Revelation (Written)

Monday, 22 February 2021

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19

With the doxology of the twenty-four elders complete, John next says, “Then the temple of God was opened in heaven.” The translation is confused. It should rather say, “Then the temple of God in heaven was opened.” John is seeing a vision of the heavenly temple. And rather than the entire temple, this is referring to the Most Holy Place in the temple. This is the place where, in the earthly sanctuary, the Ark of the Covenant was set. It is the place where the Lord said He would dwell among Israel.

However, the book of Hebrews explains that the earthly sanctuary was only a type, or shadow, of the true sanctuary –

“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.
³ 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.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” Hebrews 8:1-6

In other words, everything about the earthly sanctuary was given to represent a more perfect spiritual reality in heaven. To understand this, the entire series of sermons concerning the construction of the sanctuary, which is detailed in the book of Exodus, can be reviewed at the Superior Word website. This link will take you to all written Exodus sermons – http://superiorword.org/wp-content/uploads/study-pdfs/exodus-commentary-rev1.pdf

Every detail of its construction points to the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, what John is seeing is another revelation of Jesus Christ that points to spiritual truths. With this understanding, he next says, “and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple.”

The ark of the covenant, in every detail, pictures Christ Jesus. Placed within it were the Ten Commandments, signifying that He is the embodiment of the law. The two poles picture the two testaments – the Old and the New. The mercy seat place on top of it pictures Christ, the place of propitiation for man. He is the spot where atonement is made, and where restoration is realized. And so on. This is only a small part of the typology that pointed to Christ.

Here, the significance of the ark being seen is based on the words of the doxology of the twenty-four elders. Their words spoke of the reigning authority of Christ, and of His judgments. As Christ is the embodiment of the law, He has full authority to judge according to the law. As He is the place of atonement, it is He who atones for the sins of those who are His. For those who are not His, their condemnation remains. In saying that the ark of the covenant is seen, it means that the basis for judgment – meaning the law – is now being presented. With that in mind, the verse and the chapter end with, “And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.”

The wording is similar to verses 4:5 and 8:5 –

lightnings, thunderings, and voices – 4:5
noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake – 8:5
lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail – 11:19

It can be seen that the number and types of events have increased. It is as if the wrath of God is increasing as the pages of Revelation continue to unfold. The terrifying events are similar to the great display that occurred when the Law of Moses was received on Mt. Sinai. The judgment on the world is based on this standard, which no one can meet. As Paul says in Romans 3:20 –

“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

The law was given to show all people of the world their sinful state and that something more than our own works is needed, meaning the imputed righteousness of Christ. Here, the world has rejected this and will now be judged based on the standard set forth in the law. The world has rejected Christ’s imputed righteousness as testified to by the bringing forth of the ark. Only the saints who trust in Christ alone, and not on some other standard of righteousness, are to be saved. The rest will perish in their unrighteousness.

Life application: For any who are willing to call on Jesus, mercy will be granted. God is infinitely merciful, and He understands our failings. However, He is perfect in His being, and only perfection may be accepted by Him. This perfection cannot be attained by our own efforts because we are already imperfect. What we need is the perfection of Christ to cover us. This is why the Bible uses the term “in Christ.” It means just that. We are in Him, and when God looks at us, it is through the covering of His Son.

Let us be sure to let the world know this. The gospel is not merely one means of reconciliation with God. Rather, it is the ONLY means of reconciliation with Him. But in understanding our already fallen nature, we should be eternally grateful that God has even given us this one means of restoration. Yes, let us be forever grateful to God for the giving of JESUS!

O God, You have revealed to us the glory of Your Son and the magnificent work that He has accomplished for Adam’s fallen seed. How great, yes, how truly great You are. Thank You, O God, for the perfect and glorious Gift who is Jesus our Lord! May we be sure to tell the world of this wonderful means of restoration and forgiveness while there is still time. Amen.

Sunday, 21 February 2021

The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great,
And should destroy those who destroy the earth. Revelation 11:18

The doxology of the twenty-four elders continues in this verse. It is a doxology of authority to rule, and because it is, it is a doxology that reveals the exercise of that rule, and that is revealed in several descriptive ways. The first is judgment, and is stated with the words, “The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come.”

