Apocalypse: Confirming Armageddon

By Dennis LaValley

The doomsday sensationalists have long dominated the market with their tales of war, famines, and earthquakes; the most colorful and dramatic have added fuel to the flames of deception. They are still prying on the vulnerable with their tales of the end of the world.
Are you tired of people who down play your intelligence with forecasts that have little or no basis in scripture? "The Apocalypse: Confirming Armageddon" has the answers with truths previously clouded with false teaching. Discover the thread of continuity and strength permeating Revelation’s pages. See how it blends with the rest of the scriptures in many interesting allegories, and attracts us with compelling truths. You will feel a sense of security, for reasons you may not fully understand, and you no longer need to be intimidated or bewildered by its style and symbolism.
If you feel frustrated by those exploiting Revelation but have felt inadequate in defending it; you now have something to back you up. Agree or disagree, it will strengthen your faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dennis LaValley
• Release date: Sep 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005048471

Dennis LaValley

Since his first sermon in 1969, Dennis LaValley has challenged all things Biblical and has demanded scriptural authority for all Bible teaching. He has preached in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Texas, New York, and California. In Anaheim, California he spent four years as director of the education department and the bus program. From there, he preached in Lake Elsinore and Huntington Beach, California. He has now retired to spend time in study, writing, and lecturing where he can use his unique ability to express difficult scriptures in simple terms.

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Chapter 1: The First Century Church

After Jesus’ resurrection, there was much confusion, many rumors, and the constant mocking that Jesus was dead (thus implying that his teaching was dead also). One of Revelation’s first tasks would be to confirm that Jesus was still alive and involved with the churches. No one had seen him for over thirty years and increasing doubts were beginning to destroy the new church.

Therefore, before John begins the main body of his letter, he wants to make the purpose of Revelation clear. The first two verses are a preface to his greeting and do just that.

The Revelation

(1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John, (2) who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (Rev 1:1-2)

The first five words tell us that the book of Revelation is "The revealing of Jesus Christ"; it revels the prophecies about Jesus.

The next five words tell us who gave Jesus these revelations. Which God gave unto him.

Jesus said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (John 7:16) Jesus also said, "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. (John 12:49-50)

The next five words tell us what Jesus was to do with these revelations. To show unto his servants.

Jesus selected twelve apostles with whom he would spend his ministry. He taught them day and night as they traveled from place-to-place teaching about the kingdom.

The next seven words tell us when these revelations were to be completed, things which must shortly come to pass.

The prophecies about Jesus were all fulfilled at or before Pentecost except for the destruction of Jerusalem, which would shortly come to pass.

The last thirteen words tell us that John has full authority to write them down. And he sent and signified it by his servant John who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (Rev 1:1-2)

When was Revelation written?

There are two schools of thought about the writing of Revelation; one places it at the end of the reign of Nero, (about 65AD) when many were released from exile in Patmos. The other places it at the end of the reign of Domitian, (about 95AD), also a time when many were released from exile in Patmos.

If we accept the earlier date of 65AD, then the destruction of Jerusalem was only four or five years away (69-70AD) and would be the prophecy that was about to come to pass. (Rev 1: 1) it was at hand, (Rev 1:3) Jesus would come in the clouds to destroy the temple, (Rev 1:7) it would shortly be done, (Rev 22:6), the time is at hand, (Rev 22:10) "surely I come quickly. (Rev 22:20) (See also Mat 24:34-44)

If all the prophecies about and by Jesus were fulfilled except the last one (the destruction of Jerusalem) it would explain why the destruction of Jerusalem is not described anywhere in the book (it had not happened yet). It is only mentioned, as an unfulfilled event that was shortly to come to pass.

However, If Revelation was written after the destruction of the temple (95AD) then what was the revelation that was shortly to come to pass? And why is there no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem, (the last prophecy made by Jesus)? Certainly, an event of such a major impact on the Jews would warrant at least a passing comment.

Man thinks within the framework of his existence. If he were told that something was shortly to come to pass, or near at hand, he would expect to see it soon, perhaps within the next few hours, days, weeks, years, or at least within his generation. He certainly would not consider over two thousand years as being shortly to come to pass.

