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Hoyte Nelson's Poems/ Reflections & Biblical Essays
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Essay Highlights of the book of the “Revelation” In
studying the book of the Revelation, it is helpful to be able to see the big
picture as to the layout of this
great work. (I make no claim to having all the answers) There are divisions
within the book of the Revelation that must be understood, as well as varied
subjects within these divisions. For example, there are four main divisions as
outlined below: The
introduction, (chapter 1) The
message to the seven churches: (chapters 2&3) The
Revelation, called “the Apocalypse” (Chapter 4:1 through 22:8) (This
is where John is called to “come up here,” and wrote down all that he saw
and heard. In chapter 22: 8 John says, “I, John, am the one who heard and saw
these things...)” I
believe the conclusion (chapter 22: 6-21) should be viewed as a continuation of
chapter one. First, the
introduction, chapter one, is said to be about “the things” which God gave
our Lord to show his “bond-servants, things which must “shortly come to
pass,” in which He communicated (signified, that is by signs and symbols)
through “His angel” to the Apostle “John,” for, “the time [He said] is
near” (1:3). These “time factors, for some important reason, are repeated
again in chapter 22:6,10) after John had completed the apocalypse and John was
instructed again to send it to these churches (chapter 22:16). In
giving to these churches the revelation (chapter 1: 11 is about the fact that
those churches were in great tribulation at the time of this writing. In chapter
1: 9 John the Apostle identifies himself as “your brother and fellow
partakers in the tribulation.” In
spite of their tribulations, John gives great encouragement to the churches
saying, “BEHOLD, He is coming with clouds, and every eye shall see him, even
those who pierced Him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even
so, Amen” (chapter 1: 7). The phrase, “He is coming with clouds” has
reference to Acts 1: 11. John’s
personal identity:
in chapter 1: 9,10, John identifies himself as “your brother in the
tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island
called Patmos, because of the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus...” He
again identifies himself at the conclusion of recording the vision in chapter
22:8). Chapter
1: 11 is a key verse: “...write in a book... and send it to the seven
churches...” (these churches are named here, and referenced in the
introduction and conclusion of the Book, but the church is not referenced at all
while John was up there in heaven recording the unveiling of the Apocalypse or,
“Revelation.” (4:1-22:8) Chapter
1:12-20 describes Jesus in His majestic glory with His churches, in beautiful,
symbolic language. And when John saw Him, “he fell at His feet as dead” it
is said, “but Jesus said, John don’t be afraid any more, for I am alive, for
I have the keys of Hades and Death. Then He showed John the mystery of the seven
stars, which he held in His hand and the seven lampstands: His pastors and His
churches. Verse
19 is a key verse as to the tense of what John sees. “Write the things which
you have seen, and the things which
are, and the things which shall take
place after these things,” (past, present and future). Second,
chapters 2&3 are the messages given to the seven churches, commending,
admonishing, and warning them as to their stewardship, etc. Third, John, is taken up into heaven as recorded in chapter 4: 1,2a, “after these things I (John) looked, and behold, a door open in heaven, and the first voice which I (John) heard, like the sound of many trumpets speaking with me (John), said, “come up here,” and I will show you (John) what must take place after these things. Immediately, I (John) was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven and One siting on the throne.”
It is now
that he, John having been called up to heaven, receives the “Revelation.” He
now writes down all that he saw and heard, as delivered to him by the angel,
until it all was completed as described in chapter 22: 6. Personal
observations: It
is interesting that the name "John," is referenced, either by noun or
pro-noun, more than eighty times in the book of the Revelation. And more than
fifty times while he was up in heaven recording the things that he saw and heard
in the Revelation itself; also several times in the conclusion. The “Church,” however, is not
mentioned as being up in heaven while he was up there. He did see the bride, as
she will be when she is united with Christ in heaven, as “a bride adorned for
her husband.” but the church universal is not mentioned at all in the
Apocalypse. My conclusion is that John did not see the church, because the
church was not up there as he witnessed the lifting of the veil as the angel of
the Lord opened the revelation to him. Chapter 4: 2
begins the Revelation of Jesus Christ,
seated on His Throne in heaven, in all of His glory. Seated with Him are the
twenty four elders (representing, I think, the Old and New Testament saints].
