Chapter 8 opens with the breaking of the 7th seal. The 6th seal revealed the final judgment. It was the day of God’s wrath on the ungodly. When Jesus broke the 7th seal, heaven stood silent for thirty minutes. This is all that was given to John regarding the last seal.
The Prayers of God’s People
The 5th seal revealed martyred saints crying out to God, “How long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” The answer had already been given through the Apostle Paul. To comfort the believers in Thessaloniki during their time of persecution and suffering, he wrote, “…when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the good news of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8). In Revelation 8, we see those prayers ascending to God and we see God’s answer: fire being thrown down upon the earth, thunder, lightning and a terrible earthquake. God does hear the prayers of His people and He does answer.
Four Trumpet Blasts
Seven angels stood before God and they were given seven trumpets. Each angel was to blow a trumpet. Revelation 8 reveals the judgments of the first four trumpets. One third of the earth, the sea, the rivers, the sun, moon and the stars were affected. These four trumpets bring judgment on the physical world.
An Eagle’s Message
This is a sobering message to those who belong to this world. This is not a message to believers. Believers are saved from God’s wrath. Romans 5:9 makes this clear: “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!” The Eagle warned that he final three trumpet blasts would bring terror on those who don’t know God and who live in rebellion toward Him.
Revelation for You
In what ways do you see Revelation 8 as an answer to your prayers concerning all the evil that has happened within your lifetime?
God has called us to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19) and ministers of the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). Does Revelation 8 help you see the importance of these roles?
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The Great Assurance
Revelation 6 ended with this sobering question; “For the great day of their wrath has come, who can stand?” Chapter 7 is God’s answer.
A Seal and a Robe
God protects those who belong to Him from the wrath that is to come. God protected Noah and his family during the flood, Lot from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the people of Israel from the death angel in the Passover. All were marked, set apart, as people belonging to the One true God. These events foreshadowed the wrath that will come to those who have rejected Jesus Christ.
To protect those who belong to Him, God has identified them with a seal and a robe. The seal is God’s Spirit. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…” (Ephesians 1:13). The robe is Christ’s righteousness given to those who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22).
This salvation is God’s doing by grace through faith. The people of God will praise Jesus eternally for shedding His blood once and for all.
144,000
Is this a literal number, or does it represent the full number of God’s people? Theologians will debate this until Christ returns. The pattern set forth in verses 4-11 follows the pattern of Romans 1:16 – salvation first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. God’s salvation is for both Jew and Gentile. Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. In this chapter, we see the people of God, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, praising the Lord.
The Great Tribulation
One of the twenty-four elders asked John about the great multitude of people dressed in white. John did not know. The elder identified them as the ones who came out of “the great tribulation.” Does this phrase identify a specific period of time, or is it a reference to the great affliction and trouble all saints endure? Paul wrote this to the church at Thessaloniki, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them” (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3). “Trials” in this passage is the same Greek word translated “tribulation” in Revelation 7:14.
It is important to note this: the great day of wrath is something different than the great tribulation. The day of wrath is God’s judgment on those who reject Jesus Christ. Tribulation refers to pressures and afflictions caused by sin and evil. In this sense, all believers have come out of tribulation, having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation for You
Think back on the day you trusted Jesus Christ. That was the day you were sealed with the Holy Spirit and were given the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
In light of this truth, will you ever suffer the wrath of God?
The Seals
In chapter five, Jesus, the One worthy of glory, honor and power, stepped forward and took the scroll with its seven seals from His Father’s hand. In chapter six, Jesus opens six of the seven seals, the first of three, seven-part judgments – the seals, the trumpets and the bowls.
The Four Horsemen
The first four seals reveal four horses and their riders. The imagery of these horses comes from Zechariah.
- The first horse is white. Its rider carried a bow and had a crown on his head. He won battles and gained victories.
- The second horse is red. Its rider carried a mighty sword. He took peace from the earth and caused war and slaughter of life.
- The third horse is black. Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. He caused social and economic woes.
- The fourth horse is green. Its rider was Death and his companion was the Grave. They were given authority to kill with the sword, famine, disease and wild animals.
These four seals tell us that earthly existence cannot offer hope to human beings. The end is death.
