YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 3)
Revelation 6:1 – 8:1
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Reviewing the first five seals (Revelation 6:1-11).
A. Almost all “futurist” exegetes (those believing that the events of Revelation chapters 6 through 22 will take place in the future from now) view the seven seals as revealing the time of the seven year tribulation in chronological order.
B. Most “futurists” believe the first three seals take place in the first 3 ½ years of the tribulation.
1. The first seal brings increased antichrists and probably the Antichrist leader on the world stage as a powerful leader who deceptively looks peaceful and righteous. He begins to put together some leadership structure and increases in power (Rev. 6:1, 2).
2. The second seal brings increasing civil unrest, war, and bloodshed. The Antichrist begins to cast his dictatorial power over a greater portion of the earth bringing more unrest and violence (Rev. 6:3, 4).
3. The third seal brings increasing famine and hardship to the poorer inhabitants of the earth. However, those with power and money are not as affected. Yahweh possibly gives special protection to His people during this time (Rev. 6:5, 6).
C. Many “futurists” see the fourth seal as lining up with the events of the middle of the seven year tribulation. However, some do not see the middle until Revelation 8:1 or Revelation 10:7 – 14:20. The middle of the tribulation was prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:27), Christ (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20), and Paul (2 Thes. 2:3-5) as the time where the Antichrist sets up an idol (possibly of himself) in the Jewish Temple. At this point, the tribulation increases for the next 3 ½ years into an intense great tribulation (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21) with the Antichrist breaking his covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27) and dictatorially ruling the world (2 Thes. 2:7-12).
1. The fourth seal brings the revealing of the Antichrist (Death), the increase of his power to kill a fourth of the population of the earth, the last of the horsemen of the Apocalypse (signaling a next phase in the tribulation), and a lining up of Christ’s words on Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 (Rev. 6:7, 8).
2. The fifth seal brings a prayer from the existing saints in heaven who have suffered greatly and have been killed for their faith on earth for Yahweh to execute His plan of justice and ultimately set up His rulership on this earth. They are comforted by Yahweh and told to rest and wait for a little while longer (Rev. 6:9-11).
II. The sixth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:12-17).
A. If the fourth seal brings the events leading up to and after the mid point of the tribulation period, then the events of the sixth seal occur sometime after the mid point and before Christ’s return to the earth recorded in Revelation 19:11. In other words, the sixth seal would occur in the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation called the great tribulation (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 9:21).
B. The opening of the sixth seal brings amazing and cataclysmic changes in the earth and heavens that have not been experienced in any of the previous five seals (verses 12-14). Also, these catastrophic events seem to be world wide, strike terror in the hearts of the inhabitants of the earth, and allow them to understand that the great day of God’s wrath was upon them (verses 15-17).
1. The sixth seal begins with a great shaking or convulsion (seismos – Greek) that starts on the earth but also affects the sky and heavens. While the earth and heavens convulse, various visible things can be seen and felt by those of the earth:
a. The sun becomes black as a “sackcloth of hair” which is a course garment worn for mourning (Isa. 50:3). In other words, Yahweh shows by the sign of the darkened sun that the world is in mourning (verse 12; Matt. 24:29a).
b. The whole moon becomes red like blood. In other words, Yahweh gives the sign of a total eclipse of the moon probably viewed through very dusty atmospheric conditions (verse 12; Matt. 24:29b).
c. The asteroids, meteors, comets (asteres – Greek, can mean stars or objects moving through space) of heaven fell to the earth. In other words, more asteroids, meteors, and comets were being seen than at any other time in earth’s history. Many of these were impacting the earth (verse 13; Matt. 24:29c). This would look like a large fig tree dropping its figs on top of you if you were underneath it. The fig tree is many times used to illustrate Israel and the things happening to Israel as well (verse 13; Matt. 24:32-35).
d. The shaking will be so thorough that mountains and islands will be moved out of place and the placement of the things of heaven will be changed and feel like everything is coming undone (verse 14; Matt. 24:29d).
2. The judgment happening on the earth at this time now includes everybody. It is universal, equal, and nondiscriminatory of wealth, class, or rank unlike the third seal judgment. The sad part is the world still does not respond in repentance but rather fear, hiding, and cursing (verse 15, 16a). The mountains at the very end will not even be around to hide behind (Rev. 16:20).
3. It is interesting to know that the prophesied Day of Yahweh (which starts out with universal judgment and ends with Yahweh’s eternal reign) starts out with a world wide shaking as well as many of these signs (Isa. 2:6-22, 29:6; Joel 2:1-11; Hag. 2:6, 7). Could this be the start of the Day of Yahweh (verse 16b, 17)? The Pre-Wrath tribulational rapture position takes this approach with the rapture taking place in the parenthetical chapter 7 before the Day of Yahweh’s wrath takes place in the trumpet and bowl judgments.
THOUGHT: “Great are the works of Yahweh, studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Revelation 6:1 – 8:1 (Part 2)
YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 2)
Revelation 6:1 – 8:1
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Reviewing the first two seals (Revelation 6:1-4).
A. The first seal of judgment is carried out by a rider on a white horse. The best explanation for this first judgment seems to be the false antichrists or Antichrist that will have a deceptive righteousness and start to conquer in peace. This ties in well with the “beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8) that marks the beginning of seven years of tribulation on this earth before Christ’s second coming (verses 1, 2; Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:5, 24; Mark 13:6; Luke 21:8).
B. The second seal of judgment is carried out by a rider on a fiery red horse. This second judgment brings great bloodshed due to civil unrest and war. The rider “was given” the ability to take away a certain amount of peace out of the earth and the ability to execute judgment (verses 3, 4; Matt. 24:6, 7; Mark 13:7, 8; Luke 21:9, 10).
II. The third seal of judgment (Revelation 6:5, 6).
A. John saw the Lamb open the third seal and a third living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the third horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:5a).