And before them are the four living creatures. Who are the worship- leaders of
heaven, always praising Him whom is seated upon the throne. (Chapter 4: 2-11) (Chapter 5 through chapter 8
contains the “book” with the seven seals, picturing the past, present and
future tense. What do we know about the history of the “book?” How old is
the book, Ages? We are told that they were waiting for the “Lion of the tribe
of Judah, the Root of David. The one who would be worthy to open the book). Some observations about the contents and age of the book as being in passed, present and future tense: In chapter 12 of the Revelation, we are told of the “birth of the male child who is to rule the nations;” who (I believe) is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ, born years before the Revelation was given to John. (Some believe this is a reference to Israel) Again,
the “war in heaven” where Satan was cast out with all of his angels. This
took place before the world was created. We know that these are historical
references. Is this not the struggle and victory of the saints across the years
of time as well as the present and future, Yea, until our Lord comes and take us
home? We
are also told of God’s call to the twelve tribes of Israel (figuratively as
the 144,000), who were “purchased from among men as “first fruits” [OT
saints] of God and of the lamb,” chapter 14: 4b). We know that this is history
because they, the twelve tribes, had not, as a nation, existed for hundreds of
years when this was recorded, and only Judah, as a member of the twelve tribes
of Israel, continues until at the time of Christ. (Genesis 49:10; 2 Kings
23:27). Chapter 5
is recorded the victory song. Now that the “book” is finally to be opened,
led by the four living creatures, and myriads and myriads, and thousands of
thousands, are before the throne of our Lord, with the twenty-four elders seated
before Him! This is a picture of Jesus, with His glorified saints, in His
heavenly glory! This “book,” probably containing the names of the old
covenant saints, which had never been opened - waiting for the promise given to
Abraham, now fulfilled in Christ – “the lion of the tribe of Judah.” Could
it be that on this day the names of all redeemed of the ages who had believed
the promise - waiting for the fulfillment of that which was promised in ages
passed about which they had never personally witnessed – “The lion of the
tribe of Judith?” I do not know, but it seems likely! “And
they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy art thou to take the ‘book’ and
break the seals thereof, for Thou was slain, and didst
purchase for God with Thy blood men from tribe and tongue and people and nation.
And thou did make them to be a kingdom of priests to our God; and to reign upon
the earth...” (As a kingdom of priests, spreading the gospel of the kingdom
throughout their sojourn upon this earth). It would be well to read all these
verses. (9-14) Chapter
6: 1
through chapter 11 are the seven seals. The
Seventh
seal has the seven trumpets that follow. The
first seal is broken by the first
living creature, and the announcement concerning the eternal victory of our
Lord, symbolized by the white horse. (Chapter 19: 11)
The second seal is broken. A
war-torn world of great proportions is announced, symbolized by the red horse,
announced by the second living creature The
third seal is broken. The third
living creature announces the harvest of sinful men, symbolized by the red
horse. The
fourth seal is broken. Death and
Hades, by sword and famine and by wild beast, destroy a fourth of the earth’s
population, symbolized by the ashen horse, is announced by the four living
creatures. The
fifth seal is broken. Here the saints
of God are crying out, “how long, oh Lord,” and God answers, not yet, there
are many more to be saved. Just rest a little longer, then victory! The
sixth seal is broken. God has heard
the cry of His children, and begins to bring judgment, like “unripe figs,”
shaken with the wind, upon this old sinful world. Yet He calls to His angels,
who have the power to destroy this world, to withhold the final judgment until
the last soul is saved, from His elect, Israel, to the last person, tribe and
people of the earth. Then victory comes, no more sorrow, but joy and praise
before His throne forevermore! The
seventh seal is broken (8th
chapter). The seven Trumpets. (Remember that the “trumpets” are the
conclusions of the “book” that was opened at the beginning of the fifth
chapter). Before the trumpets begin to sound, the prayers of all the saints of God are brought before Him. The golden censer, containing all the prayers of the saints of God, poured out upon the earth in divine judgments. These trumpets have, no doubt, been echoing across the ages of time, as God has brought judgment after judgment upon this earth. This series of judgments end with these words: “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he was about to sound; then the mystery of God is finished, “as he preached to His servants the prophets” chapter 10:7. It concludes with the “little book” wherein it is announced the message of salvation that is to be preached to many peoples and nations. (There is so much that I am unable
to comment upon, either because I do not know the answer, or space precludes an
answer.) Chapter 7
is divided into three divisions: 1).
Children of Abraham: “After these things: ...”And
I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand
sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel” (Revelation 7:4).
2). Christians Saints: “After these things: After these things I
looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every
nation and all tribes and peoples and
tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes,
and palm branches were in their
hands” (Revelation 7:9).
3). Victorious saints: “Then
[after this] one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed
in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” I said to
him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come
out of the great tribulation, and they
have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb...”
(Revelation 7:13,14). (See verses 15-17) (This is the only reference to the
“tribulation” recorded in the apocalyptic portion of the book of the
revelation. It about God’s redeemed children and their reward – having been
endured the trials and tribulations for the glory of their Lord. I do not know
why the word “tribulation” is often use in the interpretation of the with
the final judgments of this world, rather that the trials of the saints. Every
reference in the book of the Revelation, it seems to me, is to the contrary. Chapter 8 & 9 The seven
trumpets –the prayers of the saints avenged.
