scales etc. speak of rationing. – the price. In ordinary times a denarius (1p) would buy 8 measures of wheat or 24 barley. A days wages, enough for one. Families must use barley. Oil and wine were more luxuries than stapes, implying perhaps that luxuries were available, but the main support of life scarce.
We are seeing this come to pass frighteningly today. Luxury and famine side by side. “Ignore the hungry, they’ll go away”
4. DEATH. Vv7-8 Lit; pale green – the livid greenish white of putrefying flesh. Jesus foretold pestilence. While these four have in a sense always been with us, in the latter times, they will have special significance as heralds of God’s judgement and agents of His wrath.
5. MARTYRED DEAD. Vv9-11
They gave their lives for Christ. Recognised but apparently not yet rewarded. God is not yet ready to act on their behalf. They are conscious of where they are and what is happening. They are with God, in conversation with Him. They have white robes of righteousness (cp letters to churches). In contrast to the apathy of some, they staked their lives on Christ. Some are still to be martyred – in the tribulation?
6. COSMIC DISTURBANCES. Vv 12-17
The whole universe shaken. Earthquakes, sun/moon darkened. Stars fall. Some take these as purely figurative, speaking of politics etc. apostasy etc. But through scripture, when spoken of the universe etc., generally taken literally.
In may 1780 the sun was darkened in the north east of America for no apparent reason. No clouds, stars were seen, there was no eclipse, it lasted too long.
Cp Israel in Egypt. God’s agent of judgement was darkness.
Sky described as rolled up – how?
Imagine if the earth was suddenly moved out of orbit? Scientists are afraid a tremendous atomic explosion could do it. The stress caused by such a change could well move every island and mountain out of place.
Vv15-17. Sheer terror rages. Man thinks he can explain everything,(through science) but God keeps reminding him he can’t. God hates sin. He will settle in full after he has given men every opportunity to repent. C6;16 – the wrath of the Lamb. He has taken the judgement of our sin on Himself and now will administer judgement to the unrepentant.
Ch7. A pause. The winds held. Symbolic of judgement. The saints and ‘the elect’ marked for preservation. God seals those who are His. Cp Israel in Egypt (blood on lintel). “I will pass over you”. & Rahab’s red cord.
Judgement must begin at the house of God, but the wrath of God was averted at Calvary and will not fall on us. Nb6;17. God held back his wrath with unsaved until now. Need to realise how God feels about those who reject Jesus. In times of judgement God has preserved a remnant; Zech 13;9. Israel and the Church. Servants/ slaves. Masters branded their slaves in John’s day. Those who are Christs are set apart from his wrath.
Probably at this time God raptures the church? Israel ‘sealed’ cp 14;1. The Jews stand for God in the tribulation. They worship God. Tribulation = persecution.
Then ; Silence. What is going to happen?
This is the moment of the completion of God’s salvation. The prayers of God’s people answered at last. Signified by the throwing of the censer to earth. The final devastation of earth has begun. “The great day of His wrath”. A cataclysmic judgement on sin. No man without Christ will be able to endure that day.
144000? Tribal divisions here are inexact. E.g. Manasseh was josephs’ son therefore should not be here logically, Dan is missing. The tribes have long since disappeared. Some absorbed into Gentiles perhaps? Whether it is symbolic or literal is of little consequence. It does not refer to Christians – or JWs or Mormons(!). It refers to Jews who have a set place in the last days and God’s plans. The smallest nation in the world? But the one we need to watch.
For Jews it will be the climax of their suffering, but God has sealed them so that they will be delivered through it.
It seems as if the period we have looked at (the 6 seals) covers 3 ½ years. Duriong this time some will have been saved – and martyred because of their faith. 7;9 who are these? V 13-14 Who came out of great tribulation.
They are to be distinguished from the Church – the Bride of Christ. See 19;8 ‘arrayed in white linen’. Cp 7;14 These have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
The disciples were finally convinced when they saw jesus after His resurrection. But jesus said Jn20;29; So some are saved by faith, and some by sight! But all together in 20;4
The THRONE Speaks of sovreignty. Ruling. Here they are in the temple worshipping. A lesson here. Before we can serve, we must worship. The church needs to learn this. Worship comes first.
Their situation; 7;16-17. Cp 21; 1-2
The silence of Awe. That God had dealt out judgement so far, and wonder at what would happen when the 7th seal broken.
The silence of Worship. Let us never imagine that we must always be making a noise in the presence of the Almighty.
The silence of expectation. To see what would be revealed next. “Great talkers are rarely great doers”.
Rev 11;15-19.
How should our studies of 2nd coming affect our attitude towards God / others/ ourselves – ie our satisfaction with our present spiritual condition.
TRUMPETS.
Herald battle stations. In this case, God’s last call to repentance.
Part of 7th Seal. This is literally THE GREAT TRIBULATION. God’s wrath is now being poured out on the sinful world. See 16;17 ‘it is complete’.
Hail and Fire. Some say this a social sense. Trees= leaders. Grass humanity. Much more likely to be literal. Great likeness to Moses’ time and God’s judgement on Pharaoh. Hail would destroy crops and people. Blood leave earth a wasteland.
