End Times Series
Revelation 1-3
By Liaf
We are now ready to embark on our journey through the book of Revelation. No matter what you have seen or heard regarding this book, I have yet to hear two people teach and believe the exact same things about it. Each and every person has their own reasons for believing what they do about it. Likewise, I have certain beliefs about this book, and I will state why I believe what I do (and show the supporting scripture). Some see this book as purely symbolic (e.g. the struggles between the church and the rest of the world) by virtue of various allegories. Others see this from a historical perspective and claim that most (if not all) of the events already happened during the Roman Empire days. Others take a prophetic view of the book, and it is this perspective that I embrace. After all, if all the "prophecy" in the Bible was fulfilled with no future fulfillment needed, then what would the relevance of the Bible be? The only use the Bible would have would be object lessons--- there would be nothing more to be fulfilled, no future, and no hope.
With all this said regarding the interpretations, let’s open our King James Bibles to Revelation chapter one and let’s understand----
Revelation 1:4-7: 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;
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. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
I skipped the introduction (as you can read it for yourself) and I will not copy every word in the book of Revelation in these messages, but I wanted to point out the bold words that state our position in Christ. What many people do not realize is that we are not here to "die and go to heaven". Sure, we will have access to heaven, but this passage says that Jesus cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him. For those of us who realize that there will be a literal Kingdom of God here on Earth someday with Christ reigning, we shall likewise have this position. Jesus himself comments on that later in this book. Let’s continue on:
Revelation 1:8-11: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
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.
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, 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.
First of all, for those who do not believe that Jesus is God Himself, this passage blows holes in that doctrine if you ask me. To state that one is the Alpha and Omega (which is the Greek way of saying "A to Z") is in effect stating one’s eternalness. A created being has time limits, i.e. a beginning and an end. A critic may say, "Oh we got ol’ Liaf now! That means we will have an end, but the Bible says we have eternal life. Therefore, a created being can have an eternalness about it." I stand by what I say. We have eternal life because we have the life of God begotten in Him. Look. A dog begets a dog. A horse begets a horse. A human begets another human. So what do you think God begets? Something less than Himself? Why do you think the Bible says we will rule with Christ? That puts us on the same level as God---- but not in and of ourselves, but through God by his begetting us. The life in us is Christ Himself in other words. Yet we do not lose our identity and individuality here or in the world to come. We become a part of Him. Don’t ask me to explain this "God-person" being that we are. It’s like trying to explain the different personalities of God--- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The next bold word says that John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. I find this significant, because right afterwards he mentioned a voice like that of a trumpet. Trumpets in the Bible had several functions, and one of them was a signal to gather God’s people. Although this passage has to do with Jesus’ voice, we shall soon see that a "trumpet voice" called John to heaven in chapter four. I personally believe that the Jewish feast of trumpets foreshadowed the rapture of the church (and the later gathering of Israel at Christ’s Second Coming). If the rapture does occur at this feast, and John is having a vision on "the Lord’s day", that is a clue (I believe) as to the day of the week the rapture will occur. Some believe I may be stretching this somewhat, but what is the purpose of mentioning it if there were no significance to it? Some believe that the "Lord’s Day" was another way of saying "the Day of the Lord" which is the end time judgement. In other words, John was having a vision of end time judgement when all of a sudden he was interrupted from his vision by a trumpet voice. There is one problem with this "Day of the Lord" interpretation. John did not have these visions yet. That was the point in the "trumpet voice" interruption. John was going to see some things he never even dreamed of. Some may say that the feast of Trumpets never occurs on a Sunday. True, but the rapture could happen as the Lord’s day ended. After all, there was need for some visions first and then the rapture as the day closed (which is a Monday on a Jewish calendar). There is one other possibility. The Lord’s Day is simply a reference to the Sabbath--- and I believe that was (and still is) on a Saturday. Whichever day you embrace, a Saturday or Monday rapture, we can see these visions occurred on a weekend as opposed to the middle of the week. So my belief is whatever year the Lord decides to return, I’ll wager it will be around a weekend. The messages to come from Jesus will be to the churches. From here, John sees a grand vision of Jesus. Jesus’ various "attire" designate his attributes. I will not go into detail on all of this except to say that some of those attributes are truth, righteousness, eternalness, judgement, and power. You can try to relate each to Jesus’ attire to see what matches. If you want the details, email me--(takes you to the "new page" email links) Let’s read the final few verses of chapter one after John saw this glorious vision of Christ:
Revelation 1:17-20: 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:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Jesus himself divides the book of Revelation (which is the recorded visions of John) into three parts: the things which thou hast seen, which is the vision of chapter one, the things which are, which includes chapters two and three with messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor in John’s day, and the things which shall be hereafter, which pertains to the future as depicted in chapter four onward.
