Revelation 6 – Lesson 12

 

Revelation 6 – Breaking of the 6 Seals

In this chapter the scroll with the 7 seals needed to be broken.  The breaking of these seals is known as The Great Tribulation”.  We see 6 of the 7 seals broken by the Lamb, Jesus.  They were broken in heaven, but its effects will be on earth.  The 4 horses mentioned are commonly referred to as the 4 Horsemen of The Apocalypse.  See Matt. 24 for signs of the end of the age.  All these horsemen are symbolic of the different events which will take place in the end times. 

John saw the Lame break the first seal and heard one of the creatures say “Come”.  Then John saw a white horse and the one sitting on it.  He held a bow and was given a crown.  He went out conquering. (Rev. 6:1-2)  The crown indicates that he was given authority to conquer all who opposed him.  He wants to conquer the world and have complete domination over it.  He is most likely the antichrist, since he is an imitator of Christ who will also return on a white horse in Rev. 19. 

The Lamb broke the second seal and John heard the second creature say, “Come”.  Then John saw a red horse and the one sitting on it was given a great sword.  He was granted to take peace from the earth.  Men will slay one another. (Rev. 6:3-4)  This seal releases terrible warfare that will break out in the end times.   There will be violence and death and there will be no peace on earth.

The Lamb broke the third seal and John heard the third creature say, “Come”.  John saw a black horse and the one sitting on it had a pair of scales in his hand.  Then he heard a voice saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages and do not damage the oil and the wine.” (Rev. 6:5-6)  Black is symbolic of famine.  This rider indicates prices of food will be out of sight from the normal.  There will not be enough food so it will be very expensive and some may starve.  The instruction to not harm the oil and wine may mean that the rich will still have access to luxuries.  All this is probably the result of the wars from the second horseman.

Then John saw the Lamb break the fourth seal and with it he saw an ashen horse or a pale horse.  The one sitting on it had the name of Death and Hades was following.  Hades is the grave, a temporary place where unrighteous souls are held until the end when they will be thrown into to Lake of Fire.  Remember all believers go to heaven when they die.  Authority over ¼ of the earth was given to him to kill with the sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts.  Many will die by the sword because of wars and murder and others from lack of food.  Many will die because of diseases and attacks from wide animals.  There are about 8 billion on the earth today with over 9 billion being projected by 2050.  A fourth of the population will die in a short period of time resulting in war and famine, disease and wild animals.

Remember as you read this our Redeemer still holds everything together.  He rules with love in catastrophe as well as in peace.

Then the fifth seal was broken and John saw the altar of the souls who were slain because of the Word of God.  The souls cried out, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”  - Rev. 6:9.  Each of the souls were rewarded with a white robe which represent purity and salvation.  They were told to wait a little longer, because God would delay His vengeance until the number of future martyrs was complete.  Then the time will come and God will act. (Rev. 6:9-11)  These martyrs were the faithful followers of Christ who paid the ultimate sacrifice for Him with their lives throughout history and during the Tribulation.  These martyrs are kept close to God, underneath the altar in the throne room.  They died violent deaths and wanted justice.

We are told that Christians will suffer persecution because of the Christian life, but we should rejoice because it produces perseverance, character, and hope (Romans. 5:3-5).  We should not be surprised when we suffer, but rejoice (1 Peter 4:12-16).  1 Peter 5:10 tells us that after we have suffered He will restore us.  He will make us strong, firm and steadfast.

Many believe that Christians will be taken up to heaven before the Tribulation begins.  (1 Thess. 4:14; 1 Thess. 2:1).  This is called the “rapture” although this word doesn’t exist in the Bible.  Rapture means “caught up” and occurs in 1 Thess. 4:13-18 and Rev. 19.   

There are several beliefs about the rapture:

A-Tribulation – no literal tribulation period

Post Tribulation – means after the tribulation

Mid-Tribulation – Jesus will return for believers in the middle of the 7 year tribulation period

Partial Rapture – Spirit filled believers will be raptured before the tribulation and carnal believers afterward.

Pre-Tribulation – Jesus will get His people before the tribulation and then return to earth to set up His Kingdom for 1,000 years.

Remember no one knows when the end will come.  (Matt. 24:36-51)

After the rapture there will be many people who will wake up and realize they were left behind.  They will repent and turn to Jesus for salvation.  But the world will be different – no religious freedom, preaching of the gospel will not be permitted, many people will be killed because of their new found belief in God.  They will be martyrs.  God will be waiting for people to repent, but for many there will be no repentance.  They will acknowledge that the judgments are from God, but they will not repent.  So while you have an opportunity to avoid these terrible times, repent and believe in the gospel.

