John Wrote About It: Trouble In the Middle East

By Dr. Charles E. Turnbow

Resist the desire for the exotic, bizarre or unusual interpretation, remember the Book of Revelation has perplexed readers for 2000 years. Try not to let theories of "last things" or eschatology keep you from understanding the Book of Revelation and what is happening in our world currently. This book has been one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted books in history. Revelation also describes an incredibly deceptive alliance of internationally political and religious entities attempting to stop Jesus' reign. The danger has already started and the United States is in the sights of the Antichrist which will prevent us from coming to the aid of Israel. Economic and civil unrest will be the key to crippling a once great super power. An end is approaching that will become the beginning of new things. The Word reminds us to strengthen one another, not to tear each other down. This Revelation has been the battleground for Theologians who have differed on its interpretation. For the Church it's a blessing!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312872851

Book preview

John Wrote About It: Trouble In the Middle East

John Wrote About It: Trouble in the Middle East

Fourth Edition

Copyright @ 1991 by Dr. Charles E. Turnbow / Salvation and Life Outreach Ministries

200 North 8th Street, #1 #1046, Quincy IL 62301

ISBN #: 978-1-312-82168-2

These works are licensed under Salvation and Life Outreach Ministries

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission.

A Commentary about the Revelation of Christ

A verse by verse study: Questions and Answers concerning John’s Revelation of Jesus. Included in this commentary:

John’s Message for Today: (A Prelude To the commentary, John Wrote about It); A Study of the Rapture: Carrying off to Heaven.

As you read or study with these books

Please use your Bible as the rule rather than another reference guide, resist the desire for the exotic, bizarre or unusual interpretation. Try not to let theories of last things or eschatology keep you from understanding the Book of Revelation and what is happening in our world currently. In life, anything worth doing is worth doing well (right). Bible study and reading is no exception. Let the Holy Spirit speak to your inner person and remember, God still reveals. And even more so as we approach the end, that will become the beginning of new things. The Word reminds us to strengthen one another, not to tear each other down.

Over the last 1900 plus years, the Book of Revelation has often been the battleground for Scholars and Theologians who have differed on its interpretation. Theologians and Scholars have endeavored to fashion its strange fanfare into consistent and understandable eschatology. Through the centuries scholars have taken at least four approaches to the interpretation of the Book of Revelation. They are commonly called the preterist, historical, idealist, and futurist views.

Whatever your view, the theme of this book is (and always will be) Jesus. The book, (Revelation) reveals the last act of God's master performance. The history and the events surrounding the writing of the Book of Revelation, takes us to a time when Christians were living in mortal danger. The Church still in its infancy was meeting underground. The early Christians had to choose who they would follow, the King or an emperor. This was a life or death issue. Although I am not a conspiracist I believe the contents of this important document, was written so the believers could understand, and the government could not. As you read and study, do so with imagination and emotion. Try to imagine yourself as a member of one of the seven churches, hearing and reading. Don't read the Book of Revelation as if you were a scientist. The purpose of the book is to console, comfort, and create overcomers.

It emphasizes that we are to worship the only true God who created heaven and earth; the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Peter, and Paul and you and I. This is the God who gave us the Savior, Jesus Christ (Messiah); and the God who provides for those of us that accept His son. Worship God not man. Worship the creator not the creation.

Doctor. Charles E Turnbow

If I may offer some study advice:

Much of doing something well is knowing how to go about it. Some techniques are: Color coding - different colors could represent people, places, times, and topics. Paraphrase - take time to rewrite the passage in your own words (not to add to or take away from - do this just for your own clarification). Ask yourself questions - people remember what is important to them. Outline - keep in mind as you study each chapter - Who? Why? What? When? Where? And How? As you answer these, you will discover a new awareness and deeper understanding of the scriptures. Lastly - Memorize Scripture.

As you study, take into consideration that the questions I ask are not conclusive; there are many that still need to be asked. These are but a few I've gathered from my Bibles and scrape note books over the last 40 years. Perhaps these will answer a few of your questions. I found as I studied books, read article’s, and attended meetings that by making notes and answering them in a written form God was able to quicken Knowledge and Understanding to me. I've heard it said, If God can use a donkey, He can use me, I pray God use me and I pray let God use you.

In Dedication

I would like to dedicate these books to my grandmothers. Alberta Fleming and Inez Miller both of them have gone on to be with the Lord. They continued to pray for my Salvation and like the Apostle Paul, I thank God for every remembrance of them, and my joy runs over at the thought of them being with the Lord Jesus.

Acknowledgments

I am forever in debit to my staff at Salvation and Life Outreach Ministries for all their help, patience, and prayers as I pieced together my notes and journals from the last 40 years. I would also mention JoEllen Hay as being a great help, without her typing, copying, doing paste up for art work, the making of this book would have never come to print.

There is one other that gives support and encouragement when I most need it. Many times these past years when I would get down and depressed because of medical problems, she has been there, at every turn supporting, reading and encouraging. Giving scriptural advice seems to flow from her; she seems never to run down, my wife of 44 years, Roberta.

