A Study of the Book of Revelation

1
A Study of theBook of Revelation

• An Introduction

2
Symbolism of Numbers - 1

• OneUnity
• TwoStrength
• ThreeComplete Ordered Whole
• FourComprehensive Completeness
• SevenA Sacred Number, Perfection
• TenHuman Completeness

3
Symbolism of Numbers - 2

• 1000 -- 10x10x10 -- Ultimate Perfection.
• 144,000 12x12x12Religious Number
• 3 ½ --Contrast to Seven, Trials, Hardships
• Broken, Incomplete Period of Time
• Six ---Number of Man, Never Perfect
• 666 Symbolic for Mark of Beast,
• Never Reach Perfection of Seven

4
Introduction To a Study of the Book of
Revelation

• Title of Book
• Nature of Apocalyptic Literature
• The Author, or Writer
• Date of Writing
• Methods of Interpretation
• Theme and Purpose

5
Introduction To a Study of the Book of
Revelation

• Title of Book
• The Revelation of Jesus Christ
• Revelation gt Apakalupsis, to uncover, a laying
  bare, making naked (Thayer, Lexicon).
• Purpose of Writer is not to cover his message,
  but to make it increasingly clear.

6
Introduction To a Study of the Book of
Revelation

• Nature of Apocalyptic Literature
• Style is generally figurative
• Symbolism drawn from Biblical writings
• Attempts to portray unseen world behind action
• Writers name usually pseudonymous

7
Introduction to the Book of Revelation

• The Author, or Writer
• John, the son of Zebedee, an apostle of Jesus
  Christ told to write by an angel
• Actual Author God, who gave revelation thru
  Christ thru Angel to John, 11-2

8
Introduction to the Book of Revelation

• Date of Writing
• Some say prior to AD 70
• But better to date it during persecution by
  Domitian, about 96 AD

9
Introduction to the Book of Revelation

• Methods of Interpretation
• Futurist
• Continuous History
• Philosophy of History
• Preterist
• Historical Background

10
Introduction to the Book of Revelation

• Theme and Purpose
• Theme Conflict between God and Satan, Church and
  Roman force and paganism
• Message Things are not as they seem Christ will
  be victorious over paganism
• Purpose Encourage faithfulness in face of
  opposition. Christ will win the victory!

11
Part 1

• The Struggle on Earth
• Chapters 111

12
Christ Among the Churches

• 19 322

13
Introduction, 11-8

• Theme The Revelation of Jesus Christ
• Revelation an uncovering, making known
• A Process of Four Stages
• God Gave It to Christ
• Christ Signified It to His Angel
• The Angel gave it to John
• John wrote it down for the servants of God
• Revelation Was Meant to be Understood!

14
Vision of Triumphant Christ19-20

• One Like the Son of Man
• Long Flowing Robe (Royalty, Dignity)?
• White Hair (Holiness and Purity)?
• Eyes Fire (Penetrating Insight)?
• Feet with the Strength of Brass
• Voice (Quality Denotes Authority)?
• Sword Keen and Accurate Judgment)?

15
Vision of Triumphant Christ112, 18, 20

• In Midst of Seven Golden Lampstands
• Identified at Seven Churches (120)?
• Seven Stars in Right Hand
• Identified as Angels of Seven Churches (120)?
• Angel means messenger. Letters intended to
  church sent to be relayed by the angel for the
  benefit of the whole congregation.

16
Five Distinctive Threats to the Spiritual Life of
the Churches

• Paganism, Including Emperor Worship
• Jewish Harassment
• Immorality,Materialism Lawlessness
• Spiritual Weakness
• Lukewarmness, Indifference, Indecision

17
Features Common to AllLetters to the Churches

• Christ identifies himself, from the Vision
• Christ knows their works
• Commends them for their good works
• Condemns them for sinful failures
• Counsel, Warns, Exhorts to Repentance
• Promises Reward to Overcomers
• Hear what Spirit says to the churches!.

18
Message to Ephesus

• I Know your works, labor, patience, and
  orthodoxy. Hate deeds of Nicolaitans
• Persevered, labored, not grown weary
• BUT, You have left your first love.
• Remember, Repent, Do First Works
• Warning Else I will remove our lampstand
• Overcomer Eat of Tree of Life in Paradise

19
Message to Smyrna

• I Know your works, tribulation, poverty (but you
  are rich), blasphemy by Jews
• Exhort Do not fear things you are about to
  suffer (some imprisoned), ten days
• Be Faithful to Death, Receive crown of life
• Overcome Not hurt of second death

20
Message to Pergamos

• I Know you live where Satans throne is. You hold
  My Faith, did not deny name even when Antipas was
  martyred
• BUT, you tolerate teachers of doctrine of
  Balaam allows idolatry and immorality
• ALSO have holders of Nicolaitan Doctrine
• Repent or they suffer sword of My Mouth
• Overcome get hidden Manna, new stone

21
Message to Thyatira

• I know works, love, service, faith, patience, and
  last works are more than the first
• BUT, you have a Jezebel teaching and beguiling
  saints to fornication idolatry
• Will cast her into sickbed kill her children
• Churches to know I search minds hearts
• No other burden on the faithful. Hold Fast!
• Overcome be given power over nations

22
Message to Sardis

• Name of being Alive, but You are Dead
• Watch, strengthen things that remain are ready
  to die. Works not perfect to God
• Remember how you received heard and repent. If
  not, I will come as a thief
• Faithful Few not defiled with sin, shall walk
  with Me in white, for they are worthy
• Overcome, be clothed in white, not blot name our
  of Lambs book of Life

23
Message to Philadelphia

• Know works. Have open door before you.
• Have Little Strength, Kept Word, not Deny
• Will make Synagogue worship before feet
• Kept My Word, I will Keep you from Trial
• Hold Fast What You Have!
• Overcome Made pillar in temple of God, wear
  name of God city New Jerusalem, and wear My new
  name.