B. The horse’s color was black signifying sorrow, mourning, and hardship due to the ravages of the wars of the second seal (Isaiah 50:3; Jeremiah 4:27-29; Lam. 4:8 – 5:10). One of the ravages of war is famine due to the destruction of crops and the depletion of the work force. During famine, food is scarce and costly. Therefore it needs to be weighed and rationed out (on a scale, Revelation 6: 5b; Prov. 16:11; Ezek. 4:16, 17; Matt. 24:7b).
C. John next hears something like a voice probably coming from Yahweh Father or Yahweh Jesus. He says that a choinix (a little less than a quart) of wheat will cost a denarius (an average days wage) or you can get three choinix of the cheaper, less nutritious barley. These amounts have been calculated to sustain an average person’s apetite for about one day and were about ten to twelve times the rate of regular times. He also says that olive oil and wine (which are considered luxury items) would not be harmed. This probably means that at this stage in the tribulation (first 3 ½ years), there are more poor people being directly effected than the wealthy elite. Another possibility is that the oil and wine represents Yahweh’s special protection over the things and people of His Spirit since the oil and wine are used in the Jewish Temple (anointing, sacrifices) as well as the church (anointing, communion) (verse 6).
III. The fourth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:7, 8).
A. John saw the Lamb open the fourth seal and a fourth living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the fourth horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (Rev. 6:7).
B. The horse’s color was yellowish green (chloros – Greek) which is the color of vegetation and most sickly and dead people. For the first time we are given the rider’s name which is Death. Another by the name of Hades (the Greek word for the place of the departed dead which is Sheol in Hebrew) followed him in some way. They “were given” at this time a power to kill a fourth of the earth’s population (over a billion and a half people today) through the use of the sword (human wars or violence), intensified famines, various forms of death probably by sickness, plagues, and by causing animals to turn on humans (Rev. 6:8; Ezek. 14:12-23).
C. Some premillennialists believe the middle of the seven year tribulation period occurs during the time of the fourth horseman due to its severity, because it is the last of the horsemen that precedes the next events of judgment, and how Christ’s words in Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 line up timing wise. Therefore, this is one place where the Antichrist could break his covenant with Israel and set up an idol in the Jewish Temple (Dan. 9:27). Others see the middle before the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1) or somewhere in the days of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 10:7 – 14:20).
IV. The fifth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:9-11).
A. John saw the Lamb open the fifth seal and instead of seeing any more horsemen, he now sees a scene in heaven where people that have been killed for their faith cry out for Yahweh to execute His plan of justice. People that have studied Yahweh’s word in all different generations have realized that He has been delaying His justice until the time of the end or the Day of Yahweh. This is where He will make everything right by judging this earth and setting up a true Kingdom of righteousness forever and ever (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:9). John sees these people crying out either underneath the altar of incense (the usual place for prayer and petition) or the altar of sacrifice in heaven (verse 9, see also Rev. 8:3-5, 14:18, 16:7).
B. As servants who are owned by Yahweh the Most High God, they call Him their holy and true Master (despotas – Greek). They recognize that He alone controls the time of His judgment and His ultimate kingdom rule and cry out the prophetic prayer of “how long!” (Psalms 13:1, 2; Psalms 35:17). Their ultimate hope is in the truth of His word and character, the holiness of His being which demands perfect and impartial justice that can only be delayed or forgiven by His mercy (verse 10; Luke 18:7, 8).
C. Rather than getting immediate justice, the martyred saints are told by Yahweh to rest and wait in a special white robe (symbolic of righteousness and victory) which they “were given.” There are still more believers which will suffer and be killed for their faith during the fifth, sixth, and seventh seals (including the trumpets and bowls) before all will be completed (verse 11).
THOUGHT: “Wait for Yahweh and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.” Psalms 37:34
Revelation 6:1 – 8:1
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Reviewing the first two seals (Revelation 6:1-4).
A. The first seal of judgment is carried out by a rider on a white horse. The best explanation for this first judgment seems to be the false antichrists or Antichrist that will have a deceptive righteousness and start to conquer in peace. This ties in well with the “beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8) that marks the beginning of seven years of tribulation on this earth before Christ’s second coming (verses 1, 2; Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:5, 24; Mark 13:6; Luke 21:8).
B. The second seal of judgment is carried out by a rider on a fiery red horse. This second judgment brings great bloodshed due to civil unrest and war. The rider “was given” the ability to take away a certain amount of peace out of the earth and the ability to execute judgment (verses 3, 4; Matt. 24:6, 7; Mark 13:7, 8; Luke 21:9, 10).
II. The third seal of judgment (Revelation 6:5, 6).
A. John saw the Lamb open the third seal and a third living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the third horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:5a).
B. The horse’s color was black signifying sorrow, mourning, and hardship due to the ravages of the wars of the second seal (Isaiah 50:3; Jeremiah 4:27-29; Lam. 4:8 – 5:10). One of the ravages of war is famine due to the destruction of crops and the depletion of the work force. During famine, food is scarce and costly. Therefore it needs to be weighed and rationed out (on a scale, Revelation 6: 5b; Prov. 16:11; Ezek. 4:16, 17; Matt. 24:7b).
C. John next hears something like a voice probably coming from Yahweh Father or Yahweh Jesus. He says that a choinix (a little less than a quart) of wheat will cost a denarius (an average days wage) or you can get three choinix of the cheaper, less nutritious barley. These amounts have been calculated to sustain an average person’s apetite for about one day and were about ten to twelve times the rate of regular times. He also says that olive oil and wine (which are considered luxury items) would not be harmed. This probably means that at this stage in the tribulation (first 3 ½ years), there are more poor people being directly effected than the wealthy elite. Another possibility is that the oil and wine represents Yahweh’s special protection over the things and people of His Spirit since the oil and wine are used in the Jewish Temple (anointing, sacrifices) as well as the church (anointing, communion) (verse 6).
III. The fourth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:7, 8).
A. John saw the Lamb open the fourth seal and a fourth living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the fourth horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (Rev. 6:7).
