Revelation (Written)

Friday, 23 April 2021

After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. Revelation 15:5

Due to the structure of the words in many translations, it isn’t clear what is being opened or where. A more literal rendering comes from Young’s translation –

“And after these things I saw, and lo, opened was the sanctuary of the tabernacle of the testimony in the heaven;”

It is the sanctuary (the temple) that is opened in the heaven. Also, the words “the tabernacle of the testimony” can also be translated “the tabernacle of the witness” (see Numbers 7:17). Understanding these things, the verse starts with a new part of his ongoing vision, saying, “After these things.”

This is after the verses concerning those standing on the glassy sea who had victory over the beast, over his image, mark, and number of his name. With that complete, John’s eyes are redirected, and he says, “I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony.”

The wording seems a bit cumbersome, but it is very specific. The “tabernacle of the testimony” is that which was made by Moses in the wilderness as is meticulously recorded in Exodus. The “temple” of this tabernacle is the Most Holy Place. The words are saying that this Most Holy Place of the tabernacle of the testimony is what is being opened.

The word translated as “tabernacle” is skéné. It signifies a tent, dwelling, habitation, and so on. The tabernacle of the Law of Moses was the edifice where the holy and most holy objects were placed. The holy place is where the priests would minister each day with incense and the maintaining of the menorah. The table of showbread was there also, and it was changed out weekly. Dividing that room from the next room (the Most Holy Place) was a veil. Only the high priest could go into this room, and he could only do so once a year – on the Day of Atonement. Further, he could never enter without blood.

All of these things pictured Christ and His work. As Hebrews notes –

“For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. ⁴ For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; ⁵ who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:3-5

The tabernacle and all of the implements associated with it were only types, shadows, and representations of what actually is in heaven. That is why John’s words of this verse end with, “in heaven was opened.” As noted from Young’s translation, there is an article before “heaven.” It should more rightly say, “in the heaven was opened.” With this, we are seeing a vision of the heavenly things of which the earthly were only shadows.

This Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Testimony is kept, is what is being opened. If no person, but the high priest could enter the earthly sanctuary under pain of death, and if even the high priest had to take the blood of the atonement into the Most Holy Place, lest he die, then what is the anticipated result of the opening of the true Most Holy Place in the heaven?

Remember, everything about the Old Covenant was given as typology of the true workings of God in Christ in the heavenly realms. How can the world escape judgment when the people are exposed to the righteous requirements of God without the covering of Christ! Remember, the previous vision was of those who had received Christ and were saved by faith in Him. The order of the vision is specific to now show what will be the judgment upon those who submitted to the beast. The words of this short vision will prepare the reader for the coming judgments upon them.

Life application: As noted above, no one was allowed access to the Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies) where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, under the pain of death. However, when Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn in two signifying that access to God was restored – completely and openly – to all people through His shed blood. So, the question is: “Why is judgment coming out of here in the form of seven angels with the seven last plagues if access has been restored?”

The answer is that the people of the earth have, at this point in the narrative, rejected the means of access – through the blood of Christ. Because of this, anyone who attempts to access God’s throne without this is subject to the full weight and penalty of God’s wrath. Jesus is the access to peace with God, but He is also the executor of the wrath of God when access through Him is rejected. Without the covering of the blood of Christ, the full weight of the law must be executed upon the unrepentant world.

This, once again, shows us that God’s Messiah is the one and only path to salvation. Apart from Him, only judgment and condemnation awaits. But thank God that He sent His Christ into the world to cover His people with His own shed blood. In this, peace, propitiation, and restoration are found. Thank God for our Lord JESUS.

Lord, You fulfilled the law that we couldn’t fulfill, and then You offered Yourself as a sacrifice on our behalf. When we accept the cross as our place for the remission of sins, then we have access to God, but without it, we only expose ourselves to the just penalty of our rejection. Thank You that Your life was given in exchange for our sin. All glory to You Lord! Amen.

Thursday, 22 April 2021

Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.” Revelation 15:4

The song of praise now continues completing what the saints had begun in the previous verse. It is “the Song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” It is now sung by the people who have “victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name.” They are rejoicing with harps at the greatness of God, His works and His ways.