Then the sixth seal was broken and John saw there was a great earthquake; the sun became black and the moon became like blood; the starts fell; the sky was split apart; and every mountain and island moved out of their places. (Rev. 6:12-14).  These are signs that something BIG is about to happen and soon.  These six signs are designed to get man’s attention.  No one can deny that the Great God of heaven is coming with His wrath.

There are similarities in the following passages:

Exodus 19:18 – Mount Sinai was covered with smoke and trembled violently.

Isaiah 34:4 – At judgment stars in heaven will be dissolved.

Jeremiah 4:23-26 – The earth was empty, heaven and light were gone, mountains were quaking.

Joel 2:30-31 – There will be wonders in heaven and earth - billows of smoke, sun will turn dark, moon will turn the blood before the dreadful day of the Lord.

Zechariah 14:3-5 – The day will come when the Lord will destroy all nations who are against Israel.

Then John saw that everyone from kings to slaves hid themselves in caves in fear.  They recognized the power of God and their sinfulness.  They knew they deserved God’s wrath and would not be able to stand against it.  They were so frightened they called for the mountains and rocks to fall on them and kill them and even hide them so they would not have to face God’s judgment.  They didn’t take refuge in God.  “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Rev. 6:15-17)  No one can stand up against the wrath of God!

The purpose of God’s wrath in Revelation is also restoration.  He desires to cleanse the earth of all sin.  But people don’t want to receive restoration, they just want to hide from His judgement.

Psalm 46 tells us God is our refuge, strength, and help in trouble and we are not to fear.  Romans 5:1-11 tell us we have been justified through faith and have peace with God through Jesus.  We are to rejoice in our suffering and remember we when we were still sinners, Jesus died for us which reconciled us to God.

Principle:  Judgment day is coming and we need to be ready.

Reading Revelation is eye opening and all the more reason to repent of your sins and confess that Jesus is Lord.  God promises believers will not suffer the Great Tribulation.  If you are not a believer when Jesus returns, you will see all these things that John has written about.  I know you don’t want to be here on earth when these things happen.  So get on your knees and surrender to Jesus Christ.  See the bottom of this blog page for helpful steps on “How To Be Saved”.  Don’t put if off.  He is coming soon!

Next time we will study Revelation 7.  Before the seventh seal is broken, we will see the 144,000 sealed (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel) indicating they belong to God.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Revelation (Joel) – Lesson 11

 

Joel 1 – 2:1-27 – The Day of the Lord

Joel describes “the day of the Lord” as a severe plague of locust that eat everything.  The fields are ruined; the ground is dried up; the grain is destroyed; farmers are in despair; harvests are destroyed; the vines are dried up; the trees are dried up; the grain offerings have been cut off; priests are mourning.  There is no joy on earth.  Even the animals seem to know it’s a sad time.  Joel appeals to the people, the drunkards, the priests and to the elders.  He calls for repentance of all the people.

This destruction is brought about because of man’s sin and Joel calls for repentance.  God has rules and we must obey.  The Scriptures tell us throughout that we can escape God’s wrath by repenting, believing and trusting in Jesus alone.  We can be saved.  He will always forgive our sins and remember them no more, if we repent and return to Him. 

“Render your hearts, not your garments”  means to tear to pieces. To rend one’s garment was an ancient custom that signaled intense grief or repentance.  God wants rent hearts, which is repentant hearts acknowledging brokenness and the need for His forgiveness and restoration.

God shows He is full of compassion and grace.  By repenting the Lord will restore everything.  He will take pity on His people and send them grain and new wine enough to satisfy them.  The pastures and trees will be green again.  He will repay them for the locust years.  He will drive the armies far from them.  The people will rejoice in the Lord and know that He is the Lord their God.  Then He will pour out His Spirit on all who believe.  In other words God will restore the lost years, the years without Him.  He will multiply fruitfulness and faithfulness.

Principle:  God is full of compassion and grace.

Joel 2:28-32 – Spirit Poured Out

God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people who respond to His call.  The Holy Spirit is the 3^rd person in the Trinity and has always been active in history.  Acts 2 tells of the Holy Spirit pouring out on all believers at Pentecost.  The Holy Spirit is active in the world today and has been throughout history.  Gen. 1:2 tells us He is the Creator.  John 3:3-8 tells us to see the kingdom of God you must be born of water and the Spirit.  John 16 tells us He is our Counselor.  Acts 2:1-13 tells us the Holy Spirit filled all the believers at Pentecost.  2 Peter 1:21 tells us Scripture was not written by men’s interpretation, but by the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit was sent to convict the world of guilt.  (John 16:7-11).  He applies the truths of God into our minds.  Once we are saved and belong to God, the Spirit resides in our hearts forever.  Gal. 5:22-23 tells us He begins harvesting His fruit in our lives – the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  He is at work in our lives as He guides us to do the right things, helps us make the right decisions, and prompts us as to what to say and do. 