A great mountain. – a meteor / asteroid? Scientists fear this. A large meteor fell in Siberia flattening a forest and buried so deep it was never found. What a crippling blow to world economics.
Falling star – another meteor? Poisons the water. Not too far fetched. Cp atomic fallout.
Darkness. Vv12-13. 1/3rd world darkened would hinder plant growth, place a strain on power supplies. These are exactly the same judgements poured out on Egypt. God will use them again.
These 4 differ from the last coming three. ‘Woes’ = Misery to men. The latter three now bring supernatural enemies they can’t resist or check. What a nightmare!
Star. 9;1-12 this star has personal powers. Opens the pit. Sometimes angels. In this case probably satan given permission to let evil spirits out on earth.
Angels; At present a barrier. God now lets men see what the rule of satan can be like
Men. V2 would be a familiar picture to easterners. These . have stings. V5 terrible torment.
Demons. Scorpions sting one of the most painful known.
Locusts. Unlike anything that ever appeared on earth. In fact a giant locust would look something like this. V 8 = intelligence? Teeth of a lion show they are voracious. Breastplate – invincible.
Could this be a horde of supernatural beings who will torture and terrify the world?
Euphrates. 9;13-21. Cp Isa 13;21-22. Now see 9;15-16 with 17-19. Demons inhabit Babylong. Could be these.
V 15 can mean it lasts for 13 months or will come at the day and time that God appoints. 1/3 destroyed.
In these last two we have 18 months of stark terror.
S till men don’t repent. See 9;21. Idolatry. Anything rather than God. cp 1 Cor 10;19-20
Murder follows idolatry. With human life cheap.
Sorceries. The paga world is real. Ancient literature full of it. Today we call it superstition, but satan has power. Today in many villages even in France, the witch doctor has greater power and of greater importance than the priest. If man will not turn to God he must turn to satan. Black magic on the increase today.
Fornication – its widest sense. We live in an age of ‘permissiveness’. How many shows advertised in London are virtually pure sex. On the internet, videos, magazines, pornography rampant.
Thefts; The acquiring of power of property dishonestly. Marks the end of the age. Our politicians have been proven to be less than honest! Men give way to their evil desires. Now there is no alternative for God. Ch 10;1-11. This angel is special – may be Christ|?
The little book; see 5;7.
The end of tribulation coming. Mystery of God; 10;7. Secret to be revealed at the proper time. Cp 2 Thes 2;7 (mystery of iniquity)
Rev 11;1-2. Measure; where this temple? Cp Ez 41;22. Temple to be rebuilt. Some say it is all ready now. (our visit to Jerusalem). May be 144000 the minority who still look for messiah.
Gentiles trample underfoot for 3 ½ years. It will eventually be the governing seat of Christ?
Rev 11;3-14. Witnesses. See their powers. = Moses and Elijah.cp 11;5-6. ! Kings 7;1-7; 18;1. 2 Kings 1;8-12. Ex 7;19 -12;29.
THE GREAT CLIMAX
Rev 11;15-19
V11. Christ the victor. He will reign on the earth where he was ignored, despised and hated so long.
V16-18 Anticipatory. Christ has opened the seals, now is to appear to claim the kingdom.
He will; judge the nations (cp ps 2)
judge the dead
Reward saints
Destroy the wicked.
V19; The ark in heaven – sign of the presence of God. Disappeared during the exile. Its significance preserved. This a symbol of the indestructibility of God. Man cannot remove the sovereign power and protective power of God.
The 7 trummpets span the great tribulation. Gods plan for this planet continues without fail, despite the fforts of satan and Co
Christ is the victor! He is alive today.
Ch12;
V1. A ‘wonder’. – or sign. Shows this is symbolic. Describe the woman; = high esteem. Child -
who is this woman? See fig 19
- RC teach woman is Mary, beset by satan as Jesus born.
cp Herod tried to destroy Him. Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt. But – woman is persecuted AFTER the child caught to heaven. - Some say woman the church. Child = real believers, caught up to heaven while nominal xnts left to go through tribulation. But church = bride of Christ – not a man child?
- Others say woman = Israel. 12 starts = 12 tribes.
Man child Christ (cp Rom 9;5)
In OT Israel = woman in travail; cp Isa 54;1) cp 66;7-8 through whom Gentiles blessed.
In line with teaching that Christ the seed of the woman Gen 3;15
There are others, but these are main three of which no 3 seems most likely.
12vv3-4 The dragon = satan. Cp v9. Dragons never existed ?? but have always represented that which was totally evil, malicious and brutal.
Satan prince of this world. (Jn 12;31) Prince of power of air. Eph 2;2. His control over world affairs is appalling.
The stars referred to in v 4 probably represent the angelic host cp Rev 9;1 Job 38;7. Poetic parallelism means both are the same. Probably 1/3 of angels fell with satan. Cp Rev 12;9 Jude 6 2 Pet 2;4
See Ex 28;17 for cause of satans downfall.
