A Study Guide for the Revelation of Jesus Christ: Jesus Is Coming—Come Quickly, Lord Jesus

By James H. Stone Jr.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST - REV. 19:1-21

A. GENERAL -

1. Chapter 19 - brings to a close the Great Tribulation period (Daniels 70th Week Dan. 9:27) and ushers in the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ.

2. Christ promised he would come again (John 14:3). 40 days after his resurrection

(Acts 1:3), Christ ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives; just East of Jerusalem (Acts 1:9). Two angels told the apostles Jesus would return in like manner (Acts 1:11). In Rev. 19:11-16, Christ returns with armies of saints and angels.

3. The prophecies of Zechariah will be fulfilled: Thus says the Lord: I am returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem... (Zech. 8:3); And his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the East... (Zech. 14:4).

4. In Chapter 19 - there are actually 2 scenes: 1 in heaven which is one of great joy

and 1 on earth which is one of great judgment.

B. JOY IN HEAVEN (REV. 19:1-10)

1. SONGS OF THE SAINTS - REV. 19:1-6)

a. TIME SEQUENCE -

(1) After this, I (John) heard - what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: Hallelujah - salvation - glory power belong to our God for true and just are his judgments he has condemned the great prostitute (whore, KJV) - who corrupted the earth by her adulteries - he has avenged on her the blood of his servants! (Rev. 19:1-2).

NOTE: After this refers to the destruction of the apostate religious system in Rev. 17 and the corrupt commercial system in Rev. 18. In Rev. 18:20 the call to rejoice was issued; now we have the response to that call.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abbott Press
• Release date: Jan 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781458213174

James H. Stone Jr.

James H. Stone, Jr. of Whitehall, Ohio received the Christian Education Adult Educator of the Year Award for 2003 from the National Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. The award was presented by Dr. Chip Heim, Pastor of the East Side Grace Brethren Church, 7510 East Broad St., Blacklick, Ohio on Sunday, September 14, 2003. Jim has been teaching on various Bible prophecies, The Acts of the apostles and History of Christianity. He has written FIVE STUDY GUIDES as follows: A Study Guide On Daniels Prophecy Of the 70 Weeks (Basic to unlocking the understanding of the Book of Revelation.) A Study Guide For The Revelation Of Jesus Christ A Study Guide On The Book Of Zechariah (With Comments On Haggai & Malachi) A Study Guide On The Prophet Joel A Study Guide On The Prophet Zephaniah He Worked 10 years in industry and 31 years in government. He is a Veteran of WWII. After military service, he studied Commercial Science at the National Business College in Virginia. He received a BS degree from the University of Charleston and did graduate studies at Ohio University and University of Cincinnati. He is also a graduate from the Worthington Bible Institute. His Sunday School teaching began in 1959. Jim has toured the Holy Land with his wife, Nancy, on three separate occasions and both traveled over a wide area for 13 years to churches, schools, nursing homes, and private homes, giving slide presentations on the Life of Christ and Journeys of Paul with special emphasis on the prophetic Scriptures. He has mentored 6 adults to lead the prophecy classes. He introduced prophecy in the local church in 1990 and prophecy classes are presently being continued through 2013.

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© 2013 James H. Stone, Jr. and Nancy Stone.

All rights reserved. A Study Guide for The Revelation of Jesus Christ, including the cover, may not be produced in any form or media format in whole or in part without prior written permission of the author, except a researcher, teacher, or instructor may quote brief passages or excerpts giving appropriate citation to the author.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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Note: The photograph on the cover was taken in the fall of 1997. It is the beautiful Valley of Jezreel or Plain of Esdraelon located about 60 miles north of Jerusalem. The picture was taken from the top of Mount Carmel looking east toward the Hill of Megiddo. Many scholars believe this is the site where the Battle of Armageddon will culminate in the last days (Rev. 16:16). The small inset drawing at the top, depicts the second coming of Christ (Matt. 24:30, Rev. 19:11-16). It includes a reference to the last words of the Lord, Surely, I come quickly (Rev. 22:20).

While every effort has been made by the author and all associated contributors to present accurate and up to date information within this document, it is apparent technologies rapidly change. Therefore, the author and all associated contributors reserve the right to update the contents and information provided herein as these changes progress. The author and/or all associated contributors take no responsibility for any errors or omissions if such discrepancies exist within this document.

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ISBN: 978-1-4582-1317-4 (e)

Abbott Press rev. date: 12/30/2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

Foreword

Why Study Prophecy?