The Fifth Seal
The breaking of the fifth seal revealed an altar in heaven. Under this altar were the souls of those martyred for their testimony concerning Jesus Christ. These souls were crying out, “How long Lord until you avenge our blood?”
A white robe was given to each one and they were told to rest a little longer. More saints were to join them.
The Sixth Seal
The breaking of the sixth seal initiated a great earthquake. The sun became dark, the moon as red as blood, stars fell from the sky, the sky was rolled up like a scroll and mountains and islands were moved from their places. Everyone hid, hoping to escape the wrath of the Lamb. The chapter ends with this sobering truth, “for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”
The answer has already been given. “Since we have now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from God’s wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9). John answered as well, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4).
Revelation for You
Have you been justified by faith in Jesus Christ?
Do you know that you have been saved from the wrath that is to come?
The Lamb
Revelation 5 shows us more of the heavenly scene introduced in chapter four. John saw a scroll sealed with seven seals in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. John could see writing on the inside and the outside of the scroll. The scroll contained God’s plan for the world that was soon to be revealed.
But who will break the seals? No one is worthy. John wept bitterly at this thought. One of the twenty-four elders consoled John and directed his attention to Jesus Christ. The elder described Jesus as
- The Lion of the tribe of Judah
- The Heir to David’s throne
- The Victor
- The One worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.
John looked at the Lamb. The marks of His death were visible. He had seven horns, indicating His complete and absolute power, and seven eyes, representing the complete work of His Spirit. The Lamb was standing between the throne and the four living beings and the twenty-four elders.
Jesus stepped forward and took the scroll from His Father’s right hand. At this, the four living beings and the elders fell down before the Lamb. Each elder had a harp, and held a gold bowl filled with incense, which represented the prayers of God’s people.
The four living beings and the elders sang a song of praise. As they did, angels joined the chorus. Even those under the earth, known as the place of the dead, and in the sea, a reference to evil, joined in. Isaiah spoke of this vision (Isaiah 45:23-25), as did Paul in his letter to the Philippians (Philippians 2:10-11) when every knee would bow and every tongue would confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
They sang that all blessing and honor and power belong to God and to the Lamb. The four living beings gave the “Amen”, and the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped the Lamb.
Revelation for You
How does this revelation of Jesus change your understanding of His worth and power?
In what ways does the victory Jesus won through His death, burial and resurrection impact your day-to-day life?
Heavenly Worship
Revelation 4 takes us into heaven. The scene is astonishing.
John looks and sees a door standing open in heaven. Jesus bids him to enter to see all that is to come. John’s eye is immediately drawn to the throne of God. John will refer to God’s throne forty different times throughout the book of Revelation. The throne is a symbol of God’s authority and rule over all things.
Like Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 1), John stretches the limits of his imagination to describe the One sitting on the throne — His brilliance like gemstones and the light encircling the throne like a rainbow of emerald. It was the best John could do to describe the One “who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light…” 1 Timothy 6:16 (NIV).
Twenty four thrones with twenty four elders sitting on them surround the throne of God. John does not identify these elders. He is more impressed with their worship of the One who sits on the throne.
John also sees four living beings covered with eyes front and back. This vision is much like the vision of Ezekiel as well. These four living beings represent the entire created order. These four living beings sing Holy, Holy, Holy to the Lord both day and night. In response, the twenty four elders fall down and worship the One “who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
Truly, the Lord is the only One worthy of our worship and the only One worthy of our praise.
The final verse is worth noting. We exist because God created what pleased Him. We are pleasing to God, and we show forth this reality when we give glory, honor and thanks to Him. When we do, our hearts are most satisfied.
Revelation for You
In what ways does this look into heaven change your perspective on the things of this world?
Does this chapter change your understanding of worship and the importance it holds for daily living?
A Message to the Church — Part 2
Jesus’ message to the church at large continues in chapter 3.