Flow of Contents

Prelude: John’s Message for Today! (A prelude to the commentary)

Chapter 1Introduction, John's cover letter

Chapter 2 and 3The Church Age

Part 1Ephesus

Part 2Smyrna

Part 3Pergamos

Part 4Thyatira

Part 5Sardis

Part 6Philadelphia

Part 7Laodicea

The Church Removed: A Study of the Rapture of the Church

Chapter 4 - 5Things of the Hereafter, Heaven Described

The Tribulation Period, Chapters 6 - 19

Chapter 6The Six Seals, Earth Described

Chapter 7A Pause; Informational

Chapter 8Silence before Judgments, Earth Described

Chapter 9Woes and More Woes, Earth Described

Chapter 10 and 11Angel, Little Book, and Two Witnesses

Chapter 12War everywhere a War, Informational

Chapter 13The Beast and The Prophet, Informational

Chapter 14Announcements and Information

Chapter 15Tribulation's Final Month, The Prelude

Chapter 16The Seven Bowl Judgments Earth Described

Chapter 17The Harlot, Religious Babylon

Chapter 18The Commercial World of Babylon

Chapter 19Shouting Hallelujah, Earth Described

After the Tribulation, Chapters 20 - 22

The Millennium, Chapter 20

Chapter 20Millennium and the Great White Throne

The Eternal State, Chapters 21 and 22

Chapter 21The Ages to Come, After Tribulation

Chapter 22Fullness of Life in the Capital after Tribulation

Questions asked in this commentary

Chapter 1

What do we know about the Apostle John?

Why was John on Patmos?

When was the Book of Revelation written?

Where is the Island of Patmos located?

What does Revelation mean?

What are the main subjects in the Book of Revelation?

What is the purpose of the Book of Revelation?

What are the five facts important to the Book of Revelation?

What is meant "things which must shortly come to pass?

What is meant by the Lord's day?

John sent the Churches three items, what are they?

Is the Book of Revelation for all of the Church?

How many Blessings are mentioned in the Book of Revelation?

What is meant, The time is at hand?

What does the cover letter contain?

Next there is an emphasis on the vision of Jesus Christ, verses 11- 20.

What was John instructed to write?

What do seven stars and seven candlesticks mean?

While on earth, what did Jesus look like?

How does John describe Jesus Christ?

There are seven features of the risen, glorified Lord.

What else in the Greeting do we see?

How does Christ identify Himself?

Is there a divine outline of the Book of Revelation?

Why study about the letters sent to the seven churches?

What are the applications of these letters?

Were these churches real?

How are these letters divided for our understanding?

Chapter's 2 and 3

Part 1 - EPHESUS:  (The Apostolic Age) Revelation 2:1-7; Pentecost to 170 AD

Where was Ephesus?

How does Christ present Himself to this Church?

How was their Church exalted or commended?

What was the condemnation (rebuke) of this Church?

Is forsaking love a sin?

How were they exhorted (inspired)?

What is there Promise?

Part 2 - SMYRNA: (The Age of Persecution) Revelation 2:8-11; 170- 312 AD

Where was Smyrna?

How did Christ present Himself to this church?

How was the church exalted or commended?

Was this church reproved or condemned?

How were they exhorted?

What is their Promise?

Part 3 - PERGAMOS: (The Age of False Doctrine) Revelation 2:12-17; 312- 606 AD

Where was Pergamos?

How does Christ present Himself to this church?

How was the church exalted or commended?

What was the condemnation of this church?

How were they exhorted?

What is the promise?

Part 4 - THYATIRA: (The Age of Darkness) Revelation 2:18-29; 606- 1520 AD

Where is Thyatira?

How does Christ present Himself to this church?

How was the church exalted or commended?

What was the condemnation of this church?

What was the punishment of this seducer?

How were they exhorted?

What is the promise?

Part 5 - SARDIS: (The Age of Reformation) Revelation 3:1-6; 1520- 1750 AD

Where is Sardis?

How does the Lord appear to this church?

How was the church exalted or commended?

What was the condemnation of this church?

How were they exhorted?

What is their promise?

Part 6 - PHILADELPHIA: (The Age of Missions) Revelation 3:7-13; 1750- 1906 AD

Where is/or was the church of Philadelphia located?

How does Christ present Himself to this church?

How was the church exhorted?

How was the church exalted or commended?

What is their promise?

Part 7- LAODICEA: (The Age of Apostasy) Revelation 3:14-21; 1906 to the Present

Where is Laodicea?

How does the Lord present Himself to the Laodicea church?

Was this church exalted or commended?

What was the condemnation of the Laodicean church?

How were the Laodiceans exhorted?

What is their promise?

In conclusion about the Churches:

Chapter’s 4 and 5 - (The Future)

Things of the Hereafter - (The Future)

What is meant by the word hereafter?

How is the rest of the Book of Revelation divided?

Was there a real opening in heaven?

Whose voice did John hear?

Was John raptured?

What did John see and hear at the throne?

What do the words seven spirits of God mean?