24
Message to Laodicea

• Know works, Neither hot or cold will spew
  lukewarm out of mouth (nauseates Christ)!
• Say rich, wealthy, need nothing not know
  wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked.
• Counsel to buy from Me to be rich, clothed and
  enabled to see
• I rebuke and chasten those I love
• Open door and let Me in.
• Overcome sit with Me in My throne

25
The Throne and the Sealed Scroll

• Rev. Chapters 4 7

26
The Throne Occupant

• His Appearance Impressive, Majestic
• An Emerald Green Rainbow Halo
• Surrounded by A Council of 24 Elders
• And Four Living Creatures
• Sights and Sounds
• Seven Lamps of Fire (Seven Spirits of God)?
• A Sea of Glass, Like Crystal, Before Throne

27
Purpose of the Vision

• Throne The Spiritual Center of Universe
• True Insight into History Gained when All Things
  Viewed from Standpoint of Throne
• Jehovah reigns let the people tremble! He sits
  above the cherubim, let the earth be moved
  (Psalm 991).

28
The Lamb Takes Scroll

• Scroll Held by Throne Occupant.
• Written Inside and Out
• Sealed with Seven Seals (Could Not Be Read Until
  All Seals Removed)?
• Search for ONE Worthy to Take and Open the Scroll
• Only the LAMB Found Worthy to Open Scroll

29
Praise to the Lamb

• From Four Living Creatures and 24 Elders All Have
  Harps of Praise, Golden Bowls of Incense
  Represent Prayers of Saints
• New Song You are worthy to take the scroll and
  to open its seals for You were slain and have
  Redeemed Us to God by Your Blood out of every
  Tribe and Tongue and people and nation, and have
  made us kings and priests to our God, and we
  shall reign on the earth (59-10).

30
More Praise to the Lamb

• By Large Host of Angels
• Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive
  power and riches and wisdom and strength and
  honor and blessing (512).
• By Every Creature Under Heaven
• Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him
  who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever
  and ever (513).

31
Opening the First Seal

• A Rider on a White Horse Appears
• With a Bow,
• And a Crown (Stephanos, Victors Crown)?
• Going Out Conquering and to Conquer
• Symbolizing Conquering Military Power

32
Opening the Second Seal

• A Fiery Red Horse Appears
• Has a Great Sword
• Rider Permitted to Take Peace from Earth, and
  that People should kill one another.
• Red, the Color of Blood, Symbolizing Warfare
  (Probably Civil, not conquest or persecution)?

33
Opening the Third Seal

• Rider on Black Horse, with a Pair of Scales in
  His Hand.
• Voice Describes Inflated Price for Wheat and
  Barley, and a Prohibition from hurting oil and
  wine (654-6).
• Black, Color of Famine Food Scarce, Luxuries
  Available If One has the Price.

34
Opening Fourth Seal

• Rider on Pale Horse, Named Death, and Hades
  Followed After Him.
• Power Given to Him Over Earth to Kill with Sword,
  with Hunger, with Death, and by Beasts of Field.
• Symbolizing Death in an Unstable Society

35
Opening Fifth Seal

• Under the Altar, Souls Slain for the Word of God
  and for the Testimony They Held.
• Martyrs Cry How Long, O Lord, Holy and True,
  Until You Judge and Avenge our Blood on Those who
  Dwell on the Earth?
• White Robe Given Were Told Rest a Little
  Longer, until Number of others to be Killed Were
  Completed.

36
Opening Sixth Seal

• Cosmic DisturbancesHeavens Response to the Cry
  of the Martyrs.
• Kings of Earth, Great Men, Rich Men, the
  Commanders, Mighty Men, Slave and Free Try to
  Hide from Wrath of the Lamb!
• Remember Day of Wrath on Enemies will be Day of
  Deliverance for Gods People!

37
Interlude Before Seventh SealWinds of
Destruction Held Back

• The Sealing of the 144,000, Represent all of
  Gods PeopleHis True People
• Vision of the Great Multitude Out of All Nations,
  Tribes, Peoples, and Tongues.
• Identified as the Ones who came out of the great
  Tribulation, already victorious, God among them
  Supplies Every Need.

38
The 144,000 and Great MultitudeBoth Groups the
Same

• In Vs. 1-8, They are Sealed and Safe. Under Gods
  Protection they are not Delivered From, but
  Through the Judgments on the Earth.
• In Vs. 9-17, They are Seen After They Come out of
  Tribulation. Posses, Peace, Joy And Victory.
  Every want Supplied, Every Need Fulfilled.

39
Concluding Thought

• The Two Visions Together Give the Most Complete
  Picture of the Security of Gods People before
  the Judgment Portrayed in Chapter 6.
• Who Is Able to Stand?
• Here Is the Answer

40
Trumpets of Judgment

• Revelation
• Chapters 8 11

41
Opening the Seventh Seal

• Dramatic Silence, Calm Before Storm
• John Sees 7 Angels with 7 Trumpets
• Another Angel at Incense Altar to Offer with the
  Prayers of the Saints
• Smoke of Incense and Prayers Ascended before God
• Meaning Prayer of Saints Affects Course of
  History!