B. The horse’s color was yellowish green (chloros – Greek) which is the color of vegetation and most sickly and dead people. For the first time we are given the rider’s name which is Death. Another by the name of Hades (the Greek word for the place of the departed dead which is Sheol in Hebrew) followed him in some way. They “were given” at this time a power to kill a fourth of the earth’s population (over a billion and a half people today) through the use of the sword (human wars or violence), intensified famines, various forms of death probably by sickness, plagues, and by causing animals to turn on humans (Rev. 6:8; Ezek. 14:12-23).
C. Some premillennialists believe the middle of the seven year tribulation period occurs during the time of the fourth horseman due to its severity, because it is the last of the horsemen that precedes the next events of judgment, and how Christ’s words in Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 line up timing wise. Therefore, this is one place where the Antichrist could break his covenant with Israel and set up an idol in the Jewish Temple (Dan. 9:27). Others see the middle before the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1) or somewhere in the days of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 10:7 – 14:20).
IV. The fifth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:9-11).
A. John saw the Lamb open the fifth seal and instead of seeing any more horsemen, he now sees a scene in heaven where people that have been killed for their faith cry out for Yahweh to execute His plan of justice. People that have studied Yahweh’s word in all different generations have realized that He has been delaying His justice until the time of the end or the Day of Yahweh. This is where He will make everything right by judging this earth and setting up a true Kingdom of righteousness forever and ever (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:9). John sees these people crying out either underneath the altar of incense (the usual place for prayer and petition) or the altar of sacrifice in heaven (verse 9, see also Rev. 8:3-5, 14:18, 16:7).
B. As servants who are owned by Yahweh the Most High God, they call Him their holy and true Master (despotas – Greek). They recognize that He alone controls the time of His judgment and His ultimate kingdom rule and cry out the prophetic prayer of “how long!” (Psalms 13:1, 2; Psalms 35:17). Their ultimate hope is in the truth of His word and character, the holiness of His being which demands perfect and impartial justice that can only be delayed or forgiven by His mercy (verse 10; Luke 18:7, 8).
C. Rather than getting immediate justice, the martyred saints are told by Yahweh to rest and wait in a special white robe (symbolic of righteousness and victory) which they “were given.” There are still more believers which will suffer and be killed for their faith during the fifth, sixth, and seventh seals (including the trumpets and bowls) before all will be completed (verse 11).
THOUGHT: “Wait for Yahweh and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.” Psalms 37:34
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Revelation 6:1-8:1 (Part 1)
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!
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 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!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Revelation 4:1-11
YAHWEH FATHER’S THRONE IN HEAVEN
Revelation 4:1-11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The revealing of the glory and awesomeness of Yahweh Father’s throne in heaven
(Revelation 4:1-6).
A. This is the start of a new section of prophecy that goes from Revelation 4:1 – 22:5. It starts with the sovereign throne of Yahweh and ends with the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth. John seems to tie vision after vision together with words like “after these things” which give primarily a futuristic idea (Rev. 1:19, 4:1, 7:1, 9, 9:12, 15:5, 18:1, 19:1, 20:3).
B. The Apostle John next sees a door that had been opened in heaven and hears the powerful trumpet voice of Yahweh Jesus inviting him into the open door for a look into future events (Rev. 4:1; Rev. 1:10, 19).
1. Up until now John received his vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:1-20) and Christ’s message to the seven churches (Rev. 2:1 – 3:22) while probably in his cave on the isle of Patmos. Now he is given a vision which elevates him to the vantage point of heaven.
2. Many believers see the rapture (“catching up” Greek “harpazo” I Thes.4:17) of the church as occurring before (between Rev. 3:10 – 4:1) or at Rev. 4:1. Believers who hold to this position believe that Christ will rapture His church before the seven years of tribulation that will come on this earth as prophesied in Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matt. 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:3-10; and
Rev. 6:1 – 19:10 and so are called pretribulational.
C. As John went through the open door of heaven (in the spirit, in his vision), he immediately is struck by the awesomeness of the throne of Yahweh Father! (Rev. 4:2; I Kings 22:19; Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek. 1:26-28). With the inspiration of Yahweh’s Spirit, he describes it for us in Rev. 4:3-6. The concept of the throne of Yahweh is very important in Revelation.
1. Out of the 22 chapters of Revelation, the throne is related to in 14 of the chapters. The word throne is used 13 times in Revelation 4:1-11 alone!
2. Yahweh Father is described by the Spirit inspired John in terms of light in the color of three stones: jasper (probably like translucent diamond), sardius (also called carnelian which was fiery red), and emerald (covering a rainbow of shades of green encircling the throne). Brilliant splendor, glory, and unapproachable light give us a visual of our Yahweh Father (Rev. 4:3; Ezek. 1:26-28; I Tim. 6:16).
3. Around the Father’s throne were 24 thrones occupied by 24 elders wearing white clothes and gold crowns (Rev. 4:4).
a. Many believe these to be human elders such as 12 chosen from Israel and 12 chosen from the church as in the New Jerusalem
(Rev. 21:12-14).
b. Many believe these to be a special elevated rank of angelic beings who have served Yahweh and His creation well. They point out that these 24 elders seem to be uniquely linked with the four living creatures that are for sure angelic, they are always distinguished from the saints
(Rev. 5:8, 11:17-18, 19:1-4), and their place seems to center around the heavenly throne rather than any earthly thrones. This probably fits the context of the passage better.
4. From the throne came an awesome display of lightning, thundering sounds, and seven fire torches representing Yahweh’s seven-fold (all- encompassing) Spirit. Each of these depict Yahweh’s power to judge and purify by His Holy Spirit (Rev. 4:5, 8:5, 11:19, 16:18; Exodus 19:16;
Matt. 3:11).
5. The throne was located on a large expanse of crystal glass that was like looking into the sea or ocean (this magnified Yahweh’s transcendence, purity, and holiness). However, four six winged, supernatural angelic creatures, probably in the same order as seraphim and cherubim, who could see from any position (rich in Yahweh’s will and knowledge), were right next to the throne and surrounding it (Rev. 4:6; Ezek. 1:5-25, 10:1-22; Isa. 6:1-3).
THOUGHT: Let’s silently meditate on this awesome sight of Yahweh Father our Heavenly Father and give Him praise.
