Revelation is apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic literature is characterized by:

1. highly symbolic writings
2. hidden meanings about life and evil -- dualism -- good vs. evil
3. retelling of history -- includes all history
4. reveals secrets about creation -- connections between heaven & earth -- discover the destiny of all humanity

Revelation contains 600 references to the Old Testament.

Revelation means "to undo the veil" or to reveal what is covered up.

The author is John -- many believe it is John the apostle; also known as John the Seer. The author is a Jew known by those he is addressing. He is on the island of Patmos, addressing the 7 churches of Asia.

Revelation is written for the 7 churches in Asia who are being persecuted near the end of Domitian's reign; for a church and people in need of encouragement.

We learn about John, the author of Revelation.

1. Those he writes to know him; he has a relationship with them; he suffers with them
2. He writes from the island of Patmos
3. He has a vision of "The Lord's Day."
4. This is a spiritual vision
5. He writes to the 7 churches of Asia

Note: The Lord's Day was Sunday, not the Jewish Sabbath.

The 7 were the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea

The Message: God/Christ is with us!

There is a pattern in John's messages to the 7 churches:

• the destination of the message
• a command to write
• prophetic formula
• one or more titles for Christ
• an evaluation of the church
• words of warning or encouragement
• call for hearing and obedience
• victory formula with an eternal promise

John's message condemned anyone who permitted christians to participate in pagan rituals.

Message of Hope for persecuted people, hope for the suffering churches, hope for all.

John's message connects to all Christians, to anyone who has an ear. Good news and hope for ALL who hear & obey (repent).

• There are 606 references to the Old Testament in Revelation
• John, author of Revelation, is "in the Spirit"
• Presents images of worship in heaven; John receives a vision of heaven
• John was a Jew and had great knowledge of the Old Testament
• Everyone singing -- everyone in the entire cosmos is brought to the kingdom of heaven through the Blood of the Lamb
• Rev. 5:13 -"Every creature in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea"
• Jesus is the Messiah (the Lion) and the Lamb.

Much symbolism in these two chapters of Revelation:

• 4 living creatures -- could represent all forms of life
• rainbow -- God's covenant (promises) after the flood
• twenty-four -- 12 tribes of Israel & 12 apostles -- the whole people of God, all who have a relationship with the creator
• seven spirits -- 7 represents completeness, wholeness; whole spirit of God
• new song -- renewal of the covenant
• the Lion -- represents the Messiah
• the Lamb -- represents Jesus
• "thousands of thousands" -- all the people, all the creatures
  

In John's vision a Scroll with 7 Seals is handed to the Lamb.

What are the 7 seals?

• Seal 1 ~ white horse, rider with a bow, given a crown; Conquest
• Seal 2 ~ black horse, rider given power to take peace, holding a large sword; War
• Seal 3 ~ Black horse, rider holding scales; Unjust famine (wealthy have wine & oil; poor are hungry)
• Seal 4 ~ Pale horse, rider named Death; Natural disaster, sickness
• Seal 5 ~ souls of those slain for God are calling for judgment & justice; given a white robe (a sign of hope, purity, peace/rest for those martyrs.)
• Seal 6 ~ great earthquake, end times; the early Christians were an oppressed people who heard this liberating message -- the Lord is in control at the end!

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John's imagery connects to images presented in the Old Testament and the Gospels.

Compare the first 4 seals with Zechariah 1:7-11 and Zechariah 6:1-7

Compare the images of the 6th Seal with Matthew 24:1-44, Mark 13:1-37, and Luke 21:1-36

• Vivid Imagery
• Message of hope
• Everyone who had died and rested in the arms of the Lord has come out of a great ordeal

Chapter 7 is an "Interlude" between Seal 6 and Seal 7.
Seal 6 presents powerful end-time imagery

• 144,000 could = 12 x 1000 x 12
  (12 representing the 12 tribes of Israel, 1000 - M - a big number, 12 representing the 12 disciples
• 144,000 accounts for everyone
• "A great multitude -- this is even bigger than the image of 144,000. Multitude > 144,000.
• All are present in this picture!