Satan is for real! Bible the story of satans efforts to frustrate Gods purposes and harass God’s people. Especially against the ‘seed of the woman’.
See Gen Satan wrecks Cain and Abel but Seth took their place.
Pharoah tried to exterminate Israel in Egypt.
The exile would normally have wiped out Judah as a nation, but God intervened.
Satan tried to kill Christ at birth, and at Calvary seemed to have won, but Christ won!
So through the centuries satans efforts to harass God’s people through persecution etc.
But – you can’t blame EVERYTHING on satan! But he can’t be ignored.
Man Child; cp Ps 2;7-9 with Acts 4;25-6
Rev 12;7-12 satans fall. Michael – God’s champion (of God’s holiness). Gabriel – God’s messenger, brings revelation. Overcame by blood of Lamb (v 11)
Woman persecuted; Jews have always been persecuted see Rev 12;13-15.
v14 2 wings = miraculous deliverance. Flood = armies?
Satans attacks get worse as end time approaches. He becomes more desperate. We have the victory in Christ.
V 9; serpent – cp Eden.
Cp v 10 4 things satan hates.
Ch 13-14
Ch 13 deals with the beast.
Rise of Antichrist out of the world . . .
-
Rises from the sea Rev 13; 1-2 cp Dan 7; 1-8 ( Sea type of humanity cp .Rev.17;15) . ‘ He will be a man.
A comparison of Dan 7 & Rev 13 is striking. Obviously refers to the same beast v8. Receive his mark (v 16) All killed who oppose him v 15. This indicates the coming of a world empire whose dominion will be absolute.
nb. Rev.13;7
He is worshipped as God. Rev 13;8-12. 14;9 16;2. Rule of beast introduces open worship of Satan. Antichrist will be completely anti God. Through the beast, saints are harassed. Rev 13;7. Note; ALL the earth worship him. He sets up in the temple as god. (“ Thess 2;4). Under him, political, commercial and religious are fused together. He is completely intolderant of opposition. Vv 9 -10 would almost seem a warning to the saints at that time not to try to oppose him. He has supernatural powers; Rev 13;13-15. He will supplant God and Christ, becoming the pseudo Christ. As God became Man, so he will now say Man has become God.
666? Enigma of the ages. 6 the number of man.. When he appears, no doubt the symbolism of the number will be made plain.
You may have already brought to mind that there is a similarity also between this vision in Dan 7 and the one already referred to in Dan 2 :36-45 (Nebuchadnezzar dream) Saw then that the 4 parts of the image referred to 4 world rulers. Here God tells us again.
Suggested that Neb. saw the empires as an unenlightened man would see them – beauty. dignity, civilization etc. But to Daniel God reveals the nations for what they are, a pack of snarling wild beasts! God sees beneath the surface.
Nations like personalities, differ. Some more righteous than others, some crueller than others.
Dan 7;4. LION + eagles wings. Babylon’s’ symbol was a winged lion. nb. given a mans heart – Nebuchadnezzar became more humane after his humbling experience in Dan 4;33 7 .5 BEAR. A ponderous animal. Some weigh 1 ton) The armies, of Persia were huge – 2 1/2 million men! Devour much flesh = cruelty
7 ;6 LEOPARD. = 4 wings & 4 heads.
Cat family ; swift silent , cunning nb Dominion was given to it – Alexander had a relatively small army of only 35000 men , yet challenged and defeated the Medo/pers empire. He seemed able to conquer everything.
The four heads perhaps symbolise the 4 fold division of his kingdom after his death
7;7 TERRIBLE beast . Symbolic of Rome.
10 horns: = 10 Toes of Nebs dream. : One horn comes up and overcomes the others. nb it took on human characteristics perhaps suggesting the personal aspect of A/christ.
Daniel enquired of Gabriel what this vision meant. 7;4 -15
Daniel lived C 600BC.
Gold = Babylon. Fell in 538 BC conquered by Cyrus, king of Medo Persia.
Silver = Medo Persian Empire. Fell in 331 BC conquered by Alexander the Great.
Brass = Greece. Fell in 168 BC to Rome.
So in 400 years, 4 universal empires ruled.
Rome was split in two in AD395 and divided between Honorious and Arcadius. The Eastern Roman empire ruled until AD476, when half fell, the remainder lasted until 1453. The Romans did not retain world supremacy. No one has ever attained world dominion since.
Charlemange, Charles XII of Swededn, Napoleon, Kaiser, Hitler, Stalin have all tried but all failed.
Roman influence is still being felt today and we can regard ourselves as living in the age of the iron and clay mingled. Ie the empire crumbles but leaves a vestige of itself.
Eg. Rome the chief city became the Pope’s hq. The Catholic ercclesiastical provinces have coincided with the old Roman empire provinces.
Latin has remained as the tongue of the Roman Church
Roman law became the foundation of justice among Latin and European people
Military terms in sue today are mainly Roman in origina
Rulers of Europe were called Kaiser and Tsr both of which derive from Ceaser.
Rome today survives. The idea of the State as being central survives in the phrase “for King and country”.