II. John next gives us more detail concerning these four living creatures (Rev. 4:7-8).
A. They have faces like a lion, calf (ox), man, and flying eagle. Even though the early church fathers assigned these to the four gospels and others to tribes of Israel, the most probable explanation is that these highly ranked, supernaturally close order of angelic beings expressed Yahweh’s heart in creation. They represent and bring continuous worship by acknowledging His power, strength, spiritual relationship, and soaring ability over this creation (verse 7; Ezek. 1:10, 10:14).
B. They each have six wings (Ezek. chapters 1, 10; Isaiah 6:1-3) that can shield them from the awesome holiness of Yahweh and eyes that expressed their ability to see from any angle to discern Yahweh’s bidding or will. They continuously say that Yahweh is beyond holy (repeated for emphasis, Isaiah 6:3, “set apart” from all else), that He is the only Ruler of All or Lord God Almighty (Adonai Yahweh Sabaoth “ of Hosts” in Hebrew, Isaiah 6:3; Ezekiel 6:3), and that He is Yahweh the great I Am (was, is, and is to come Exodus 3:14).
III. John next gives us more detail concerning the 24 elders (Revelation 4:9-11).
A. When the four living creatures worship Yahweh’s attributes, His right to rule, and return thanks for who He is, the 24 elders worship by prostrating themselves and placing their crowns toward the throne (verses 9, 10).
B. The 24 elders then join in the praise by saying their own chorus and adding aspects of Yahweh’s creation, will, and sovereignty (verse 11).
IV. Some helpful terminology and definitions.
A. Millennium comes from two latin words “mille-1,000” and “annum-year”. Therefore, the word refers to the 1,000 year reign of Christ found in Rev. 20:1-8 (chiliasm is derived from the Greek word for 1,000).
1. A person who believes that Christ will return to this literal earth “before” setting up and reigning 1,000 years on this earth is called a Premillennialist.
2. An Amillennialist is a person who believes that the 1,000 year time period is not literal but symbolic. Many believe that if there is a millennial reign of Christ, it is already happening during this present time of the church.
3. A Postmillennialist is a person who believes that the church will usher in the restoration and millennial reign of Christ on this earth under Christ’s invisible direction. Christ will then return visibly after this millennial work on earth to judge the wicked and set up His New Heaven and New Earth.
B. Tribulation is suffering or affliction and the word taken in a prophetic sense means the seven year period of suffering (that starts the day of the Lord) that is to come on the earth according to Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matthew 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:1-10; Rev. 4:1 – 19:10). The Tribulation Period is usually seven years and the most intense suffering happens in the last three and a half years of the seven and is called the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27b; Matthew 24:21).
1. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the seven year Tribulation starts is pretribulational.
2. A person who believes that the church will be raptured in the middle of the seven year Tribulation but before the three and a half year Great Tribulation is midtribulational.
3. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the wrath of the Lamb is pre-wrath tribulational (usually after the middle).
4. A person who believes that the church will be raptured after the seven year Tribulation Period is posttribulational.
Revelation 4:1-11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The revealing of the glory and awesomeness of Yahweh Father’s throne in heaven
(Revelation 4:1-6).
A. This is the start of a new section of prophecy that goes from Revelation 4:1 – 22:5. It starts with the sovereign throne of Yahweh and ends with the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth. John seems to tie vision after vision together with words like “after these things” which give primarily a futuristic idea (Rev. 1:19, 4:1, 7:1, 9, 9:12, 15:5, 18:1, 19:1, 20:3).
B. The Apostle John next sees a door that had been opened in heaven and hears the powerful trumpet voice of Yahweh Jesus inviting him into the open door for a look into future events (Rev. 4:1; Rev. 1:10, 19).
1. Up until now John received his vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:1-20) and Christ’s message to the seven churches (Rev. 2:1 – 3:22) while probably in his cave on the isle of Patmos. Now he is given a vision which elevates him to the vantage point of heaven.
2. Many believers see the rapture (“catching up” Greek “harpazo” I Thes.4:17) of the church as occurring before (between Rev. 3:10 – 4:1) or at Rev. 4:1. Believers who hold to this position believe that Christ will rapture His church before the seven years of tribulation that will come on this earth as prophesied in Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matt. 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:3-10; and
Rev. 6:1 – 19:10 and so are called pretribulational.
C. As John went through the open door of heaven (in the spirit, in his vision), he immediately is struck by the awesomeness of the throne of Yahweh Father! (Rev. 4:2; I Kings 22:19; Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek. 1:26-28). With the inspiration of Yahweh’s Spirit, he describes it for us in Rev. 4:3-6. The concept of the throne of Yahweh is very important in Revelation.
1. Out of the 22 chapters of Revelation, the throne is related to in 14 of the chapters. The word throne is used 13 times in Revelation 4:1-11 alone!
2. Yahweh Father is described by the Spirit inspired John in terms of light in the color of three stones: jasper (probably like translucent diamond), sardius (also called carnelian which was fiery red), and emerald (covering a rainbow of shades of green encircling the throne). Brilliant splendor, glory, and unapproachable light give us a visual of our Yahweh Father (Rev. 4:3; Ezek. 1:26-28; I Tim. 6:16).
3. Around the Father’s throne were 24 thrones occupied by 24 elders wearing white clothes and gold crowns (Rev. 4:4).
a. Many believe these to be human elders such as 12 chosen from Israel and 12 chosen from the church as in the New Jerusalem
(Rev. 21:12-14).
b. Many believe these to be a special elevated rank of angelic beings who have served Yahweh and His creation well. They point out that these 24 elders seem to be uniquely linked with the four living creatures that are for sure angelic, they are always distinguished from the saints
(Rev. 5:8, 11:17-18, 19:1-4), and their place seems to center around the heavenly throne rather than any earthly thrones. This probably fits the context of the passage better.
4. From the throne came an awesome display of lightning, thundering sounds, and seven fire torches representing Yahweh’s seven-fold (all- encompassing) Spirit. Each of these depict Yahweh’s power to judge and purify by His Holy Spirit (Rev. 4:5, 8:5, 11:19, 16:18; Exodus 19:16;
Matt. 3:11).
