A SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
REVELATION 1
There is a lot of speculation regarding the book of Revelation. Conferences and Best Sellers are predominate in our day, setting forth this view and that. The problem with much that is written today is that it focuses on times and seasons, rather than the real subject of the book of Revelation, which is revealed in the very first verse- "the revelation of Jesus Christ..."
If you will read the book of Revelation, understanding that it was written for the Church, not to give clues and secrets about when Christ will return. Rather it is written to the Church that she might know that Christ, having come and lived and died for her redemption, rose again, and is ascended on High, and is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High. God the Father has put all judgment into His hands, and all that takes place on earth, is directly from His throne.
This revelation was of particular encouragement to the apostle John, who was suffering for the Gospel's sake on the isle of Patmos. It would also serve to encourage the early church in her persecution, under the hand of the Roman government during the first century. The following is a brief outline of the first chapter.
vv. 1-3: The theme and purpose of the book are set forth as being to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ and encourage the believer in the reading.
vv. 4-20: The Lord Jesus reveals Himself as God, one who came in the flesh, and laid down His life, in order that He might redeem unto the Father a people for His glory. As the Savior and Representative of the Church walks in the midst of the church, represented by the seven candlesticks. In His right hand are seven stars, that represent the ministers and elders of the church that He has placed over the various local assemblies. V. 20 calls them the seven "angels" of the churches, but would better be translated as "messengers," which is what the pastors are for Christ's church. They are His messengers, responsible for the watchcare and nurturing of their respective assemblies, as God is pleased to give them responsibility.
The description of Christ in vv. 13ff, defines His holy and glorious character in very pictoresque language. His white hair symbolic of his eternality and wisdom. His eyes as a flame of fire represent his omniscience and omnipotence. His feet like unto fine brass signify His strength, stability, and immutability. His voice as the sound of many waters represents the power of His Word and authority as Sovereign Lord and God.
REVELATION 2
2:1-7: Christ's message to the church of Ephesus. Christ commends their works, labor, endurance and zeal for the
truth of the Gospel. No congregation can properly be called a church that is not founded upon the Christ and Him
crucified. However, the Lord looks on the heart, and warns the church of having fallen from love for Christ, in
spite of its strong doctrinal foundation. The danger for any Gospel church is that in its zeal for the truth, its
love of Christ may wane. Like the church in Ephesus, we must stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, all the while
taking care to ever love Him who loved His church and gave Himself for her. See 1 John 4:19.
2:8-11: Christ's message to the church in Smyrna. Satan is mentioned as the great adversary of the church, acting
against her through false religion. Today, as then, some of the greatest opposition to the Gospel is promoted by
religious organizations, that promote man's free-will, works, and 'easy believism,' rather than the sovereign will
of God, the effectual life and death of Christ for the elect, and faith born of God's Spirit. Any congregation
that is made up of members who have not been regenerated in heart by the Spirit of God, and have not been washed
from their sins by the blood of Christ, is not a church of Christ, but a 'synagogue of Satan.'
2:12-17: Christ's message to the church in Pergamos, Pergamos had endured a season of physical persecution and
endured, holding fast to Christ name and truth. However, this church was in a place of particular danger not from
spurious faith, nor physical persecution, but of turning the grace of God into lasciviousness. A sect called the
Nicolaitans held that it was lawful to eat meat offered to idols, and to commit fornication, mingling themselves
in the orgies of idolatrous feasts under the guise of Christian freedom. See Jude 4.
2:18-29- Christ's message to the church in Thyatria. This lengthy and weighty letter reveals further the methods
employed by Satan, the church's adversary. Satan's chief aim is to propagate heresy regarding Christ as the Son
of God. The opposition is often subtly disguised, but manifests itself in doctrine and practice that is antichrist.
Even as Jezebel subjected Israel to false worship by her doctrine and devices, so Satan transforms himself into
a minister of light to deceive many through the proclamation of 'another jesus,' 'another gospel,' and another
spirit.' See 2 Corinthians 11:4.