SEVEN (7) is a number which represents completeness or wholeness.
Many groups of 7 in Revelation:

• seven churches
• seven seals
• seven trumpets
• seven thunders
• seven angels
• seven spirits
  

The Lamb opens the 7th Seal and there is silence for 1/2 hour. The 7th seal brings 7 angels with 7 trumpets. The last 3 trumpets are known as the Three Woes.

• Trumpet 1 - fire & hail, mixed with blood; 1/3 earth burned up
• Trumpet 2 - fiery mountain is thrown into the sea, sea becomes blood; 1/3 of the sea destroyed
• Trumpet 3 - great tree fell from the sky; wormwood star poisons water; 1/3 of the waters poisoned
• Trumpet 4 - 1/3 of the sun, moon, stars lose light
• Trumpet 5 - Woe #1 - locusts (from the Abyss, the bottomless pit) torture those not sealed.
• Trumpet 6 - Woe #2 - 200 million mounted troops; 1/2 of mankind killed by plagues of fire, smoke, sulfur

In studying the seals and the trumpets revealed in John's story some connections are apparent.

First 4 Seals: Work together -- brief conquest, war

First 4 Trumpets: Work together -- 1/3 of earth

Seal #5 Martyrs looking for justice
Seal #6 Image of end times

Trumpet #5 unsealed people hurt
Trumpet #6 end time images

The sounding of the first six of seven trumpets follows a pattern similar to that of the seven seals.

Revelation 11: 16-18 presents powerful images

Trumpet 7 - Woe #3 -- is "The Kingdom of our Lord and his Messiah."

• God rules forever
• people are judged -- those who harm others or are wicked will be judged
• the temple is open -- descriptions of the temple are similar to the descriptions of the temple at the time of Christ's crucifixion in Luke.

The 7th Trumpet signals that God is in control -- this looks like it could be the end --> but it is not!!

Revelation 11 ends with the 7th Trumpet; no more series of sevens. The 7th Trumpet does not open 7 more of something!

The Interlude between the 6 trumpets and the 7th trumpet includes:

• seven thunders; not recorded
• John eats a small scroll and is reminded of his all
• chilling images of man measuring the temple
• story of two witnesses (Moses & Elijah) who are killed after their testimony; the prophesy for 1260 days
• Moses represents the law, Elijah the prophets

The Devil is on the loose tormenting us.
We are given hope to persevere.

Jesus is born, there is evil -- the devil (Herod) wants him dead; Jesus is crucified, died, is resurrected and ascends. Those who follow Jesus are followed by Satan -- God protects the followers.

In Revelation 12 John presents a story full of allegory about a woman, her child, and a dragon looking to kill the child. Possible connection and representations:

• the woman represents Mary and/or Israel and/or the Church
• the child represents Jesus
• the dragon represent Satan and/or Herod the Great and/or Rome.
• A note -- for John (the author) Israel and "the Church" were probably one and the same.

A simple (?) summary:

• A dragon wants to kill a woman's child
• The child escapes
• The woman is protected
• The dragon is defeated in heaven, banished to earth, but his time is short
• Now the dragon is after the woman and her children

What does this summary mean? (Remember, this is an allegory -- allegories use symbolism and allegorical representations

• The dragon represents Satan, evil
• The child represents Jesus
• The mother/woman could represent Mary, Israel, the Church
• Satan (the dragon)is an allegory for sin and evil
• Evil roams the earth; the woman represents the "church;" the followers of Jesus

John uses imagery similar to Daniel 7:2-8. In Daniel, the 4 beasts are the 4 world empires. In Revelation, the Beast of the Sea represents a first century power threatening the lives of the Christians.

Early Christians were to worship Jesus, the Lord....not the Emperor. It was dangerous for them to worship Jesus rather than the Emperor.

Nero was the first emperor to persecute the early followers of Christ. The Dragon's first beast is Nero.