Because He is the King of the saints (or nations – see analysis of the previous verse), the question is asked “Who shall not fear You.” The question was asked by Jeremiah who referred to the Lord as the “King of the nations,” saying –

“Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?
For this is Your rightful due.
For among all the wise men of the nations,
And in all their kingdoms,
There is none like You.” Jeremiah 10:7

The idea here is that of reverence for the Lord because He is ultimately the leader of the nations. This will be evidenced in the judgment that lies ahead. It is He who directs nations, sets them up, and tears them down. For this, He is to be feared, and a sense of awe should be in the hearts of all who contemplate His abilities and capabilities. John next writes, “O Lord, and glorify your name.”

This is reflective of the words of Psalm 86 –

“Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
⁹ All nations whom You have made
Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And shall glorify Your name.
¹⁰ For You are great, and do wondrous things;
You alone are God.” Psalm 86:8-10

Not only is the Lord the King of the nations (or saints), but the psalmist acknowledges that there is but one God. All other “gods” are false, and so the Lord alone is to receive praise, worship, adoration, and fear. He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. And more, John says, “For You alone are holy.”

It is a thought reflected in the book of Job, such as –

“If God puts no trust in His saints,
And the heavens are not pure in His sight,
¹⁶ How much less man, who is abominable and filthy,
Who drinks iniquity like water!” Job 15:15

Job’s point is that there is nothing, not the heavens or even His heavenly host, that compares to Him. He is set apart from all things (holy) and is thus worthy of all attention, praise, glory, and honor. As these things are so, John continues with, “For all nations shall come and worship before You.”

It was just cited in the verses from Psalm 86 (above), and it is also reflected in the words of the prophets Isaiah and Micah. There is a time ahead where the knowledge of whom the Lord is will be found throughout the entire world. There will no longer be false religions that pursue false gods. But instead, all nations will come before the Lord in Jerusalem to worship Him and honor Him alone. With that stated, John finishes the words of the song, saying, “For Your judgments have been manifested.”

The word translated as “judgments” signifies that which is righteous. A more literal rendering would be “righteousnesses.” As Vincent’s Word Studies notes, these are, “Not merely divine decisions, but righteous acts generally.” Those acts of the Lord in judgment, in conduct, in how He has dealt with the sin of man and the waywardness of the nations, and so on, are made manifest to the people of the world.

The verb in this clause, being aorist, is stating these things as accomplished even though it is looking forward to what lies ahead. When all is complete, everything the Lord has done will vindicate His just, holy, and righteous nature.

Life application: Holiness is one of the attributes of God. It defines His very nature. He is completely separate from impurity, and nothing unclean can enter His presence.

Because we are, by nature, fallen creatures, we must be covered in Jesus’ righteousness in order to enter into the presence of God. Were it not so, we would be completely consumed. But God has provided a way and the cost was high – it came through the life of His Son in exchange for our defilement. When the world finally comes to this understanding, all nations shall come and worship before Him, glorifying Him for who He is and for what He has done.

The redeemed of the world will look to the greatness of what God alone has done and acknowledge that He is worthy of all honor, glory, praise, and worship. But before that time, judgment will come upon all – both believers and unbelievers. The judgment of believers will be for rewards and losses. The judgment of unbelievers will be for condemnation.

When these judgments come, they will be completely impartial and absolutely fair. No person will be able to claim what was received was unjust. Absolute righteousness will be executed by the Creator. The world will see and understand the marvel of what God did in the sending of His Son to reconcile all things to Himself. The world will finally come to a full understanding of the glory of His Christ, our Lord JESUS.

Lord God, we know that judgment is coming on all flesh. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we don’t fear condemnation, but we know we let you down from day to day. We know that Your judgment of our actions and lives will be completely just and fair, and so we can only praise You for what we receive. Before that time though, help us to be stronger and more faithful servants to You. Amen.

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:
“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints! Revelation 15:3

John just noted those “who have victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name.” He also noted that they had harps of God. Of them, he now says, “They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God.” The term “servant of God” is fittingly applied to Moses, having been called the Lord’s servant several times in the Old Testament (see Exodus 14:31, Numbers 12:7, and Psalm 105:26). He is referred to in this manner in Hebrews 3:5 as well.