REVELATION 3
To the church in Sardis, vv.1-6- Here we find our Lord warning her against a state of decline and decay, a dying
out of love for the truth. Christ presents Himself as "He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven
stars." The seven Spirits symbolize the fullness of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Spirit), and the seven stars
represent the totality of all true churches. Christ is the One to whom God has given the Spirit in His fullness,
"without measure" (John 3:34; Col. 1:19), and as the One who has supreme authority over all the churches.
To the church in Philadelphia, vv. 7-13- This town, known today as Alla-shehr (Arabic for 'city of God), in Turkey,
was subject to constant earthquakes that may have been the cause of much poverty, Rev. 3:8. Humanly speaking, this
was a 'weak' church, but by the grace of God, faithful. As with any true church of Jesus Christ, it's strength
depends on its head, the Lord Jesus Christ, "he that is holy and true." He it is that has redeemed and
preserves His church.
To the church in Laodicea, vv. 14-22- This was a congregation for which the apostle Paul had great concern, Col.
2:1; 4:15. Here we find it in a state of extreme spiritual destitution. The church was neither warm in its affection
for Christ, nor cold in its stand for the truth. Worse, the members of the congregation were unconscious of their
true condition. Yet, our Lord does not give them over, but points them to Himself once again as the Remedy. His
standing at the door and knocking is a reference to His faithfulness in not letting them go their own way, and
calling them again to the fellowship of grace which all believers enjoy in Him.
REVELATION 4
The first revelation of Christ to John concerned the Gospel church, Chapters 1-3. Here God opens the heavens to
reveal to John the nature of heaven itself! Revelation 4:1,2. What does he see? There is the very throne of God,
with the God/Man seated upon it, reigning, interceding for His church, and ordaining all that comes to pass, v.
2! This is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, whose character is described in terms of precious stones,
v. 3. "To you who believe HE IS PRECIOUS," 1 Pet. 2:7.
Above Christ's throne is the rainbow, symbolic of God's covenant mercies for His people, through the Son, v. 3.
About the throne are the four and twenty elders sitting clothed and crowned, v. 4. This is representative of the
church of the redeemed in glory, reigning with Christ and clothed in His righteousness. The majestic and holy character
of God is seen in the lightning, thundering, and voices from the throne. God is a burning fire, described by the
seven burning lamps, v. 5. The sea of glass describes the purity of God in all His holy character, v. 6. The four
living creatures are described as being full of eyes, before and behind, v.6-9. This seems to be a description
of the elect angels of God who worship God around the throne in the presence of the church. See Isaiah 6:1-3 and
Ezekiel10:20.
The chapter closes with the church (24 elders) bowing and worshipping God in Christ, casting their crowns before
his throne and ascribing glory, honor, and power to him, vv. 4:10,11. The true church of God on earth, chosen of
God, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated by the Spirit of God, does likewise!
REVELATION 5
The book (scroll) written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals, is symbolic of the eternal, sovereign
will of God regarding sinners. In ancient times, title deeds, royal edicts, and such, were written on scrolls and
sealed.
None is worthy to open the scroll and carry out the sovereign will of God upon the earth but the Lamb of God, vv.
9-12. All judgment has been given into His hand, because of His faithfulness to the Father as the Substitute of
His people, John 5:22. Doubtless, His taking the book into His hands is symbolic of Christ's ascension into heaven,
and receiving of the Father all authority power and honor, Philippians 2:9-11. The book was in "the right
hand of God," Christ is seated at the right hand (place of honor) of the Father, Hebrews 12:2.
REVELATION 6
The seals of the book of Revelation have been the subject of much speculation. The popular dispensational view
is that these seals represent events that will take place during some future 7- year tribulation. However, taken
in context, they represent the decrees of God being carried out on the earth now, through the power and authority
of the victorious Lamb, who is seated on the throne.
The first seal represents the Lord Jesus Christ exercising His sovereign power over the earth, and going forth
to conquer, (6:1,2). His conquering is two-fold. First in the salvation of all that He has redeemed and secondly,
in the condemnation of the rest of the world.
