YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 1)
Revelation 6:1 – 8:1
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. There is a certain amount of background information that is needed before a proper exegesis (drawing the meaning out of the text) of Revelation chapter 6 through 19 can occur.
A. First we need to know when these events are occurring.
1. The timetable of the events of Revelation chapters 6-19 are going to occur during a 7 year period in the future which culminates in Christ’s return. This is called the futurists view and will be our primary mode of interpretation.
a. This view awaits the fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th week of seven years as prophesied in Daniel 9:27.
b. This view awaits the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Day of Yahweh where His wrath is outpoured on the entire earth (Isa 13:6-13; Amos 5:18; Joel 1:15, 2:2, 11; Zech. 14:1-11).
c. This view awaits the prophecies of Christ that explain the events leading up to His return (Matt. 24:2-35; Mark 13:2-31; Luke 21:6-33).
d. This view awaits the prophecies of the Apostles that explain the events leading up to His return (Romans 2:8-11, 12:19; I Thessalonians 5:1-9; II Thessalonians 2:1-12; II Peter 4:4-9).
2. Two other methods of interpretation are common among our fellow believers and so will be mentioned briefly.
a. The historical (preterist) view usually interprets all these events as having already occurred around 70 A.D. (Jerusalem’s fall) although some include events throughout church history.
b. The idealist (allegorical, symbolic) view interprets all these events according to apocalyptic genre that is primarily symbolic. They would say that “when” these events happen are not important as long as the church receives strength to follow Yahweh better and endure persecution.
B. Second we need to know how these chapters are organized. There are three main judgments of seven which are seven seals (Rev. 6:1 – 8:1), seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2 – 14:20) and seven bowls (Rev. 15:1 – 19:10). There are two main ways of organizing these from a futuristic approach.
1. The dovetailing or telescopic way to organize these chapters has the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1) contain the seven trumpets and the seven trumpets (Revelation 11:15) contain the seven bowls. In other words, all of the judgments (possibly 19 to 21 depending on if the seventh seal and seventh trumpet are counted as judgments) happen in order with a relationship between the seventh seal and the rest of the judgments. This view is the main view we will use and points out the many differences in execution and intensity of the judgments.
2. The recapitulation or cyclical way to organize these chapters has seven judgments consisting of seals, trumpets, and bowls repeated three different ways for emphasis. This view points out that there are many similarities between the judgments as they are compared.
II. The opening of the first two seals by Yahweh Jesus, the Lamb (Revelation 6:1-4).
A. The first seal of judgment (Revelation 6:1, 2)
1. John saw the Lamb open the seal and then heard the noise of thunder (usually associated with judgment or power, Exodus 20:18; John 12:28, 29) from one of the four living creatures. The opening of the seal produced the calling forth of the first rider of the apocalypse (verse 1).
2. The white horse is probably a symbol of purity or righteousness. The person had a bow (military strength without using arrows), a crown (authoritative power), and the ability to conquer (evidently in a somewhat peaceful way) (verse 2).
a. There were four horsemen in the Old Testament that brought about judgment on Israel’s enemies for the purpose of establishing real peace (Zech. 1:8, 6:1-8). The colors of the horses were different as well as the scope and span of their purpose.
b. There are wide and varied views as to the identity of this first rider including the Roman emperor, the Word of God, the gospel, Roman invaders, and the Jewish Messiah. However, even though Jesus is going to ride in on a white horse in Rev. 19:11, He cannot be on this horse because He is opening the seals and judging the earth. The best choice seems to be the false antichrists or Antichrist that has a deceptive righteousness and starts conquering in peace (verse 2; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:5, 24; Mark 13:6; Luke 21:8).
B. The second seal of judgment (Revelation 6:3, 4)
1. Yahweh Jesus opens the second seal and a second living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the second horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (verse 3).
2. This horses color was fiery red signifying great bloodshed due to civil unrest and war. This could be the same type of situation that Jesus prophesied as “wars and rumors of wars” and “nation against nation” (Matt. 24:6, 7; Mark 13:7, 8 and Luke 21:9, 10). The rider “was given” the ability to take away a certain amount of peace (shalom) out of the earth and he “was given” a great sword (a judgment executer).
THOUGHT: All activity is still under the control of Yahweh Jesus from the heavenly throne. He is the only rightful ruler of this world as well as the rightful judge and redeemer! Praise Yahweh Jesus!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Revelation 5:1-13
FOUR HEAVENLY SCENES SHOW YAHWEH JESUS AS THE RIGHTFUL RULER OVER THIS EARTH AND ALL OF CREATION
Revelation 5:1-14
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
The Apostle John divides this section up into four scenes with the words “and I saw”
(kai eidon – Greek) used in verses 1, 2, 6, and 11.
I. Scene One: Yahweh Father and the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1).
A. Yahweh Father, who is still on His throne that was described in chapter 4, is now seen balancing a scroll on His right palm.
B. The scroll has been written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
1. The scroll was probably made of papyrus strips that were glued together and then rolled. The writing on front and back of papyrus scrolls was usually reserved for documents, divorce settlements, and contract deeds (verse 1, Ezek. 2:9, 10).