(3) Blessed is he that reads, 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)

There is a blessing to those that read and understand the things revealed. But the only way the reader could get a blessing from this text is if everything described happened before he died. No one can read and understand something not revealed until two thousand years or more after his death.

When Jesus made his prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem he said, Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Mat 24:34) When we understand this Revelation does not seem so difficult or confusing.

If we accept that Revelation focuses on the first century and the transition from Judaism to Christianity, the logical progression of scripture falls comfortably into place and provides a blessing to all who read it.

Many of those who had followed Jesus into the new kingdom were starting to question their choice. They wanted answers. Revelation supplies those answers.

The Greeting

(4) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; (5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. (Rev 1:4-5)

There is no question who the author of Revelation is. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. (2Tim 3:16) However, there is some question about who God used to pen the words. The writer identifies himself simply as John.

Nevertheless, we don't have to know the actual writer; the message is the same regardless of who wrote it. However, we do know that the man who penned it was a man who was a brother and companion in tribulation and the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. Even so, God was the actual author.

The book is addressed to seven churches in Asia. Jesus has selected these seven churches to represent all the churches. The number seven is recognized as meaning completeness or perfection. (See Appendix A)

John begins the main body of his letter in verse 4 by bringing greetings from three sources.

1)… The first is God:

whom he describes as him which is, and which was, and which is to come.

2)… The second is the seven spirits:

which John later defines in chapter four verse five as seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.

3)… Third, the greeting is from Jesus Christ:

Who is the faithful witness.

The greeting is from the Father, the Spirit, and the Son. These three represent the completeness of God; In the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Mat 28:19) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1John 5:7) John begins by confirming that his vision has the full approval of the Godhead.

When Jesus was baptized, God spoke from heaven saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Mat 17:5) Now was the time for the world to hear Jesus.

Jesus overcame death by His resurrection, and now rules as the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. (6) And has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev 1:5-6)

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:7) Paul said, But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1Cor 6:11)

Once we have been cleansed in the blood of Jesus, we become a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1Pet 2:9) He made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; John says:

(7) Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: And all kindred of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Rev 1:7)

The last prophecy Jesus made was the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. John’s description of Jesus’ coming is almost word for word as Jesus said. And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven … (Mat 24:30, 26:64. Mark 13:26, 14:62) this coming will complete the fulfillment of all the prophecies about Jesus, and it was to shortly come to pass.

(8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev 1:8)

Alpha is the first letter, and Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. This statement would be like our saying he is the A to Z, the first and last and all in between. Jesus is he which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Jesus is eternal.

(9) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev 1;9)

John acknowledges his kinship to his brothers and sisters in Christ. He is a companion and fellow sufferer for Christ, yet, he has not lost hope, and he encourages his readers to hold fast and be patient.

John received his vision while on the Isle of Patmos for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. He may have been there in exile, but, even if so, this did not stop him from preaching and teaching. The apostles were at the forefront of the battle for Christianity and proved they were more than capable, standing strong and speaking boldly for Christ in the face of danger and threats.

When Peter and John spoke with boldness, it disturbed the Jewish council who forbade them from preaching in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye? (Acts 4:19) It was because of the boldness and perseverance of the early Christians that we have the church today.

The Vision Begins

John had a vision that Sunday morning which would drastically change his life, and the lives of all who would experience it through his writing. The message John received was not from man; it could only be by a revelation from heaven. John wrote:

(10) I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, (11) Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, what thou see, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Rev 1:10-11)

John was in the spirit because the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1Cor 2:14)

John was not seeing with his physical eyes, but with his spiritual eyes. He received the vision on the Lord’s Day (the first day of the week), which was a special day to the Christian in much the same way the Sabbath was to the Israelites.

John heard a great voice that boomed out, like the sound of a trumpet calling the people together in the town square for an important announcement. He listened intently as the voice spoke specifically to him with instructions to write seven letters.

Jesus must convince his followers that, he was still with them and was aware of their struggles. He addresses the letters to individual churches, but they are contained in a book, so each church can read all the letters. They should recognize the status of their church and some of the neighboring churches, thus reassuring them that Jesus was very much involved in his church. He knows what is going on.