Seals 2-6 represent how the Lord Jesus manifests His authority and power throughout the history of the world. Seal
2- 'war,' (6:3,4); Seal 3- 'famine,' (6:5,6); Seal 4- 'death' (6:7,8); Seal 5-'martyrdom of the saints,' (6:9-11)
and Seal 6-'the great day of judgment at the end of time when all will stand before the Lord, both great and small,
(6:12-17).
For the Church, this is a comforting passage of Scripture in that it reveals that ALL that happens in the world
comes directly from the throne of God, and the hand of the sovereign redeemer and judge who is seated on the throne,
6:1ff. It is all for His glory and will serve to the salvation of His church and the condemnation of unbelievers.
REVELATION 7
Here in Revelation 7, we see a view of the Church described under the figure of 144,000 souls, chosen, redeemed,
and sealed unto God. The number 144,000 is symbolic, just as are the other numbers of this book of prophecy. It
signifies, as with the 24 elders, the Old Testament Church (12 patriarchs) multiplied times the 12 apostles of
the New Testament Church. It is 12X12 multiplied a thousand times that gives the number 144,000. The number 1000
is used in Scripture to describe infinity, 1 Cor. 14:19; 2 Peter 3:8. The number is symbolic of the infinite number
of sinners that God has chosen, redeemed and regenerated in Christ as seen in Revelation 7:9. The apostle John
describes it as a number that no man can number, dressed in the righteousness of Christ, around the throne, having
been preserved through life's tribulations and persecutions by His grace
What an encouragement to the Church of Christ's redeemed ones! We have no reason to be discouraged by our apparent
smallness, nor because of opposition for the Gospel's sake. If we are in Christ, we join with that great congregation
of redeemed saints, meeting even now in heaven, giving ALL the glory to the Lamb who was slain, Revelation 7:10-12.
REVELATION 8
The revelation of Jesus Christ has progressed from seven candlesticks, 1:20, to seven seals, Revelation 7, and
now to seven trumpets. Each of these groups has the common denominator of Christ as the author and executor.
This revelation of the trumpets runs from 8:1 to 11:18. Just as in battle the trumpet sounds attack, so here, these
are warnings to the inhabitants of the earth of the punishment of a Holy God, through the hand of His exalted Son,
against all unbelief, 9:20,21; Joel 2:1. However, the picture goes beyond warning to unbelievers. There is also
in this a message of hope to the redeemed of the Lord, 11:13. The trumpet blowing is also a sound of victory, and
jubilation. It was ordained in the Law of Moses that after seven times seven years, there should be a year of jubilee.
This was proclaimed by the blowing of trumpets in the seventh month, (Lev. 25:8,9). This was the year the Lord
announced His proprietorship of the land, v. 23, and a year of liberty to His people.
The meaning for the church is clear. The trumpets are sounding through various distresses and woes that our exalted
Lord is bringing upon this world as warnings. However, with each successive trumpet, we are reminded that we look
forward to the FINAL trumpet, the Jubilee of Christ's Church, and return of our Lord in glory, I Corinthians 15:52.
REVELATION 9
Remember that the book of Revelation was written first of all as an encouragement to the early church regarding
the Lord Jesus Christ as risen, ascended and exalted, and to give the believers a scheme of things that would soon
come to past, Revelation 1:1.
If you will study the history of the church since Christ's ascension, you will find that much of the book of Revelation
has already been fulfilled, and that truly, the end of all things is at hand. Here in chapter 9, many commentators
understand this is describing that era in the 15th century when the Turks, and Islam became a world empire marking
the official end of the old Roman Empire, which was corrupt and apostate. However, it was simply one corrupt power
replacing another, both being "anti-Christ."
vv. 1-12- The fifth trumpet sounding from heaven, brings about the rise of an army described as locusts, whose
influence and power is from Satan himself, called here 'Apollyon'. In Joel 2:4, the armies of Assyria were likened
to swarms of locusts, brought against Israel. Here, the description seems to fit the Ottoman armies, who did rise
and conquer from the great river Euphrates, v. 14. Although they brought much devastation and persecution, yet
their power to hurt was by God's sovereign will limited to a predetermined time, v. 10. Vv. 13ff represent the
sixth trumpet, which is but a continuation of the 5th wherein some commentators relegate this to the ongoing power
of the Turks who waged war against the world and it's religions.
