Revelation Chapter 4‏

Hello Friends!

Welcome back! During this week’s fellowship time, we’ll continue our study of Revelation.

Revelation Chapter 4

This week we will investigate chapter 4 in what Jesus Christ has specifically in store for His "church body" of believers. In the fourth chapter we see John, first on the "earth":

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this” – Revelation 4:1

And then John is instantly translated to the "throne room" – into the very presence of God the Father – in heaven:

Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne – Revelation 4:2

With this Scripture text in mind, we thus picture what could be interpreted as the "Rapture of the Church" – "the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here”" This text would seem to indeed be referring to the greatly anticipated event known as the Rapture, as the very next verse depicts John in heaven. Some scholars believe this to be a “vision” that John experiences. However, I believe we can interpret this event literally. The phrase "come up here" may very well be the actual words Jesus Christ will shout at the Rapture, as He calls Christians to join Him in the heavenlies.

As we take our guided tour of the awesome "throne set in heaven" described in chapter 4, there are many wonderful facets to notice and enjoy:

And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle – Revelation 4:3-7

The "rainbow" over the throne reminding us of God's promise that He would never again destroy the earth with water. Then there are the "twenty-four elders" seated around the throne. Notice they are clothed in "white robes" and they have "crowns of gold on their heads". These 24 elders represent the "Church" and the number "twenty-four" is the number of "representation". Only Christians will wear "white robes" and will be the only ones who receive "crowns" at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

We also see the "four living creatures" – the four beasts which are actually "angels". They are different than cherubim and seraphim

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” – Revelation 4:3-8

These four "living creatures" sing "holy, holy, holy" 24x7 at the throne of God the Father. What an awesome scene with God – the Father – on the throne and Jesus Christ – the Son – seated at His right hand! John the Revelator has given us a personal tour of the "throne set in heaven"... Awesome! 

Notice what the "twenty-four elders" do with the "crowns" that they will have received at the Judgment Seat of Christ:

…the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne – Revelation 4:10

They "cast their crowns" at the feet of Jesus Christ to honor Him and thank Him for what He has done for each of us as Christians!

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” – Revelation 4:11

For the Christian, our works will be judged at the "judgment seat of Christ" to determine the Christian’s future blessings:

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire – 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

IMPORTANT: This is not judgement to determine ones salvation, as that will have already been decided in this life with the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord for the payment of sin.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad – 2 Corinthians 5:10

But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ – Romans 14:10

We receive these "rewards" and "crowns" in which we then cast at His feet in thanksgiving for the wonderful things that our Lord has done for us. These good "works" are works we've done in His power and for His glory. We will suffer loss for those works we do in our own power and for our own glory.

Jesus Christ will be the judge of the Christian's works - whether they are "good" deeds or "worthless" stubble.

Let me remind you, the Word of God is very clear - we're not saved by good works, but "saved through faith" However, we were created "for good works" which the Lord has ordained in advance for us to walk in and accomplish for Him:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them – Ephesians 2:8-10

It is the “works” that we have done for the Lord Jesus Christ in which He will judge us as Christians.

By the way, the Scriptures declare there are "five crowns" found in the Scriptures that are possible for each Christian to receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ:

"Crown Incorruptible" 
  For bringing our bodies under subjection to the Word of God – 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
 
"Crown of Rejoicing" 
  For being a soul-winner with the Gospel of Jesus Christ – 1 Thessalonians 2:19
 
"Crown of Life" 
  For enduring the temptation of the enemy – James 1:12
 
"Crown of Glory"
  For building up the body of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 5:1-4
 
"Crown of Righteousness" 
  For eagerly looking for Jesus Christ appearing in these last days – 2 Timothy 4:8

What an awesome day that will be for us as believers in Jesus Christ! Therefore, we must be diligent to receive as many "crowns" as we possibly can so that we may cast them at His feet for His glory and honor! 

All our works – good or worthless – will be brought into judgment. King Solomon even wrote an entire Old Testament book to describe just how vain the pursuits of personal pleasure and fulfillment are – in which he sums up in one verse:

"Vanity of vanities” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity – Ecclesiastes 1:2

This truth will be very real to each of us at the Judgment Seat of Christ…

NOTE: As we have also discussed, it is my personal belief the Scriptures teach that the Lord Jesus Christ promises those of us who have been saved and are alive prior to the Rapture that He will take us up to be with Him before the time of terrible judgment begins – the last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation period known in the Scriptures as “The time of Jacob’s Trouble” or The Great Tribulation. Although we cannot be dogmatic about this view point, the Rapture is indeed an important doctrine to consider. 