Of this, Ruckman says, “Here is another verse that proves that no Christian goes through the Tribulation. The people in verse 2 [sic] sing ‘the song of Moses’ (the Mosaic Law) and ‘the song of the Lamb’ (Jesus Christ dying for sinners – John 1:29). That’s works and faith … No Christian has any business singing ‘the Song of Moses” at all.”

While it is true that pre-tribulation Christian believers will not go through the tribulation (in part or in whole), the logic Ruckman uses is faulty. Citing the Song of Moses is not a works-based statement. Rather, it is a note of fulfilled prophecy.

There are two songs of Moses recorded in the Old Testament. The first is in Exodus 15 when the children of Israel were led out of bondage and through the Red Sea to safety. The great world power that had hold over Israel was crushed and defeated by the Lord. The second is recorded in Deuteronomy 31 and 32. It details the history of the people of Israel from the time they enter the Promised Land through to the end of the ages. Which Song of Moses is being referred to? Actually, both fit the mold of what is said. However, it is surely the latter song that is first and foremost being considered.

The people in this verse are “those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name.” In the final verse of the song recorded in Deuteronomy 31, we read these words –

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people;
For He will avenge the blood of His servants,
And render vengeance to His adversaries;
He will provide atonement for His land and His people.” Deuteronomy 32:43

To ensure we don’t make the error Ruckman has made, Paul even cites this verse, speaking of believers in the church age, in Romans 15:10. Moses prophesied of a time when the Gentiles would rejoice along with the people of Israel. That time came when Christ fulfilled and set aside the Mosaic Covenant, and established the New Covenant in His blood.

Further, the words of Deuteronomy 32 refer to avenging “the blood of His servants.” This is exactly what is being pictured as these martyrs stand on the glassy sea. Thus, both Jews and Gentiles can sing the Song of Moses (Rejoice, O Gentiles with His people), “and the song of the Lamb” (You are worthy to take the scroll…) as is recorded in Revelation 5:9, 10.

Of the words “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,” Vincent’s Word Studies says, “There are not two distinct songs. The song of Moses is the song of the Lamb.” This is true in the sense that all of the words of Moses ultimately refer to the work of God in Christ. Thus, songs such as are found in Exodus 15, Deuteronomy 32, and Revelation 5 all build upon the same theme – the greatness of the Lord God.

Of this song, these people on the glassy sea are “saying: ‘Great and marvelous are Your works.’” It is a note of great exultation and awed wonder at the workings of God in Christ. This is not merely a praise to God for what He has created, but what He has done within the created order. It speaks of the redemptive process that began at the fall of man and which continues through the tribulation period itself. The words follow after other such praises recorded in the Old Testament, such as Psalm 111:2, Psalm 139:14, and 1 Chronicles 16:9. These praises are to the “Lord God Almighty!”

The Greek reads Kyrie ho Theos ho Pantokratōr – “Lord the God the Almighty.” The word Pantokratōr, or “Almighty,” was used in Revelation 1:8 when referring to Jesus. It was used again in verse 4:8 where it was clearly referring to Jesus again. And then again, in verse 11:17, it is used when referring to Jesus. Each of these uses can clearly be identified as referring to Jesus from the surrounding context. The same is true here. It is God, working in Christ, that is on display in this song now being set forth before us. John continues with, “Just and true are Your ways.”

This is a note of God’s dealings with humanity. Though these are a part of the very nature of God, there is no need for justice and truth to be spoken of in relation to the creation apart from man. Only man is cognizant of the intimate relationship that should exist between him and his Creator. Of His just nature, the words are reflective of Romans 3 –

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, ²² even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, ²⁶ to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

Of His truthful nature, the words are reflective of Romans 2 –

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. ² But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.” Romans 2:1, 2

In God, there is only justice and truth. With this stated, the verse finishes with, “O King of the saints!” In these words, there is a variation in manuscripts. Some say “saints” while others say “nations.” This may be a citation from Jeremiah 10:7. If so, then “nations” is the preferred reading. That will be seen in the analysis of the coming verse.