Chapter 10 The
Little Book: Judgment withheld unto the
gospel is preached to the ends of the earth: “but in the days of the voice of
the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is
finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets. And they *said to me,
“You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and
kings” (Revelation 10:7,11 Chapter 11: The two Witnesses Because the Apocalypse was given in signs
and symbols (“Signified,” Revelation 1:1”) It seems to me that these two
witnesses referenced here are historical references: the two olive trees “that
stand before the Lord of the earth.” Could it be Israel, through whom God has
given to us the Scriptures, and Judah, through whom God gave us the Messiah?
(Romans 11: 26) Secondly,
who [or what] could best represent the two lampstands: Could it be the Apostolic
Church, which at first was made up of the Jews, and now the church, made up of
the mystery that had so long been kept
secret, both Jew and Gentile as one in Christ through whom God has now called to
salvation, and as a witness to the world (Col. 1:26,27)? Another
interesting point is this: When the two witnesses are killed, they were not
buried, but lay in open shame before the world. Could it be that these two
witnesses represent the martyred saints of the old and New Testament times.
I do not know what the three and one half days signified, (Unlimited time
maybe), but I do know that it was long enough for the peoples of the world to
send gifts to one another. “And
they of the people and kindred’s and tongues and nations shall see their dead
bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put
in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make
merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented
them that dwelt on the earth.”
(Revelation 11:9,10 Victory
at last: The eternal gospel is preached to the nations. The seventh angel
proclaimed with a loud voice, “ The
Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and
He will reign forever and ever.” (Chapter 11: 15; Isaiah 65: 17,25;
Revelation 21: 1): Notice that this is an eternal kingdom so often referenced by
the prophets. Chapter
12: 15
“The Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His
Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Note that this is an eternal
kingdom. Though this kingdom is now spiritual, that is, it is not of this world,
yet we are now, as the body of Christ, in the kingdom. So
much of the teaching of Jesus, in the gospels, is about the kingdom. We enter
the kingdom by trusting in Him. The “gospel of the kingdom” is the same
gospel preached by Paul when he said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it
is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believe, to the Jews first,
and also to the Greeks” Romans 1: 16. It is always, “to the Jews first, and
to the Gentiles.” We are “one body in Christ,” forever. (Ephesians 2: 14) (There
is often confusion about the “battle of Armageddon,” as is recorded in
chapter 16:13-16, and the “harvest of the grapes,” as is recorded in chapter
14: 14-20). The
“great wine-press of the wrath of God was trodden out side the city, and the
blood came out of the wine press, up to the horse’ bridles for a distance of
two hundreds miles;” (14: 14-20) proceeded the Battle of Armageddon. How long,
we are not told. It is clear; however, that the “reaping” judgment of the
great “wine press of the wrath of God” is not
the same as the Battle of “Armageddon.” The battle of Armageddon is a
bloodless battle. The wicked are slain by the word of His mouth in this final
battle. (see chapter 19:21) Chapters
15 and 16 is the record of the Old and New testament saints, singing the
songs of Moses, waiting for the final judgments of God as the final bowls of His
wrath are poured out, declaring that God’s judgments are true and righteous.
In chapters 17 through 19: 2, etc. is often called, “the judgment of
the apostate church;” for the great harlot who has committed “fornication”
with the kings of the earth,” It’s judgment time. It is also victory for the
saints of God! Chapter 19 records the judgment of the great harlot, who had slain the prophets and saints of God upon this earth, is destroyed, and it is now praise time! The victory had been won! The Bride is ready! He is coming, with His white robe, as a symbol of victory, “dipped in blood.” The Beast and the false prophets are assigned to their doom, “And the rest were killed with the sword, which came from the mouth of Him who sat upon the white horse as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” then all the birds of the air were filled with their flesh.” The earthly battles are all over! (There
is a key to our understanding of the Old Testament prophecy given in 19: 10b.