What is the sea of glass?

Can we explain the four beast?

Why do the Elders fall down before Him?

THE SEVEN-SEALED SCROLL INTRODUCED - (Chapter 5)

What is the description of the Seven - Sealed Books?

What problem arises with the Book of Revelation?

How is Christ revealed?

As the Lamb is revealed what happens?

What is associated with the song of the Elders?

Do Angels sing?

Chapter 6 - Earth Described

The Six Seals

Are the seals, trumpets and bowls the same or different?

What does the opening of the first seal reveal?

Why does Antichrist make a treaty with Israel?

What does the removal of the second seal reveal?

What does the removal of the third seal reveal?

What does the removal of the fourth seal reveal?

What is revealed by the removal of the fifth seal?

What does the removal of the sixth seal reveal?

Results of the Judgment:

Chapter 7

A Pause

What do the winds mentioned in verse 1 represent?

Who does God use to suspend judgment?

What is the plan of this pause?

How are they sealed?

Who makes up the 144,000?

How long will the 144,000 remain on earth?

Who are the Great Tribulation Saints?

What is the number of this "great multitude''?

What are the nationalities of this crowed?

Chapter 8

Silence before Judgments

What is revealed at the opening of the seventh seal?

What does the silence in heaven indicate?

What is the significance of trumpets in the Holy Scriptures?

Seven Angels are given their trumpets.

Who is this eighth angel?

Who are the Saints whose prayers are being heard here?

What judgment follows the sounding of the first trumpet?

What judgment follows the sounding of the second trumpet?

What judgment follows the sounding of the third trumpet?

What judgment follows the sounding of the fourth trumpet?

Chapter 9

Woes, Woes and More, Woes

What is the first infliction on mankind, (Fifth Trumpet)?

Who or what is the star?

Is his authority limited?

Where do these locusts get released from?

How long are they released for?

How does John describe these uncommon locusts?

What is the second inflection released upon mankind, (Sixth Trumpet)?

For what amount of time are they released?

How are they released?

What are these angels prepared for?

Is the army of two hundred million demonic or human?

What are the characteristics of the horses they ride?

What is meant by the reference of time in verse 15?

What are the four categories of lawlessness, and what do they mean?

Chapters 10 and 11

The unusual Angel, The Scroll, and Two Witnesses

Why is there an interlude between judgments?

What was Spectacular and different about this angel?

What do these characteristics tell us about the identity of this angel?

What happens after the angel cries aloud?

Does time end?

What about this last day causes the angel to confirm an oath?

What are the commands given to John by the voice and the angel holding the little book?

What was the point of this?

What was John’s commission?

THE END OF CHAPTER 10 AND THE BEGINNING OF CHAPTER 11

What action is required of John in the first two verses of Chapter 11?

Who are these Worshippers?

What is known about the outer court of the Gentiles?

Who are the two (2) witnesses?

What will be the conduct and activates of the two witnesses?

How does their ministry end?

How could Jerusalem, the holy city, ever be associated with Sodom and Egypt?

God intervenes.

What happens after the witnesses are translated to heaven?

Woe to those people who remain on the final days of tribulation.

The government shall be upon His shoulders.  Whose shoulders?

What happens in the last verses of Revelation Chapter 11?

Chapter 12

War, war everywhere, a war

ONE: the description of war on earth

What are the two astonishing wonders in this chapter?

What more do we know about this woman?

Some proofs of the 144,000 being the man child:

Why is the woman carried to a desert place?

Who or what are the stars?

What is Satan's intention by waging war on the man- child?

Who is this second woman?

Who is this third woman?

Who is the last woman mentioned in Chapter 19?

The war on Earth is moving to Heaven.

TWO: The description of war in Heaven

Is Satan cast out of heaven?

What is the outcome of this war?

What happens in Heaven when Satan is hurled down to earth?

What does verse 10 mean to us at the present time?

What is the formula to have victory over the devil?

THREE: The war returns back to earth

What is the relation of verse 6, to this continuing war?

Is there asylum for Israel (the woman)?

Is the attack waged by the Antichrist successful against the woman?

What is meant by, Satan's flood will be swallowed up?

Who is the woman's seed, the Remnant?

Chapter 13

The Beast and the Prophet

What is meant by, upon the sand of the sea?

What is the appearance of the beast?

Does the symbolism of the animals identify this Beast with the prophecies of Daniel?

Is this first beast the Anti-Christ?

Who controls the beast (this man)?

Is the Beast's fatal wound, unto death?

Will the entire world worship the Beast?

What are the Antichrist's activities?

What is the authority of the Beast?

What is the appearance of the False Prophet?

What is the purpose of this second beast?

What will the second beast be empowered to do?

An image is created to further punish those who would not worship the first beast.

What are the brands upon worshippers of the Antichrist?

What does the name Antichrist mean?

Which of these Beasts is the Antichrist?

Chapter 14

Announcements and Information

What does Mount Zion represent?

What is the new song being sung?

What is literally meant by not defiled by women and virgins?