42
All Seven Seals Now Opened

• The Sealed Book Can Now Be Read
• But no Final Judgment on those in 614-17
• God Has No Delight in Death of Wicked (Ezek.
  3311).
• He Is Longsuffering (2 Peter 39).

43
Purpose of TrumpetsNumbers 10

• To Call An Assembly (Num. 101-3)?
• To Direct Movement of Camp (104-8)?
• To Call to Celebrate Festivals (1010)?
• To Sound Alarm in Time of War (109)?
• See also Ezekiel 33 Amos 36 Hos. 58 and
  Joel 215.

44
Trumpets of Warning

• Like the Seals, Trumpets are divided into two
  groups four in one, three in other
• First Four introduce disasters that fall only on
  the natural world, not human life
• In the Last Three, the physical and spiritual
  lives of men are involved

45
Sounding of First Trumpet

• Hail Fire, Mingled with Blood thrown to the
  earth
• Series of disasters similar to Plagues in Egypt
• Same Figures in Ezek. 3822 Joel, chs. 2-4
• Only 1/3 of earth affected Not Final Judgment
• Do not look for literal or specific physical
  event in history. Picture symbolic of ominous
  appearance of divine wrath against evil men. The
  worldly should take notice!

46
Sounding of Second Trumpet

• Great Mountain Burning with Fire Cast Into the
  Sea
• 1/3 of sea became blood 1/3 creatures destroyed
  1/3 of ships destroyed
• Imagine Volcanic Eruption and its aftermath
• Mountain probably refers to a Government (cf.
  Jer. 5125, 42).
• Sea restless sea of society seriously
  affected by fall of the great government

47
Sounding of Third Trumpet

• Great Star, Wormwood, Fell on 1/3 of Inland
  Waters
• Suggests Fall of Great Earthly Ruler. Isaiah used
  Figure of King of Babylon (1412)?
• Wormwood, a bitter wood. Idolatry would bear
  fruit of wormwood (Deut. 2918)?
• Fall of Wormwood caused 1/3 of Inland waters to
  become bitter, charged with trouble, sorrow and
  death

48
Sounding of Fourth Trumpet

• 1/3 of Sun, Moon, Stars Darkened 1/3 Day
  Darkened and 1/3 of Night also
• Reminds of 9th Plague in Egypt Complete darkness
  in Land, light in Israelite homes
• OT Removal of heavenly bodies symbolized
  judgment from God (Isa. 131-10 Amos 89)?
• Ezekiel lamenting fall of Pharaoh I will put
  out your light, cover heavens, make stars dark
  bring darkness on land (327-8).

49
Three Woes to ComeJohn saw an Eagle, not Angel,
flying thru heaven, loudly announcing three woes
to follow sounding of other three trumpets (91)?
50
Sounding of Fifth Trumpet

• A Star fell from heaven, was given key to the
  bottomless pit. Plague of Locusts loosed on the
  earth, power to hurt those without the seal of
  God on their heads
• Star not identified. Satan as fallen angel?
• Key is symbol of power. Key given to this one.
• Bottomless Pit, infernal regions to which demons
  were consigned (Luke 831) source of
  persecutions (117 178).

51
Plague of Locusts

• Locusts typical harbingers of evil (cf. Joel
  14-ff.).
• No Ordinary Locust. Dont Eat Vegetation
• Hurt men, not kill, limited period of time
• Power as scorpions, Painful Stings
• Beautiful Appearance holds out promise of
  pleasure and victory, but Iron Teeth
• King over them named Abaddon (Destruction)
  (Apollyon) Destroyer

52
Application of Locust Symbol

• Internal decadence of Roman Empire made it so
  weak. Would crumble from within.
• Devil holds out great promise to those who will
  sell their souls to him, but sin not worth price!
• Wicked may appear to prosper, but their pleasure
  is short-lived (Heb. 1125)?
• Satan says, Sin will be your servant, but
  ultimately it will become ones master.

53
Sounding of Sixth Trumpet

• Voice Release Four Angels Bound at the River
  Euphrates (1314).
• Voice from Four Horns of Altar
• Euphrates boundary between Rome Parthia
• Symbolize Gods forces of vengeance held in
  restraint until God determined to release them
• John hears number. Cavalry of 200,000,000
• Symbol of external invasion, as instrument in
  Gods hands to punish oppressors of His people

54
Warnings Ignored

• Woes symbolize Gods tools for avenging
  suffering of His people
• Natural Calamities, Internal Rottenness and
  External Invasion would fall of pagan Rome
• But, in spite of calamities upon 1/3 of mankind
  (without seal of God on forehead), the rest did
  not repent of their works!

55
Interlude Before 7th Trumpet

• Mighty Angel with Little Book stood on Land and
  on Sea (101-ff.)?
• Book Open. It is not a mystery!
• Seven Thunders, unexplained Cannot Know All
  forces that determine the future (cf. Deut.
  2929).
• Swore No More Delay Mystery to be Finished!
• Eat Scroll Sweet taste, stomach bitter.
• Word of God Sweet, but no pleasure to Preach
  condemnation upon the wicked!