Dispensations

Introduction - The Book of Revelation

Chapter 1 (A) The Prologue

Chapter 1 (B) The Vision of The Risen Christ

Chapters 2 & 3 The Seven Churches

Chapter 4 The Throne in Heaven - Rev. 4:1-11

Chapter 5 The Seven-Sealed Book (Rev. 5:1-14)

Chapter 6 The Tribulation Period (Rev. 6:1 - 19:21)

Chapter 7 The Redeemed of the Tribulation Period (Rev. 7:1-17)

Chapter 8 The First Four Trumpets - Rev. 8:1-13

Chapter 9 Woes on the Earth - Rev. 9:1-21

Chapter 10 The Angel and the Little Book - Rev. 10:1-11

Chapter 11 The Temple, 2 Witnesses, & ⁷th Trumpet - Rev. 11:1-19.

Chapter 12 War On Earth and in Heaven - Rev. 12:1-17

Chapter 13 The Beast and His False Prophet – Rev. 13:1-18

Chapter 14 Various Announcements - Rev. 14:1-20

Chapter 15 Prelude to the Last Judgments - Rev. 15:1-8

Chapter 16 The Seven Bowl Judgments - Rev. 16:1-21

Chapter 17 Key Players In The Final Drama & Religious Babylon

Chapter 17 Religious Babylon - Rev. 17:1-18

Chapter 18 Commercial Babylon - Rev. 18:1-24

Chapter 19 The Second Coming of Christ - Rev. 19:1-21

Chapter 20 The Millennium and The White Throne Judgment - Rev. 20:1-15

Chapter 21 The Eternal State - Rev. 21:1 - 22:5

Chapter 22 Epilogue - Rev. 22:6-21

Summary of The Book of Revelation

AppendixA-Parable Of The Tenants Of The Vineyard

AppendixB-Peter’s Confession Of Christ (Messiah)

AppendixC-Times Of The Roman Emperor Constantine 280 – 337 Ad

AppendixD-Jerusalem Covenant

AppendixE-Suggested Reading For Further Study

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Blessed is he that readeth, and they that

hear the words of this prophecy,

and keep those things which are written therein:

For The Time Is At Hand – Rev. 1:3

002_a_cairo.jpg

I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,

which is, and which was, and which is to come,

The Almighty – Rev 1:8

Write the things which thou hast seen,

and the things which are, and

the things which shall be hereafter – Rev. 1:19

The praying hands and scroll was designed and approved

By: Penny Straley Thomas - 2013

Dedication

Dedicated to my parents, Homer and Tessie Stone, who brought me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,

and to

My wife, Nancy, for her prayers, knowledge of the Scriptures,

and for the many hours she spent on the computer in typing,

preparing lesson plans, and for her loving support.

Acknowledgments

I am indebted to Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, professor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary, for use of his book titled: Revelation – Everyman’s Bible Commentary as a basic text- book in church Sunday school classes and in home Bible studies. It is mostly from the use of this book that I prepared this study guide. Of course, there are many quotes and comments from other authors and sources. For all these I am thankful.

I am grateful for many other stalwart theologians; such as, Dr. Alva J. McClain, Dr. Herman Hoyt, Dr. John F. Walvoord, Dr. Dwight Pentecost, Dr. Lehman Strauss, Dr. Wilbur M. Smith, Dr. Jack Van Impe, Dr. Theodore H. Epp, Dr. Charles L. Feinberg, Dr. Tim LaHaye, and Dr. Randall Price.

Dr. Nathan M. Meyer, former professor at Grace Theological Seminary and longtime traveling evangelist, was very influential. Dr. Meyer authored the book titled: The Patmos Prediction. Not only have I sat in his lectures on the Book of Revelation, but also had the privilege of traveling with him through the Middle East and the Holyland on several occasions.

Acknowledged also is Dr. James L. Custer, senior pastor of the Greater Columbus Grace Brethren Church, from whom I learned much at the Worthington Bible Institute and from his teaching and preaching on prophecy.

Also, I want to say thanks to Dr. Chip Heim, my current pastor at East Side Grace Brethren Church, Blacklick, Ohio, who for several years has been my teacher and special friend of senior citizens at the church.