What is meant by first fruits?

Why is there no guile found in them?

What is the announcement of the first angel in verse 6?

Everlasting gospel

What is the message the second angel brings?

Again DO NOT take the MARK or WORSHIP the image of the Beast.

Is there a Literal Hell and Lake of fire?

Patience; something we must, and they must have it.

Who are the reapers of the Harvest on Earth?

What is the reason and result of the Harvest?

Why does judgment happen outside the city?

Chapter 15

Tribulation's Final Month, the Prelude

What is the identity of the persons, a sea of glass mingled with fire in verses 1 and 2?

What is their song?

How should we see this Temple?

Who carries out the upcoming plagues?

What does this smoke from the glory of God, mean to us?

Chapter 16

The Seven Bowl Judgments

What is the first (dish) Bowl (verse 2)?

What is the second (dish) Bowl (verse 3)?

What is the third (dish) Bowl (verses 4-7)?

What is the fourth (dish) Bowl (verses 8, 9)?

What is the fifth (dish Bowl (verses 10, 11)?

What is the sixth (dish) Bowl (verses 12-16)?

What is the seventh (dish) Bowl (verses 17-21)?

Why should satanic forces be loosed to destroy the world empire which has just been created?

The end of Chapter 16, what’s ahead?

Chapter 17

The Harlot (Scarlet Woman), Religious Babylon and the Scarlet Beast

Who reveals information about Babylon to John (verse 1)?

What is the Harlot's identity (verse 12)?

How is Religious Babylon supported?

What are the names and descriptions used to identify the harlot?

What is the promise given in verse 7?

What do the seven heads mean?

What is meant by the 10 horns?

How will Religious Babylon be destroyed?

Chapter 18

The Commercial World of Babylon

How are the announcements: of coming Judgment - the call to withdraw from the harlot given?

The appeal to come out is made to whom, (verses 5-8)?

Who are the lovers of this harlot?

Is God's judgment hard to understand?

Who will cry over the destruction of Babylon?

The last word will be from the Martyrs. 

The End of the: Age of the Gentile Empires/Reign.

Chapter 19

Shouting Hallelujah!

Who are they, those around the throne?

The time has come for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb!

Can we understand, The Bride Groom, the Bride, and the others?

What follows the Wedding?

The Bridegroom and the Bride are at the wedding feast who receives the blessing?

Why does John fall prostrate?

Again heaven opens, and out comes Christ. What is about to happen?

What does His semblance (appearance) mean?

What is said for His army?

How does Jesus demonstrate His authority?

How immense will the slaughter be?

Chapter 20

The Millennium starts and the Great White Throne Judgment begins.

Next will be the expulsion (removal), of Satan, from the earth.

Why is he bound?

Can we describe the groups of saint's in verse 4?

When are the wicked dead raised?

Sin presents itself again at Satan’s release.

This seems to be somewhat confusing, and what does it all prove?

When is The Great White Throne Judgment?

Who is the Judge?

Who are those standing before the Lord in this judgment?

By what right do these get judged?

Why will Jesus consider the works, good and bad, of those before the White Throne?

Chapter 21

The Ages to Come

What can be said about the New City and those living in it?

What do we know about the New Jerusalem?

There is a New Heaven and a New Earth.

Where does the New City come from?

What are the characteristics of this New City?

What is the description of this New City?

Facts about the twelve tribes of Israel:

INFORMATION ABOUT EACH GATE:

The First Gate (Judah):

The Second Gate (Reuben):

The Third Gate (Gad):

The Fourth Gate (Asher):

The Fifth Gate (Naphtali):

The Sixth Gate (Manasseh):

The Seventh Gate (Simeon):

The Eighth Gate (Levi):

The Ninth Gate (Issachar):

The Tenth Gate (Zebulon):

The Eleventh Gate (Joseph):

The Twelfth Gate (Benjamin):

With information about the meaning of the gates shared let’s continue.

Will anything impure enter into the New Jerusalem?

How many will live in this glorious city?

Chapter 22

Fullness of Life in the Capital

What more do we know concerning the descriptions of the City?

The completeness of Paradise:

What will we do in Heaven for all eternity?

Who will obtain forgiveness for their sins? How?

How long will the Saints of God regain with Him?

Can we understand what it means, "Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy?

What does it mean to keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book?

WORDS OF COMFORT AND OF CAUTION:

Comfort - verse 6

Comfort - verse 7

Comfort - verses 8, 9

Comfort - verses 10, 11

Comfort - verses 12, 13

Comfort - verses 14, 15

Comfort - verses 16, 17

Caution - verse 18

Caution - verse 19

Some closing thoughts:

Credits

The Book of Revelation – John’s Message for Today!

A prelude to the commentary, John Wrote about It

Introduction to John’s Message for Today

As I write this prelude to the commentary, John Wrote About it, I want to state that I believe we (Christians in particular) in the United States of America need to prepare now before the events described in the Book of Revelation begin. Yes even before the advent of the, son of perdition is revealed. It is my belief that prior to these events unfolding - the United States of America will suffer some sort of; 1) terror attack, 2) economic or 3) civil unrest in order for this nation to be unable to act as a defender of Democracy to nations overseas and a protector to the nation of Israel. We need to prepare NOW! The Word of God says, for us to be wise, so as we study let us prepare our hearts spiritually and physically prepare our families for what God has set in motion since the time of the Garden.