(12) And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks. (13) And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. (Rev 1:12-13)

Of all the wonders before him, the first thing that catches John’s attention is seven golden candlesticks. Should he take this scene literally or symbolically? If John was confused, the spirit makes it clear in Verse 20 when he says, The seven candlesticks which thou saw are the seven churches.

John is seeing a symbol of the whole Christian Church sparkling in the light of Jesus’ presence." (Reference Matthew 5:14-16)

We are candles and the churches are the candlesticks. We belong in the church so that we might shed our light on the whole world. These symbols complement each other perfectly.

The churches, represented by candlesticks, do not produce light; they merely hold the candles, which provide the light. It is the lamps, the Spirit of God, which shines forth. The churches illuminate the world through the teachings of God, in our lives. Can you imagine the light of millions of candles (Christians) reaching out to the lost with the warming message of God’s love? What a beautiful picture John paints for us.

Under the Old Law God had commanded the Israelites, And thou shall make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side. (Exo 25:31-32) The seven candles were joined by the branches into one candlestick.

The light of God’s word under the Old Law was through one candlestick. There was only one high priest and only one temple, the source of all that pertained to the law and God. Everyone had to journey to the temple in Jerusalem at least once a year to worship.

Under the New Testament, there are still seven candlesticks representing the total teaching of God, but each stands independent on its own candlestick and directly accountable to God.

The Jewish leadership had fallen away. But by separating the congregations in the new kingdom, one could fall away without destroying the others. They were isolated from that error and could maintain their integrity. (See Revelation 2:5)

These verses reveal that the new kingdom would consist of smaller, more intimate groups working together as one, united through Christ and his word.

This separation was necessary if the new kingdom was to be worldwide. Christians from all over the world could not all pilgrimage to Jerusalem every year to worship God.

The Jews were already starting to feel the pressure of this need because of their dispersion. Their solution was to establish synagogues in local cities. These synagogues did not exist at the end of the Old Testament but came into being during the four hundred years between the testaments.

The splendor of the golden candlesticks was great, but there was yet something greater. John now sees a figure that appears to be a man arrayed in clothing like that of a high priest. However, this was not just a man; rather it was one like unto the son of man. This is a statement of genealogy used in both the old and new testaments.

God applied it to Ezekiel, when he said, son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. (Eze 2:1) Ezekiel was a son of man because he was born of a woman. God is pointing out his humanity. Jesus used it of himself when he asked his disciples, saying, who do men say that I the son of man am? (Mat 16:13) Jesus was a son of man because he was born of a woman. These verses point out and confirm his humanity. Jesus was one hundred percent man and one hundred percent God. (The term Son of man occurs 196 times in the King James Bible, and it always refers to someone born of a woman.)

Jesus wanted to work closely with mankind to set up his kingdom, so the creator became human from the point of conception. Jesus was born and raised on earth. (Reference Hebrews 2:14-18)

Knowing that Jesus was amongst the church must have been a comfort to a persecuted church, struggling to survive in a hostile world; Jesus was alive and with them. Remember one of the tasks of Revelation was to confirm that Jesus was still involved with the faithful.

In the book of Acts, Luke describes how Jesus had left them, and was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9) No one had seen him since. If any thought that Jesus was no longer involved in the churches, he was about to set them straight. He was keeping his promise. Although he was not physically present on the earth, he was spiritually among them.

While Jesus walked this earth, he wore a simple one-piece garment of common cloth, the clothing of a servant. But Jesus had to become our high priest to fulfill his mission, therefore, John now sees Jesus in the attire of a high priest. Jesus was girt about the paps with a golden girdle. This girdle is not a belt, it is worn about the chest and is like the one described in Exodus for the high priest: And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen." (Exo 28:8)

Notice the power of these verses. Jesus was not from the tribe of Levi, therefore, could not be a high priest under the Old Law. He could only be a high priest because he was called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 5:10) (Reference Hebrews 7:1-14)

Those who had left the Old Law to follow Jesus would now see that Jesus had also left the old law. They understood that if there was a change of the priesthood, there must be of necessity a change also of the law.