Revelation 13: 11-18 -- The Beast of the Land seems to point toward the Beast of the Sea. "He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon."
Jesus is the lamb...but has no horns. This is NOT Jesus, but someone who looks like Jesus and fools people into believing he is Jesus -- a false prophet, an antichrist figure,

What false prophets did first century followers of Christ face? The Roman Emperors.

What false prophets do Christians face in the world today--globally, nationally, locally, within your families, within your homes, within your heart??

666 -- The Mark of the Beast

In Revelation 13:18 the mark of the beast is converted into a number. In the days of John the Seer, author of Revelation, it was a common, well-known practice to convert names into numbers. Both Greeks and Hebrews used letters of their alphabets as numbers -- so any name could be changed to a number by adding up the values of the letters. This is known as gematria.

Throughout history, many have tried to plug 666 into the names of different people -- to make assign the mark of the beast to an individual. We must "... recognize that any worldly power that pulls followers of Christ away from faith, in essence acts as "Nero redivivus" today." Certainly, there are many who strive to tear followers away from Christ.

It is believed that the churches to whom John addressed the message in Revelation knew and understood the 666 reference.

It is believed that John is referring to "Nero Caesar" with the first beast -- the first emperor to persecute the followers of Jesus. Domitian "Nero redivivus (Nero resurrected)" is believed to be the second beast.

The name "Jesus" in Greek would yield the number 888. {If 777 is representative of the perfect seven, 888 (Jesus) is beyond perfect. the number of the beast, 666, would be an incomplete number, less than the perfect 777)

***All info is taken from Pastor Tony's notes, memos, and info provided during our study meetings.

• the dragon fails to kill the Messiah
  • his time is short (the dragon or the evil one)
  • sin & death are defeated
  • the dragon still pursues the woman's children (the church, the followers of Christ)
• the dragon sends two beasts which represent Nero & Domitian (and perhaps other emperors)
• those who worship the emperor and the power of the empire are marked with 666 (the sign of the beast)

In Revelation 7 we learned about the 144,000 (representing the 12 tribes of Israel and 12,000 in each tribe)

In Revelation 14 144,000 has a different meaning. Here, it refers to those marked with the seal of God (followers of God and Christ) rather than those marked with the sign of the beast. It represents those who follow the lamb rather than the beast.

The 144,000 do not succumb to worshiping the beast -- they follow Jesus, not emperors. John refers to the empire of Babylon -- symbolic of those who worship idols (emperors, kings, government)

Three angels appear bringing messages.

• The first angel announces that the messages are for every nation, tribe, language, and people.
• The message of the 2nd angel is that Rome is going to fall. It warns against worshiping the beast (the empire, government).
• The seemingly gruesome message of the 3rd angels actually brings good news. All who believe will be part of a great harvest. they will be cleansed in the blood of the lamb. (Compare wine press imagery with blood pouring out to the crucifixion)

The 3 angels' messages:

• Judgment has come.
• "Babylon" has fallen (Rome, a great nation, will fall).
• Those who worship the beast will be tortured.

The message of the Three Angels served as a warning for those in the first century (and a word of hope). It also serves as a warning for us today.

Two harvests:

• the first harvest -- Son of Man (grain) harvests the grain
• the second harvest -- an angel (grapes) harvest the grapes -- the winepress of God's wrath

The dragon -- represents the devil, an allegory for sin and death.

The two beasts -- represent the Roman Emperors Nero and Domitian, the Empire, and those who encourage the worship of the emperor (idolatry).

Two Marks

666 -- The Mark given to those who participate in the worship of the emperor; worship the beast; unclean because of idolatry; they are tortured.

Sealed/white robed -- worship Christ; "unblemished" they rest.

When has God expressed his wrath in Scripture?
Adam/Eve; Noah/the flood; Sodom/Gomorrah

What are the results of God's wrath? expulsion from Eden, flood

What is the purpose of God's wrath? to teach a lesson, an example of parenting with love

Like the 7 seals and the 7 trumpets, the 7 bowls of God's wrath seem to touch upon all human suffering through history.