This book (The Revelation) has perplexed readers for almost 2,000 years. Over the centuries it has been one of the world’s most misunderstood and misinterpreted books. Yet it need not be so. The fundamental message of the Book of Revelation is simple. It promises that God will institute universal peace, prosperity, and cooperation over all the earth immediately after the return of Jesus Christ. The rapture of the church (His Bride) – had occurred previously and the Great Tribulation has passed as well as the battle of Armageddon. The Book of Revelation reveals how this wonderful new world will be established and why it will never be destroyed or superseded by any other way of life or social order.

The Book of Revelation also describes an incredibly deceptive alliance of internationally powerful political and religious entities attempting to prevent Jesus’ reign from ever being established. Their opposition to Him and His saints will result in a time of international turmoil and suffering unlike anything the world has ever seen. The terrifying weapons developed and manufactured using modern technology are an indication that the terrible time of trouble may be much nearer than we think. Nations have already stockpiled more than enough weapons to annihilate all human life from the face of the earth. Rogue nations increasingly gain the ability to produce and use horrifying weapons of mass destruction.

Even more frightful are terrorist groups, unable to attain their goals by conventional arms or diplomacy, that now have access to many other types of deadly weapons. Respected advisers on international security warn that the danger of nuclear or chemical weapons being used by rogue nations or terrorist groups grows ever higher. Nuclear weapons are only one of several means of mass destruction available to unscrupulous leaders and terrorists bent on achieving their ends by any means, including mass carnage. A nation does not have to have a nuclear strike on the ground to be effective; it could be detonated above in the atmosphere to cause severe catastrophic damage to infrastructure as in an EMP.

The Book of Revelation presents us with good news and bad news about the future, giving us both aspects of the picture. On the one hand it describes the terrifying tools of destruction our advanced technology will produce - and a deceived humanity will use - at the end of this age. But it also reveals how the living God, the Creator of the universe, will intervene to prevent the annihilation of humankind. It further reveals the wonderful time of peace and a transformed world that will follow those horrible days.

You need to understand God’s description of what lies ahead and what it means to you. You need to understand how you can be a part of the good news He reveals about the future. Once you grasp the message of Revelation, you, too, will see that it contains the most remarkable message of hope ever written. Its fundamental message is plain and its conclusion certain.

Keys to Understanding Revelation

Most people believe that this final book of the Bible cannot be understood at all - that its language and symbols are too confusing to make sense, that is just not true.

The Book of Revelation puts many of the earlier prophecies of the Bible into an understandable context and reveals a much needed framework for prophecies relating to the end of the age. It accomplishes this partly through the use of symbols and figurative language that relates directly to some of the Bible’s other prophetic writings. For example, the prophetic book of Daniel uses similar language and symbols. Many of its visions and figures of speech are clearly explained. But God revealed to Daniel that the meanings of others were to remain mysteriously unknown until the time of the end. Then they, too, would be understood.

Revelation contains many fundamental keys to that understanding, and the Book of Daniel contains keys that help us understand the Book of Revelation. Notice Daniel’s explanation of one of his visions: Daniel 12:8, 9 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, ‘My lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Contrast this with God’s purpose for the Book of Revelation. God the Father gave the prophecies contained in the Book of Revelation to His Son, Jesus Christ. He passed it to Jesus in the form of a scroll sealed with seven seals. (Revelation 5:1) But as John, who wrote the book under God’s inspiration, tells us in his concluding chapter, an angel specifically commanded him, Revelation 22:10 Then he instructed me, Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near."

John explains that after God the Father gave the Book of Revelation to Christ (Messiah) Jesus then broke those seals and opened the scroll Revelation 5:1-5 Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who was sitting on the throne. There was writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll, and it was sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it? But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it. Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. But one of the twenty-four Elders said to me, Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals".

Here is the key to understanding the Book of Revelation. Jesus alone can unlock the meaning of its symbols, visions, and descriptions. The first verse of this book announces that it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him, Revelation 1:1. Christ reveals its meaning. He unlocks its seals. But how does He do it? Two factors are crucial:

First, the keys to unlocking the content of seven seals must be explained by Jesus Himself in His own words.

Second, the Bible tells us that 2 Timothy 3:16 all Scripture is given by inspiration of God… Therefore we can expect clarification of some symbols in the book of Revelation in other parts of God’s inspired Word.

By relying on the Bible’s own consistent interpretations of its symbols and figurative language, we can have confidence that our understanding is based on God’s inspired Word rather than on our own opinions (2 Peter 1:20, 21). After all, revealed knowledge is what the Book of Revelation is all about.

Remember, God told Daniel that some of the things revealed to him in visions were sealed, hidden until the time of the end. But then He added: Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. At the time of the end, God intends that those He calls the wise will understand these prophecies.