56
Vision of the Two Witnesses

• John to Measure Temple, Altar, and Worshipers
• Not Measure Court of Gentiles
• Gentiles Trample City 42 months
• Two Faithful Witnesses Finish their Testimony
• Beast out of Abyss makes War, Kills them
• Nations rejoice over dead bodies for 3 ½ Days
• Breath of Life from God raised them to Heaven
• The Second Woe is Past!

57
Sounding of 7th Trumpet

• Voices in Heaven The Kingdoms of this world
  have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His
  Christ, and He shall reign forever.
• 24 Elders Fell on Faces and Worshiped God
• Temple of God opened in Heaven, Ark of Covenant
  Seen in His temple. Nothing Hidden.
• Lightnings, Noises, Thunderings, and an
  Earthquake and Great Hail Divine Activity
  Demonstrated!

58
Part 2A Great Spiritual Conflict

• The Dragon vs. the Woman and Her Children
• Chapters 12-14

59
Sign of the Radiant Woman

• A Sign from Heaven always conveys spiritual
  truth from God beyond what is merely seen
• Radiant, Clothed with the sun, with the moon
  under her feet (Beauty, Glory, Exaltation)?
• A garland (stephanos, a victory crown) of 12
  stars on her head (cf. 12 patriarchs)?
• Seen in process of giving birth

60
Who Is the Woman?

• The Virgin Mary? If so, who are the rest of her
  children?
• The Church? Question Did the church give birth
  to Christ? cf. Matt. 1618
• The Spiritual Remnant of Israel? This is best
  idea. Messiah to be seed of woman and bruise
  serpents head (Gen. 315)?

61
Symbolism from OT

• Figure of childbirth used by Isaiah and Micah
  (Isa. 2617-18 667-11 Mic. 410)?
• Continuity between faithful remnant under both
  Old and New Covenants (cf. Anna, Luke 225-28
  Elizabeth Mary)?
• The rest of her seed keep the commandments of
  God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ

62
The Male Child

• Christ was born of woman (Gal. 44).
• To rule the nations with a rod of iron (vs.5, cf.
  Psalm 29 Rev. 227 1915).
• Christ caught up to God and His throne at His
  ascension (125 Acts 19-11).

63
The Sign of the Dragon

• Clearly identified that Serpent of old, the
  Devil and Satan
• Attempted to Destroy Child at Birth (Used Herod
  in the effort (Matt. 213-18)?
• Failing at that, he goes after the rest of her
  seed (vs. 17)?
• We must not underestimate the strength and
  ability of Satan (Eph. 610 1 Pet. 58).

64
Woman Fled Into Wilderness

• Wilderness, a place prepared by God, to be
  protected and nourished.
• Moses fled from Pharaoh (Ex. 211-ff.)?
• Israels fed manna in W. (Deut. 83, 16)?
• Elijah fed by ravens (1 Kings 171-7)?
• Elijah fled from Jezebel (1 Kings 191-ff.)?
• Gods spiritual remnant will not starve in the
  wilderness, but be protected and provided for!

65
War in Heaven

• Dragon and his angels vs. Michael and his angels.
  Dragon loses is cast out
• Scene shows Devil is not invincible
• Voice in Heaven Declares Victory
• Gods prophetic word is now fulfilled
• The Faithful Overcame by Thee Means
• (1) the blood of the Lamb, (2) the word of their
  testimony, (3) the spirit of martyrdom

66
War On Earth

• Devil Attempts to Persecute the Woman
• She flies into Wilderness, is protected
• Serpent tries to drown with flood (of lies)?
• Earth swallowed the flood
• Enraged, dragon went to make war with the rest
  of her offspring
• Chapter explains why saints are subject to
  furious attacks from Devil and his agents

67
Two Allies of the Dragon

• First Beast arose from sea had 7 heads, 10
  horns, blasphemous names on 10 crowns (diadems),
  like dragon
• Second Beast arose out of the earth Had two
  horns like lamb spoke like dragon, exercised all
  authority of first beast, causes men on earth to
  worship the first beast

68
The Beast Out of the Sea

• Beast had seven heads, ten horns, blasphemous
  names on ten crowns (diadems), like dragon
• HEADS symbolic of wisdom, or durability, as
  though plans are holy and sacred like Gods
• HORNS symbolize great power men to submit to it
• DIADEMS symbolizing claim to royal power
• BLASPHEMOUS NAMES, speaking against God, shows
  arrogant attitude toward spiritual things.

69
Beast out of Sea, cont.

• OUT OF THE SEA Ancient world saw the sea as
  mysterious and evil place
• Symbolizes the source of destructive forces, the
  restless turmoil of an evil society
• BEAST like leopard, feet like bear, mouth like
  lion. Dragon gave his power, throne and great
  authority.
• Granted Power to make war to all who were not
  written in Lambs book of Life

70
The Beast out of Earth

• Had Two Horns Like Lamb, but Spoke Like a Dragon
• Outward appearance as Lamb, but voice betrays
  him He spoke like a dragon.
• Exercises all authority of first beast.
• Causes the earth to worship the first beast
• Perform great signs, deceives earth dwellers

71
Beast out of Earth, cont.

• Had Two Horns Like Lamb, but Spoke Like a Dragon
• Power to give breath to image of first beast,
  enabling it to speak
• Cause those who would not worship image of beast
  to be killed
• Causes all to receive mark on forehead (the mark
  of the beast). None could buy or sell without
  mark or number of his name

72
666 The Number of Man

• Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding
  calculate the number of the beast it is the
  number of a man
• Nero? Translate Greek to Aramaic, not likely
• Latin Church? Didnt exist in First Century
• Hitler, Stalin, or another notorious character?
• Sibylline Oracle used 888 as symbol for Jesus
  666 falls short of the perfect number 777 it can
  never be more than MAN!