In the end, both are true at the end of the tribulation. At this time, Christ is the King of the saints, having called a people to Himself in holiness. When the tribulation period ends (which is presupposed by this song), Christ will rule over all nations. This is clearly seen in the 2^nd Psalm, but it is also explicitly stated in Isaiah 2 (and as is repeated in Micah 4) –

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
³ Many people shall come and say,
“’Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:2, 3

Life application: Ultimately, God is the One who delivers His people, but he used Moses to lead the people of Israel, and He came in the Person of Jesus to redeem all of the people of the world – becoming our sacrificial Lamb in order to redeem us from the power of sin and death. The tribulation saints will be a mixture of both Jew and Gentile. Together, they will sing a song of both Moses and the Lamb with the praise being directed to the Lord God Almighty.

In the Old Testament, the “Almighty” is El Shaddai who first appeared to Abraham. He is the God of power and protection. The people sing of his just and true ways because it is He who has both the right and the authority to judge the world in righteousness. As the King of the saints, He is the One who rules over His redeemed. Paul says that in order to be saved one must “call on the name of the Lord.” This act acknowledges that Jesus Christ is Lord over all things, and thus our Sovereign, our King.

If you are struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ, all you need to do is to compare terminology throughout the Bible, which describes God and which also describes Jesus. The Bible consistently bestows upon Jesus the same terminology that is given to God (or the Lord, meaning YHVH, of the Old Testament). There can be no mistaking who Jesus reveals and who He is. Have faith and don’t be misdirected by those who haven’t taken the time or effort to determine the truth of the second member of the Trinity. He is the God/Man. He is JESUS!

Surely, You are great and glorious O God! From You comes all power, honor, glory, and majesty. To You we look for our protection and provision. We also come to You in gratitude for every good blessing that flows from Your open hand of grace. Yes! Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God Almighty. Hallelujah and Amen.

Tuesday, 20 April 2021

And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. Revelation 15:2

John just saw the vision of the seven angels having the seven last plagues. His eyes now redirect to a glorious sight, and he writes, “And I saw something like a sea of glass.” In verse 4:6, it is said that there was a sea of glass before the throne, like crystal. In 13:1, a beast was rising up out of the sea. In 17:1, there will be the great harlot who sits on many waters.

In these visions, one can see the difference between the peaceful, translucent sea of heaven and the chaotic sea of humanity. Like in verse 4:6, the word translated as “glass” is an adjective. Therefore, it more rightly says, “a glassy sea.” The word describes the appearance, not the material. It isn’t that the sea is solid glass, but it is as smooth and tranquil as glass. The description here speaks of purity and clarity. Because of the contrast to the sea of fallen humanity, it must also speak of tranquility and calm. Along with this, John says it is “mingled with fire.”

As fire speaks of judgment and purification, this fire most probably reflects the purification process that the martyrs, next to be mentioned, received. As John says, “and those who have the victory over the beast.” The words are not in accord with the Greek. In the Greek, the verb is a present participle. It more rightly says, “and those conquering out of the beast.”

They were under the rule and authority of the beast. And yet, in their refusal to submit to taking the mark or worshiping the beast, they were conquering out of the beast. It demonstrates the superlative nature of their victory and the putting of allegiance to Christ above their own lives. This is evidenced in the next words as John then says, “over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name.”

This was the requirement for life under the beast – submission. They were to worship his image, and they were to acknowledge that allegiance by accepting “the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (13:17). Any person who would not worship the image was to be killed (13:15), and any person who would not receive the mark could not buy or sell (13:17).

The irony of the plight of the people under the beast is that if they submit to him, they will find life that leads to death, but for those who rather submit to Christ, they will find death that leads to life. Those who follow after the beast will avoid the judgment of the beast, but they will face the judgment of God apart from Christ. Those who submit only to Christ will receive the judgment of the beast, but they will then be imputed Christ’s righteousness purchased at the cross of Christ.

Of these who are conquering out of the beast, John says they are “standing on the sea of glass.” The Greek again uses the same adjective as before, reading, “standing on the sea of the glassy.” Here the verb is a perfect participle. They are conquering out of the beast, and they are standing upon the glassy sea. There is total victory for them as they are purified by their faith in Christ and as they now stand in that state in a place of tranquility.

In these words, Revelation 15 corresponds to the fifteenth letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet. The fifteenth letter, samech, pictures a thorn. It signifies “grab,” “hate,” and “protect.” It has the literal meaning of “a support.” In this verse is found the sea of glass upon which those who refuse the mark stand, representing their support. John then says of them, “having harps of God.”