Whatever the period of time, the lessons are clear. 1. God is able to make one enemy of the church to be a scourge
and plague to another. 2. God sovereignly raises up armies of men to serve his own purpose. 3. The depravity of
men is evidenced in refusing to repent of their false religion, even when chastened by the Lord. 4. Impenitence
under God's judgments will most certainly bring the ruin of sinners.
REVELATION 10
The mighty Angel here is symbolic of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the messenger of the covenant. The book in His
hand is the same as Revelation 5:1, which is descriptive of God's sovereign decrees regarding this earth. When
the book is opened, seven thunders follow, of which the apostle John is not allowed to speak, vv. 1-4. Following
this revelation, it is shown that time should be no more, vv. 5-7. The apostle is instructed to eat the book, vv.
8-10 and further prophecy is to follow, v. 11. What is the significance of what we read here?
1. V.1: The angel represents the Lord Jesus Christ. The word means "a messenger." He is the messenger
of God's covenant of grace, in whose hands the Father has placed all judgment either to save or to condemn, Jn.
17:2. The rainbow above His head, His face as the sun, and His feet as pillars of fire are all characteristics
of His glorious attributes as God!
2. Vv. 2-7: The open book and the seven thunders that the apostle was not permitted to write represent God's decree
for the unfolding of history regarding the world and the church, until the end of time, as we know it. "The
mystery of God," v. 7, refers to the unfolding of God's providence and His seemingly long delay to exercise
justice against His enemies. Nevertheless, believers are confident that all that He has purposed for the glory
of Christ shall come to pass. For the believer, this is enough.
3. Vv. 8-11: The prophet "eating" the book is representative of God teaching him submission to all that
is decreed. By faith he takes His word into his inner most being. It makes the belly bitter in that there is much
concerning God's justice that is difficult to the human mind. Nevertheless, it is like sweet honey in the mouth,
as Christ is set forth in all His glory, and proclaimed throughout the world in truth!
REVELATION 11
This revelation seems to correspond with Ezekiel's vision of the temple in Ezekiel 40:3. The temple of God is a
symbol of the Church; Heb. 10:19-22. The purpose of this measuring seems to be the preservation of the church in
times of trial and persecution. Not one centimeter or iota is left to 'chance,' Matthew 6:27-34. The Lord knows
those that are His, and assures their preservation, 2 Timothy 2:19. All who worship must be measured as to whether
they are in Christ, making God's glory their end, and his Word their rule, in all their acts of worship, Mark 7:7,8.
Those in the outer court, worship in a false manner and will be found among his enemies. God's eye on the temple
is symbolic of His care for all who are in Christ. He sees them in His Son, of whom the temple is but a picture,
John 2:20,21. Jerusalem, which is representative of the visible church, may be trodden under foot for a season,
filled with idolaters, unbelievers, and hypocrites. The 42 months, v.2, or 1260 days, v.3, are a symbolic measure
of the time that God has ordained for the accomplishing of His purpose until the end of time, Dan. 12:7. God delivers
and preserves the true Church, His elect in Christ. Her persecutions and afflictions serve only to sift the wheat
from tares.
This chapter is of special encouragement to the Church because it reminds us that God will preserve His elect till
the end of time. The two witnesses represent the church, both of the Old and New Testament, whom Satan, the world,
and sin have sought to destroy through time. Elijah and Moses, v. 6, are representative of the law and the prophets
that find their fulfillment in Christ, Luke 9:30,31. It is because of Him that the church suffers. At times it
may seem that the world, and false religion have all but conquered the church, and put out the light of the Gospel.
Nevertheless, none of those that Christ has redeemed are lost. In the end of time, it will be revealed to the world
that all who are Christ's are safe in Him, and the Lord will pour out His wrath on all enemies of His Son, vv.