73
Interlude Visions of TriumphRev. 141-5

• Vision of 144,000 with Lamb on Mt. Zion, having
  Fathers name on their foreheads
• There were virgins, not literal celibacy but
  symbolic of spiritual chastity (1 John 521)?
• They follow Lamb wherever He goes
• They were redeemed from among men
• No guile found in their mouth, for they were
  without fault before throne of God

74
Interlude Visions of TriumphRev. 146-11

• A Succession of Three Angels Proclaim Judgment on
  Babylon, Triumph of Evil Is Short-Lived
• First Angel has the Everlasting Gospel, and calls
  everyone to worship of our Creator God
• Second Angel announces fall of Babylon
• Third Angel warns that the wrath of God will be
  poured out full strength on those with mark of
  the beast

75
The Patience of the SaintsRev. 1412-13

• Contrast in plight of wicked and the fate of the
  righteous is the patience of the saints
• In your patience you will win your souls (Luke
  2119
• Persecutors may kill body, but not soul (Matt.
  1028). Christian can face triumphantly face
  persecution and death
• Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from
  now on, that they may rest from their labors,
  and their works follow them (vs. 13).

76
The Harvest JudgmentRev. 1414-20

• Vision of Christ on White Cloud, Wearing Golden
  Crown, holding a Sharp Sickle.
• Angel out of Temple (naos, sanctuary), and an
  Angel from the Altar says, Thrust in Your Sickle
  Reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
• Earth is reaped clusters thrown into the
  winepress of the wrath of God

77
Blood out of Winepress

• 1,600 Furlongs 184 miles. Jordan Valley is only
  102 miles so cannot be literal!
• Significance is in No. 4, the earth number. 4 x
  4 times 10 times 10 1,600. Thus, represents
  total and complete judgment
• This judgment in course of history. Roman Empire
  its pagan culture to come to end

78
Major Points of This Section

• Ch. 12 a great struggle between Satan and the
  People of God
• Ch. 13 two allies enlisted by Satan in
  opposition to Gods plan the ungodly Roman
  State and its Pagan Priesthood
• Ch. 14 Interlude. Christians have reason for
  hope. Their enemies will eventually face the
  wrath of God. Be Steadfast!

79
Pouring Out Bowls of Wrath

• Rev. 161-21

80
The Seven Bowls of WrathRevelation, chs. 1516

• Seven angels with seven bowls of wrath a sign
  of final judgment (in time) upon the dragon and
  his allies (cf. 151 and 1119)?

81
Preparatory Vision, 151-4

• Angels have seven last plagues, for in them the
  wrath of God is complete (1)?
• Sea of glass, martyred now victorious saints
  stand on, with harps in their hands
• Sing Song of Moses and of the Lamb a song of
  deliverance, praise God (Ex. 15).
• All nations shall come and worship before You.
  This is not the end of history!

82
Preparatory Vision, 165-8

• Seven Angels, with plagues, come out of the open
  temple bowls distributed to them
• Ref. to temple shows judgments come from God, the
  same source as His righteous laws
• Bowls are full of the wrath of God. No man can
  defy Gods wrath with impunity.
• Smoke filled temple, as at Tabernacle (Ex.40)?
• No one enter temple, shows nothing can stop
  judgments. Gods patience has run out!

83
The First Bowl, 161-2

• Poured out upon the earth, resulting in a foul
  and loathsome sore on all having mark of beast
  and worshiped his image
• Think of 6th plague in Egypt (Ex. 910). A
  similar plague mentioned in Deut. 2835
• Think of virulent sores in the whole social,
  economic, educational, political world where
  anti-Christian power rulesone result of
  outbreaks of inner rottenness and foulness
  (Lenski, 466)?

84
The Second Bowl, 163

• Poured out on the sea. It became blood as of a
  dead man. Every sea creature died
• If Sea represents troubled society, it suggests
  complete dissolution of emperor-beast and his
  subject (Foy E. Wallace, 339).
• It represents the utter putrification of a dead
  society (Hailey, 329).

85
The Third Bowl, 164-7

• Poured out on Rivers and Springs, and they became
  blood
• Reminds us of First Plague in Egypt (Ex. 7) but
  Egyptians could dig for water none here
• Judgment because they have shed the blood of
  saints and prophets It is just that they be
  given blood to drink
• Voice from Altar says, true and righteous are
  your judgments.

86
The Fourth Bowl, 168-9

• Poured out on the sun, and power given to scorch
  men with fire
• Unlike Ninth Plague in Egypt (3 days dark and
  Fourth Trumpet no light for 1/3 day, the
  blazing sun scorched men with heat
• Sun, whose light is essential to life one earth,
  becomes instrument of judgment! Talk about Global
  Warming!
• Yet, they did not repent and give Him glory.