Who are the Wise in God’s Sight?

Those who scorn the concept that the Bible is divinely inspired and choose to see its symbols as contradictory and confusing are not wise. They perceive no value in them. Because they scoff at the idea of God’s inspiration, they are blind to prophetic understanding. They choose to be ignorant of what God reveals about the future (2 Peter 3:3-7).

On the other hand, God tells us that those who respect Him and keep His commandments are the ones who are truly wise. As the Scriptures explain: Psalm 111:10 The fear (respectful awe), of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding has all those who do His commandments… Scripture also tells us that Psalm 19:7 the instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

As I stated prior the Book of Revelation gives us many of the keys that unlock prophetic understanding because it faithfully follows the principle that the Bible interprets itself. Therefore, only those who believe that the Bible is inspired by God and trust what it says will be able to understand the significance of what is revealed in the Book of Revelation.

What are the main subjects in the Book of Revelation? There are five (5) things or events, (main subjects) about which this book is written. They are:

Events of the whole Church age - Revelation chapters1 through 3

Events occurring in Heaven - Revelation chapters 4 and 5

Events of the future tribulation of Daniel's 70th week - Revelation chapters 6 through 19

Events of the Millennium - Revelation chapter 20

Events of the Eternal New Heaven and New Earth - Revelation chapters 21 and 22

Some of the understanding began in the days of the apostles. One of the stated purposes for the Book of Revelation was to reveal to the servants of God Revelation 1:1 things which must shortly take place. So some aspects of this Revelation applied directly to Christians in the final days of the Apostle John’s ministry. Christ instructed John to record Revelation 1:19:

The things which you have seen - his visions and their puzzling symbols

The things which are – information relating to the Church at that time

The things which will take place after this - prophecies extending far into the future

Before we examine these keys to the present and future, we need to understand the circumstances under which this prophetic book was given to the apostle John. First let’s look at the flow of the Book of Revelation.

THE FLOW OF REVELATION

Seven Seals

Religious deception (Revelation 6:1, 2; compare Matthew 24:4, 5, 11, 23-25)

War (Revelation 6:3, 4; compare Matthew 24:6, 7)

Famine (Revelation 6:5, 6; compare Matthew 24:7)

Disease epidemics (Revelation 6:7, 8; compare Matthew 24:7)

Tribulation and persecution (Revelation 6:9-11; compare Matthew 24:8-12, 21, 22)

Heavenly signs (Revelation 6:12-17; compare Matthew 24:29)

Silence for a period of time also trumpets start to blow (Revelation 8:1)

Seven Trumpets

Hail, fire and destruction of vegetation (Revelation 8:7)

Devastation of oceans and sea life (Revelation 8:8, 9)

Devastation of rivers and fresh water (Revelation 8:10, 11)

Sun, moon and stars darkened (Revelation 8:12)

Torturous human afflictions (Revelation 9:1-12)

Enormous military destruction (Revelation 9:13-19)

Seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1; 16:1-21)

Seven Bowls

Ugly and painful sore on those with the mark (Revelation 16:2)

Everything in the seas die (Revelation 16:3)

Rest of the rivers become blood (Revelation 16:4-7)

Sun scorches inhabitants of the earth with fire (Revelation 16:8, 9)

Men gnaw their tongues and curse God because of sores (Revelation 16:10, 11)

River Euphrates dried up and evil spirits released (Revelation 16:12-16)

Flashes of lightning, rumblings, thunder and a severe earthquake (Revelation 16:17)

STORY FLOW OF EACH CHAPTER

ChapterStory Flow

1 Introduction

2-3 Message to the seven churches

4-5Prelude- setting

6 First six seals

7 144,000 and the great multitude

8-10 Seventh seal opened: The trumpet plagues start

11 The two witnesses

12 The true Church

13 The two beasts

14 The three messages

15-16 The seven last plagues

17-18 The false church

19 The return of Jesus Christ

20 The Millennium

21-22 The new heaven and new earth

Several chapters in the Book of Revelation are informational. Although most of the book’s chapters flow in chronological order, these chapters describe background events and conditions.

THE RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL SETTING OF REVELATION

Within the confines of the ancient Roman Empire, Christianity began in an era of relative peace. The emperors of the time generally followed a policy of liberal religious acceptance. This enabled early Christians to evangelize far and wide, both throughout and beyond the empire.

But the situation gradually changed. The Romans introduced and enforced emperor worship in the empire. Suddenly Christians found themselves in an intolerable situation. Jesus, not the emperor, was their ultimate master. They understood that the Scriptures prohibited the worship of anything or anyone besides the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Soon incredible pressures were brought to bear on them to participate in the holidays, games, and ceremonies honoring the reigning emperor as a god.

Their refusal to participate in emperor worship put them into direct conflict with the authorities at all levels of the Roman hierarchy. By the time the Book of Revelation was written, many Christians had already been executed because of their beliefs. Christians everywhere, especially in Asia Minor, encountered wide-ranging ridicule and persecution.

