A bit of housekeeping before we get started.
I have kept the same font throughout this study. My comments are
in black type. The Bible Study text is in red print. The
Biblical reference text is in black bold print. Therefore the
black regular print is merely opinions of the writer and is not to be
confused with the infallible word of God as presented in the
Bible. The red text is directly from the NIV version of the
Bible. There remains some controversy about the infallibility of
the Word of God (Bible). My experience has taught me that when we
have trouble believing the Bible it is an indication we need further
study of this marvelous book.
REVELATIONS CHAPTER 1
John recorded a vision he received from Christ for the seven churches
in Asia and for Churches throughout history. This book promises a
blessing for those who read and do what it commands.
1
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants
what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his
servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw-- that is, the Word
of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
God, the Father, revealed to Jesus Christ, the son, what will happen to
the Earth in the future. Jesus Christ reveled God's revelation to
John the disciple and instructed John to record the information for
future use of mankind. Revelation shows Christ’s identity
and God’s plan for the end of our
world as it is today. It focuses on Jesus Christ, his second
coming,
his victory over evil, and the establishment of his kingdom.
John, the Author, was the only one of Jesus’ original disciples
who was not killed for the faith. John also wrote the Gospel of
John and the letters 1, 2, and 3 John. John was in exile on the
island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea when he wrote Revelation. John
was sent to Patmos by the Romans because of his witness about Jesus
Christ.
Revelation is a book about the present and the future. Revelation
proclaims Christ’s final victory over evil and the reality of
eternal life with Christ. It offers hope to all believers,
especially those who have suffered for their belief. Revelation
teaches us about Jesus Christ and how we should live for him now.
We learn that (1) Jesus Christ is coming again, (2) evil will be
judged, and (3) the dead will be raised to judgment, resulting in
eternal life or destruction.
As you read and study Revelation don’t focus so much on the
timetable of the events or the details of John’s imagery that you
miss the main message – the infinite love, power, and justice of
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation is uncovered, unveiled or revealed in style. This
style of ancient literature usually featured spectacular and mysterious
imagery. Most of such literature was written under the name of an
ancient hero. John had studied Jewish works, but this book is
different in several ways: (1) he uses his own name rather than the
name of an ancient hero, (2) he denounces evil and leads people to high
Christian standards, (3) John offers hope rather than gloom. John
was not attempting to predict the future; he was a prophet of God
describing what God had shown him.
Jesus allowed John to see and record certain future events so they
could be an encouragement to all believers. The visions include
many signs and symbols that explain what is to happen. What John
saw was indescribable, so he used illustrations to show what it was
like. When reading this symbolic language, we don’t have to
understand every detail – John himself did not. Realize
that John’s imagery shows us that Christ is indeed the glorious
and victorious King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
3
Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed
are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because
the time is near.
Revelation reveals future events. The drama of these events is
spectacular, but you have nothing to fear if you are on the winning
side. When you think about the future, walk with confidence
because Christ walks with you. Revelation is a book fore-telling future
events and teaching about whom God is and what he will do.
Prophecy is more than telling the future. Behind the predictions
are important principles about God’s character and
promises. As you read, you will get to know God better so that
you can trust him completely.
Typical news reports today are filled with violence, scandal, and
political haggling. News reports are depressing and make you
wonder what will happen next. God’s plan for the future
provides inspiration and encouragement. You know God will
intervene in history to conquer evil. John encourages churches to
read this book aloud so everyone can hear it and take it to
heart. Be assured of the fact that God will triumph.
When John says "the time is near," it is hard for us to reconcile that
with the fact he wrote that nearly 2000 years ago. John is urging
his readers to be ready at all times for the Last Judgment and the
establishment of God’s kingdom. We will hear of many people
claiming they know when the end is near. Jesus told us that only
the Father knows when the end of the earth, as we know it, will
be. There are many events that you can watch for that will be
revealed in the study of Revelations.