The Message to Sardis
Jesus came so that we might have life. That life is given to us by the Holy Spirit. The church at Sardis was prosperous and well-to-do. It had all the signs of success. It looked alive, but in reality, it was dead. Jesus admonished them to wake up, repent and turn to Him. Otherwise, His sudden return would surprise them like a thief in the night (See 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6). To those in Sardis who were alive in Christ, He gave these assurances –
- They will walk with the Lord and be clothed in white
- They will be victorious
- Their names will never be erased from the book of life
- Jesus will announce before His Father and His angels that they belong to Him
The Message to Philadelphia
Jesus Christ is holy and true. He holds the key of David, the symbol that all authority has been given to Him. He opened a door for the church of Philadelphia, a door that no one could close. Their status in God’s kingdom went unnoticed by the world. Yet Jesus assured them that one day the world would take notice and recognize they were loved by God.
In light of this wonderful truth, Jesus encouraged them to persevere, to hold on to all they have in Him. The list is impressive.
- They are pillars in God’s temple
- They will never have to leave this temple
- The name of God is written on them
- They are citizens of the new Jerusalem
- They bear a new name
The Message to Laodicea
Laodicea had a water problem. It smelled atrocious, was lukewarm and tasted awful. The church at Laodicea was much the same as far as God was concerned. It was time for them to move one way or the other.
His warning to this group was stern, but it was meant to turn them away from their indifference to Him, the One who is the truth, the faithful and true witness, and the beginning of God’s creation. In spite of thinking they were rich and in need of nothing, they in fact needed what only Jesus could provide. He was standing at the door knocking, waiting for them to answer. If they simply opened the door, they could experience friendship with Jesus and would victoriously sit on His throne with Him.
Revelation for You
- Do you need assurance in your life? Do you know that your name will never be erased from the book of life?
- Do you sometimes feel like you go unnoticed in this world? In what ways does the message to Philadelphia encourage you to persevere as a child of God?
- Are you enjoying friendship with Jesus Christ?
A Message to the Church
John was instructed to write down everything he saw of the revelation of Jesus Christ and then send the report to the seven churches in Asia. These churches did exist and all were located in what we know as Turkey. Today they lie in ruins.
The seven different messages form a single message that is applicable for the church in every time and in every place. In essence, Jesus is encouraging each church body to examine itself in light of who He is and what He achieved through His death, burial and resurrection.
Each distinct message follows a pattern. First, Jesus addresses the “angel”, or the messenger, of the church. Then Jesus reveals something about Himself that ties to what John recorded in Revelation 1:12-16. This is followed by a “state of the church” analysis, complete with judgments against the church and a call to repentance.
The Message to Ephesus
Even though this church stood strong against heretical teaching and evil people, it had lost its first love. The revelation of Jesus to them is meant to draw them back to Christ and to the joy of experiencing His presence in their midst. After all, He is the One who walks among the seven lampstands.
The Message to Smyrna
The church was suffering mightily with more to come. Much of it was from Jews who stood in opposition to Christianity. The real source of the persecution was Satan. He is the one fixed on destroying God’s people. The message to this church was hope. The crown of life is waiting for those who overcome, who trust in the One who is “the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive.”
The Message to Pergamum
It was not easy to be a believer in Pergamum. Temptation surrounded this city. Jesus commended them for standing firm in the faith. He also warned them about compromise. A teaching had entered their circle that was leading many to idolatry and sexual sin. Jesus called them to repent, to realize that all they needed was found in Him – the manna of life and an eternal identity. Jesus’ word would bring that victory to them.
The Message to Thyatira
Jesus sees and knows everything. Nothing can be hidden from Him. He knew the church in Thyatira was improving in their faith, love, service and patience. He also knew they were entertaining heretical teaching. This heretical teaching had as its foundation shifting sand. Jesus encouraged this church to find its stability in Him, the One with the feet like polished bronze. The promise to those who overcame was authority and power and resurrection in Jesus Christ.
Revelation for You
- How do these messages to the churches apply to your life today?
- Why do you think Jesus began every message with a revelation of Himself?
- How would you summarize what Jesus is saying to the churches?
Don't Be Afraid!
Revelation starts with these words: “The revelation of Jesus Christ…” In this first chapter, God opens the curtains of heaven to show us His Son in all His glory and majesty. In light of this unveiling, a promise is given to the reader: “…blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).
John faithfully recorded everything he saw of the revelation of Jesus. He reported what he saw in this letter which was to the seven churches in the province of Asia. This revelation was given to John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos.