Adding to Christians’ plight, Roman officials, after Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 A.D, ceased to view Christians as just another sect of the Jewish people. The religious tolerance Rome had extended to them disappeared. Christians were now often regarded as a subversive and potentially dangerous religious group. Rome saw their teachings of a coming kingdom and a powerful new king as a threat to the stability of the empire.

By this time Emperor Nero had already falsely branded Christians as the perpetrators of the great fire in Rome. Their future looked grim. During a later wave of persecution near the end of the first century, the apostle John - who was imprisoned on the island of Patmos near the coast of Asia Minor - explained that he also was suffering persecution. He stated that he was their companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ Revelation 1:9.

John fully understood the stress they endured. Yet he reminded them of their goal - to endure opposition and abuse until Jesus the Messiah returned to permanently deliver His servants from persecution and grant them salvation from harsh governments.

This is the context in which Jesus revealed to John when and how this satanic persecution, already responsible for the murder of loyal and faithful servants, would be permanently stopped. He pointed out that the roots of the problem go back to the beginning of humankind to the birthplace of the age of man so filled with human sin and evil.

The Arch – the Deceiver

In the Garden of Eden, man first encountered that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9; Genesis 3:1). The deception of that evil cherub (now a demonic being) has been so successful that most people scoff at the idea that the devil even exists. But the writers of the Holy Scriptures regarded his existence and power as an unquestionable reality. They reveal him as the unseen driving influence behind evil and suffering. The Book of Revelation sums up the devil’s impact, not just on Christians but on all mankind, from the time of John until the return of Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation.

It reveals that the ancient conflict between the forces of good and evil will be resolved. As noted earlier in this chapter, John told early Christians that the Book of Revelation includes both the things which are, and the things which will take place after this Revelation 1:19. Its prophetic fulfillments began in the days of the apostles and extend to our day and beyond.

The Day of the Lord in Prophecy

Most of John’s visions focus on that time mentioned by God’s prophets throughout the Scriptures as the Day of the Lord, also known as the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ, and here in the Book of Revelation, the Lord’s Day. (Revelation 1:10; compare Isaiah 13:6; Joel 2:31; Zephaniah 1:14; Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:2)

Paul plainly spoke of this prophesied time: For you yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3.

Some people assume that when John said he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day in (Revelation 1:10), he was referring to worshipping on a day of the week. But the context of Revelation clearly shows that John was not referring to worshipping on a day of the week but to experiencing a vision of the coming Day of the Lord mentioned directly or indirectly in more than 50 passages in the Old and New Testaments.

Some have indicated that the Lord’s Day refers to the first day of the week. However, the word ‘Lord’s’ is an adjective and this expression is never used in the Bible to refer to the first day of the week. John was probably referring to the Day of the Lord, as stated before, a familiar expression in both Old and New Testaments. He was projected forward - in his inner self - in a vision, not bodily, to that future day of the Lord when God will pour out His judgments on the earth. Be sure to understand this meaning is made clear by John to his readers – it is a time when God deals with sinners not Christ’s Bride (the church). John was referring to the prophetic time. A time in the future - that is the primary subject of the Book of Revelation.

John specifically tells us that what he wrote is prophecy. (Revelation 1:3; 22:7, 10, 18 and 19) Therefore, John is merely explaining that in the Spirit - in divinely inspired visions - he was mentally transported to the coming Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is described throughout the Scriptures as a time of God’s direct intervention in human affairs. It is a time of His judgment on His adversaries - on those who defy His correction and refuse His commandments. Isaiah succinctly sums up the Day of the Lord: Wail, for the Day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty Isaiah 13:6.

Who is the object of the destruction? Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it Isaiah 13:9. As Jeremiah explained: … This is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, that He may avenge Himself on His adversaries Jeremiah 46:10. Notice the prophet Zephaniah’s description of the time of God’s intervention: The great day of the Lord is near; it is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the Day of the Lord is bitter; there the mighty men because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like refuse Zephaniah 1:14-17.

Notice how John describes the awesome events that follow the sixth seal of Revelation: Revelation 6:17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand? Just before this, the martyred servants of God are represented as symbolically crying out from their graves: Revelation 6:10 How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? Later in this book of prophecy an angel is sent with the message: Revelation 14:6, 7 Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come… Then, near the end of the book, John records more details of Christ’s second coming: Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war Revelation 19:11.

Hundreds of years before John put these prophecies from the Book of Revelation in writing, the prophet Zechariah graphically described Christ’s return: Behold, the day of the Lord is coming … I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem … Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord (Jesus, the prophesied Messiah) will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south Zechariah 14:1-4 (words in parentheses are mine). At the end of this battle the Lord shall be King over all the earth… Zechariah 14:9.

From these scriptures the main thrust of the Book of Revelation becomes clear. It portrays in vivid symbols the judgment of God in the last days - at, and just before, the return of Christ. He will oversee the final destruction of the satanic system labeled in Revelation as Babylon the Great.

THE REAL ISSUE: WHO SHALL THEY WORSHIP?