5. The throne was located on a large expanse of crystal glass that was like looking into the sea or ocean (this magnified Yahweh’s transcendence, purity, and holiness). However, four six winged, supernatural angelic creatures, probably in the same order as seraphim and cherubim, who could see from any position (rich in Yahweh’s will and knowledge), were right next to the throne and surrounding it (Rev. 4:6; Ezek. 1:5-25, 10:1-22; Isa. 6:1-3).
THOUGHT: Let’s silently meditate on this awesome sight of Yahweh Father our Heavenly Father and give Him praise.
II. John next gives us more detail concerning these four living creatures (Rev. 4:7-8).
A. They have faces like a lion, calf (ox), man, and flying eagle. Even though the early church fathers assigned these to the four gospels and others to tribes of Israel, the most probable explanation is that these highly ranked, supernaturally close order of angelic beings expressed Yahweh’s heart in creation. They represent and bring continuous worship by acknowledging His power, strength, spiritual relationship, and soaring ability over this creation (verse 7; Ezek. 1:10, 10:14).
B. They each have six wings (Ezek. chapters 1, 10; Isaiah 6:1-3) that can shield them from the awesome holiness of Yahweh and eyes that expressed their ability to see from any angle to discern Yahweh’s bidding or will. They continuously say that Yahweh is beyond holy (repeated for emphasis, Isaiah 6:3, “set apart” from all else), that He is the only Ruler of All or Lord God Almighty (Adonai Yahweh Sabaoth “ of Hosts” in Hebrew, Isaiah 6:3; Ezekiel 6:3), and that He is Yahweh the great I Am (was, is, and is to come Exodus 3:14).
III. John next gives us more detail concerning the 24 elders (Revelation 4:9-11).
A. When the four living creatures worship Yahweh’s attributes, His right to rule, and return thanks for who He is, the 24 elders worship by prostrating themselves and placing their crowns toward the throne (verses 9, 10).
B. The 24 elders then join in the praise by saying their own chorus and adding aspects of Yahweh’s creation, will, and sovereignty (verse 11).
IV. Some helpful terminology and definitions.
A. Millennium comes from two latin words “mille-1,000” and “annum-year”. Therefore, the word refers to the 1,000 year reign of Christ found in Rev. 20:1-8 (chiliasm is derived from the Greek word for 1,000).
1. A person who believes that Christ will return to this literal earth “before” setting up and reigning 1,000 years on this earth is called a Premillennialist.
2. An Amillennialist is a person who believes that the 1,000 year time period is not literal but symbolic. Many believe that if there is a millennial reign of Christ, it is already happening during this present time of the church.
3. A Postmillennialist is a person who believes that the church will usher in the restoration and millennial reign of Christ on this earth under Christ’s invisible direction. Christ will then return visibly after this millennial work on earth to judge the wicked and set up His New Heaven and New Earth.
B. Tribulation is suffering or affliction and the word taken in a prophetic sense means the seven year period of suffering (that starts the day of the Lord) that is to come on the earth according to Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matthew 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:1-10; Rev. 4:1 – 19:10). The Tribulation Period is usually seven years and the most intense suffering happens in the last three and a half years of the seven and is called the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27b; Matthew 24:21).
1. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the seven year Tribulation starts is pretribulational.
2. A person who believes that the church will be raptured in the middle of the seven year Tribulation but before the three and a half year Great Tribulation is midtribulational.
3. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the wrath of the Lamb is pre-wrath tribulational (usually after the middle).
4. A person who believes that the church will be raptured after the seven year Tribulation Period is posttribulational.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Revelation 3:14-22
YAHWEH JESUS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART IV)
Revelation 3:14-22
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #7: The Church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22).
A. A brief history of the city of Laodicea: Laodicea was located 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was a city that was at the crossroads of the major trade routes in Asia Minor and so had become wealthy. It was known for a soft, black wool made in the area and their famous medical school. An eye salve came from this school known as “Phygian powder” which brought the city fame and fortune. The city had temples to Zeus, Men Karou (also known as Asclepius, the god of healing) as well as shrines to many trade gods. The valley it was located in was prone to earthquakes and the city was severely damaged in both 17 A.D. and 60 A.D. The city had to bring its water in from an aqueduct system from six miles away and so was known to have lukewarm and many times bad tasting water. The cities and churches of Colosse and Hierapolis were very close to the city of Laodicea (Colosse was 10 miles east and Hierapolis was 6 miles north) forming a tri-city complex. It is believed that all three churches were evangelized and planted by Epaphras (Col. 1:7, 2:1, 4:13) between 54-56 A.D.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:14. He identifies Himself as the churches’ Amen which means the words and actions of Jesus are firmly fixed, unchangeable, and true (Isa. 65:16, He is the God of truth, in Hebrew “Elohim Aman”). He is the faithful and true witness and wants the Laodiceans to be like Him (2 Cor. 1:20). He is also the ruler (chief, source, origin, beginner) of creation and therefore worthy to be listened to (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5, 22:13).
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:15-20).
a. Christ knows that the Laodicean church, like their city water, is lukewarm and bad tasting. Out of the seven churches, they receive the worst report from Yahweh Jesus and receive only rebuke. None of the works of the Laodicean church are acceptable in Yahweh Jesus’ sight (verses 15, 16).
b. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is a congregation that boasts in their own wealth and self-sufficiency rather than their need and abandonment in Yahweh. This attitude never went well for Israel and it’s not going well for this church either (Deut. 8:10-20; Jer. 9:23, 24). Christ describes this congregation in five words that are very much different from their self-evaluation. They are wretched (only other time used in Romans 7:24), miserable (only other time used in I Cor. 15:19), poor, blind, and naked (verse 17).
c. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is prideful in three areas which are their gold, clothing, and eye medicine. He desires for their self- sufficiency to be reversed and therefore He instructs this congregation to “buy” into His true spiritual life instead (verse 18). If they will listen to His loving rebuke and repent (change their mind and turn) then Christ will open the door of His Kingdom blessings and personal fellowship to them (verses 19, 20; Matt. 24:33; John 14:23).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Laodiceans (Rev. 3:21, 22).
a. Christ’s true overcomers will co-reign with Christ in His Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom on this earth (verse 21; Dan. 7:27; Luke 22:28- 30; Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:6).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to overcome and listen to the true words of the Holy Spirit (verse 22).