87
The Fifth Bowl, 1610-11

• Poured out on the throne of the beast, and his
  kingdom became full of darkness
• Reminds us of the Ninth Plague in Egypt. Says the
  very seat and center of empire was plunged into
  darkness. Symbolic, not literal.
• Still, as before, the pagan world blasphemed the
  God of heaven because of their pains an sores,
  and did not repent

88
The Sixth Bowl, 1612-15

• Poured out on the River Euphrates its water
  dried up, preparing the way for kings of the east
• Euphrates eastern border of Roman Empire
• Barrier against foreign invasion removed (cf.
  Jer. 5038 Isa. 1317-20) there is nothing to
  protect the Roman Empire from outside forces
• Three unclean spirits like frogs, out of mouths
  of the dragon, beast, and false prophet

89
Three Unclean Spirits, 1513-14

• Coming out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast
  and the false prophet (vs. 13).
• First time beast of earth called false prophet
  key to understanding figure in ch. 13.
• Out of mouths indicates some form of evil
  propaganda, proceeding from the devil, godless
  government and false religion
• Their purpose is to enlist the world in defense
  of the paganistic Roman system

90
Armageddon, 1616

• Refers to strategic pass near Mt. Megiddo, where
  many battles had been fought
• Deborah Barak defeated Sisera (Judg. 4-5)?
• Philistines defeated Saul (1 Sam. 311-6).
• Jehu slew Ahaziah of Judah (2 Kings 927)?
• Josiah killed by Pharoah Necho (2 Kgs. 23)?
• Symbolic of Great Decisive Battle between army of
  Satan and forces of God. Symbolic Battle
  resulting in overthrow of Roman Empire

91
The Seventh Bowl, 1617-21

• Poured out into the air loud voice out of temple
  proclaims "It is done!
• Into the air suggests Gods wrath poured out on
  whole sphere of Satans operation (Hailey)?
• Noises, thunderings, lightnings, earthquake
  shows this is the work of Almighty God!
• Babylon divided, Nations fell City remember-ed
  before God, given cup of His fierce Wrath
• Still not final judgment. Men blasphemed God

92
Judgment on the Harlot Babylon

• Rev. 171 1910

93
Great Harlot Described, 171-6

• A Great City, that reigns over the kings of the
  earth (vs. 1, 18).
• Composite of other harlot cities of the OT
• Nineveh, a harlot of conquest (Nahum 31, 4)?
• Tyre, a harlot of commerce (Isa. 2315-17).
• Babylon, mistress of pleasure (Isa. 475-15)?
• Jerusalem, the faithful city, became a harlot
  (Isa. 121 Jer. 220 Hos. 91) was religious

94
Great Harlot Described, cont.

• Many waters (1) identified as peoples,
  multitudes, nations and tongues (vs. 15).
• Kings of earth that committed fornication with
  her (15) were rulers who had participated in her
  political, economic, cultural, and religious
  affairs
• Inhabitants of earth were made drunk with the
  wine of her fornication (2)?

95
Great Harlot Described, cont.

• Description of harlot symbolically portrays
  traits of her character
• Sits on a scarlet beast with blasphemous names,
  ten heads and ten horns (3), equates her with
  sea-beast (131) with color of the dragon (123).
  City is supported by dragon!
• Beautifully Arrayed, outwardly attractive and
  appealing to materialistic minds

96
Great Harlot Described, cont.

• Description of harlot symbolically portrays
  traits of her character
• Holds golden cup, suggesting luxury and wealth,
  but filled with filthiness of her sin (4)?
• Character displayed by her name Mystery,
  Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots and of the
  Abominations of the Earth (5)?
• Drunk, not with wine, but with blood of the
  saints and martyrs of Jesus (6)?

97
John Amazed by VisionAngel Explains Mystery of
Harlot

• The Beast, was, an is not, and will ascend out
  of the abyss and go to perdition (9).
• One head of beast suffered mortal blow and
  recovered (133). Nero Redivivus Myth??
• Better viewed symbolically. World empires rise
  and fall. Regardless of latest incarnation of
  evil, it is designed to go to perdition (8a)?
• Earth dwellers not Christians will marvel when
  they see the incarnation of the beast.

98
Mysteries of Harlot Explained

• Seven Heads said to symbolize two things
• Seven Mountains Rome built on seven hills
• Seven Kings Five fallen, one is, one to come
• Beast that was, and is not, is the eighth king,
  but of the seven and is going into perdition.
• Some try to correlate to Roman emperors
• Better Seven symbol for complete line
• Imperial line shortly to be replaced by 8

99
Mysteries of Harlot Explained

• Ten Horns symbolically represent Ten Kings
  without independent power, Have temporary
  authority with the beast (12)?
• Ten Symbolic of fullness of power
• Kings represent subject-rulers over provinces who
  had power for one hour with the beast
• They make war with the Lamb and He will
  overcome them (14). Gods faithful assured that
  the Lamb will be victorious over them!

100
Mysteries of Harlot Explained

• Subject-Rulers will turn on harlot and make war
  with her (1715-17).
• God purposed they be of one mind with beast until
  they had served His purpose until the words of
  God are fulfilled.
• Book of Acts, and Secular History, shows Rome
  feared insurrections and revolutions
• She allowed vassal-kings (cf. Herods) to have
  power so long as they kept Roman Peace.

101
THE FALL OF BABYLON

• Foreshadowed in Rev. 148 and 1619 OT language
  applied to Rome of Johns day.
• Angel from heaven announces fall (181-2)?
• Like old Babylon, Rome to be desolate
• Reasons for fall Evil influences on nations
• Merchants became rich supplied her luxuries
• Kings of earth committed spiritual fornication

102
Come Out of Her, My People

• Angel calls Gods people out of Babylon to escape
  the coming plagues (4-5, 7-8)?
• Lot called out of Sodom (Gen. 1912, 27)?
• Gods people to leave Babylon (Isa. 5211 Jer.
  5145).
• Come out from among them and be separate (2
  Cor. 617-71)?
• Why? Her sins have reached to heaven, and God
  has remembered her iniquities (5)?