At the heart of the end-time conflict is a crucial question: Who will mankind worship - Satan or God? Notice the religious orientation of most of humanity: So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’ Revelation 13:4

How extensive will this idolatrous worship be? All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life … Revelation 13:8 Even now, almost everyone on earth is unwittingly 1 John 5:19 under the sway of the wicked one - Revelation 12:9 that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan who deceives the whole world. Satan’s direct control over humanity will dramatically intensify at the time of the end.

Man is not left without a warning, however. John records his vision of an angel having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people; saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth…’ Revelation 14:6, 7

God sends a clear message through the Book of Revelation: The time draws near when He will no longer tolerate humanity’s rejection of Him or its worship of the devil. Satan’s system of idolatrous worship must be wiped from the face of the earth before Christ begins His rule as King of Kings.

The Pleas of God’s People are answered

The temple in Jerusalem was the center of ancient Israel’s worship of God. God’s presence was manifested there (2 Chronicles 5:13, 14). In the book of Revelation, God is frequently portrayed as seated in a Heavenly Temple on His Throne (anciently represented by the mercy seat above the Ark of the Covenant in the holiest part of the earthly temple).

As he watches angels dispense some of the final punishments mentioned in this book, the apostle John notes that a loud voice came out of the Temple of Heaven, from the Throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ Revelation 16:17.

An angel had told John earlier, Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there Revelation 11:1. Inside the Temple, God is pictured as receiving the prayers of His servants. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne Revelation 8:3.

What prayer does God hear from His servants (those who die during the Great Tribulation) over and over again? Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Revelation reveals the circumstances under which those who are killed during the Great Tribulation, these worshippers of God will finally have that prayer for justice answered in full. John quotes Jesus promising His servants: Revelation 3:12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the Temple of My God … I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem… The tables finally will turn. God’s faithful servants will be the real winners. God will greatly reward them for their patience and endurance while they wait for Him to fulfill His promises and answer their prayers during and after the Great Tribulation.

As God intervenes in world affairs and makes His great power visible to the nations, these true worshippers are represented in the Book of Revelation as joyfully singing: Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested Revelation 15:3, 4.

REVELATION’S PATTERNS OF SEVENS

Another noticeable feature of the Book of Revelation is its organization according to patterns of sevens. The first chapter alone mentions seven churches, seven golden lamp-stands, seven spirits, seven stars, and seven angels.

The major events of the book are organized under seven seals, seven trumpets and seven bowls containing the seven last plagues. We also encounter seven lamps of fire and a Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes. Then there is a dragon dominating a beast having seven heads and 10 horns. Seven mountains and seven kings are associated with the heads of that beast. What do the messages conveyed by the repeated use of seven have in common? In the Bible the number seven reflects the idea of completeness. For example, seven days make up a complete week. God introduced this concept immediately after He finished creating our first human parents: By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done Genesis 2:2, 3.

This Book of Revelation explains how God will bring His master plan to completion. It outlines a framework on which the prophetic part of that plan is carried out, especially in the last days. The representation of completeness is also important in understanding the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3. When we compare these symbolic expressions in the Book of Revelation to imagery in other parts of the Bible, a much more meaningful picture emerges.

In this prophetic book, God is revealing to His servants a comprehensive overview of the most significant factors that will affect their lives - including their hardships and rewards - until His plan for humankind is completed. The concluding chapters 21 and 22 even give the righteous a brief glimpse into the nature of their relationships with God and each other for eternity. God emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of this revealed prophetic summary by presenting its most significant aspects in patterns of sevens.

Although biblical patterns of sevens are symbolic in that they represent completeness, they also usually have some real, literal fulfillment. For example, God gave the Pharaoh of ancient Egypt a dream in which seven lean cows ate seven fat cows. Then God arranged for Joseph to explain to Pharaoh that the dream signified that seven years of agricultural plenty would be followed by seven years of devastating famine. By revealing this information to Pharaoh in a dream, God inspired him to promote Joseph to a powerful role in Egypt. Joseph was then in a position to shelter and feed his father’s family - a small clan destined to become the nation of Israel - during the terrible years of famine. God was in control of the dream and its outcome.

In the same way God can foretell the result of any aspect of history, He can intervene to bring events to pass as He desires. (Isaiah 46:9, 10) He can reveal details about the future with unwavering accuracy and precision. So we should not carelessly assume, as some do, that the patterns of sevens in Revelation have only symbolic value. They generally foretell real events and should be taken seriously.

The Role of the Saints

When John wrote the Book of Revelation, Christians were being persecuted, at times martyred, with the approval of the Roman emperors. The Book of Revelation frequently contrasts the injustice of the age by emphasizing the future governing role of both the Messiah and the saints. This is another important aspect of this prophetic book. The identity of who will have future control of the world is one of the central features of its prophecies.

At the return of Christ we learn: Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such, the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. In the final chapter, we read that God’s faithful servants, given eternal life in the resurrection, Revelation 22:5 shall reign forever and ever. Also significant is where they will initially assist Jesus in their governing role. "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on