A Vision of Jesus
In verses 12-16, John describes Jesus Christ. Much of the language he uses is from the Old Testament, particularly the books of Daniel, Zechariah, Ezekiel and Isaiah. As a matter of fact, Revelation references the Old Testament more than any other New Testament book. John saw Jesus as majestic, powerful and in control. This vision moved John to fall at His feet in fear, “as though dead.”
Jesus reached out and touched him and then spoke the words we all need to hear from our Lord, “Don’t be afraid.”
The reason we need not fear is that Jesus is the faithful witness, the first to rise from the dead, the ruler of all the kings, the Alpha and Omega and the One who holds the keys of death and the grave.
Seven
John uses the number 7 often through chapter 1 – the seven churches, the sevenfold Spirit, seven gold lampstands and seven stars. Seven represents completeness or fullness. Keep this in mind whenever you come across the number 7 in Revelation.
The Gospel
Jesus’ death and resurrection stand as the centerpiece of this first chapter. Through this good news, Jesus freed us from our sins and cast away our fear (verses 5, 17 and 18).
Revelation for You
- What blessing do you expect in reading Revelation?
- In what ways does John’s vision of Jesus change your thoughts about Christ?
- What do Jesus’ words, ‘don’t be afraid” mean to you?
The Unveiling
The New Testament writers were tapped by God to tell the story of Jesus Christ. It is a good news story from start to finish. At the birth of Jesus Christ, the angelic message was this: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
The culmination of this good news story is the book of Revelation. Its message is one of hope and victory. Concerning Revelation, John said this, “…blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).
As you read Revelation, let these four principles guide you through.
- Revelation is about Jesus (Revelation 1:1). It is God’s final revelation about His Son. The Greek word for Revelation is apokalupsis. It is where we get our word apocalypse. It means an uncovering or unveiling. In Revelation, God lifts the curtain to reveal Jesus Christ in His glory and majesty.
- Revelation is properly understood when read through the lens of the Gospel. Paul spelled out the Gospel very clearly in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,…” The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Revelation, you will see the good news carried out to its full extent.
- Revelation rests on the promises of the New Covenant. Hebrews 8:10-12 spells them out.
- Power: I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.
- Assurance: I will be their God, and they will be my people.
- Relationship: No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, “Know the Lord,” because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
- Forgiveness: For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
- Revelation promises a blessing to those who hear and take to heart what is written in it. Read expecting that blessing.
7 Reasons the New Covenant is Better than the Old.
Here are seven reasons to boldly declare that you are a New Covenant believer.
Paul stated the reasons plainly in his letter to the Corinthians. The passage is 2 Corinthians 3. Read through it. I think you will find the seven reasons to be compelling.
- Life — As Paul wrote, “the law kills, but the Spirit gives life.” The end of the law is death. Through the New Covenant, you receive life, Christ’s life.
- Righteousness — The law is a ministry of condemnation. There is no way to feel close to God or even know that He truly loves you when you keep failing to live up to His commands. In the New, God makes you righteous in Jesus. You are accepted.
- Eternal Security — The Old Covenant was temporary. It had a limited purpose – to show you your need for Christ. Once that purpose is fulfilled, the Old gives way to the New. The New Covenant is eternal. Jesus’ promises and provisions last forever, which means you are saved completely and eternally.
- Hope — The weight of the law squeezes out all measure of hope. As the writer of Hebrews stated, apart from Christ, you live in the fearful expectation of God’s punishment. In this New Covenant, your sins have been taken away once and for all. You are forgiven. You have Jesus and He is your hope of glory.
- Freedom — Under the law, you were in bondage to sin and death. Sin was your master (Romans 6:14). But in this New Covenant, the Spirit of Life set you free from the law of sin and death. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
- Transformation — Self-effort keeps you stuck in the Romans 7 trap: the things I want to do, I don’t, and the things I don’t want to do, I do. But in the New Covenant you are transformed into the likeness of Christ, from glory to glory.
- Jesus — Under law, it is all about you and your ability to live up to the standards. In the New, Jesus lives His life through you. He is God’s gift to you.
It is time to get off the fence. Make the declaration: “I am a New Covenant believer!”