103
Earth Mourns Babylons Fall

• Kings of the earth, who once stood with Rome, now
  stand at a distance and weep. In one hour
  judgment has come (9-10)?
• Merchants lament, not because of love for Rome,
  but for their financial loss (11-17a)?
• Shipmasters and sailors lament because of the
  loss of business (17b-19)?

104
A Call for Rejoicing

• Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy
  apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on
  her! (1820).
• In 1110, the people of earth rejoiced over death
  of the two witnesses it is now time for heaven,
  apostles prophets to rejoice
• In 69-11, martyrs asked how long. Now judgment
  is come on their persecutors

105
Fall Graphically Depicted (21-24)?

• Millstone thrown into sea object lesson,
  symbolizing violent overthrow of Rome. Sinking
  stone symbolized she shall not be found any
  more (cf. Jer. 5161-64).
• Result of fall Silence prevails (22) no
  lights and no wedding celebrations (23)?
• Two Reasons Pictured (23-24)?
• She had deceived merchants by her sorcery
• Much innocent blood was found in her

106
Rejoicing In Heaven191-10

• Great Multitude in heaven praise God
• Salvation and glory and honor and power to the
  Lord, our God (1)?
• Rightly attributed to Him because of His True and
  Righteous Judgments on the Harlot. (2)?
• Another Refrain
• Alleluia! And her smoke rises up forever and
  ever (3)?
• 24 Elders and Four living creatures join in
  saying, Amen! Alleluia! (4)?

107
Rejoicing In Heaven, cont.

• A Voice from throne calls on all you His
  servants and those who fear Him, both great and
  small to praise God (5)?
• John heard the voice of a great multitude, as
  the sound of many waters and mighty thunderings,
  saying Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent
  reigns! (6)?
• Rejoicing is proper. The Lambs bride has made
  herself ready by saints righteous deeds

108
Johns Reaction to the Scene

• He falls down to worship the angel, who said,
  See that you do not do that! I am your fellow
  servant and of your brethren, who have the
  testimony of Jesus. Worship God! (10a).
• Identity of speaker unimportant. What he said is
  important Worship God! He alone is worthy of
  worship (cf. Matt. 410).

109
Conclusion

• The Testimony of Jesus is the testimony of
  prophecy (10b).
• The whole spirit of prophecy was to glorify Jesus
  Christ and His work, not to draw attention to
  angels (cf. Heb. 114).
• The vision a message of encouragement. Romes
  paganism and persecutions would be avenged by our
  God. The Rome of today is not the Rome of the
  first century!

110
Complete and Final Victory

• Rev. 1911 2227

111
Rider on White Horse

• Description makes it clear that this can be none
  other than Christ Himself (1911-16)?
• White Horse, denotes victory (11)?
• Faithful and True, describes character (11)?
• Righteousness, way He makes judgment and wages
  war (11).
• Eyes like flame of fire, burning penetration into
  hearts, not judge by appearances (12)?

112
Rider on White Horse, 2

• Description makes it clear that this can be none
  other than Christ Himself (1911-16)?
• Many crowns, symbol of all authority (12)?
• Had name known only to Himself, (12). How
  unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past
  finding out? (Rom. 1133)?
• Clothed with robe dipped in blood (13).
• Name the Word of God (13). See 11, 14.

113
Rider on White Horse, 3

• Description makes it clear that this can be none
  other than Christ Himself (1911-16)?
• Leads armies of heaven, pictured in garments of
  victory, also on white horses (14)?
• Sharp sword goes out of His mouth Strikes the
  nations He rules with rod of iron (15).
• He treads winepress of the fierceness and wrath
  of the Almighty God (15 cf. Isa. 631-6)?
• Name King of Kings Lord of Lords (16)?

114
Lone Angel Calls for Vultures

• Gather for Great Supper of God (17).
• Victory over kings, captains, mighty men, etc.
  announced before carnage begins (18)?
• Beast, kings of earth and their armies gather to
  make war against Him and His army (19)?
• Consequence Beast captured, with false prophet
  who deceived people into receiving mark of beast
  both cast into lake of fire (20).
• Armageddon is never described only the results
  announced!

115
The Battle of Armageddon

• Futurists View Literal battle against the
  Antichrist and his armies. Defeat leads to
  Millennial Reign of Christ on earth.
• Continuous History Beast is Roman Catholic
  Church. Armageddon still future.
• Proper Interpretation of Revelation must start
  with historical setting. What was John telling
  persecuted saints in 95 AD?

116
Armageddon Is Symbolic

• Armageddon not a literal place, but is symbolic
  for a decisive battle
• Christ coming out of heaven is not Second Coming,
  but a coming in aid of the persecuted saints
• Casting Beast and False Prophet into Lake of Fire
  symbolic of victory over pagan Romes persecuting
  power.
• With persecutors defeated, Christian are no more
  bothered with them

117
Victory Over the Dragon

• Satans enemies are defeated, but master enemy
  must now be dealt with (201-10)?
• The chief subject in this section is NOT the
  1,000 years, but what happens to the saints!
• Angel chains the dragon, that serpent of old,
  who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for
  1,000 years (1-2).
• He was cast into pit, sealed, so he should no
  more deceive the nations (3)?