The thought here is very well reflected in the 2^nd Psalm. In the first verse, the raging of the nations is mentioned. From there, the authority of the Son, the Lord’s Anointed, is spoken of. From there, judgment and wrath are noted until the end of the psalm. This is then connected to Jesus’ words in John 3 which confirm that there is only one avenue to avoid the wrath of God –

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

The immediate context that preceded this heavenly scene was that the two witnesses testified to the world. They were rejected and killed. Along with their being slain, the world rejoiced and sent gifts to one another. They acted as if they had gained the victory over God because they had gained victory over His witnesses. Because of the rejection of their message, a new phase in history is about to come into focus. This is revealed in the next words, “And the time of the dead, that they should be judged.”

This is the second aspect of Christ’s authority to rule: judgment. Due to the coming words, it appears that this is an overall judgment of humanity. Therefore, it is probably referring to the judgment recorded in Revelation 20:4-6 which precedes the millennium, and Revelation 20:11-15 which follows it. If this is so, then stating that the time for these things to come to pass means the sequence of events leading to them has allowed for them to occur, and they will happen in due time as prophesied. John next records, “And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints.”

This would be the resurrection promised in Daniel 12:1-3 (and elsewhere), and then which is explicitly stated to Daniel in Daniel 12:13 –

“But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.”

This judgment is known in Revelation 20:5 as “the first resurrection.” It is a resurrection of reward and for the granting of eternal life. John next notes it also speaks of the prophets and saints in another way, saying, “And those who fear Your name, small and great.”

These are surely not separate categories from the “prophets and saints,” but are rather descriptors of them. There are true prophets who fear the Lord’s name, and there are false prophets who do not. There are both small (average) people and great people who fear His name (His saints), and there are those who do not. These will receive their reward and inheritance. And then there are others who will be dealt with differently, as John next notes, “And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

This is the third aspect of Christ’s authority to rule: punishment. Peter speaks of the “wages of unrighteousness” in 2 Peter 2:13. People earn punishment through their conduct. This is how a properly functioning society works, and it is how the heavenly court will be run. The details for this judgment are found in Revelation 20:11-15 (also noted above). This will be the “second death” referred to in Revelation 20:6 and 20:14. The result of that judgment is summed up in verse 20:15 –

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Life application: As noted above, the anger of the nations is spoken of in the 2^nd Psalm. Peter then quotes this psalm in Acts 4 indicating that Jesus and His work are the fulfillment of what David prophesied. However, the cross and the resurrection are not something that was fought against at only one point in history. Instead, the nations have continued to rage against the work of Christ since that time. This will come to its final state during the tribulation period.

As the world rejects what Jesus has done, God’s wrath is being stored up and will be poured out in great judgments. After this period of tribulation, there will come a 1000-year reign of Christ on earth. At both ends of this reign, there will be resurrections. Those prophets and saints who have gone before the time of the cross and those who died during the tribulation period will be a part of the first resurrection. This will include those who fear the Lord’s name, small and great. In other words, God looks for faith in His unfaithful creatures, so just a little bit will do.

Each will receive his rest and reward based on the faith he exercised in his walk of life. And in contrast to the saved, there will be judgment and destruction for those who destroy the earth.

This  is probably not just speaking of the physical earth, but of the people of the earth as well. At times in the Bible, the term “the earth” is used in this way, speaking of the earth’s inhabitants. Those who destroy the lives and souls of people are striking out at God’s image-bearers, and their judgment will be harsh.

Jesus tells us of this in Matthew 18:6 – “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Let us take heed to the words of Scripture and let us think soberly on what is being conveyed. All people are heading to one of only two possible ends – restoration with God and eternity in His presence, or dying apart from God’s pardon that has been offered through Christ Jesus. In the case of the latter, it means an eternal swim in the Lake of Fire. Let us do our best to get the word out. Let us be sure to tell all of the marvel of what God has done in the giving of His Son for our sins. Let us also be sure to never miss the chance to sing out praises and thanks to Him for the giving of JESUS!

Holy, just, true, and righteous are Your judgments, O God. You have given us every chance and opportunity to turn to You through the giving of Your Son. And You have not made it hard. Instead, all You ask is that we live by faith, even faith as small as a mustard seed. Help us to think rightly and to use our time wisely that we may be saved from the Day which is surely coming. Amen.

Saturday, 20 February 2021

saying:
“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Revelation 11:17

This verse begins the doxology of the twenty-four elders who have fallen on their faces to worship God. In this act, they are “saying: ‘We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty.’” The verb, though a common one in the gospels and epistles, is found only here in Revelation. It is eucharisteó, and it signifies to be thankful.

Here, in Revelation 11, we have an interesting parallel to John 11. The eleventh letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet. The eleventh letter, kaph, pictures an open palm, and it signifies “bend,” “open,” “allow,” and “tame.” In this chapter is found the modeh anakhnu, Hebrew for “We give you thanks,” that would certainly be accompanied by the open, outstretched palms of the worshippers.