The GOOD NEWS is that the Suffering will end!!

God's wrath ends with the return of Christ!!

All People have choices to make every day.

Choosing to live faithfully (worship Christ) leads to life.

Choosing to live selfishly (worship the beast) leads to pain.

When people are pulled from faith, and then "worship" that which is NOT GOD, they will suffer!!

Pastor's review of Revelation 16 -- The 7 Bowls of God's Wrath

FACTS:

1. They play out much like the 7 seals & the 7 trumpets
2. John uses imagery from the 10 plagues in Exodus
3. Bowl 6 gives us an image of a final "battle" between the Beast and the Lamb
4. The Beast is finally defeated with the 7th bowl

Revelation 17 provides imagery about the Empire, the Emperor, and those who "worship" them.

One image of Rome (Babylon) is of a whore or prostitute; portrayed in regal colors; men (perhaps lesser rulers) who cavorted with the prostitute to gain favor and power. when the "whore/prostitute" is exposed as a phony she is brought to ruin!! (Rev. 17:16)

Comparing the beast image in Rev. 17 to Christ -- Christ is the one who is, was, and will be; the Beast is the one who was, is NOT, and is to come.

The beast is NOT god, represents idolatry.

The former allies of Rome work to destroy (burn) Rome and its power.

God is in control -- worship God, the one who truly rules!! Do not worship the beast who leads you away from God.

Rev. 16:17 "It is done." (The time of the devil, of sin is over)

--"Babylon" is defeated
--Changes come to earth; Heaven praises God
--The Lamb is Victor
------is "married" to God's people
------returns to be "King of Kings"

Chapters 17 & 18 describe "Babylon's" fall.

• Clearly Chapter 17 is a description of Rome, the one "who was and is NOT."
• "The Lamb conquers them"
• affirms the theme
• Chapter 18 is an "Old Testament-like" song -- both military and economic strength have fallen.

"Babylon" (Rome) has been defeated. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!!

Consider that Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" invokes images from Revelation. Rev. 19:6 -- Our Lord God Almight Reigns
Rev. 11:15 -- The Kindom of our Lord....he will reign forever and ever
Rev. 19:16 -- King of Kings and Lord of Lords

The Kingdom comes (In the Lord's prayer, we say: Thy Kingdom come) yet we don't see it clearly We look forward to the day when the Kingdom is fully realized.

In Revelation 19:13 -- the robe of the rider on the white horse is stained with blood, the blood of Jesus; the blood of the lamb.

In Revelation 19:15 the rider has a sword, the sword is pulled from the mouth of the rider. This represents not a sword or weapon ... but words from Christ's mouth. Words of Christ will WIN.

In Revelation 19:11-22:5 John the Seer gives us seven visions of the end.

1. 19:11-16 Return of Christ
2. 19:17-21 Last Battle
3. 20:1 - 3 Binding of Satan
4. 20:4 - 6 Millennium
5. 20:7-10 Defeat of Gog and Magog
6. 20: 11-15 Last Judgment
7. 21:1 - 22:5 New Jerusalem

John looks at 7 different ways for the return of the Messiah. The 7 visions are not a schedule or agenda of the events of end times.

They are allegorical.

They support themes we have found throughout the Book of Revelation.

Homework help: Investigate what "pre-millennial" and "post-millennial" mean.

Vocabulary help: Eschatological -- the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the human soul

From the NIV Study Bible, 1995, p.1946--

The millennium is taken literally by some as 1,000 actual years, while others interpret it metaphorically as a long but undetermined period of time. There are 3 basic approaches to the subject of the millennium:

1. Amillennialism: the millennium describes the present reign of the souls of deceased believers with christ in heaven. the present form of God's kingdom will be followed by Christ's return, the general resurrection, the final judgment and Christ's continuing reign over the perfect kingdom on the new earth in the eternal state.
2. Premillennialism: The present form of God's kingdom is moving toward a grand climax when Christ will return, the first resurrection will occur and his kingdom will find expression in a literal, visible reign of peace and righteousness on the earth in space-time history. After the final resurrection, the last judgment and the renewal of the heavens and the earth, this future, temporal kingdom will merge into the eternal kingdom, and the Lord will reign forever on the new earth.
3. Postmillennialism: The world will eventually be Christianized, resulting in a long period of peace and prosperity called the millennium. This future period will close with Christ's second coming, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment and the eternal state.