118
Binding of Satan

• Binding of Satan is symbolism.
• Truth is being made known thru symbolism
• Key, in Satans hand in 91-3, now in hand of
  angel, a servant of Almighty God, symbolizes
  power to bind. It is no literal key!
• Chain symbolizes that by which he is bound.
  Spirits are not bound by literal chains.
• Binding indicates Satan effectively stopped from
  involving nations in emperor worship.

119
Thousand Years Is Symbolic

• 1,000 years no more literal than the chain.
• Binding Satan for 1,000 years contrasted with the
  period of the martyrs (3 ½ years), and the devil
  knew he has but a short time (1212)?
• Numbers in Revelation are Symbolic. Ten is
  complete number One thousand is ten to third
  power. Think symbol of completeness.
• Devil not completely powerless today (1 Peter
  58), but activity is limited like dog on chain.

120
Vision of Martyrs on Thrones

• Martyrs no longer under the altar (611) now on
  thrones, reigning 1,000 years (4). Their triumph
  is called first resurrection (5). Second death
  no power over them (6)?
• Cf. giving life to dry bones (Ezek 371-14)?
• Cause for which martyrs died symbolized by a
  resurrection (1921)?
• Cause of those slain by Christ experience
  resurrection when Satan released (203, 7-9)?

121
Satan Released, Leads Rebellion

• Satan Released, goes to deceive nations, Gog and
  Magog, to battle against saints and beloved
  city (7-9)?
• Gog and Magog, symbols from Ezek. 3839, lead
  army, take spoils, until Messianic period, but
  would be utterly destroyed (ch. 39)?
• Rather than literal battle, symbolizes a moral
  and spiritual conflict. Satan uses all manner of
  evil to win hearts and souls of people

122
Final Judgment, 2011-15

• Same judgment as sheep and goats of Matt. 25.
  Only final judgment, and separa-tion of the
  followers of Satan and Christ
• The Judge. All stand before God (12), but all
  judgment given to Son (John 522)?
• Christ to be on throne of judgment (Matt.
  2532-ff. 2 Cor. 510 cf. Rev. 321 221).
• All Dead judged by opened books according to
  their works (14-15)?

123
Picture of Defeat Complete

• Satan and his forces have been defeated and cast
  into Lake of Fire (14-15)?
• The Harlot, Babylon, the Beast and the False
  Prophet, Satan, and even Death and Hades, which
  served Satans purpose have all been cast into
  the fire
• A Great encouragement to Faithfulness!

124
New Heavens and New Earth

• Section pictures saints enjoying fellowship with
  God complete security in the holy city, with
  every need supplied. Two inter-pretations have
  been suggested (211-2)?
• City is victorious church as God considers it
  today, purged and purified thru tribulation.
• John is given vision of saints in heaven after
  Day of Judgment. Three aspects of final destiny
  its fellowship, protection, provisions.

125
The Holy City, New Jerusalem

• New (kainos) indicates new in kind, a
  different nature from what is called old.
• Isaiahs new heaven earth (6517 6622) refers
  to new dispensation under Christ.
• Peter, under Christ, speaks of new heaven and
  earth yet to come (2 Peter 37-13).
• The Jerusalem above (Gal. 426)?
• City whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 1110),
  and abiding city to come (Heb. 1314)?

126
Clue to Interpreting Scene

• Voice from heaven provides clue Behold the
  tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell
  with them and they shall be His people, and God
  Himself will be with them and be their God (3)?
• Gods people dwell in His presence every cause
  for sorrow removed (4)?
• The faithful will dwell in presence of God and
  drink from fountain of water of life freely (6)?

127
Who Will NOT Reside There?

• The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable,
  murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers,
  idolaters, and all liars will have no home
  there.
• They shall have their part in the lake of fire
  which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the
  second death (8).

128
The Bride, the Lambs Wife

• Invited to see the Lambs wife, John sees the
  great city, the holy Jerusalemhaving the glory
  of God (229-ff.). Imagine Scene!
• Great High Wall, 12 gates, 12 angels at gates
  bearing names of 12 tribes of Israel ( 12 ! )?
• Perfectly square, 12 courses of gems as the
  foundation gates of pearl, streets of gold
• No temple there! God the Lamb its temple!

129
The Bride, the Lambs Wife 2

• Invited to see the Lambs wife, John sees the
  great city, the holy Jerusalemhaving the glory
  of God (229-ff.). Imagine Scene!
• Nothing that defiles will be there (2127)?
• Only those whose names in Book of Life.
• River of Life, sustains Gods people
• Servants of God faithfully served Him through
  trials joyfully serve Him in Paradise!

130
Concluding Assurances

• Words are Faithful and True. Gods people can
  depend on truth herein revealed (226)?
• Fulfillment will soon follow (6-7)?
• John testifies he Saw and Heard (8)?
• Book not to be sealed (10 cf. Dan.124, 9)?
• Judgment is imminent! (20)?
• Come! The Great Invitation (17).

131
Message for Us Today

• Christ Knows Our Works
• He Knows Our Circumstances
• He Condemns Our Failures
• He Approves Our Good Qualities
• He Is Worthy Of Our Adoration, Praise and
  Faithful Obedience to His Will

132
Slides Prepared byJames E. Cooperfor
Presentation atWarfield Blvd., Clarksville,TN

• March 18-23, 2007