THOUGHT: In what areas are you showing boastfulness in your family, resources, or ability without giving credit to Yahweh? How can you correct this? How can we as a church body be better at Hallelu-Yah (praising Yahweh)?
II. Two final teachings regarding the seven churches of Revelation.
A. Some teachers like to point out that there seems to be a possible chronological development of church history in the seven churches. They would possibly say that a scenario like this is represented in church history: Ephesus (approx. 30- 100 A.D., losing first love), Smyrna (approx. 100-312 A.D., severe persecution before Constantine), Pergamum (approx. 300-600 A.D., false doctrine), Thyatira (600-1517 A.D., immorality, false doctrine), Sardis (1517-1750 A.D., reform- ation, persecution), Philadelphia (1750-1950’s A.D., revivals, great world wars), Laodicea (1950-now, the lukewarm church). Even though there are some interesting historical events that seem to line up with this view, there is not enough to give precise breaks to the next chronological development for my exegetical taste. A better exegesis is to see the seven churches representing possible church scenarios for all church time before Christ’s rapture and/or return.
B. There seems to be a possible Hebraic chiasm in Christ’s words to the seven churches of Revelation. The Greek letter chi looks like the English X. Therefore, a chiasm in the literature has similarities matching beginning and ending parts of the writing and has its main point in the middle (where the X crosses). Ephesus and Laodicea, Smyrna and Philadelphia, and Pergamum and Sardis all have similarities relating in order of passion for Christ, persecution in Christ, and participation in cultural immorality. Thyatira is the middle church, has the longest amount of writing, deals with doctrinal error and immorality, and is the only letter that quotes Scripture directly (Psalms 2:9). This deals with Christ’s rule on this earth and His overcomers ruling with Him. This church seems to embody Christ’s main theme to His churches for all time.
Revelation 3:14-22
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #7: The Church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22).
A. A brief history of the city of Laodicea: Laodicea was located 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was a city that was at the crossroads of the major trade routes in Asia Minor and so had become wealthy. It was known for a soft, black wool made in the area and their famous medical school. An eye salve came from this school known as “Phygian powder” which brought the city fame and fortune. The city had temples to Zeus, Men Karou (also known as Asclepius, the god of healing) as well as shrines to many trade gods. The valley it was located in was prone to earthquakes and the city was severely damaged in both 17 A.D. and 60 A.D. The city had to bring its water in from an aqueduct system from six miles away and so was known to have lukewarm and many times bad tasting water. The cities and churches of Colosse and Hierapolis were very close to the city of Laodicea (Colosse was 10 miles east and Hierapolis was 6 miles north) forming a tri-city complex. It is believed that all three churches were evangelized and planted by Epaphras (Col. 1:7, 2:1, 4:13) between 54-56 A.D.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:14. He identifies Himself as the churches’ Amen which means the words and actions of Jesus are firmly fixed, unchangeable, and true (Isa. 65:16, He is the God of truth, in Hebrew “Elohim Aman”). He is the faithful and true witness and wants the Laodiceans to be like Him (2 Cor. 1:20). He is also the ruler (chief, source, origin, beginner) of creation and therefore worthy to be listened to (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5, 22:13).
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:15-20).
a. Christ knows that the Laodicean church, like their city water, is lukewarm and bad tasting. Out of the seven churches, they receive the worst report from Yahweh Jesus and receive only rebuke. None of the works of the Laodicean church are acceptable in Yahweh Jesus’ sight (verses 15, 16).
b. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is a congregation that boasts in their own wealth and self-sufficiency rather than their need and abandonment in Yahweh. This attitude never went well for Israel and it’s not going well for this church either (Deut. 8:10-20; Jer. 9:23, 24). Christ describes this congregation in five words that are very much different from their self-evaluation. They are wretched (only other time used in Romans 7:24), miserable (only other time used in I Cor. 15:19), poor, blind, and naked (verse 17).
c. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is prideful in three areas which are their gold, clothing, and eye medicine. He desires for their self- sufficiency to be reversed and therefore He instructs this congregation to “buy” into His true spiritual life instead (verse 18). If they will listen to His loving rebuke and repent (change their mind and turn) then Christ will open the door of His Kingdom blessings and personal fellowship to them (verses 19, 20; Matt. 24:33; John 14:23).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Laodiceans (Rev. 3:21, 22).
a. Christ’s true overcomers will co-reign with Christ in His Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom on this earth (verse 21; Dan. 7:27; Luke 22:28- 30; Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:6).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to overcome and listen to the true words of the Holy Spirit (verse 22).
THOUGHT: In what areas are you showing boastfulness in your family, resources, or ability without giving credit to Yahweh? How can you correct this? How can we as a church body be better at Hallelu-Yah (praising Yahweh)?
II. Two final teachings regarding the seven churches of Revelation.
A. Some teachers like to point out that there seems to be a possible chronological development of church history in the seven churches. They would possibly say that a scenario like this is represented in church history: Ephesus (approx. 30- 100 A.D., losing first love), Smyrna (approx. 100-312 A.D., severe persecution before Constantine), Pergamum (approx. 300-600 A.D., false doctrine), Thyatira (600-1517 A.D., immorality, false doctrine), Sardis (1517-1750 A.D., reform- ation, persecution), Philadelphia (1750-1950’s A.D., revivals, great world wars), Laodicea (1950-now, the lukewarm church). Even though there are some interesting historical events that seem to line up with this view, there is not enough to give precise breaks to the next chronological development for my exegetical taste. A better exegesis is to see the seven churches representing possible church scenarios for all church time before Christ’s rapture and/or return.