John 11 corresponds to this in Jesus’ words of John 11:41, “I give you thanks,” or modeh ani in Hebrew. In John 11, it is the same Greek word as here, eucharisteó. Both chapters also have the return of life from the dead. In John 11, it is Lazarus. In Revelation 11, it is the two witnesses. Jesus’ prayer of thanks to the Father precedes the raising of Lazarus. The twenty-four elders’ prayer of thanks to the Lord God Almighty follows the raising of the two witnesses.

Here, the term “Lord God Almighty” is repeated from verse 4:8 which was referring to Jesus on the throne. The term “Almighty” (Greek: pantokratór) was first claimed by Jesus in Revelation 1:8. That is next followed by the words, “The One who is and who was and who is to come.”

Again, it is an expression spoken concerning Jesus in verses 1:4, 1:8, and 4:8 as well. To more fully understand the expression, reviewing the explanatory comments from Chapter 1 will help. Of the Lord on the throne, the elders next call out, “Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.”

This is the main theme of the doxology – authority to rule. The Eternal One (who is and who was and who is to come) is the Creator. He is before His creation. His presence is above and yet in His creation, directing it. And He ever shall be, as He rules His creation.

Just as we move into the future, live in the present, and look back on the past, we also anticipate God’s revelation. We live moment by moment in His revelation, and continuously look back and learn from the things He has revealed.

This is noted by the chorus of the twenty-four elders in saying “You have taken Your great power and reigned.” In analyzing the three doxologies that have been given, the logical sequence of this heavenly scene goes from Creation to Redemption and then to the Authority to Rule –

First doxology, Revelation 4: Creation (And by Your will they exist and were created).
Second doxology, Revelation 5: Redemption (And have redeemed us to God by Your blood).
Third doxology, Revelation 11: Authority to Rule (Because You have taken Your great power and reigned).

In Matthew 4, we read this account between the devil and Jesus –

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’” Matthew 4:8, 9

Jesus didn’t question the devil’s authority over the world. That dominion was lost at the fall of man, but Jesus regained the authority in His work on the cross. Now that authority is being exercised as the final judgments on the earth are being readied in anticipation of His millennial reign.

Life application: The term pantokratór, used when speaking of Jesus, is equivalent to the Lord of the hosts or Yehovah Sabaoth of the Old Testament. Jesus is the omnipotent Creator, Redeemer, and Ruler. He is sovereign over His creation and has full authority to reign. His purposes for man are being realized within His creation – the very creation He participated in when He walked among us.

This is the marvel of what God has done in the sending of His Son. We have rebelled against Him, we moved to the authority of the devil, but Jesus has destroyed the devil’s works and has regained full authority over all things. For those who come to God through Him, there will be a complete restoration of all things, and the glory that lies ahead is beyond our ability to even grasp. Let us wait patiently as the redemptive narrative unfolds. In due time, we will receive our reward. In due time, we will see JESUS!

Glorious and Almighty God! The story which You have planned and participated in is beyond our comprehension. You came and united to Your creation in the Person of Jesus Christ. You walked among us and shared in our humanity. How can we not give You all the praise and honor and glory You are due! Great are Your works among the children of men! Amen.

Friday, 19 February 2021

And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, Revelation 11:16

In the previous verse, it was noted that “there were loud voices in heaven.” The source of those voices was not stated, but it was surmised that they were possibly the voices of the four living creatures around the throne. The reason for assuming this was found in verses 4:9 & 10, which state, “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne.”

That exact reaction of the elders is now stated in this verse, saying, “And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God.” This may be in response to the voices of the four living creatures giving “glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever.”

What these elders will say comes in the next two verses, but before citing those words, it would be good to review what they said in the same such instances from chapters 4 & 5 –

Rev 4:11 – “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

Rev 5:9, 10 – “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.”

As is noted, the first time they fell before the Lord in praise it was based on the Lord’s creative power – “For You created all things and by your will they exist and were created.” The next time their phrase was based on Jesus’ act of redemption – “For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood.” These things have followed a pattern. Such will be the case with their coming words as well. Before analyzing those coming words, what do you think will be the reason these twenty-four elders fall down before the Lord in the coming verses? Stay tuned and we will analyze them together.

Life application: Paying attention to the terminology of phases, such as the utterances of the twenty-four elders will help you see and understand the plan of God unfolding before your eyes. Everything in Scripture is connected, and so it is good to step back and look at the word from a wide-angle lens, and then focus on the details as well. Neglecting one aspect or another will cause you to miss some of the marvelous intricacies of the word. So keep studying! Keep reading! Keep meditating on this precious word. It contains words of life because it speaks of JESUS!