18,19.
REVELATION 12
In verses 1-6 we find a description of the church of Christ and of Satan, under the figures of a woman and of a
great red dragon. Verse 5 symbolizes Christ as the man-child brought forth into the world to live, die, rise again,
and ascend in glory for His church. However, this was not to be without Him suffering at the hand of Satan, the
very enemy who persecutes His church.
Verses 7-12- Not only do Christ, from His throne of ascension defend His church, but He gives His angels charge
over her, Psalm 91:11. Michael and his angels fight against the devil and his angels, and are God's messengers
for their defeat, for the elect's sake, Hebrews 1:14.
Verses 13 thru 17- for reasons known to God, He allows Satan, 'the dragon' to persecute His church. It is for God's
glory, and the good of His people, to draw them continually to His Son as their refuge and hope. Although Satan
cannot destroy any of the Lord's people, he will continue to renew his war against her seed until the end of time.
Nevertheless, Believer, take heart! The living, exalted Savior reigns freely upon His throne! Such is the purpose
of God, to glorify His Son not only in the saving of the church, but also in her keeping!
REVELATION 13
vv. 1-5- The Revelation of Jesus Christ continues with a description of a beast that He brings up out of the earth,
unto whom power is given to continue for a time, vv. 1-6. Just like in the book of Daniel, the beast represents
any earthly kingdom, empire, or "superpower" that the Lord raises up, but which is given over to Satan's
influence and false worship. Satan is described as one of the heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly
wound healed, v. 3. His head was crushed through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, Gen. 3:15, but for a time
he is given the liberty to deceive many through false religion or worship, 2 Thess. 2:7-12.
vv. 6-9- shows how our Lord has ordained periods of time when governments (the beast), under the influence of Satan
(the dragon), will persecute the true church. Those whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life by electing
grace, left to their own devices, hate God and His Christ, and they hate the redeemed, i.e. Cain, Balaam, or Judas
Iscariot, etc.
vv. 10-18 describes another beast 'coming out of the earth,' (man-centered), and with all the power of the first
beast. The description is that of false religion, resembling the truth ("like a lamb"), but speaking
as a dragon. Many confess the Word of God, and make professions of Christ, and yet their foundation is miracles
and wonder working and not the Gospel of Christ. The number of the beast, 666, is the number of man, v. 18. Six
repeated to infinity still does not equal seven, the number of perfection. It is the number of man, because he
was created on the 6th day, but any who follow man's ways, will, or form of worship are antichrist and bear his
mark, 1 John 2:18-22.
REVELATION 14
vv.1- Here is a description of Christ, the Lamb, with His redeemed Church, whom the Father has chosen and called
out to Christ. The 144,000 represent the Church in heaven, made up of saints from the Old and New Testaments. Multiplying
the 12 patriarchs of the Old Testament times the 12 apostles of the New Testament you have 144; times 1000 (an
infinite number), it is evident why the Holy Spirit used this number to symbolize the Church of God's elect, the
true Israel, or the redeemed, v.3.
vv.2-5 describes true worship in glory, and shows the characteristics of those who are in glory, in the presence
of God. They worship Christ around the throne as virgins, without fault before the throne, because of the righteousness
of Christ imputed to them, cf. V. 4 with Ephesians 5:27. They are kept from spiritual adultery (false religion),
married to one spouse, CHRIST.
vv. 6-12 warns all the inhabitants of the earth against false worship and its consequences. Babylon, which symbolizes
all 'works' religion, is doomed to fall, and God's wrath poured out on all who identify with her. Believers are
to patiently endure in the truth, believing on Christ alone for righteousness and forgiveness, according to the
commandment of God, v. 12.
vv.13-20 describes the destruction that God brought historically on Jerusalem and the temple in 70 A.D. It is,
however, representative of the final judgment that will come on the world and those who are outside of Christ.
In contrast, blessed are those who die in the Lord, subjects of His grace, redeemed by His blood, and sanctified
and kept by the Spirit of God, v. 13.