The term Premillennialist identifies identifies Christians who believe that the thousand year reign spoken of in Revelation Chapter 20 is an earthly reign of Christ.

From wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amillennialism

Amillennialism is a view in Christian eschatology named for its denial of a future, thousand-year, physical reign of Jesus Christ on the earth, as espoused in the premillennial and some postmillennial views of the Book of Revelation, chapter 20. By contrast, the amillennial view holds that the number of years in Revelation 20 is a symbolic number, not a literal description; that the millennium has already begun and is identical with the church age (or more rarely, that it ended with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70); and that while Christ's reign is spiritual in nature during the millennium, at the end of the church age, Christ will return in final judgment and establish permanent physical reign.

From wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premillennialism

Premillennialism in Christian eschatology is the belief that Christ will literally reign on the earth for 1,000 years at his second coming. The doctrine is called premillennialism because it views the current age as prior to Christ’s kingdom. It is distinct from the other forms of Christian eschatology such as amillennialism or postmillennialism, which view the millennial rule as either figurative and non-temporal, or as occurring prior to the second coming. Premillennialism is largely based upon a literal interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6 in the New Testament which describes Christ’s coming to the earth and subsequent reign at the end of an apocalyptic period of tribulation. It views this future age as a time of fulfillment for the prophetic hope of God’s people as given in the Old Testament.

1. Christ on horse (Christ in triumph, affirms the message of Revelation -- "God Wins")
2. Last Battle (animals eaten -- God Wins)
3. Binding of Satan (God Wins)
4. 1000 year reign of Martyrs (God Wins)
5. defeat of Gog and Magog (God Wins)
6. Last Judgment
   1. All are resurrected
   2. Deeds are judges (the books record the deeds)
   3. Death & Hades thrown into the lakes of fire
   4. Those not written in the Book of LIfe are thrown into the Lake Of Fire (Second Death)

Where is God's Reign? It is on Earth, the New Jerusalem (the new city) comes to Earth.

Who is God's Bride? The faithful followers of God

Who is given "water?" Those who are thirst for the word are given "water." God's People still thirst for the word of God.

What has been defeated? Death will be no more.

What is the "new" of REv. 21:5? All things New -- Old things are made new; We are the old made new.

Who suffers the "second death?" The Unbelievers.

The New Jerusalem reconciles the Garden of Eden and the new city.
The New Jerusalem is 1500 miles square (as big as John the Seer could comprehend, bigger than the Roman Empire)

In the new creation sinners are redeemed -- death, sin, and the devil do NOT exist.

The Lord God is the temple-- everyone is in a constant state of worship and connection with God, always in God's presence.

In Review -- Look at the different images from Revelation 21which describe the New Jerusalem:

• v. 3 "God is among mortals"
• v. 4 "Death will be no more"
• v. 5 "I am making all things new"
• v. 6 another statement of "It is done" and "to the thirsty...I give waters."
• v. 8 no sinners (or sinners will not sin)
• v. 9-21 HUGE, Solid, Eden in the city
• v. 22 "temple is the Lord..."
• v. 24 "Nations will walk..."
• v. 25 "Gates will never be shut"

The Community (the church) is presented as the bride -- the wife of the lamb and as the New Jerusalem (itself is a description of the people of God).

John the Seer brings the image of Eden to the FINAL image of "God's New Creation."

• The Tree of Life produces 12 fruits (for each month of the year); all are invited to eat from the Tree of Life.
• Servants will "see his face"
• Again, "the Lord God will be their light!"
  

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Updated: September 21, 2008

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