4
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to
you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the
seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the
faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the
kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins
by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve
his God and Father-- to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
Jesus told John to write to seven churches that know and trust John and
had read his earlier letters. The letters were addressed so that
they could be read and passed on; following the main Roman road
clockwise around the province of Asia (now called Turkey).
The “seven spirits” is another name for the Holy
Spirit. The number seven is used throughout Revelation to
symbolize completeness and perfection. (John 3:6 and Acts 1:5)
John 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (NIV)
Acts 1:5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (NIV)
The Trinity – the Father (“him who is, and who was, and who
is to come”), the Holy Spirit (“the seven spirits”),
and the Son (Jesus Christ) – is the source of all truth.
(John 14:6, 17; 1 John 2:27) Thus we can be assured that
John’s message is reliable and is God’s word to us.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)
What are we talking about here? Is this a ticket to an exclusive
group? No! Heavens No! It means we cannot accomplish
acceptance by God without the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ to cover
our sins. Due to the sinful nature of mankind we are incapable of
living the sinless life. God recognized our sinful nature and
sent us His sinless Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sin offering for the
sins of the World. Rejoice in your acceptance, the only cost is
your belief!
John 14:17 The
world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But
you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (NIV)
We are given insight into what resources are within each
believer. God lives with you and will be in you because his Holy
Spirit is within you. Wow, you have God dwelling within you, how
does that make you feel? As God’s thoughts were spoken and
the Universe came into existence, how powerful then are your
thoughts? Do YOUR THOUGHTS CREATE YOUR LIFE? What a
powerful concept! However; there is a catch. As we look at
Jesus’ life we see a repetitive requirement to his healing and
miracles. How many times do you remember Jesus asking the
intended recipient of a healing if they believe? You must believe
to receive! If you don’t believe your thoughts you might as
well not have them. You must believe to receive.
I John
2:27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in
you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing
teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not
counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him. (NIV)
Others have risen from the dead – the people whom the prophets,
Jesus, and the apostles had brought back to life during their
ministries – but later those people died again. Jesus was
the first who rose from the death in an imperishable body (1
Corinthians 15:20), never to die again. He is the firstborn from
the dead. Is John telling us that all we need is within us
now? Does the anointing teach us all we need to know about living
a meaningful Christian life?
1 Corinthians
15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits
of those who have fallen asleep. (NIV)
Do you hesitate to witness about your faith in Christ? Do you
feel the change in your life has not been spectacular enough? But
you do qualify as a witness for Jesus! Not because of what you
did for Jesus; but because of what Jesus has done for you.
Christ's love was demonstrated by setting us free from our sins by his
blood. Jesus guarantied you a place in his kingdom! Jesus
made you a priest to administer God’s love to others. The
fact that the all-powerful God has offered eternal life to you is
nothing short of spectacular. Almost too good to believe.
Jesus is your all-powerful King, victorious in battle, glorious in
peace. Jesus is not a humble teacher; he is the only Son of
God. When you read John’s description of the events,
remember they are truths from the King of Kings. Do not read his
words for their interesting and amazing portrayal. Let the truth
about Jesus control your life, increase your faith in Jesus, and
strengthen your commitment to follow him.
7
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even
those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn
because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
Jesus is returning to earth (see also Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians
4:15-18). Jesus’ second coming will be visible and
victorious. All people will see him arrive (Mark 13:26), and they
will know it is Jesus. When he comes, he will conquer evil and
judge all people according to their beliefs and deeds (20:11-15).
Matthew 24:1
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up
to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 "Do you see all
these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will
be left on another; every one will be thrown down." 3 As Jesus
was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him
privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will
be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" 4 Jesus
answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will
come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive
many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it
that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still
to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9 "Then you
will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be
hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will
turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and
many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this
gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a
testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
15 "So when
you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes
desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-- let the reader
understand—16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the
mountains. 17 Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take
anything out of the house. 18 Let no one in the field go back to
get his cloak. 19 How dreadful it will be in those days for
pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20 Pray that your flight will
not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there
will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until
now-- and never to be equaled again.