It is important that Scripture remind us of the last days, because judgment is coming and people need to repent before it’s too late.  Jesus will return.  That is a fact and we need to be ready.  God promises if we call on the name of the Lord we will be saved. (Joel 2:32)  Then we don’t have to worry or fear the future, because we are sealed forever with the seal of God.  We are His and no one can take us from Him.

Principle:  Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts forever.

Joel 3 – Nations Judge, People Blessed

God controls the destiny of nations and He will be the judge.  On that terrible day it will be too late to decide to follow God.  The time for the decision to follow Him, is NOW!  There will be no escape.  God will restore Judah and Jerusalem and He will judge the nations who were against them.  (Joel 3:17, Rev. 11:8).  Then God will bless His people and Jerusalem will be holy and never again be invaded.  (Joel 3:17-21).  This will be the Millennial Reign referred to in Revelation. 

Principle:  God controls the destiny of people and nations.

2 Peter 3 – Be Prepared

Peter reminds us that “the day of the Lord” is coming and we should have wholesome thinking and remember the words of the past holy prophets and the command given by our Savior.  When that day comes, there will be scoffers - people who mock Christianity.  They will insult and criticize believers.  This is happening now, but we are to make every effort to be found spotless and blameless and at peace with God so when the day of the Lord comes we will be ready.  We don’t know when Jesus will return.  It could be today or next week.  God’s timing is not our timing.  “… With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping is promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:8-9. 

God created time and is not limited by it.  Earth’s time is limited and God governs the schedule.  He is waiting for more people to repent, but He won’t wait forever.  He has defined a day when His final judgment will come to the earth.  The time is near.   If a 1,000 years is like a day to God then Jesus has been gone only 2 days.  That’s something to think about.

2 Peter 3:10-13 tells us the Lord will come like a thief; we won’t know when He’s coming.  So until then we ought to live holy and godly lives in preparation of His coming.

Principle:  We are to stay prepared because we don’t know when Jesus will return.

Join me next week as we continue our study in Revelation 6.  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Revelation 5 – Lesson 10

 

Revelation 5 – The Scroll and the Lamb

In this chapter we see the scroll with 7 seals that no one could open until the Lion of Judah, the Lamb came and was worthy to open them.  The four living creatures and the elders sang in a loud voice.  “Worthy is the lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” – Rev. 5:12.   

John saw a scroll with writings on both sides and sealed with 7 seals.  The writing on both sides means it is complete with nothing left out and there is nothing to be added to it.  A strong angel (some translations say a mighty angel) said no one was worthy to open the scroll.  These strong angels are mentioned 3 times in Revelation.  These angels are not identified; they are special and proclaim God’s revelation.  God could not open it, because He had given the right to Jesus due to His sacrifice and perfect righteousness, making Him the only one qualified to reveal the mysteries contained within the sealed book.  Jesus was the only one who satisfied the justice of God.

John reacted by weeping and weeping, because he seemed to know the importance of this scroll.  John felt hopeless, but God never leaves us hopeless.  Then an elder told John to stop weeping, because the Lion of Judah, the Root of David has overcome and He could open it.  That was Jesus, the Messiah who was foretold in Genesis 49:9-10 and Samuel 7:8-16 and others books in the Old Testament.  Only Jesus, David’s rightful descendant and heir to the throne of Israel was entitled to open the scroll.  He had achieved the victory over sin and gained the right to open the scroll and loose its seven seals.  Only He had the moral authority.

Then John saw a Lamb standing there as if slain meaning He was slain, but now is alive.  He had 7 horns and 7 eyes, which are the 7 Spirits of God.  The Horns indicate great power.  The eyes show He knows everything and nothing is hidden from Him.  The 7 Spirits show His completeness, the Trinity.  The Lamb was slain as a sacrifice for our sins.

The Lamb took the scroll from the One sitting on the throne who is God.  The Lamb is worthy of worship.  This Lamb is Jesus. 

The creatures and elders responded by falling down and worshiping the Lamb.  They had with them harps and golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  Then they sang a new song, “You are worthy, to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slain and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.  You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” – Rev. 5:9-10. 

He was the only one worthy to open the scroll and the song tells just why He was worthy:

He is the Lamb who had been slain. 

He died on a cross for the sins of us all. 

Now He lives.

His death provides a ransom for His people. 

He bought us freedom from the power of sin.

He makes His people into a kingdom and priests who serve God here on earth.

Then John saw thousands and thousands of angels around the throne and together with the creatures and elders they sang a song of praise.  “Worthy is the lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” – Rev. 5:12.  You will notice in this verse there are 7 qualities indicating perfection.  Then every creature in heaven and on earth sang, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” – Rev. 5:13.

Wow!  You see a lot of worshiping going on and if anyone deserves it, it is Jesus.  All I can say is WOW!