REVELATION 15
vv.1- Here the picture is one of impending judgment (7 angels with seven plagues). These represent the entire host
of holy, elect angels to whom God gives authority, in His sovereign providence, to execute His judgments upon the
earth. The seven last plagues are so called because they represent all of God's judgments, exercised upon the inhabitants
of the earth in these last days, which began with the first coming of Christ, (1 John 1:18).
vv. 2-8- The Church of the Redeemed in heaven, gives glory to God for His sovereign works and acts of judgment.
He is just and right in ALL that He does. Notice also the theme of their glorying. It is THE LAMB upon the throne,
for Whom, and by Whom the Father exercise all judgment, John 5:22. He is there as the victorious Substitute of
His people and He is the sole object of their worship, even as for the one True Church.
The temple in heaven is the spiritual fulfillment of the earthly temple that God commanded Moses to build, Hebrews
9:11. It typifies the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. There we find the High Priest and Sacrifice in
the Person of Christ. There we find the True Israel of God, those He redeemed by His Son. Unlike the temple of
old, there are no more sacrifices being offered. The Lamb of God is there as the fulfillment. Unlike the priests
of old who could only stand, their work never complete, Christ as High Priest is seated, His work complete.
REVELATION 16
Here we see the vials poured out on the earth as God's providential judgments upon its inhabitants. What men attribute
to natural disasters or Mother Nature, are rather from the sovereign hand of God: Bodily sores, v.2; Environmental
disasters, vv. 3,4; fire and heat, v. 8; pain and plagues, vv. 10,11; droughts and military campaigns, v. 12. Even
miracle workers are listed among God's judgments, vv. 13,14, because He uses such to seal many in their condemnation,
who have no love for the Gospel, 2 Thess. 2:9-11. The ultimate and final judgment against sinners outside of Christ
and false religion is described in vv. 15-21 as the fall of Babylon and the battle of Armageddon, when the Lord
Jesus Christ comes in His glory the second time, v. 15.
REVELATION 17
vv. 1,2- If anyone has any question as the final end of false worship, let him or her read Revelation 17. It is
described as the great harlot because of her seduction of so many blind, depraved sinners, v. 1. Her doctrine of
works, will-worship, self-righteousness, rewards, and "assurance" are a great appeal to the flesh, but
abominable to God. Yet, many have been seduced and intoxicated by her doctrine, v. 2
vv. 3-8- Here is a detailed symbolic description of false religion as a woman seated upon a beast and on her forehead
is inscribed, 'Mystery Babylon.' It is a reminder that false religion, that opposes Christ and His church, is the
same as dates back to Babel and certainly beyond to the fall. Her true motivating force, the beast, is none other
than Satan himself, v. 8. Her customers are those whose names have not been recorded in the Lambs book of Life
by God's electing grace.
vv. 9-18 gives us the interpretation of the beast with the seven heads and ten horns. The seven heads represent
seven kings, five of whom had already come and gone at the writing of the book of Revelation, v. 10. The sixth
was still reigning when John wrote the book, and the seventh was to appear shortly thereafter, but whose reign
would be short-lived. To the early church, this unquestionably had reference to the Roman government, which was
the chief enemy of the church at that time. The ten horns refer to ten rulers or kingdoms that would be used of
God to bring down the Roman Empire, v. 16. Historically, this prophecy has been fulfilled, and led to the establishment
of the ten most influential European nations today. However, the influence of false worship and idolatry in Protestantism,
Catholicism, and many other religious orders, continues to deceive many today. They all have one common foundation,
works vs. grace, v. 13. Works religion stands in opposition to Christ and His true church of elect and redeemed
sinners, v. 14.
REVELATION 18
In this chapter, we continue to read about the doom of all false religion
as symbolized in the fall of Babylon. Remember that the early church was suffering persecution at the hands of
a hybrid government of politics and religion (the beast and the false prophet). What encouragement for them to
read and understand that such a tyranny was but for a season and that in God's time He would cause the church to
rejoice over her downfall, v. 20.