B. There seems to be a possible Hebraic chiasm in Christ’s words to the seven churches of Revelation. The Greek letter chi looks like the English X. Therefore, a chiasm in the literature has similarities matching beginning and ending parts of the writing and has its main point in the middle (where the X crosses). Ephesus and Laodicea, Smyrna and Philadelphia, and Pergamum and Sardis all have similarities relating in order of passion for Christ, persecution in Christ, and participation in cultural immorality. Thyatira is the middle church, has the longest amount of writing, deals with doctrinal error and immorality, and is the only letter that quotes Scripture directly (Psalms 2:9). This deals with Christ’s rule on this earth and His overcomers ruling with Him. This church seems to embody Christ’s main theme to His churches for all time.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Revelation 3:1-13
Revelation 3:1-13
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #5: The Church at Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).
A. A brief history of the city of Sardis: Sardis was located 30 miles south of Thyatira and was located on the main Roman trade and military routes. As a result, it was a very wealthy city and was known as the old capital city of Persia in Asia Minor. It was located on an elevated area 1500 feet from the valley below and so was a perfect military fortress for the kingdoms of Lydia, Persia, Greece, and Rome. It had impressive structures built through hundreds of years of history including the acropolis (a well fortified military structure), temples to Artemis (Cybele, Diana) and the Emperor, and the necropolis (huge cemetery). Their main industry at 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) was woolen goods and clothing. However, most of the city’s wealth accumulated from its past history and so it had become prideful, lethargic, and morally compromised.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:1b. He identifies Himself as the one who has the seven Spirits of God which communicates the Holy Spirit’s blessing, anointing, and teaching (Rev. 1:4; Zech. 4:1-10). He also identifies Himself as the churches’ powerful protector and sovereign ruler as the one who has the seven stars
(Rev. 1:16, 20). This church by thinking about these things should return to living a life in Yahweh’s Spirit and power and stop relying on their own selves.
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:1c-4).
a. Christ does not commend this church for its work (only this one and Laodicea receive no commendation). This church is thought of by others and themselves to be spiritually alive but Christ says they are dead (“necros” Greek) (Rev. 3:1c).
b. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to wake up and to watch constantly (present tense). Whatever this church was doing for Christ was not found to be done correctly (complete, to the full). This probably meant that there were either bad doctrine, personal boasting, immorality, or/and ulterior motives involved with the works (Rev. 3:2; I Cor. 4:1-5; II Cor. 11:1-6; I John 2:16).
c. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to correct the problem with a three-fold formula: 1) Remember! (what they have received from Christ and His teaching), 2) Keep it!, and 3) Repent! (change your mind and turn). If they refuse to do these things, Christ will come to them like a thief which probably means that He will remove them as one of His churches (Rev. 3:3, 2:5).
d. Christ does comfort a few in the church who have not soiled their clothes. The white clothes probably relate to the wedding and feast garments of the saints (Rev. 19:7, 8) or the victorious white garments worn after a battle victory in the Roman empire (Rev. 3:4).
3. Christ’s award for the overcomers in Sardis (Rev. 3:5, 6).
a. They are promised white clothes (verse 4) having their names stay in the book of life (all humans start out in the book but non-believers in Yahweh Christ’s righteousness choosing instead self-righteousness get blotted out, Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:27) and acknowledgement before Yahweh Father and the angels.
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: How do churches that were once alive become dead? What can we do to prevent dying as a church?
II. Church #6: The Church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
A. A brief history of the city of Philadelphia: Philadelphia was located 25 miles southeast of Sardis and 100 miles east of Smyrna. It was a wealthy city which traded in textile, leather, and wine. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. along with 10 other cities in the area but was rebuilt by Tiberias Caesar. In honor to Caesar, the city changed its name to Neocaesarea for over 30 years but by 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) it went by the names of Philadelphia or Flavia. It had temples dedicated to emperor worship, Zeus, and shrines to pagan cults. There was also a large Jewish Synagogue in the city. Between the immorality of the culture and persecution, the church had many difficulties.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:7. He identifies Himself as the Holy One (“set apart” for the Father’s purposes, Isaiah 6:3), the True One (perfectly trustworthy, what He said and says He will do, as an example Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:12-16), and the One who has the key of David. The key to King David’s treasury (Isaiah 22:22) is given ultimately to the Holy True Messiah from David’s line, Jesus Christ, which opens the door to His Kingdom (Matt. 16:19).
2. Christ’s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Revelation 3:8-11).
a. Christ knows that this congregation has been suffering (little strength) and persecuted but has kept His word and not denied His name. He continues to set before them this open door into the Kingdom blessings and possibly ministry (verse 8; Col. 4:3; Rev. 21:25).
b. Christ knows that this congregation is being persecuted by the Jewish community. He tells this predominately Gentile church that His true Jews would receive their Messiah as the Philadelphian church has already done. Christ loves (“agapao” Greek) this church and all people will see this in His fulfilled Kingdom (vs. 9; Dan. 7:27; Phil. 2:10, 11).
c. Christ knows that the Philadelphia congregation has kept His word through suffering times by enduring (“remaining under” Greek) in Christ’s strength (verse 10a). Since they were willing to endure now, they and future patient endurers will be kept from a future time of trial and tribulation which will come upon the whole earth (verse 10b, c). Most dispensationalists believe the rapture will take the church out of this world before the hour of trial or great tribulation happens on this earth (Daniel 12:1; Matt. 24:21; I Thes. 4:17; Rev. 7:14). Most other groups see this as Christ’s preservation and strength to His believers through the great trials in this world (James 1:27).
d. Christ encourages His suffering Church with His soon coming. The idea of “soon” should be looked at from the perspective of wrapping up prophetic events and Yahweh’s grand timescale (Dan. 2:28, 45; Luke 18:8; 2 Pet. 3:8-13; Rev. 1:12, 22:6). As they hold on (to the Holy True Messiah), they will keep their crown (reward) (verse 11; James 1:12; Rev. 2:10).