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” meaning that this is
not in reference to the Holy Spirit, but to the intent, purpose, and fulfillment
of all prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus Christ). Jesus,
said to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, “O foolish men and slow of heart
to believe in all the prophets have spoken. Was it not necessary for Christ to
suffer these things and to enter into His glory? And beginning with Moses and
with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning
Himself in all the Scriptures.” One must understand that there is no
prophecy that does not have its final fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Chapter 20: 1-3;
7-10:
is where Satan is chained for a thousand years, and when he is then released, he
then brings his army to the final battle against the camp of the saints, and the
beloved city. It is now that he is destroyed by fire from heaven, and eternally
cast into hell. This
seems to me to be a picture of the total conflict between God’s people and the
work of Satan across the years of time. It is another picture of God’s
victory? Like
a parenthesis, following the chaining of Satan is chapter 20- 1-3, is recorded
of the special favor given to God’s martyred Christian saints whose bodies
were resurrected and lived with Christ a thousand years. The thousand years,
(like the “cattle on a thousand hills,” when there are millions of hills
upon which there a cattle), speaking of God’s ownership of all things, or when
Peter said, “remember this one thing, a day is with the Lord a thousand years” (2 Peter
3: 8). I do not know the meaning to this statement, “a thousand years.” I do
believe, however, that it does not reference this earth, or the Jews, or any
things that would bring to mind a thousand-year kingdom upon this earth. As
to the first resurrection, it is said, in verse six, “Blessed and holy is the
one who has part in the in the first resurrection, over these the second death
(eternal separation from God) has no power.” So
we see that this martyred saints had part in the first resurrection. What is the
first resurrection? Or, Who was the “first begotten of the dead,” with whom
the saints took part? The answer is
Jesus Christ. He is the first begotten of the dead. These martyred saints
gloriously took part with Christ in what is called the first resurrection.
It
seems to me that, generally speaking, there are two schools of thought in the
debate as to the millennium. One of these is the thought that an earthly
millennium would fulfill the hope of Israel concerning a future kingdom. (Dr. W.
A. Criswell says this about the millennium. “No one will enter that millennial
age who is a sinner. All who enter that holy and heavenly era will be saved,
washed by the blood of the Lamb. No one who is not converted can enter. The
saints alone inherit the kingdom. For example, “But the saints of the most
High shall take the kingdom.” Again, The time came that the saints possessed
the kingdom, even forever and ever” (Daniel 7:18,22). Expository
Sermons on REVELATIONS, volume five, (pages 74,75).
It
is a fact that Israel thought that this world kingdom would be established at
the coming of the Messiah. It is also true that they did not understand God’s
plan for the church that included both Jew and Gentile, the mystery hid in
former times, as the Israel of God. The
second point of view is that all the promises, promised to Israel, are fulfilled
in Jesus Christ and His church. In the words of Jesus, spoken to the men on the
road to Emmaus, confirms this truth. (Luke 24: 25-27) (See
Millennium Theology, <christianessays.org> Chapter 20: 11-15 is called “the great White Throne Judgment,” as seen by John while up there in heaven receiving the “Revelation.” There
are many important truths for us to consider in this scripture. Christ is now
seated upon His throne. The earth and heaven are forever gone, “fled away.”
All the dead is called forth, small and great. The “book” and the
“books” are all opened, and the dead is judged out of the books. The lost
are judged out of the books according to their works, [and the saints are
recorded in the book, according to their faith in Christ Jesus]. The assignment
of the dammed is to the eternal hell, (and the assignment of the saved to the
“New heaven and the New earth.” Chapter 21: 1, is a continuation of great
white throne judgment with a chapter division). [The
“Charter” and the “articles of faith” of First Baptist, Slidell, and
also, my home church where I grew up; as well as most other Baptist churches
recorded in our history confirms that Baptist historically have believed in a
general resurrection at the end of the ages]. (See John 5:25-29; 2 Thessalonians
1: 8-10) Most scriptural references to the end time are non-pacific as to time.
That is as “the hour”, or “that day” as referenced above. Chapter 21
(continued) the new heaven and the new earth. Please read chapter 21. (See: 2
Peter 3: 1 2,13 wherein this Old World is destroyed).
In verse 24 it is said, and the nations shall walk by its light, and the
kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it.” I think this must means
that the saved peoples of the nations and the saved kings of the nations will
bring their glory into the new heaven and the new earth.
Chapter
22: 1-7 is the conclusion of John’s vision, called the “Revelation,” or
Apocalypse, that
was given to John by the angel of our Lord. (Revelation 1: 1; 22: 8b and 22: 16)
Some reflections found in chapter 22: “The river of water,” “The
throne of God, and of the Lamb,” “The streets,” The tree of life,”
“Twelve kinds of fruit,” “healing of the nations,” (Peoples of the
nations), “Bond-servants shall serve Him,” “We will see His face,” “He
will “reign for ever and ever,” etc.
Conclusion: Now that the
“Revelation” is completed, the remaining portion of the book comes to a
climax in 22: 10-21. “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book,
for the time is near.” Now that the Revelation is completed, this is what John
says, “and I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things” (22:8). Now
read verses 10-15, referring to this World. It is well to remember that John is
now back on this evil earth. (22: 15) In
verse 16, Jesus, addresses John about the seven churches: “I,
Jesus, have sent My angel to testify
to you (John), these things for
the (seven) churches. I am the root
and offspring of David, the bright and morning star.” Then John concludes: “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” (Read verses 18,19). (Come,
come, this is God’s call today!) Now John says, “And he who testifies to
these things says, I am coming quickly,” and John says, “Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.
Then John gives this blessing: “The
grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen! |