The old Babylon has fallen, but her influence continues over the world in the form of false, free will, works religion
today.
v. 2 - The same evil spirits that dominated Babylon of old continue to blind men today lest the glorious light
of Christ in the Gospel should shine unto them, 2 Cor. 4:4.
v. 3- The world's nations are drunk with her wine, having been seduced by her harlotries. Works religion is very
rich and popular throughout the world. Many follow the spiritual harlot in identifying with, and committing to
organizations that preach another gospel than that which gives all the glory in salvation to God alone in Christ.
v. 4- The Lord's people, chosen of God, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated by the Spirit, will have nothing to
do with a message that exalts man's will, works, and 'righteousness' against the sovereign will of God, and the
righteousness of Christ. They are called to come out and be separate.
vv. 5ff- The condemnation of false worship is certain. Nothing is more abominable in God's eyes, and He will recompense
judgment against all who are outside of Christ. All of the finery of popular religion, with her pomp, riches, music,
and 'sorceries,' He will bring down in His time.
REVELATION 19
vv. 1-5 How great and marvelous is the glory of God, not only in salvation,
but also in condemnation. Although in this flesh we find it hard to fathom the severity of God's judgment, yet,
as believers we bow the knee and say, 'True and righteous are thy judgments.' These verses depict the church of
the redeemed around the throne glorifying and praising God for His judgment of all who have fallen under the condemnation
of false worship. The smoke rising from the abyss and the 'Amen; Alleluia,' of the saints is testimony to God's
absolute sovereignty and holiness.
vv. 6-10 In stark contrast to the condemned in hell is the church of the redeemed, glorifying the Omnipotent Sovereign
God for their salvation around the throne. Truly salvation is of the Lord, and all who are His by His sovereign
grace, give Him all the glory. Their righteousness is not their own, but has been given them in the Mediator, the
Lamb, God's Son, v. 8 His righteousness is their wedding dress, that the Bridegroom has prepared for them, and
in which they present themselves in the marriage supper, that eternal union between Christ and His church in her
glorified state. Such a vision causes John to worship, as it does for every believer.
vv. 11-21 describes the final judgment of false religion and all who identify with her. Her free will, works, and
self-righteous seduction will not go on forever. Her time is limited and her end certain. When the last elect redeemed
sinner is brought to Christ, and every one that He purchased by His blood is His by faith, the Lord will judge
the remainder of mankind, who followed false prophets, deceived by Satan.
REVELATION 20
vv. 1-4 The vision here is of heaven not of earth. The language is symbolic,
not natural. It is not a literal key and chain that are used to bind Satan, but spiritually he is bound by the
sovereign will of God, and the victorious work of Christ having defeated him at the cross, John 16:11.
So too the matter of a 1000 years is figurative and not literal. This is confirmed in Luke 17:20, “And when he
was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God
cometh not with observation.” The apostle Peter, in writing about the last days, did not refer to looking for an
earthly millennium, but rather, “looking for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter
3:13. The term “thousand” is used figuratively in Scripture to define an indefinite number of time, such as Saul
killing his thousands, and David his ten thousands, 1 Samuel 21:11. Also, “one day is with the Lord as a thousand
years, and a thousand years as one day,” 2 Peter 3:8. Here then it refers to that period of time between the first
and second coming of Christ, and the picture is of the saints who have laid down their lives for the Gospel are
now reigning with Christ in the heavenlies.
vv. 5, 6- The first resurrection is a reference to the new birth. Those whom the Lord has raised from the dead
spiritually, revealing Christ in them, are blessed and holy in Christ and they do reign with him now in glory.
vv. 7-10- Toward the end of time as we know it, Satan who has been bound, will be given authority to deceive many
through false religion, which will be to their ultimate condemnation. God will destroy Satan and his false prophets
and followers at the second coming of Christ.
vv. 11-15- In the end, all shall stand before God in judgment. Unbelievers will be judged according to their works
and condemned. This is called the second death and concerns all whose names are not in the Lamb’s book of life.
Believers will be acquitted and justified based on the blood of Christ. These have believed because their names
are written in the Lamb’s book of life, by God’s electing grace.