3. Christ’s award for the overcoming Philadelphians (Rev. 3:12, 13).
a. They will be pillars in the Temple of God (probably relating to service in Christ’s kingdom being built properly on the apostles foundation, Rev. 21:14; Eph. 2:20-22). They will be written on by Christ Himself which means intimacy and ownership. Overcomers receive on their new bodies the name of Yahweh Father, the new Jerusalem, and Yahweh Jesus’ new name (verse 12; Eze. 48:35; Rev. 19:12-22:5).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: Jesus promises future glories to those who will patiently trust, keep His word, endure, and follow Him now!
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #5: The Church at Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).
A. A brief history of the city of Sardis: Sardis was located 30 miles south of Thyatira and was located on the main Roman trade and military routes. As a result, it was a very wealthy city and was known as the old capital city of Persia in Asia Minor. It was located on an elevated area 1500 feet from the valley below and so was a perfect military fortress for the kingdoms of Lydia, Persia, Greece, and Rome. It had impressive structures built through hundreds of years of history including the acropolis (a well fortified military structure), temples to Artemis (Cybele, Diana) and the Emperor, and the necropolis (huge cemetery). Their main industry at 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) was woolen goods and clothing. However, most of the city’s wealth accumulated from its past history and so it had become prideful, lethargic, and morally compromised.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:1b. He identifies Himself as the one who has the seven Spirits of God which communicates the Holy Spirit’s blessing, anointing, and teaching (Rev. 1:4; Zech. 4:1-10). He also identifies Himself as the churches’ powerful protector and sovereign ruler as the one who has the seven stars
(Rev. 1:16, 20). This church by thinking about these things should return to living a life in Yahweh’s Spirit and power and stop relying on their own selves.
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:1c-4).
a. Christ does not commend this church for its work (only this one and Laodicea receive no commendation). This church is thought of by others and themselves to be spiritually alive but Christ says they are dead (“necros” Greek) (Rev. 3:1c).
b. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to wake up and to watch constantly (present tense). Whatever this church was doing for Christ was not found to be done correctly (complete, to the full). This probably meant that there were either bad doctrine, personal boasting, immorality, or/and ulterior motives involved with the works (Rev. 3:2; I Cor. 4:1-5; II Cor. 11:1-6; I John 2:16).
c. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to correct the problem with a three-fold formula: 1) Remember! (what they have received from Christ and His teaching), 2) Keep it!, and 3) Repent! (change your mind and turn). If they refuse to do these things, Christ will come to them like a thief which probably means that He will remove them as one of His churches (Rev. 3:3, 2:5).
d. Christ does comfort a few in the church who have not soiled their clothes. The white clothes probably relate to the wedding and feast garments of the saints (Rev. 19:7, 8) or the victorious white garments worn after a battle victory in the Roman empire (Rev. 3:4).
3. Christ’s award for the overcomers in Sardis (Rev. 3:5, 6).
a. They are promised white clothes (verse 4) having their names stay in the book of life (all humans start out in the book but non-believers in Yahweh Christ’s righteousness choosing instead self-righteousness get blotted out, Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:27) and acknowledgement before Yahweh Father and the angels.
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: How do churches that were once alive become dead? What can we do to prevent dying as a church?
II. Church #6: The Church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
A. A brief history of the city of Philadelphia: Philadelphia was located 25 miles southeast of Sardis and 100 miles east of Smyrna. It was a wealthy city which traded in textile, leather, and wine. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. along with 10 other cities in the area but was rebuilt by Tiberias Caesar. In honor to Caesar, the city changed its name to Neocaesarea for over 30 years but by 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) it went by the names of Philadelphia or Flavia. It had temples dedicated to emperor worship, Zeus, and shrines to pagan cults. There was also a large Jewish Synagogue in the city. Between the immorality of the culture and persecution, the church had many difficulties.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:7. He identifies Himself as the Holy One (“set apart” for the Father’s purposes, Isaiah 6:3), the True One (perfectly trustworthy, what He said and says He will do, as an example Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:12-16), and the One who has the key of David. The key to King David’s treasury (Isaiah 22:22) is given ultimately to the Holy True Messiah from David’s line, Jesus Christ, which opens the door to His Kingdom (Matt. 16:19).
2. Christ’s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Revelation 3:8-11).
a. Christ knows that this congregation has been suffering (little strength) and persecuted but has kept His word and not denied His name. He continues to set before them this open door into the Kingdom blessings and possibly ministry (verse 8; Col. 4:3; Rev. 21:25).
b. Christ knows that this congregation is being persecuted by the Jewish community. He tells this predominately Gentile church that His true Jews would receive their Messiah as the Philadelphian church has already done. Christ loves (“agapao” Greek) this church and all people will see this in His fulfilled Kingdom (vs. 9; Dan. 7:27; Phil. 2:10, 11).
c. Christ knows that the Philadelphia congregation has kept His word through suffering times by enduring (“remaining under” Greek) in Christ’s strength (verse 10a). Since they were willing to endure now, they and future patient endurers will be kept from a future time of trial and tribulation which will come upon the whole earth (verse 10b, c). Most dispensationalists believe the rapture will take the church out of this world before the hour of trial or great tribulation happens on this earth (Daniel 12:1; Matt. 24:21; I Thes. 4:17; Rev. 7:14). Most other groups see this as Christ’s preservation and strength to His believers through the great trials in this world (James 1:27).
d. Christ encourages His suffering Church with His soon coming. The idea of “soon” should be looked at from the perspective of wrapping up prophetic events and Yahweh’s grand timescale (Dan. 2:28, 45; Luke 18:8; 2 Pet. 3:8-13; Rev. 1:12, 22:6). As they hold on (to the Holy True Messiah), they will keep their crown (reward) (verse 11; James 1:12; Rev. 2:10).
3. Christ’s award for the overcoming Philadelphians (Rev. 3:12, 13).
a. They will be pillars in the Temple of God (probably relating to service in Christ’s kingdom being built properly on the apostles foundation, Rev. 21:14; Eph. 2:20-22). They will be written on by Christ Himself which means intimacy and ownership. Overcomers receive on their new bodies the name of Yahweh Father, the new Jerusalem, and Yahweh Jesus’ new name (verse 12; Eze. 48:35; Rev. 19:12-22:5).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: Jesus promises future glories to those who will patiently trust, keep His word, endure, and follow Him now!
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