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there arises another priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifies, thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 7:15-17) (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord swore and will not repent, thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.) (Heb 7:21)

For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Heb 7:28)

Those who had converted wanted to know if they had done the right thing. Knowing that Jesus was in the robes of the high priest, would confirm the end of the Old Law and the reality of the New Testament with Jesus as the new high priest.

(14) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire. (Rev 1:14)

The head represents authority. The apostle Paul said Jesus, is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Col 1:18) He also said, But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. (1Cor 11:3)

The white signifies purity. When Daniel described God he said, I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool. (Dan 7:9) This description is remarkably like what John just gave.

The phrase white as snow, is the same one that God used when talking to the Israelites. Isaiah wrote, Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (Isa 1:18) God equated red with sin, and white with purity, a comparison used consistently throughout the Bible.

Jesus had lived a sinless life and was now glowing in the white of purity. If you live in an area where there is snow in the winter, you have probably experienced waking up in the morning to a fresh snowfall. If you got up early enough and went outside, you would see that the open fields are blanketed in a layer of fresh, pure white snow, glistening in the morning sun; it is often so bright that you can’t look at it without squinting. There is a bright clean briskness, but even that is dimmed in the presence of Jesus.

The eyes of Jesus were as a flame of fire, a symbol common to the old and the new testaments, signifying trials, purging, and judgment. There is nothing hidden from his view, no secret sin that we can commit, no thought he does not know. The eyes of Jesus burn like a flame of fire as he looks deep into our hearts and discerns our intent and purpose.

(15) And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. (Rev 1:15)

In the first century, fine brass was expensive and used mainly for mirrors. They would purge the brass to a high degree of purity, and then highly polish it. Purity is the key here, the purity of the feet that brings the pure gospel. The apostle Paul told the Ephesians to have their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. (Eph 6:15) He also said, As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom 10:15)

The feet of Jesus walked extensively to bring the gospel to as many as possible. The fine brass represents the purity of both the man and his message, For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15)

When Jesus spoke, his voice was as the sound of many waters. Later the Spirit explains the symbol of the waters saying they are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (See Revelation 17:15) Thus the sound of many waters would refer to the fact that Jesus spoke to each in their native language and should remind us of Pentecost when the apostles were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) They were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another … we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:7-11)

16) And he had in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance was as the sun shines in his strength. (Rev 1:16)

These are not seven literal stars. This whole verse is symbolic, as are the other verses around it. And, as always, God pre-defined the star symbol.

Joseph had a dream in which the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars made obeisance to him. (See Genesis 37:9-10) Jacob did not have any problem identifying the symbols. He was the sun, his wife was the moon, and his sons were the stars. Jacob did not come to this conclusion through man’s opinion but by God’s revelation.

These symbols represent Jacob and his children, who became the leaders of the twelve tribes. Thus, the star symbol represents a human spiritual leader or messenger. (See Revelation 1:20) God protects these messengers in his right hand, the hand of strength and honor.

From Jesus’ mouth went a two-edged sword. This was not a literal two-edged sword (this whole scene is still symbolic). It represents the word of God. The Apostle Paul says we should take with us the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 6:17) The writer of Hebrews points out, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12)

With a single-edged sword, you had to constantly turn the blade to place the cutting edge toward the opponent, but this would not be required with a two-edged sword, thus it had a definite advantage, and would be a fitting symbol for the word of God, which cuts in all directions.

John continues his description by saying that Jesus’ countenance was as the sun shines in his strength. Matthew said that when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Mat 17:2) Doesn’t that sound like what John is seeing now?

(17) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not. I am the first and the last. (Rev 1:17)

John was so overwhelmed at the sight of the glorified Jesus that he fainted. Then, in loving care, Jesus reached out to him with the touch of his right hand, the hand of honor, and removed his fears.

This first chapter reveals that Jesus is alive and well. Nevertheless, Jesus removes any remaining doubt when he says:

(18) I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Rev 1:18)

Jesus’ enemies thought they had killed him, but he now lives. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1Cor 15:55) Paul confirmed, But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. (1Cor 15:20)

When Jesus rose from the grave, he took possession of the key to hell and of death, which had been held by Satan up to that time.

(19) Write the things which thou have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. (Rev 1:19)

John was told to write all the things he had seen so far in this vision and all the things