Note; World kingdoms only came to the fore when they had something to do with Babylon. Eg Medes and Persians when they conquered Babylon. Greeks when Alexander conquered Babylon.
In Dan 2;41 the 2 legs speak of the splitting of Rome into two kingdoms as above, but there is no interruption from Nebuchadnezzar’s time to the time when the stone smashes the image to pieces.
Jesus refers to this as the times of the Gentiles.
Notice; each of the 4 kingdoms ruled over the entire known world of its day. There has never been a true world empire since Rome. But the image also shows a gradual degeneracy – Gold to Silver, to brass, to iron, to clay.
Each kingdom is inferior to the one preceding.
Neb. Had complete world rule. Subsequent monarchs were less absolute rulers until Rome ruled more by popular choice and were subject to democratic influences.
Now we have democracy. Govt of the people by the people.
But democracies are unstable. Like Clay. We live in the age of the toes.
We saw when looking at Nebs. dream, that the 4th kingdom still exists , like iron mixed with clay: 10 toes seems to indicate that 10 powers will arise , major powers.
eg USA , USSR. China , India , Israel , Egypt , Arabs , Africa , Europe , Far East.
The ten toes seem to conincide with the 10 horns which lead into Antichrist’s kingdom. Then 1 horn conquers the other 9.
Out of them comes a man who rules over the lot. Been suggested he will be a Jew, for sets up in the Temple. Some say the Pope, and point to the fact that Babylon the Revelation city is set on 7 mountains, which Rome is! Whatever, we shall have to wait and see but it will be easily identifiable. In Rev. 13:1 we have John’s description of this new animal which is a combination of the beasts in Daniel’s vision even to the heads and horns – 7 heads , 10 horns.
But notice that this is an exact reproduction of the dragon in Rev 12; 3 which we are told is Satan.. from which it is clear that the entire development is controlled by the god of this World. and that he is setting things up for his final fling. See I John 5;19 , Beast introduces open Devil worship.
(There is a rise in this today) . Russia totally atheist Just as a matter of interest , let us follow Satan’s career thru the centuries ;
In Eden – Ye shall be as gods. This is Satan’s one aim.
Cain; The Anti Abel Gen 4; 4-8
Lamech; Gen 4;23-24 Anti Enoch. The big I.
Nimrod; founder of world power. Gen 10;8-12.
Babel , Forerunner of Babylon, the seat of Satans power.
Balaam. Num 31 :16 the false prophet Anti Moses.
The Anti David. Rabbis have Goliath. I Sam 17;8, 10,25, always acknowledged him in this position.
Antiochus Epiphanes Who devastated the sanctuary, and was the chief type of the antichrist. c165 BC.
Some modernists think Daniel was written about this time , and that Dan mistakenly thought ‘ A.E. was the Antichrist.
SECOND COMING;
Ch 14; the Lamb’s followers.
V1. Cp Heb 12;22 Heavenly city referred to here? v 1 Mt Zion; cp Heb 12;22 typifies the centre of heavenly world. Nb v3; ‘before the throne’ so must be in heaven.
144000 – same group as in ch7? Not called Jew or Gentile. Not JWs! In Ch 7 on earth, here in heaven – were they martyred? Maybe the remnant that should be saved through the tribulation.
They have a unique song.
V4 Undefiled. Beast’s reign in complete moral corruption. These follow the Lamb – not beast as others. “Who is like the beast”. Redeemed – opposite of beasts followers. First fruits; a choice group. Loyal, quality. Without guile; Antichrist reign built on falsehood. In a world grown utterly untrustworthy, they retain their integrity. Satan the father of lies. They have not been deceived or accepted it.
ANGELIC PRONOUNCEMENTS
(In Greek drama, narrators would announce great events like battles etc., that could not be enacted on stage.)
Tie together the rest with the 7th trumpet.
v6-7 Everlasting Gospel. . For 2000 years the Gospel has been proclaimed. Now Neither forgiveness or salvation – reverence and fear. Hour of judgement is come. Cp Paul Gal 1;8-9.
World knows its truth; has seen it verified. So much has happened by now. He simply reiterates God’s claims. This is God’s last appeal to mankind.
Men’s testimony rejected. Angels now preach the last gospel message.
BABYLON
V8; a picture of all that is evil in the world. Symbolic of evil and disobedience. V17-18. Represents the sum total of gentile civilization. Wealthy, luxurious, drunken, (Even pagans have protested at some of the things accepted in England and USA. )
Babylon’s fall marks the collapse of the world system. Beast’s civilisation fails. Breakdown of Antichrist’s system. Speaks of collapse of the world empire.
BEAST WORSHIPPERS.
V9-13 cp ps 75;8 No mercy to those who follow the beast.
Fermented wine too sour and bitter when strong. Usually diluted with water. Unmixed wine not easily drunk. The bitter wine of God’s anger will be drunk by unrepentant men.
The punishment of these; the fate of those who still refuse to bow to God, despite many appeals and thorough demonstrations of His power. Hell is real. Jesus spoke of it. Mk 9;43-48. Christ did not die to save men from an Illusory Hell!