What a wonderful and beautifully unfolding plan You have laid out in the pages of Your word! Thank You for opening up these passages for us and showing us the great heavenly scenes which even the angels participate in! How blessed we are when we simply open Your word and look at its structure and beauty! Thank You, O Lord, Amen.

Thursday, 18 February 2021

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15

The last verse mentions that the second woe, which came at the blowing of the sixth trumpet, was past. It then said that the third woe is coming quickly. Now it says, “Then the seventh angel sounded.” This means the third and final woe is to be ushered in. That was noted in verse 8:13 –

“And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, ‘Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!’”

As noted in the previous verse, however, the word “quickly” does not necessarily mean “immediately.” In relation to the biblical narrative, there is an extended set of interludes before the pouring out of the bowl judgments. To open up those various scenes, John next says, “And there were loud voices in heaven.”

This is the exact opposite of the loosing of the seventh seal. At that time, it said, “there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” What is interesting is that the seventh trumpet is a trumpet of woe and of judgment on earth, and yet for now there is silence. On the other hand, the voices in heaven resound.

We are not told whose voices are heard, but it is possible that they are the voices of the four living creatures. This is because in verses 4:9 & 10 it says, “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne…”

The response to the voices now heard will be recorded in the coming verse. Whoever’s voices they are, John records them as “saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.’”

Here, manuscripts vary saying either “kingdom” or “kingdoms.” If the singular is correct, it would mean that the kingdom of Satan that held sway over the entire world has now moved to the authority of Jesus. If the plural, it would be referring to the many dominions of the world now falling under the authority of the Lord. Either way, the sense of total rule and spiritual dominion has moved to that of Jesus.

Saying “our Lord” speaks of the ownership rights of Jesus. He is the master of all. Saying “and of His Christ” refers to the anointed status of Jesus as the rightful Heir. The term, “the Lord’s Christ,” was used to indicate this in Luke 2:26. This follows on from the Old Testament term, “the Lord’s Anointed,” and it gives the sense of what is now conveyed. For example, Psalm 2 says –

“The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
³ ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.’” Psalm 2:2, 3

The idea is also conveyed in Psalm 110 –

“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Psalm 110:1

Jesus is “His Anointed” and He is the “Lord.” John’s words assure the reader that Jesus has reclaimed full authority over what was lost at the fall, “and He shall reign forever and ever!” The term “forever and ever” is from the Greek phrase “to the ages of the ages.” It reflects eternity itself and is something that has no end. The authority of Christ over the earth is complete, absolute, and eternal. What was lost will never be lost again.

Life application: What might seem confusing is that this cry is recorded before the third woe. In other words, there is still rebellion, judgment, and destruction to be described. However, this is an anticipatory recording of the trumpet, and it includes the seven bowl judgments. It encompasses what is yet ahead. This was seen in the commentary of Revelation 10:7, where it said, “The timing of the sounding of the seventh trumpet completes the set of events that occur. It does not initiate them. It is during this period that ‘the mystery of God would be finished.'”

Remembering what just occurred concerning the resurrection of the two witnesses, there can be no doubt about God’s promises or about the truth of His word at this point, and so before the bowl judgments come, the proclamation is made.

Also, the seventh trumpet here is not the “last trumpet” Paul refers to when speaking about the rapture. That trumpet was a trumpet of the church age and was one of salvation. This trumpet is during the Tribulation period and is one of woe and more coming judgment. However, despite the coming trials, the victory is assured.

Each part of the unfolding narrative tells us that God has a plan, that it is being worked out, and that it cannot be thwarted. Things are stated as a certainty at various points in redemptive history because those things are certain. For example, Paul tells believers in Ephesians 2:6 that God “raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

In other words, even though we are still in the world, living out our earthly lives, in God’s mind, we are already raised up and seated in the heavenly places. This is the note that is conveyed concerning the certainty of Christ’s position that is found in this verse of Revelation. The thing is accomplished, and the victory is won. The Lord’s Christ shall reign forever and ever because He is JESUS!

Victory belongs to our Lord. His kingdom will reign on earth forever and ever. But how wonderful it is to know that, even now, we can participate in that glorious kingdom! Oh God, You have offered peace and reconciliation to the people of the world through the shed blood of Jesus. Thank You, O God, for the victory of our Lord over the cross of Calvary! Hallelujah and Amen.