2. Important Roman documents of the time such as wills were sealed seven times to make them authentic. Seals were usually made of clay or wax and then an impression or signature carved in it. Only an authorized person could open a document that had been sealed (verse 1, Isaiah 29:11, 12; Daniel 8:26, 12:4, 9).
3. The seals could have either been on the side of the scroll (so that each time a seal was opened more of the scroll could be read) or all seven on the top of the scroll (with the events of Revelation not being read but depicted).
4. By looking at the things contained in Revelation chapters 6 through 22, Ezekiel 2:9 through 3:1; Daniel 7:8-28, 8:26, 9:27, 12:1-13 as well as every passage in the Old Testament dealing with the Day of Yahweh and every New Testament passage on Christ’s return, we can surmise what the scroll contains. It is the end of this world as we know it that concludes with Yahweh’s judgment of unrighteousness and unbelief, the establishing of Yahweh Jesus’ Kingdom, the reward for the saints, and the New Heaven and New Earth.
II. Scene Two: Yahweh Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is the only One who can open the scroll (Revelation 5:2-5).
A. A worthy (axios – Greek, meaning of proper weight as in a scale) individual is looked for in all of creation to open the scroll. However, no one was found who was, as the word worthy became, competent enough, sufficient enough, or fit enough to do the job (verses 2-4).
B. One of the 24 elders informs the weeping John that it is none other than Yahweh Jesus who is worthy to do this (verse 5).
1. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Lion of Judah (verse 5;
Genesis 49:9-12).
2. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Root of David (verse 5; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16; Romans 15:12).
THOUGHT: The way Yahweh set it up, only Jesus the unique One, who was 100% Yahweh and 100% human, could judge, rule, and reign with His people. This prophesied Christ has come and will come again!
III. Scene Three: Yahweh Jesus is the Old Testament’s prophesied Lion as well as its prophesied slain Lamb who takes the scroll, redeems believers, and brings about His reign on this earth with His saints! (verses 6-10)
A. John next sees Jesus as the slain Passover Lamb in the midst of Yahweh Father’s throne, probably at His right hand (verse 6; Psalms 110:1; Colossians. 3:1; Rev. 3:21). Evidently Jesus bore the marks of His suffering on the cross (which He bears throughout all eternity in His new body, Luke 24:39) and He can morph in the vision depicting various forms. The Passover Lamb was a definite depiction for Jesus’ death as paying for the sins of the world and freeing all those who would apply His blood to the doorpost of their lives through belief (verse 6; Exodus 12:3-11; Isaiah 53:6, 7; John 1:29; 19:14, 31-36).
B. The Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes. The Biblical number seven is the perfect number symbolizing fullness or completeness. The horns represent the fullness of His power and strength (verse 6, Deut. 33:17; 2 Sam. 22:3) and the eyes represent His ability to discern and purify this world through the power of His Holy Spirit (verse 6, Zech. 3:9, 4:10; Rev. 1:4, 3:1).
C. The Lamb evidently switches positions, probably moves to the front of Yahweh Father, and takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand. At this event, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fall down before the Lamb in worship to celebrate the magnitude of the occasion. At this time, each of these 28 beings has a harp (usually 10 or 12 strings were commonly used in temple worship – I Chron. 25:1, 6) and a golden incense bowl (containing the petitions of the saints for true justice and the Kingdom of Jesus – Psalms 141:2; Luke 18:7, 8; Revelation 8:3-5) (verses 7, 8).
D. The new song (like Isaiah 42:10) these 28 beings sing and say relates to glorifying Yahweh Jesus for His redemptive sacrifice, His reward for His saints, and His coming Kingdom (verses 9, 10).
IV. Scene 4: The praising and glorifying of Yahweh Jesus expands to an innumerable number of angels as well as all of creation (Revelation 5:11-14).
A. The transfer of authority for the judgment and rulership of this world from Yahweh Father to Yahweh Jesus in Revelation 5 is very similar to that of the Ancient of Days to the Son of Man found in Daniel 7:9-14, 26. In both Biblical accounts, an innumerable number of angels surround the heavenly throne proclaiming His attributes and praise (verses 11, 12; I Chronicles 29:10-13; Revelation 7:12).
B. Every living creature is seen giving praise to Yahweh Jesus, no matter their location, and no matter what kind or type of creation. All of creation will worship and glorify the Lamb! (verse 13; Isaiah 45:23; Romans 8:18-25; Philippians. 2:10, 11; Rev. 19:11 - 22:21).
C. The four living creatures add their Amen (so be it, the things being done and said are true) and the 24 elders once again fall down and worship the eternal ruler! (verse 14)
THOUGHT: Let us add our Amen and our worship for our awesome Lamb, Lion, and
King! He alone has the power to open the seals and do the things He has promised. Our hope is only in Him!
Revelation 5:1-14
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
The Apostle John divides this section up into four scenes with the words “and I saw”
(kai eidon – Greek) used in verses 1, 2, 6, and 11.
I. Scene One: Yahweh Father and the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1).
A. Yahweh Father, who is still on His throne that was described in chapter 4, is now seen balancing a scroll on His right palm.