NOTE; No hint here of soul sleep, annihilation, 2nd chance.
V14-16 Christ’s return. Cp Matt 13;49 Mk 13;27 Gathering His elect. Again an indication that the saved/elect will be raptured before the wrath of God is poured out. Christ comes for His saints.
V 17-20 God’s judgement.
These pictures run parallel. God extracts his own then judges the world. M att 13;49 Angels sever wicked from just.
Winepress of the wrath of God; Rev 19;15
Christ trod the winepress alone cp Isa 63;1-6. When He comes again He will crush his enemies at Armageddon. This picture is horrific; Horses bridles – 4 ft! 1600 furlongs = 200 miles!
The overthrow of wickedness is to be complete. God is love but the great day of His wrath is coming – and who shall stand?
So: Satans kingdom; Righteous removed; God’s wrath poured out.
Ch16 deals in detail with the wrath of God.
CHAPTER 15.
V1; Sign cp ch12 – woman/dragon.
The wrath of God. God cannot tolerate sin. It has to be destroyed. “If I regard iniquity.. the Lord will not hear me”. High tension wire is safe, but if it comes into contact with earth, it will burn and blast. So God’s holiness.
V2 A victorious group celebrating the glory of God’s redemption.
Ch5;9 Seals – 24 elders worship
7;9-10 7 trumpets – a great multitude praising the Lamb
11;15-19 At 7th trumpet, the elders fell and worshipped.
Here the victors over the beast and his image stand before God and praise Him.
Even under intense pressure they refused to compromise.
V3 the Song combines the redemptive themes of both old and new testaments. Cp Ex 15;1-2. The Lamb of God fulfilled all that the Passover lamb foreshadowed. They have escaped the beast, a greater miracle than the exodus from Egypt.
Both songs exalt God. Cp Beast and his followers blaspheme God (Rev 16;9)
“Thy judgements made manifest”… when God judges, He will be seen to be just and right.
Vv5-8 Temple symbolic of the presence of God,
Angels cp Priests who came out with Gods message to people, Before Him, Christ has pleaded our cause.
Now out from that Presence come the angels with Gods last word of judgement.
cp Isaiah, 6;6—7 He saw Gods abode filled with smoke, Then it was remedial. (Isa sent) Here it is punitive.
Ch.16;1 Gods voice commanding them to go ? Did they hesitate, knowing the awesome fates they held?
NB the time of t hese plagues. During the reign of the beast, the last 31/2 yrs before Xts return with the saints. They happen in rapid succession. Perhaps all at once but separated so we can see them.
v 2; SORES: cp Exodus 9;8-12 Boils; same But could be caused by disease, emanating from the unbridled corruption during this time, now the Church is gone. VD for eg. which has today reached epidemic propn, and is ‘out of control’ would have this effect0
similar to Egypt’s plagues.
v3 Sea to blood. cp Rev. 8;8-9 Then-1/3 now the whole. Navigation would become well nigh impossible. Fishing non existent. Life by the seaside unbearable.
V4 Rivers; All the fresh water now polluted. and an intensification of the 2nd trumpet ch8;8-9. The angel marvels, and- remarks on- the aptness of the judgement
v 7. op ch6;9—11 The saints under the altar see the justice of God at last. God is seen to be righteous.
Many have been puzzled by the fact that evil seems to go un punished, Terrorists, corrupt businessmen etc. Why does God allow it? – The day will come when God will judge the earth: Acts l ;731 How. This plaguè will come about we don’t know, But we dont have to explain miracles!! -
v 8,— 9 If the suns temp were increased only a few degrees, we would soon feel it, Climate would change. the sea would rise as polar ice melted Crops would wither, desert areas increase. Climate Change ????!!!!
As with the Egyptian plagues, men could qopy the first two but here it is so obviously supernatl. that you would think men would turn to God, but no, they blaspheme Him. cp article in RT re 1982 when planets all in line. Scientist fear this may happen! Events cast a shadow before them.
v 10–Il. Darkness. Business would ease. Artificial light would not suffice. Generators would break down under the pressure. cp Joel 2;2 and Mark l3;24-25. Note the intensification of the judgement: -Men gnawing their tongues for-pain!!! and still no sign of repentance, but blasphemy still. Hell is full of it!
v12—16 To readers at that time, Euphrates represented the great harrier between East and west. The great bulk of world popn lies East. China has 700 m. India 500 m. Japan 100 m and so on. Kings of East sweep west, perhaps driven by famine but also deluded by demonic forces represented by t he 3 frogs. Slimy, unclean, ugly — satanic. False miracles lead them on.
v 15: WATCH… this verse interposed by the Lord I come quickly —-be careful, Watchfulness necessary. –
v16 The great Battle — Armageddon. a definite locality where the last great war will be fought -
vvl7—21. Tremendous effects Jerusalem split in 3.
cp Zech 14.;4—8,9 IF the earthquake follows the contour of the hills on which it is built, and if this channel admits the sea-, J. could become a seaport located at the junction of 3 continents lit the centre of the earth
Babylon destroyed.