For a more comprehensive overview of this controversial Biblical subject matter, please refer to our EC study outline titled “The Rapture: What is it and is it Biblical?”

 

With this information as a foundation for your studies, please read through Chapter 4 of Revelation.

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s edition as we investigate chapter 5 of Revelation…


Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

 

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

Encouraging Concepts

Truth for Today

"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"

Lighthouse Publications <><
"Dedicated to the Never Ending Search for the Creator's calling within You" (TM)

Revelation Chapters 2 & 3‏

Hello Friends!

Welcome back! During this week’s fellowship time, we’ll continue our study of Revelation.

Revelation Chapters 2 & 3
 
This week we will investigate chapters 2 & 3 in what Jesus Christ has in store for His "church" of believers. These chapters represent messages to "seven churches" that were alive and active during the first century in the area of Asia Minor – modern-day Turkey and are representative of the seven churches throughout history:

The church at Ephesus – 2:7 (30 A.D – 95 A.D. ~ “Legalistic”)
The church at Smyrna – 2:11 (95 A.D. – 312 A.D. ~ “Persecuted”)
The church at Pergamum – 2:17 (312 A.D. – 590 A.D. ~ “Liberal”)
The church at Thyatira – 2:26-28 (590 A.D. – 1517 A.D. ~ “Pagan”)
The church at Sardis – 3:5 (1517 A.D. – 1750 A.D. ~ “Dead”)
The church at Philadelphia – 3:12 (1750 A.D. – 1925 A.D. ~ “Alive”)
The church at Laodicea – 3:21 (1925 A.D. – Present ~ “Apathetic”)

The Apostle John – the last surviving Apostle and an old man – was the pastor of the church in Ephesus and had a close relationship with the other six churches, most likely as a visiting minister on a regular basis. While on the small, barren island of Patmos located in the Aegean Sea, John was sent there by the Roman authorities as a prisoner for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John received these messages from Jesus Christ – via an angel – to give to those churches. These Seven Churches had begun to feel the effects of persecution and at least one man named Antipas – probably a pastor – had already been martyred (2:13) and John himself having been exiled. But the storm of persecution was about to break out in a full-fledged furious assault upon these Seven Churches that were so dear to the Apostle’s heart (2:10).

The churches are continually warned about sin and exhorted to holiness. John’s vivid picture of worship in heaven both exhort and instruct true believers. To these churches – as well Christians today – I believe the book of Revelation also provides a blessed message of sovereign and eternal hope. Here are my thoughts of encouragement:

God is in sovereign control of all events of human history and providentially rules over the kingdoms of men. Although evil often seems pervasive and wicked men appear to be all powerful, their ultimate doom is quite certain. He will accomplish His sovereign purposes regardless of human or demonic oppression. Jesus Christ will return to earth one day in glory to judge, rule and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords!

It will be a great benefit to you – as it is for me – to invest some time in reading and studying these seven messages to these Seven Churches – Thank you Lord Jesus!

In few other books of the Bible is the ministry of angels so prominent. You will notice there are similarities between the messages to the Seven Churches. Each letter is written to the "angel of the church". This reference could be alluding to the “leader” of each of the churches. However, it is interesting to note that this is the Greek word "angelos" – meaning angel. The Scriptures nowhere support the worship or veneration of angels – as they were also created by the Lord:

Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind – Colossians 2:18 –

However, it is interesting to note that the Apostle Paul seems to reveal that there are "angels" in attendance at each church/fellowship meeting:

For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels – 1 Corinthians 11:10

At the beginning of each of the seven messages we find there is a characteristic of Jesus Christ revealed. Each of the letters reminds the church that the Lord Jesus knows of their works. John records the messages from the Lord to "those that are overcomers” which are those who know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior:

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? – 1 John 5:4-5

There is also the common phrase in each letter – "he who has an ear, let him hear..." This means that we are to pay attention to what is being said! The Lord Jesus promised victory to the "overcomers" of each church. This promised victory is also for us today and will be given to us during the 1000-year Millennial "Kingdom to come" – when the Lord Jesus Christ physically returns to earth with His Raptured Church.

All seven messages are applicable for each of us as believers as well as the promises. In the letter to Ephesus – to those "overcomers" – it is also promised that they shall eat of the "tree of life"

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God – Revelation 2:7

There are several thoughts that we must consider. First, we will all eat of the "tree of life" during that 1,000-year period as Jesus Christ sits upon His throne in Jerusalem – The Millennial Kingdom. This helps us to understand how those with physical bodies who go through the Tribulation Period – having then become believers – will live for those 1,000 years. They will be eating daily of the "tree of life"

Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever” – Genesis 3:22

Please note that this "tree of life" found in the Genesis account is different than the one in the "New Jerusalem" described in Chapter 22 of Revelation:

In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations – Revelation 22:2

The "tree of life" in Revelation chapter 22 is located in the "earthly Jerusalem" – in the "paradise of God" which is the Garden of Eden – as it was 6,000 years ago. The Garden of Eden was – and is today – the location of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem!