B. The scroll has been written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
1. The scroll was probably made of papyrus strips that were glued together and then rolled. The writing on front and back of papyrus scrolls was usually reserved for documents, divorce settlements, and contract deeds (verse 1, Ezek. 2:9, 10).
2. Important Roman documents of the time such as wills were sealed seven times to make them authentic. Seals were usually made of clay or wax and then an impression or signature carved in it. Only an authorized person could open a document that had been sealed (verse 1, Isaiah 29:11, 12; Daniel 8:26, 12:4, 9).
3. The seals could have either been on the side of the scroll (so that each time a seal was opened more of the scroll could be read) or all seven on the top of the scroll (with the events of Revelation not being read but depicted).
4. By looking at the things contained in Revelation chapters 6 through 22, Ezekiel 2:9 through 3:1; Daniel 7:8-28, 8:26, 9:27, 12:1-13 as well as every passage in the Old Testament dealing with the Day of Yahweh and every New Testament passage on Christ’s return, we can surmise what the scroll contains. It is the end of this world as we know it that concludes with Yahweh’s judgment of unrighteousness and unbelief, the establishing of Yahweh Jesus’ Kingdom, the reward for the saints, and the New Heaven and New Earth.
II. Scene Two: Yahweh Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is the only One who can open the scroll (Revelation 5:2-5).
A. A worthy (axios – Greek, meaning of proper weight as in a scale) individual is looked for in all of creation to open the scroll. However, no one was found who was, as the word worthy became, competent enough, sufficient enough, or fit enough to do the job (verses 2-4).
B. One of the 24 elders informs the weeping John that it is none other than Yahweh Jesus who is worthy to do this (verse 5).
1. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Lion of Judah (verse 5;
Genesis 49:9-12).
2. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Root of David (verse 5; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16; Romans 15:12).
THOUGHT: The way Yahweh set it up, only Jesus the unique One, who was 100% Yahweh and 100% human, could judge, rule, and reign with His people. This prophesied Christ has come and will come again!
III. Scene Three: Yahweh Jesus is the Old Testament’s prophesied Lion as well as its prophesied slain Lamb who takes the scroll, redeems believers, and brings about His reign on this earth with His saints! (verses 6-10)
A. John next sees Jesus as the slain Passover Lamb in the midst of Yahweh Father’s throne, probably at His right hand (verse 6; Psalms 110:1; Colossians. 3:1; Rev. 3:21). Evidently Jesus bore the marks of His suffering on the cross (which He bears throughout all eternity in His new body, Luke 24:39) and He can morph in the vision depicting various forms. The Passover Lamb was a definite depiction for Jesus’ death as paying for the sins of the world and freeing all those who would apply His blood to the doorpost of their lives through belief (verse 6; Exodus 12:3-11; Isaiah 53:6, 7; John 1:29; 19:14, 31-36).
B. The Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes. The Biblical number seven is the perfect number symbolizing fullness or completeness. The horns represent the fullness of His power and strength (verse 6, Deut. 33:17; 2 Sam. 22:3) and the eyes represent His ability to discern and purify this world through the power of His Holy Spirit (verse 6, Zech. 3:9, 4:10; Rev. 1:4, 3:1).
C. The Lamb evidently switches positions, probably moves to the front of Yahweh Father, and takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand. At this event, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fall down before the Lamb in worship to celebrate the magnitude of the occasion. At this time, each of these 28 beings has a harp (usually 10 or 12 strings were commonly used in temple worship – I Chron. 25:1, 6) and a golden incense bowl (containing the petitions of the saints for true justice and the Kingdom of Jesus – Psalms 141:2; Luke 18:7, 8; Revelation 8:3-5) (verses 7, 8).
D. The new song (like Isaiah 42:10) these 28 beings sing and say relates to glorifying Yahweh Jesus for His redemptive sacrifice, His reward for His saints, and His coming Kingdom (verses 9, 10).
IV. Scene 4: The praising and glorifying of Yahweh Jesus expands to an innumerable number of angels as well as all of creation (Revelation 5:11-14).
A. The transfer of authority for the judgment and rulership of this world from Yahweh Father to Yahweh Jesus in Revelation 5 is very similar to that of the Ancient of Days to the Son of Man found in Daniel 7:9-14, 26. In both Biblical accounts, an innumerable number of angels surround the heavenly throne proclaiming His attributes and praise (verses 11, 12; I Chronicles 29:10-13; Revelation 7:12).
B. Every living creature is seen giving praise to Yahweh Jesus, no matter their location, and no matter what kind or type of creation. All of creation will worship and glorify the Lamb! (verse 13; Isaiah 45:23; Romans 8:18-25; Philippians. 2:10, 11; Rev. 19:11 - 22:21).
C. The four living creatures add their Amen (so be it, the things being done and said are true) and the 24 elders once again fall down and worship the eternal ruler! (verse 14)
THOUGHT: Let us add our Amen and our worship for our awesome Lamb, Lion, and
King! He alone has the power to open the seals and do the things He has promised. Our hope is only in Him!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)