Rev. 1: 17—?1. 7thbowl not poured out on earth
but on air. This affects earth.& atmosphere. It is cataclismic. — ‘It is done! or, we might say “Thats it— its all over”. Gods work of pouring out His wrath on the earth is at an end.
Earthquake. Time after time we read of these in the power of God. Just now: Yugoslavia… Volcano as well. We may expect more of these now! This earthquake is worse than any ever known,
A .few years ago Icelandic island. appeared. Krakatoa disappeared! This divides Jerusalem into 3! “The great city” — Probably Jerusalem. Zechariah gives details that will take place in the day of the Lord.
see Zech 14;4,8,9. Jer; on 3 hills, this could make it a strategic seaport at the junct of 3 continents.
— Jer tobe the capital of the earth
cp Babylon To receive the wrath of God in its full ferocity.
Islands fled away, Mountains not found, still speaking of the earthquake and the judgement on Babylon.
HAIL, a talent: aprx. 25 lb ! !! Some hail!
Still, men b1aspherned God and did not repent.
You have met men whose hearts were against God. Satan hates God, and nothing will ever change him. So with those who follow him. Their hatred of God never alters. Why, when dealing with some, ‘dont cast pearls before swine’. ‘We need to use wisdom in leaving some. Can waste time when there are others who will hear gladly.
Rev. ch 17 Fall of Babylon.
in Ch.14;8 we heard the announcement of the fall of B. Now, after the wrath of God poured out, we see an “Action replay” of t he fall of B.
Note the figurative language the Bible uses.
Prostitution used to describe spiritual compromise.
Jews were accused of this when they left God for world. see Hosea. I ;2
cp the two women here with 21;9—22;5
The harlot v the bride. H destroyed, bride cherished by Lord.
17 vv3—6 her clothing symbolic of the wealth and luxury of civilization. Purple & scarlet rare and costly. Wealth, her rewards. v 4 cup— her effect on nations v 5: Her name. Babylon goes back to Gen 11;l—9 Babel. They had set themselves against God even then. Nebuchadnezzar 1st grt monarch of Babylonish empire had same rebellious tendency. Dan4;20 The 7 wonders of the world: yet not remembered by God for that; but her wickedness.
B. today a wilderness.
John wondered. Admiration = astonishment
The angelic explanation…..
To John, this was Rome. on 7 mountains. luxury, idolatry, but Mountains in word can mean kingdoms: Isa 2;2.
7 kings mentioned here, so probably this.
7 kingdoms? Well, Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia; Greece, Rome was at that t ime. The 7 th yet to come. Antichrists kingdom.
V 12 – 10 kings: cp 10 toes in Daniels image. His realm consist of 10 parts
V13 subject to him. V 14 against Christ.
Cp 17;1 & 15 The waters = the peoples, the nations: cp last week — democracy
Shows again the religious and aesthetic aspect of godless civilisation, which has debased faith into superstition, worship into idolatry, deity into demonism.
v 16 hatred of the woman seems strange? A decadent religion is despised by those who worship at its altars, In Russia the dominating dead church had no life, was deserted by believers and atheists alike. Even the world hates dead religion! This harlot represents a faith debased and prostituted — so valueless that after it has served its purpose, the kings reject it. Also the beast (satan) demands all worship. After the ‘harlot’ has served her purpose, he destroys her.
The lesson to learn: Like rousing sleepers in a burning house Believers are to abandon the city. Xtns cannot afford to involve deeply in the present world system. cp I jn 2,17 and 15. In the world but not of it.
We must of necc. live IN the world. we can be influenced by it. Radio, TV, newspapers all join. Insidiously world values are heaped on us. Lot an eg. Lived in Sodom. but righteous. but yet got tainted. Can you think of a way in which you may be living by worlds standards, instead of Gods?
17; 1—3. the completion of the Divine work of reclaiming back earth for God. The judgment of Babylon.
One of the ‘bowl’ angels — Indicates this ch, related to them.
The great harlot: ‘Fornication/harlotry used in. Bible figuratively for spiritual compromise or alliance with evil (cp HOS. l;2).
Contrast between chs 17—18 and ch 21—22.
Both women — one the harlot, one the bride.
17;3—6 Scarlet woman. opulent. supported by beast v5 — her name, Babylon. recap Babel, the start of b’lon their motive hostility to God. Nebuchadnezzar too Dan4;20
Babylon today desolate.
Probably symbolic here for the entire God1ess system from AD1 to now — and then!
V 6 — Admiration is lit, astonishment — that such abandoned evil could exist.
17;7—l8. City reigns over kings of earth. Rome while fi1ling, this description to a degree does not exhaust it.
Woman’s support from beast.(v8) who is antichrist(13;1) v9 — 7 heads = 7 mounts. cp Isa. 2;2
a mountain = a kingdom very often in scripture. Seems to be sense here, as 7 king mentioned. Cp Daniels vision of image — 7 kingdoms would probably represent Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia and Greece, Rome as John wrote, and last yet to come.? vl2.