It is important to note that the churches at Philadelphia and Smyrna were the only two churches of the Seven Churches that received no condemnation from the Lord. Revelation Chapter 3 also has a great promise to those of us who are Christians and are awaiting the coming Rapture of the Jesus Christ’s church. Notice verse 10:

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth – Revelation 3:10

NOTE: It is my personal belief that the Lord Jesus promises those of us who are saved prior to the Rapture that He will take us up to be with Him before the time of terrible judgment begins – The Great Tribulation. This will include the Christians who are “dead in Christ” – believers who have died prior to the Rapture. 

The promise from Jesus Christ in verse 10 is that He will "keep you from the hour of trial." Notice He did not say that He would take us out of that time of terrible judgment but that He would "keep us from” that time. That promise alone is worth the entire letter! Although I cannot be dogmatic about this view point, this passage does indeed seem to say that the Rapture of the Church comes before the Great Tribulation – a “Pre-trib” Rapture. When interpreting the Bible in its literal, historical and grammatical context, this is the best view. There are several other New Testament Scriptures that support this point of promise.

We will further address this controversial and important topic in greater detail next week during our study of Revelation chapter 4. This is an exciting point of Biblical investigation!  

In closing, please notice just one more great thought… John exhorts us by quoting Jesus Christ who tells us He is coming "quickly"

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown – Revelation 3:11

The Rapture will be quick – in the twinkling of an eye!

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed – 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Therefore, we should live in such a way that no one can take away the "crown(s)" that the Lord Jesus Christ will give to us during the Judgment Seat of Christ for believers...

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad – 2 Corinthians 5:10

With this information as a foundation for your studies, please read through Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation.

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s edition as we investigate chapter 4 of Revelation…

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

 

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

Encouraging Concepts

Truth for Today

"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"

Lighthouse Publications <><
"Dedicated to the Never Ending Search for the Creator's calling within You" (TM)

Revelation Chapter 1‏

Hello Friends!

Happy New Year!

To celebrate another new year's beginning, over the next several months, we will partake in a chapter by chapter "10,000 foot" overview of the prophetic, eschatological end-times book of Revelation.

 

The actual title of this book is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." In the year 95 A.D. the Apostle John was entrusted by God to be the inspired writer of this last book of the Bible. These Scriptures encapsulate the "end of times" scenario for all Christians who want to understand exactly what the Lord has planned in the future for all of His creation.

The book of Revelation is an exciting and dynamic book. As you read through its pages a tremendous amount of information is presented. It is best to have a firm foundation of the whole Bible to more fully comprehend the information in this book. The Apostle chronicles all that he is shown and what he hears. It may be helpful to know the vantage point that John has as he records everything he experiences on this book.

 

John is viewing the events of this chapter from the perspective of earth and is receiving and writing the letters from Christ to the seven churches. This chapter is the first of three sections that was revealed to John. Each section represents a different and sequential time period. The first are those things that "were" - the Lord's first earthly ministry which ended with His death, burial, and resurrection. John was then told to write the things that "are" - which represents the church age. Finally, he was told to write those things that "shall be" - which represents all those things that will follow the church age, occurring after the rapture of the church.

It is our hope that you will be blessed by this rich, encouraging and urgent message! 
 

That said, let's get started with the first chapter of Revelation...

Revelation Chapter 1

From Genesis through Revelation, the Scriptures provide a prophetic prospective for us to live and learn from. In fact, each book of the Bible has passages that have a prophetic significance that are focused on Bible Prophecy. 

Throughout church history, there have been four different views regarding the book of Revelation – Idealist, Preterist, Historicist, and Futurist. Each of these views attempt to interpret Revelation according to the laws of Hermeneutics – the art and science of interpretation. This is central to the debate about how we should approach and interpret the book of Revelation.

 

Idealist: Teaches that Revelation describes in symbolic language the battle throughout the ages between God and Satan and good against evil. The Idealist approach believes that apocalyptic literature like Revelation should be interpreted allegorically.

Preterist: Teaches that the events recorded in the book of Revelation were largely a symbolic presentation of events fulfilled in AD 70 with the fall of the Jerusalem Temple. This false view was originally instituted by Jesuit Priest Luis de Alcasar.

Historicist: Teaches that the book of Revelation is a symbolic presentation of church history beginning in the first century AD through the end of age. The Historicist approach views the events as symbolic of all Western church history.  