The harps have been seen in verse 5:8 with the twenty-four elders. They were again seen in 14:2 with the “harpists playing their harps” when the one hundred and forty-four thousand stood on Mount Zion with the Lamb. They are mentioned again now. In the next verse, the purpose of the harps will be seen.

Life application: In verse 14:13, John recorded the words – “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” The people seen in this verse are those very people. They were willing to die for the sake of eternal life, rather than throw their allegiance in with the devil and his crew. They are in a place of calm and serenity, having been purified and are acceptable to God for worship.

At the end of the tribulation period, these souls will receive the physical resurrection of the dead, and they will never be able to die again. It is a fitting and wondrous reward for their willingness to die for the sake of the gospel, instead of living for the sake of temporary life on earth.

The Bible stands as a witness to the faithful workings of God in redemptive history, calling people back to Himself through the giving of His Son. Let us be wise. Let us call out for His saving offer. Let us call out today for JESUS.

Heavenly Father, even now – before the time of tribulation – we have many hard choices to make. Walking with and in Jesus Christ is not always easy, but it is of infinite worth. Thank You for calling us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. And we pray for those who are currently facing the same decision. May they do what is right by calling on Jesus! Amen.

Monday, 19 April 2021

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. Revelation 15:1

Chapter 14 ended with the vision of the harvest of the grapes being cast into the winepress of God and being trampled out. With that complete, John’s attention is once again directed, saying, “Then I saw another sign in heaven.”

The last time a similar statement was made was in Chapter 12 with the sign of the woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. That was immediately followed by the sign of the great fiery red dragon.

As in Chapter 12, the contents of this chapter will be a type of brief interlude. Before that occurs, however, John will first see a precursor concerning the subject which will follow. This sign is, as John says, “great and marvelous.”

The word translated as “marvelous” signifies something awe-evoking. It is something that will move “the beholder to their deepest emotions” (HELPS Word Studies). It will be used one more time in verse 15:3. John next says what the sign is, saying, “seven angels having the seven last plagues.” The Greek reads more precisely – “angels seven having plagues seven: the last.”

There was the breaking of the seals and there was the sounding of the trumpets. Now, another course of plagues is set to come upon the earth. In them, there is finality to the process. Of these plagues, John next tells the reader why these are the last seven plagues with the words “for in them the wrath of God is complete.”

The Greek reads with an aorist verb, “was complete.” This is known as a prophetic aorist. What John is seeing is as if it is already accomplished. Even if the details are coming later, the vision is as if already fully displayed. The description of them, however, will be presented in succession for the reader to follow along.

In the presentation of these seven angels, the fulfillment of all of the calamities of the tribulation period will be ended. In beholding this, John is awestruck.

Life application: As will be seen, the coming judgment will be in the form of bowls. Some translations say “vials,” but these are large containers signifying a great amount of outpouring. The actual outpouring will start in chapter 16.

How often has the cliché been stated, “I believe in the loving God of the New Testament, but not in the wrathful God of the Old Testament.” This type of naïveté stems from people who have never taken the time to read the Bible. The same God is portrayed in both Testaments – He doesn’t change and there isn’t more than one God.

In both Testaments, we see all of God’s attributes – His love, grace, mercy, righteousness, justice, holiness, and truth. None of the attributes are elevated above any others. Instead, they stem from and define His very nature. God can’t sacrifice His justice in order to be loving. He can’t give up His righteousness in order to be merciful. All of His attributes must be satisfied in His dealings with man.

Only at the cross are all men reconciled. Therefore, it is the cross where God’s holy nature has been met on our behalf. If we reject the cross, then the wrath that was poured out on His Son must be poured out on us. Such is the nature of God and such is the reason that there is only one way to be reconciled to Him. This is through faith and the accepting of the Gift of His Son, JESUS.

Lord, You have shown us the path to peace by sending Your Son in the likeness of man and then making Him the atoning sacrifice for our sins. As amazing as it is, so many fail to accept this glorious offer of peace. In this, they remain outside of Your mercy. Please give us the wisdom, words, and desire to be able to rightly explain the significance of the cross to others so that they may be saved. Amen.