Ch 18 1-3 Babylon’s fall. In ch 17 we see B as God sees her. Beauty false, prosperity hollow, character abominable.
Now B seen as a city, the commercial centre of the earth. Possibly a literal city or a type of civilisation. Antichrist will have a centre.
Isa 13;19-20 states Babylon never to be rebuilt. Still today covered by sand (REVISE – SEE WIKIPEDIA). Arabs will not camp there. So must be some other city. In any case it is interesting that world events are today centering in the middle east where B was.
Probably a type of evil. Satan inhabits wicked systems and nations.
18;4-8 Separation – don’t get caught up in her! Cp I Jn 2;15-17 What does B mean to us?
Don’t get caught up in the world. Not just pleasure but commerce culture politics etc. LOVE NOT THE WORLD.
18; 9-14 Her destruction by fire. If literal is easy to understand. Earthquakes would release the vast supplies of oil buried in that region. The lightnings attending the judgement of God ignite them – what a holocaust! Remember the waters are dried up. Euphrates gone. In one day all reduced to ruin.
18;15-19. The merchants lament. Nb; All luxury goods.. Commerce is not wrong, but when it becomes an end in itself and selfish enrichment the merchants chief goal, then the system is condemned. Cp Ads today. What is the main attraction in everything? One up on the Joneses, or ‘gracious living’ or sociability, distinction etc. How big is it, how new, how much, will it add to my comfort? Not much difference between Babylon and modern day society.
18;20 Rejoicing in heaven over the vindication of those who have been martyred.
18;21-24. Disappearance of B as a millstone in sea. Everything for which she was known to be great, destroyed. These things became the only goals in life. Complete materialism. Heaven rejoices because she can no longer trap souls.
B, whether a city or culture is the sum of materialism and luxury typifying the last days.
God has something better to offer.
Revelation 19
THE GRAND CLIMAX.
1-6 Hallelujah! The great multitude sing this. The rejoicing in Hvn over the wailing and weeping on earth (He who laughs last??) Worship of God at the fall of Babylon. We must always be sure we worship God for everything. The call to real worship! not worship by rote is paramount in the present day revival. Note the words of the multltude 19;1&5 The elders: 19;4 the great multitude: 19;6.
Evil has been finally put down. Something to rejoice about
7. Church called the Bride of Christ; His wife. ie. something supremely precious to Him. see Eph. 5 ;25-7 Christ’s love for the church surpasses that of husband and wife. Even when cold or disloyal He still keeps them. The Church today may be asleep instead of actively serving God , but He still loves them. ( Gods revelation of the church as asleep – not dead! ) We can’t reject other denoms They are His- many of them anyway. His wife hath made herself ready. There is something for us to do. He won’t do it all ! We are clothed with the R of God in Xt. cp Rom: 3; 22 – 24. With Matt 22;11 Were sinners , now saints. cp rev 3;4- 5.
Now see v 8 – See ANT. white raiment (lit bright , clean fine linen) . refer back to Rev. 18 ;4 We are to prepare ourselves fo|r Him , as a bride prepares for her groom. The fine linen is the ‘ righteous deeds ‘ of saints. ( lit Gk) . We tend to ignore this ‘ doing ‘ part of the gospel – but at our peril. There is a place f or good deeds not as earning our R. but as fruits emanating from it .
Consequence of Baptism is you get wet B in HS – speak in T. consequence of R . is that you do good. The Bride of Xt .
Rom 6 : speaks of R. : vl3 instruments of R. ( lit tools/weapons v16 ; obedience unto R. v18 servants of R. v19 servants to R unto holiness cp Eph. 6 ; 14 We receive Xts. R. see 2 Cor. 5;21 ie. as we trust xt we become in Him all that God requires a man to be. (vine) eg. God looks at us, but sees Jesus.
We receive this R. by faith. see Rom.4;4-5
V9 Any figure falls short, so here those who are called – ALL the saints.
John’s proposed worship of ‘he’ (not told who)
Cp last phrase of v 10.. Jesus Spirit of prophecy – through the word, they speak of Christ. Heart of prophet and person of Christ.
Vv11-16. White horse. Usu. Ridden by victorious general. “Faithful and True”. Cp Satan the deceiver.
The HOLY army. V14. White and clean.
The description fits in with Christs person and work.
Vv17-21. Not a war, a massacre. Who can stand against God? The beast and false prophet shown for the powerless ones they really are.
Cast into lake of fire. Where? Universe plenty big enough! Literal? If figurative what is meant? Far easier to take literal meaning.
Satan not destroyed but released after 1000 years (20;10) No mercy for them. No repentance, they are utterly evil.
Cast into the ‘abyss’. Cp Rev 9;1 demonic hosts turned loose to torment the world. See too Jude 6.
Some say 1000 years beginning now, but it is after 19;20 so not even revealed now.
Rev 20;4-6 Judgement by saints. (Matt ) Rebellion will be contained and without the supernatural help of Satan and co, men will be kept in check. How much of today’s evil is supernaturally instigated?