Futurist: Teaches that Revelation prophesies events that will take place in the future. These events include the rapture of the church, seven years of tribulation, and a millennial rule of Christ upon the earth. The Futurist approach believes Revelation should be interpreted literally. In other words, the events of Revelation are to occur at a future time – The Futurist view is most accurately aligned with the Scriptures.

The book of Revelation is indeed a fascinating book! No doubt the debate regarding its interpretation will continue until the Lord Jesus returns. Despite our various views, there are some common threads upon which Christians agree:

• All views believe that God is sovereign and in charge of all that occurs in history and its ultimate conclusion and with exception to full Preterism and some forms of Idealism – believe in the physical second coming of Jesus Christ.

• All views believe in the resurrection from the dead.

• All views believe there will be a future judgment.

• All views believe in an eternal state in which all believers will be with God in Heaven, and all unbelievers will be separated from Him in Hell.

• All views agree upon the importance of the study of prophecy and its edification for the body of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, this debate among Christians has often been harsh, hostile and unkind. It is my hope that this debate would continue in a cordial, respectful manner which will challenge every believer to accurately study and interpret the Word of God. What matters most are the essential Christian Biblical doctrines of eternal salvation and faith in Jesus Christ alone. 

 

Remember: We must never forget to allow the Holy Spirit to direct our understanding of the Scriptures as we seek His Wisdom and Discernment in matters of faith!

As we visit the book of Revelation during our time together, we will find it is packed full of "end time prophecies" in which to glean a glimpse of God’s future plan for the universe.

 

By the way, when we read Revelation, we are promised a special blessing:

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near – Revelation 1:3

We see the "resurrected Jesus Christ" as described in His written Word:

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death – Revelation 1:12-18

Father God gives the "message" of this book to Jesus Christ. Jesus then gives the contents of this prophecy to an "angel" who then delivers it to the Apostle John. John then pens the book itself for our edification and benefit. 

 

The first chapter of Revelation presents Jesus Christ in His "Person", His "Power" and His "Program":

The "Person" of Jesus Christ is the resurrected, glorified Son of God with white hair. The Lord's "white hair" depicts his purity and his longevity:

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow – Revelation 1:14a

His "eyes" see our every activity:

and His eyes like a flame of fire – Revelation 1:14b

The "feet" of Jesus, as described by John, are like brass that has been burned in the furnace – which speaks of Jesus as the "coming Judge" of all:

His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace – Revelation 1:15a

The resurrected Christ has a loud, commanding "voice" like the sound of many waters:

and His voice as the sound of many waters – Revelation 1:15b

His voice spoke the worlds into existence. His voice will also one day shout for us to join Him in the heavenlies at the Rapture of His Church! 

To those who have never been saved by the Blood of Jesus Christ, His voice will say to them:

And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! – Matthew 7:23

Eternally terrible Words of judgment indeed.
 

The “Power” of Jesus is found in His final defeat of sin and death:

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death – Revelation 1:18

The Lord gives testimony of being alive, dead, and now alive! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the manifestation of His eternal strength and it is why we celebrate this special day in honor of His Resurrection Power!

 

NOTE: Revelation 1:18 is the one Scripture reference that will confound the Jehovah’s Whiteness and cause them to ponder Jesus Christ for who He really is – God! Please remember to reference this verse the next time you have an opportunity to speak with a JW – their salvation may depend upon it. By the way, this verse is correctly translated in their own “bible” the New World Translation. So, be sure to direct them there, as Revelation is their favorite New Testament book of choice.

 

The “Program” of Jesus Christ is found here:

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this – Revelation 1:19

John was told to write about those things in the "past", those things that are "happening at his time", and those things, which will happen "hereafter". The things found "hereafter" are all described in Chapters 4 through 22 – in which we will eventually get to in our study. The "resurrection" – which is the "cornerstone of our faith" – is also the "foundation of Bible prophecy". The "resurrected" Jesus Christ proves His authority to foretell the future as the authoritative Word of God ~ the only One who does indeed know the future.

As we learn and discern God’s Word, we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. And together with the saints of all ages loudly proclaim:

“Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” – Revelation 22:20

With this information as a foundation for your studies, please read through Chapter 1 of Revelation.

 

Thank you for reading! Don’t miss next week’s edition as we investigate chapters 2 & 3 of Revelation…

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

If you have been blessed by this message or have a specific question, prayer request or testimony, please send me a note to: encouragingconcepts@live.com

I love hearing from you. Keep reading Encouraging Concepts!

Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

Encouraging Concepts

Truth for Today

"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"

Lighthouse Publications <><
"Dedicated to the Never Ending Search for the Creator's calling within You" (TM)