22 If those
days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of
the elect those days will be shortened. 23 At that time if anyone
says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not
believe it. 24 For false Christ’s and false prophets will
appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--
if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of
time. 26 "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the
desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not
believe it.
27 For as
lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west so will
be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever there is a carcass,
there the vultures will gather. 29 "Immediately after the
distress of those days 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not
give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly
bodies will be shaken.'
30 “At
that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all
the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man
coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31
And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will
gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to
the other.
32 "Now learn
this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its
leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when
you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the
door. 34 I tell you the truth; this generation will certainly not
pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and
earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
36 "No one
knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the
Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it
will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days
before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving
in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew
nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all
away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other
left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be
taken and the other left. 42 "Therefore keep watch, because you
do not know on what day your Lord will come.
43 But
understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of
night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have
let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect
him.
45 "Who then
is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of
the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper
time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him
doing so when he returns. 47 I tell you the truth; he will put
him in charge of all his possessions.
48 But suppose
that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away
a long time,' 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to
eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will
come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not
aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place
with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of
teeth. (NIV)
Herod the Great began to remodel and rebuild the temple, which had
stood for nearly 500 years, around 35 BC. Herod made the temple
one of the most beautiful buildings in Jerusalem – not to honor
God, but to appease the Jews whom he ruled. This
rebuilding/remodeling was completed around 64 AD. The Romans
completely destroyed the temple and the entire city of Jerusalem in 70
AD.
1Thessalonians
4:15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are
still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly
not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself
will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the
archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will
rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left
will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in
the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore
encourage each other with these words. (NIV)
We see here that the dead will be raised first and then the believers
that are still alive will meet with the Lord in the air. Some say
the dead are in a better place but here we are told the dead are still
on earth and are in a sleep like state. They will be the first
raised when Jesus Christ returns.
Mark 13:26 "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. (NIV)
Christ's arrival in the clouds with great power and glory will be seen through the world by all.
Revelation
20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on
it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place
for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before
the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is
the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had
done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that
were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and
each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then
death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is
the second death. 15 If anyone's name was not found written in
the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (NIV)
We see here the clear description of two books one is the Book of Life
which reflects our choice. If you accept Jesus Christ as your
personal Lord and Savior then you are in the Book of Life. The
significance of the Book of Life is your acceptance into the New
Jerusalem and dwelling with God for eternity. The other book;
however is usually not the one we consider. The other book is a
record of your deeds, good and bad, which we will be individually
judged by. All your deep dark secrets will be exposed for all to
see; however you will have Jesus as your defense, Jesus is the only one
that has already paid for your sins.
“Those who pierced him” could refer to the Roman soldiers
who pierced Jesus’ side as he hung on the cross or to the Jews
who were responsible for his death. John saw Jesus’ death
with his own eyes, and he never forgot the horror of it (John 19:34,
35). My view is that each of us personally pierced Jesus by our
commitment of sins. Jesus Christ gave his life for our
sins. The penalty for sin is death. Remember in Genesis
where the people tried to climb the mountain where Moses was to get a
view of God? They were struck dead; sin cannot exist in the
presence of God. Therefore; we must have the blood of Christ to remove
the stain of sin before we can be in the presence of God. If we
were not sinners there would be no need for the death of our sinless
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Roman soldiers and the Jewish
leadership are no guiltier of taking Jesus’ life than each of us.
John 19:34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing
a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given
testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth,
and he testifies so that you also may believe. (NIV)
The Jewish holy days were coming and the Jewish leaders did not want a
Jew to be hanging on the cross during the holy days. They ask
Roman Soldiers to break the legs of the people crucified to hurry along
their death. When they came to Jesus he was already dead so they
did not break his legs, however they did stick a spear in his side to
make sure he was dead.
The above
is an example of part of the first chapter of Revelation as taken from
Explore Revelation. I hope you enjoyed it!
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