See Isa 11;9 Period of peace – even animals
Isa 11;11-12 Israel fully restored to her land.
I Cor 15;23-5 Organisation of kingdom for presentation to the Father.
Rev 20; 7-15. How can people rebel after millennium? Cp When Jesus was on earth. What possible reason could there have been for crucifying Him? When mens hearts are evil, nothing will move them. unless they Repent, they can’t change. Why some who are only SORRY appear to be saved, but fall away.
“Unless you repent, all likewise perish”.
So; Why release Satan? To deceive the nations? Why allow him in the first place? God could have annihilated him there and then!
Holiness to be of value must be tested.
Throughout the millennium, men will be chafing at Christs rule. Some hate righteousness.
The Revolt; God and Magog; Ezek 38-39. Northern Armies…. (see PG notes)
This time no extended struggle. God has had enough.
Wickedness judged.
V11. Great White Throne. Cp ch 4; Rainbows – speak of God’s mercy. Here His purity. Even the slightest sin will show up against it.
V12. Books; todays “mail” – “messages” from space that have taken 1000s of years to get here… eg Stars that would see life on earth as it was 500 years ago. So if we were far enough away with a super telescope we could see Adam and Eve! If we can – how much more God? Every deed/thought will be accounted for.
No wonder Psalmist says “blessed is the man whose sin is covered”.
V15. Book of life the final authority. Cp Heb 12;23 Death, Hades (abode of spirits), cast into lake of fire. Earth and heaven passed away. Cp 2 Pet 3;12 See study below on 2 pet 3.
Glory of new city is not architecture, but God.
Three pronouncements. ;All things new. Alpha and Omega. Give water of life.
God doesn’t patch things up, he makes new.
What He began is able to finish.
History is not aimless but God has it all in control. No neutrality. Either one or the other.
2 PETER 3.
LOOKING FOR HIM
‘The Lord is coming again, but many Christians act as if it is important to know and debate the signs that point to His return in their own generation. some teach that the Lord may come at any moment, while others say certain events must take place first. What is clear, especially to those of us who ride in car is that at any moment we may go to be with the Lord! ” (Christianity Today)
Virtually every New Testament reference to the Second Coming is related to how we should behave in the light of that fact. cp vll and 1Thess 4:16 “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. Therefore comfort one another with these words” We cannot change the manner of the Lord’s return. We can and ought to change our preparation. The knowledge that Jesus could come at any time is a sober reminder to live Godly. Peter has assured us we can trust the Word (ch 1), and warned of false teachers (ch2). Now he deals with Christ’s return and the judgement associated with that event.
SCOFFERS vv 1-7) We need to know (ch1) that we can TRUST the Word of God. cp ch1;1213, 15. Need to keep Scripture constantly before us. Read it regularly. 2 Tim 2;15). cp v 2 with Mark 13;32-37.
v 3-4 The hope of Christ’s return soon died in the early church. The Roman Catholic teaching that the church was the Kingdom of God replaced it.
(cp J.W. doctrine). Scoffers began – and still do, to call believers fanatical.
lt will never happen because it never has! see v 5 they refuse to believe. (Faith a matter of will) Don’t have to understand, to believe. ( eg Banks, planes, electricity). Someone who lives for self is not likely to be interested in the prospect of Christ’s return.
Most people accept the teaching that nature never changes. They deny the fact that God has stepped into history and judged the world in the past (.v5)
cp ch 2;5-6, 9) People who are ignorant of Bible truth will still be held liable, but not in same way as those who deliberately flout it. eg The man who ignores a red light because he was pre-occupied and the man who deliberately ‘takes a chance’ cp Ezek 33;2-7, with Rom. l ; 18-25 & Gen 18;25 That the earth will ultimately be destroyed is clearly stated in v 7) Some translators say that ”stored up” means ‘that it contains, stored up in its inner depths, the fire that is destined ultimately to destroy it’. cp earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.
THE LORD’s PATIENCE. vv 8 – 10
Why does God not judge the earth now? be saved.
v 9 He is patient, wanting all to be saved.
The unsaved say it will never happen. Christians use it as an excuse to avoid total commandment. But it is an opportunity for Christians to grow in grace and knowledge. cp v18.
v10 The day of the Lord Will come! The cataclysms described in these verses has a new meaning since Nuclear Fission was discovered. ”The elements shall melt” ( 10 refers to the basic components of matter. ‘melt’ = loosening. So literally a description of an atomic explosion – splitting the atom! Unexpected..
BELIEVERS; vv 11 to end.
Should be :
Waiting; vv 11-13. Looking for the Day of the Lord. Interesting that our witnessing can Hasten that days approach! Diligent; vv 14 – 16. Serving God ALL the time. v14 Seeking to be found pure cp Amplified version.
Growing. vv 17-18 On our guard. You can’t ‘mark time’ spiritually – like riding a bike, you fall offs. Growth is a result of life. Child grows by being fed, by expertise. Spiritual life results from obedience to Word of god. by our response to the challenges we face in it. By getting to Know God more in fellowship with Him through His word and prayer.