Much appreciated are all those who participated in the Bible studies. I pray they will increase in the knowledge and revelation of Jesus Christ. I enjoyed their warm fellowship. A special thanks to the following: Jane Forrest who handled copying of handouts each week; Alice Cole for recording attendance at each session; Tina Oliver and Esther Young for editing; Denise Woods who assisted with video/book loans and refreshments; David Leatherwood and Bryan Davisson for assisting in video presentations; Dee Storch for making her home available for Bible Studies; Nancy Stone for typing and computer research on each lesson; and all who brought snacks. Lastly, I extend my thanks and appreciation to Russell A. Sauder, MD, and his wife, Wendy L. Sauder, CRNA, both professionals at Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, for their encouragement, advice, and arrangements for publication of this study guide.

James H. Stone, Jr.

Preface

I am humbled when I think of my family background and upbringing. My parents and ancestors were hard working farmers and coal miners with simple faith in God and Jesus Christ as Savior and a fervent belief in the teaching of Scriptures. Even though I had godly parents, I could not rightly confess that I was a Christian. After World War II, I enrolled in a college in Virginia. One of my college roommates was a Christian who prepared every Saturday night for his Bible class at church on Sunday. Another friend joined a church and invited me to his baptism. This started me to thinking about church, so I wrote a letter to my mother and asked her which church I should join. I was almost certain that she would answer and tell me to join her church. When I received her reply, she told me everything that was going on in our community and about family matters, but did not answer my question. After she said goodbye, she signed the letter and added a postscript which simply stated, About your question, read Matthew 6:33. I searched the bottom of my trunk and found my little New Testament that I had carried with me during my army service. The Scripture read: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. That was the best letter I ever received. It started me on a life-long search and study of the Bible.

In mid-1955, I moved my family to a small town in Southeastern Ohio which was close to my work. My wife, Nancy, began taking our children to a small country church where everyone knew each other. My absence from church brought preachers knocking on my door. I was cordial, but kept my distance, always having excuses. It was not until four years later that God changed my heart and attitude after repentance and I began attending church and soon was baptized and accepted into church membership. My teaching career soon began when I was asked to teach a Sunday school class consisting of junior high school students. That was a real challenge when compared to my being a drill sergeant in the army.

After six years, my employment there played out and we moved to a large city and searched for another church in the same denomination. We found a church near our home that was just in the developing stage. We looked forward to construction of a new church building. In the mid-1960’s things began to change. Some of the issues were minor, but others were not. Never did we hear teaching on the prophetic Scriptures and the future coming of Christ.

About 1964-65 some of our friends met with a Bible study group on the North side of the city. They came back with tape recordings and praise for the teaching they were receiving on the prophetic Scriptures and the second coming of Christ. The pastor/teacher of the group was Dr. Nathan M. Meyer, former professor at Grace Theological Seminary, a church pastor, and traveling evangelist. Soon another couple we knew left our church and began attending the new Bible study group.

By about 1966-67, a small church building had been built and was called the Grace Brethren Chapel and a full-time pastor was hired. He soon left to take a pastorate in Long Beach, California. In May 1968, a new pastor came to the small church. Dr. James L. Custer had been a minister and evangelist for about five years. In early 1969, my wife, Nancy, and I decided to visit the Grace Brethren Chapel in North Columbus, Ohio. The pastor preached a dynamic sermon on the second coming of Christ. We had never heard anything like this before and wanted to know more. Soon after this, we became disenchanted with our prior church and decided to leave. We enjoyed our new experience in the Grace Brethren Church with a teaching motto The Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible. Soon after our involvement in the Grace Brethren Church, we enrolled in the Worthington Bible Institute where we aggressively studied the Scriptures for 5 years in evening courses before we graduated. All instructors were seminary graduates. We also participated in Sunday school classes and home Bible studies. In April, 1973, a group was organized to take a tour of the Middle East and Israel with Dr. Meyer and Dr. and Mrs. Custer. We were privileged to be part of the tour in June, 1973. On that tour, about 14 people were baptized in the Jordan River. I was privileged to be one of them. The tour group traveled through 4 countries. We went again with Dr. Meyer in October, 1977, and this time my wife, Nancy, was baptized in the Jordan River. We toured 5 countries, two of which were Greece and Italy, including the city of Rome. We were privileged to tour the Holyland once again with Dr. and Mrs. Custer as our host in 1997 at which time two of our children were baptized in the Jordan.

Based on what we learned from preaching and teaching of Dr. Meyer and Dr. Custer, and from Bible studies, and from tours of the Middle East, we put together slide presentations depicting the Life of Christ and the Journey’s of Paul. For about 13 years we traveled to various churches, schools, senior citizen homes, and private homes, showing pictures of the Holyland and expounding on prophetic Scriptures and the coming of Christ to establish his millennial reign on earth and to rule the world from Jerusalem.