REVELATION 21
What will glory be like? Notice these 5 characteristics.
V.1- There will be a new heaven and earth. As beautiful as this present earth and heaven are, they are under the
curse of sin. The fire of God's justice will destroy the old, and the new will be without a taint or possibility
of sin and its curse forever, 2 Peter 3:12,13.
Vs. 1-3-Only those that Christ the Lamb of God has redeemed will inhabit it. The Church is described as a holy
city, the New Jerusalem. Vv. 9,10 specifically states that the New Jerusalem IS the bride, the Lamb's wife, not
just her dwelling. She is holy by the imputed righteousness of Christ. She is also described as a bride beautified
and adorned for her husband. The beautiful white wedding garment is a picture of the perfect righteousness of Christ,
the garment with which all of the Lord's redeemed are adorned, Ephesians 5:27
Vs.-4- It is there that all remembrance of sin will be wiped away. The people of God enjoy His constant fellowship
there through the Son. Although now the believer enjoys the blessing of sin forgiven, yet, the flesh will always
bring it up again to the mind. O, the bliss of not only being forgiven, but every remembrance of sin's curse done
away forever!
Vv. 5-7- It is where the glorious Son of God is ALL the glory. Heaven is not so much a place as a person! The throne
attests to His sovereignty, v. 5. His Word is His bond. He is trustworthy and faithful. He is the eternal God and
Savior, v. 6. His call is to trust in Him and receive salvation of Him without price. It is without requirement
of price to His people because He paid it ALL!
Vs. 8- It is void of every form of sin, idolatry, or false worship. Sinners without Christ, have no part in glory.
They will know only God's eternal judgment, the second death. The first was the state of spiritual death, in which
all are born in Adam, Ephesians 2:1-3.
Vv. 11-27 - It is the eternal habitation of the saints who are glorified in Christ.
The Church is built upon the one foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ. The 12 gates bear the names of the twelve
tribes of Israel. These are typical of the Church, the True Israel of God, of whom the 12 tribes of Israel of old
were but a picture and type. The city lies in a square, typifying her perfection and justice in Christ. The walls
are made of precious stones, typical of each one of the elect of God who are precious in His sight, 1 Peter 2:5.
God the Father and His Son are it's temple, v. 22. Christ Himself is its light, v. 23. There is no need to guard
its gates, because Christ's Himself is her sure refuge forever. Unlike the first creation that was susceptible
to fall because the first Adam was fallible, here there is no such potential, because of Christ, the last Adam.
If any hope for heaven, it must be on the basis of Christ's work alone. He is the hope of glory for ALL those whose
names are written in the Lamb's book of Life, by His electing grace, v.27.
REVELATION 20
If you want to know how the story ends, read the final chapter. What
a glorious conclusion it is for the Redeemed in Christ.
Vv 1-6- is the final description of the glory that awaits God's saints. In the beginning, God made man and placed
him in a beautiful garden with a tree of life. The new heaven and new earth are described as such a garden, with
Christ as the tree of life. Unlike the first creation, there will be no time or seasons with which to contend,
nor any prospect of sin. So effectual is the work of the Redeemer, that sin will be no more. Now its penalty
and power have been put away, but then its presence.
Vv. 7-16 is some final instruction from Christ to His church. It clearly teaches us the manner in which we are
to worship Him, not only for who He is as Alpha and Omega, but for the salvation that He has accomplished for His
people, v. 13. There is to be no further revelation of Him until the end of time, when He comes again, v. 10.
All that we are to learn about Him is sealed in the book. All men are accountable! v. 12.
V.17 gives a final command to come to Christ and partake of His grace freely. The Gospel is not for everybody,
but it is for anybody who does come to Him for salvation. None can come unless the Father draws them, but ALL
may come, and should come, according to Christ's command.
Vv.18,19 give a final warning to heed the Word of God, not to add to it or take from it. It is God's absolute
authority.
V.20 reveals a final encouragement for the Church. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming again quickly, and His people
rejoice and say, 'Amen!'
v.21 contains a final benediction for the Church. 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen!'