Principle:  The Lamb Jesus is worthy of our praise and worship.

Join me next week as we continue our study.  --- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Revelation 4 – Lesson 9

Revelation 4 – The Heavenly Throne

In our studies of Revelation so far we saw that John wrote to the 7 churches as directed by Jesus.  He was told to write the things he saw, what is now, and what will take place later.  The letters to the churches are what is now.  Now John is shown the heavenly throne in Revelation 4.  This is the start of visions shown to John starting with a description of heaven, including the throne, elders, creatures, and what they are doing.

John was given an invitation regarding the open door.  He heard a voice calling him to come up to heaven so he could be shown what will take place next.  John enters heaven and was in the Spirit - meaning he was in a vision.  He described what he saw.  John saw God sitting on His heavenly throne.  God is the King of all kings and is the One with all power.  He is the One who controls all of history in heaven and on earth.  He has the end of history planned and He shows John what will happen. 

The throne is in the center of heaven and all of heaven looked to the throne and all worshiped God.  God seems to not have a physical body, but one as a bright light shining through precious stones, which showed His glory.   Before the throne he described the floor of God’s throne room as a sea of glass. (Rev. 4:1-3)  This was only John’s impression as he was probably unable to really find words to describe what he saw.  Can you image?  I don’t think we could describe it either.  I am sure he was in awe of God’s glory.

In these first verses we can see the Trinity.  I see the door as being Jesus, the One on the throne of course as God and the 7 lamps of fire as the Holy Spirit.

Around the throne were 24 elders on 24 thrones.  These are heavenly beings who serve and worship God.  Some say these are the 12 patriarchs of Israel (the 12 sons of Jacob) and the 12 disciples of Jesus, but we really don’t know exactly who they are.  They wore white clothes and crowns.  I believe the white clothes mean that are clean from any sin and symbolized their purity and victory in Christ.  Their crowns show they are royalty.  (Rev. 4:4)  All believers are promised white garment of righteousness and crowns of royalty. 

There was lightning and thunder indicating the power of God.  This is the sound of God’s judgment.  God is beautiful yet terrifying at the same time.  There were 7 lamps of fire which represent the Holy Spirit.  He appears as fire in other places in the Bible.  The number 7 means perfection or completeness. (Rev. 4:5-6a).

Other prophets received a vision of heaven:

Exodus 24:9-11 – Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu saw under God’s feet was sapphire clear as the sky.

Isaiah 6:1-7 – Isaiah saw the Lord on the throne, above were seraphs calling out holy, holy, holy.

Ezekiel 1 – Ezekiel saw the Lord with flashing lighting and a brilliant light and in the center was fire that looked like 4 living creatures.

In the center around the throne were 4 living creatures - a lion, an ox, one with a face one like a man, and an eagle.  They were possibly located in four directions: north, east, south, and west.  This shows that they were strong like a lion, full of power like an ox, wise like a wise man, and fast like a flying eagle.  Each had eyes in front and back and 6 wings.  The eyes could mean they could see everything.  Nothing was hidden from them.  The wings could mean they had speed when obeying God.  These creatures represent the entire created order of animals and mankind.  The creatures constantly praised and gave glory, honor and thanks to the Lord saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” – Rev. 4:6b-8  They express praises of the holy, powerful, and eternal nature of God.

What do these words really mean? 

Holy, holy, holy  - God is perfect and without flaws.  Every part of God’s nature is holy.

Lord God Almighty – God is in control and has His hand in everything.  It shows His power and authority over all.

Who is, and is and is to come - God has always existed and will always exist.  He is active and present.

What is means to give praise to God is we lift Him up.  We appreciate what He has done.  We acknowledge how wonderful and worthy He is.  We worship by acknowledging Him, by worshipping, by our gratitude, by recognizing and submitting to His authority, by repenting of sin and following His Word.  He is the object of true worship in heaven and it should be here on earth for us as well.  He is worthy of our worship.

When the creatures praised God, the elders would fall down before the throne and worship the Lord, because He is the supreme Ruler, the King of Kings and Creator of all things.  They lay their crowns before the throne.  This is an act of honor and respectfully acknowledges God is the source and authority over everything we have.  He is the giver of every gift.  Crowns will be given to the faithful and we will lay our crowns at His feet, because all our rewards come from Him.  No one else, not any king or anyone is worthy of such honor and praise as God.  The job of these elders was to solely give praises to God.  “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” – Rev. 4:11.

Can you image standing before the throne a seeing and worshiping the one true living God?  One day we will be right there in heaven before His throne.  Oh, what a day of glorious worship that will be!  Wait until you see Him!  We will be like the elders and creatures and never tire of giving Him praise.  That will be our job to worship Him.

Principle:  Our Creator God is worthy of all honor, glory and worship.

Next week we will study Revelation 5 where John’s vision continues. –  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.