After my retirement, I began teaching various Home Bible Studies and Adult Education Classes at our present church, East Side Grace Brethren. To simplify the lectures, I prepared a study guide and lesson plan on each chapter of the Bible that I was teaching so others could make use of them. Because of rapidly changing world events, it was suggested that I make available the study guide on the Book of Revelation for people involved in teaching and to those interested in end-time events. My prayer is that the reader will be blessed according to Jesus’ promise in Revelation 1:3.

James H. Stone, Jr.

Foreword

The prophetic signs focus on the Return of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon to estab- lish his thousand-year kingdom of peace on earth. Seven years of unprecedented trouble precede this event and lead up to it. Before these years can begin, the true disciples of the Lord will be caught up into Heaven to meet our Lord and be eternally united with Him.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. The Bible has but one theme that races through it. It is the theme of God visiting our earth. In the 39 Books of the Old Testament, the theme is Jesus is coming; Messiah is coming. In the four Gospels, the theme is Jesus is here; Messiah is here. In the Book of Acts and all the Epistles, the theme changes and becomes Jesus, who is coming again, has come. It describes the circumstances immediately surrounding the coming of Jesus Christ to earth again, and the immediate results of that coming.

There is no question that Jesus Christ is coming to earth. There is no question about how He is coming to earth. The only question that remains is when is He coming? The Bible tells us He is coming first in the air for the saints. That is called the translation of the church, or the Rapture. Then He is coming to the earth.

When He comes to the earth, His feet will touch upon the Mount of Olives. There will gather before Him all the armies of the world led by Antichrist, Satan, and the False Prophet. And the armies of the world will think to destroy Jesus Christ and annihilate the armies following Him from Heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ will then smite all the armies of the earth with one word from His lips, and the Battle of Armageddon will have become history.

Following that, the Lord Jesus Christ will establish upon this earth for 1,000 years, a period called the Kingdom, when He Himself will rule upon the throne of His father, David, and righteousness will cover this earth as the waters cover the seas.

Every sign that Jesus and the Apostles have given to us in the Scriptures points to that second coming when the Battle of Armageddon will be fought. We believe the Bible teaches that the Rapture anticipates or precedes the Battle of Armageddon by at least seven years. That seven-year period on earth is called the period of great tribulation.

In Luke, chapter 21, note please verse 28, When you see these things, Jesus says, begin to come to pass ….so likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the Kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. You have lived in the era, in the generation, that has seen these things begin to come to pass.

All of this is to present to you the five things that the Bible says put us in the generation that will see the Rapture. You saw Jerusalem pass into the domination of the Jews. Now the domination of the Gentiles is over. God said, speaking to Daniel, that there would be four great world Gentile empires. We have seen them come. We have seen them pass. He then said to Daniel that there would be an issuing forth out of that fourth empire, and vestiges of it would take the formation of ten nations or ten kings.

Read Daniel, chapter 2. As God gives to Daniel the interpretation of this great beast image that Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed of, He comes to that fourth great world empire. Verse 40 describes it: And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things, and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. Verse 41: And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided, but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, for- as much as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. Verse 42: And as the toes of the feet were part of iron and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. Verse 43: And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. Verse 44: And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Daniel tells us, as God instructs him, that the great Roman Empire was going to come to a terminus. It did. Emerging out of that area, which was once the great Roman Empire, would rise ten kings, ten nationalities, each of them headed by a personage. And in the days of that confederacy (and it is a loose confederacy, part of iron and part of clay, weak nations and strong nations… Germany, Ireland, etc.) there would stand a condition which would exist until Jesus Christ would return to earth.

Dr. James L. Custer, Pastor

Greater Columbus

Grace Brethren Church

(Excerpted from Dr. Custer’s book titled: The Second Coming of Christ – 1972. Used by permission.)

Why Study Prophecy?

A. IMPORTANCE OF PROPHECY -

Source: Prophecy Knowledge Handbook by: Dr. John Walvoord.

1/4 (25%) of the Bible was prophecy when written.

Christianity without a future would not be basic Christianity. Christianity’s hope is bright and clear. The life to come for believers is better than our present life.

The revelation of prophecy in Scripture serves as an important evidence that the Scriptures are accurate in their interpretation of the future.

About 50% of prophecies have been fulfilled; therefore, it makes sense that prophecy yet to be fulfilled will likewise have literal fulfillment.

It justifies the conclusion that the Bible is inspired of the Holy Spirit and prophecy is the revelation of God.

Provides a guideline for establishing the value of human conduct.

Prophecy is a support for the Scriptural revelation of