There are several interpretations of chapters two and three. One is the straightforward interpretation regarding a church in each location and the problems they faced. This is primarily what I embrace. The lessons are applicable to any church today with similar spiritual problems. Hence, we know what to watch out for and how to correct it. One other popular interpretation is that the different problems of each church were prophetic of the church’s evolution throughout history until the time of the end. Yet, this is in keeping with the things which are since the "church age" was regarded as the present (even events that postdate John’s time). Although I believe this is true, the problem is that there is no application that we can directly use. In other words, we are getting presumptuous as to which age we are presently in because the church today sounds like a certain one. This only works in a hindsight fashion. It does us no good to know the evolution if we cannot relate it to a specific age until Christ comes. Hindsight is always 20/20. However, we can see if our church can relate to any one of these models, and from there correct it. With either interpretation (historical or evolutionary), the main point is various conditions of the church are described and remedies follow it. That is what is important. And either way (historical or evolutionary), chapters two and three represent the church age since nobody seriously disputes that these chapters are applicable today. Hence, "the things which shall be hereafter" point to the Tribulation timeframe after the church is removed in the rapture. I want to point out some important items to take note of in chapters two and three.
Revelation 2:1-7: Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
The first church in Ephesus (located in the Western part of Asia Minor) is the typical format that the Lord decides to address each of the seven churches. The point in this message is not to go into the history of each church (one can obtain that information for himself) or even to comment verse by verse, but to point out the general outline of Jesus’ comments. Notice that as he addresses each and every church that he introduces himself as having certain attributes (in this case, he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks ). This is a study in and of itself regarding the nature and work of Christ. Any reader can make a list of these attributes. We are surprised to discover what all the traits of Christ turn out to be. In addition, prophetic scripture supports these traits. By the way, I’ll say a little something about that "seven" number in the next message. The next general items that Jesus mentions is the good and/or bad points that each church had. I’m being a little gentle saying the word "points" as if to say that the bad were merely nuances. Actually the Lord was very serious about the "bad points". That is another part of the message. The Lord offers recommendations for corrections and possibly judgement to follow if they do not straighten their act. However, the Lord does indeed commend the good points. Each message to the churches end with, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." This gives me a personal assurance that this really came from Christ. This is one of those phrases that Jesus used while here on Earth while he was preaching. Yet, I cannot imagine an overly enthusiastic follower use that quotation later on if they were just dreaming this up (as a phony vision). If one would imagine Jesus with all his glory and were just making up these "visions", I would imagine they would have Jesus saying something utterly fantastic---- not a phrase that in today’s terms would mean "listen up". Finally, each passage ends with promises to "overcomers", the serious folks who by faith and strength in the Lord surpass all the things that the Lord detests and do his will. Again, one can make a list of all that the overcomer in Christ will inherit by studying each and every passage. I want to point out some here. I will not get into excessive detail on these attributes of the overcomer because that can be a study independent of prophecy. I can hear all those voices out there asking me what I think will happen in the end times. They rather dig into that area first. Well, hold on. We’ll get there soon enough.
One "overcomer" promise that was given in Revelation 2:26-27 says: And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. Jesus was quoting the Messianic Psalm 2 and applying it to the believer in Christ! Later on, I will take the position that the "manchild" of Revelation 12 is not Christ as is commonly taught. A critic may say, "What do you mean? That manchild will rule with a rod of iron--- that must be Christ." No, not necessarily. If that is the main justification for believing that, then these folks fail to recognize Revelation 1:6 and Revelation 2:26-27. Believers will rule and reign with Christ also.
In another promise (Revelation 3:10), Jesus said, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." This is one of the many passages that hint that the church will be removed before the temptation (or Tribulation) of all that dwell upon the Earth. For those who do not believe in a pre-Tribulational rapture, they say that this verse merely promises divine protection while the rest of the world undergoes severe trial. This contradicts what I’ve said earlier about Antichrist persecuting the saints. If the church were here on Earth, how can they be both persecuted (even to the point of death) and protected? What we must understand is that when Jesus said we would have tribulation, he was referring to trial from the enemy Satan. But when we are referring to the Great Tribulation, that trial is God’s wrath on the world. These are altogether different types of tribulation. Christians may be subject to Satan’s wrath, but not God’s wrath. Therefore, they must be removed beforehand. "Well then, who are the saints in Revelation?" somebody may ask. Keep in mind there were different saints throughout the ages depending where in history we are. There were Old Testament Saints, New Testament Saints (the church), the 144,000 of Israel saved later in the Tribulation, and the converts during the Tribulation. Don’t assume that "saints" have a blanket application to the church only. "Why aren’t these Tribulation saints also removed?" someone may ask. They are. Some of them, anyway. Keep in mind however, the Tribulation is a different age. The age of grace of the church is past; the Tribulation is the judgement of God’s wrath on this world. People had their chance already. Just be glad that God is still merciful enough to save some in the time of the tribulation---- some Christians do not even believe that much. Salvation is enough, but the consequences of their delay in accepting the Lord’s salvation is the Tribulation. Besides, these folks have a vital role in the Kingdom. Who are we to ask God why He chose to have it this way? God has his plan and intentions for these people.
Although I said I would not overly analyze each message, I felt that the last one was worthy to be placed here because many churches today suffer from this malady. This supports the "evolutionary" doctrine that predicts a lukewarm and apostate church before Christ’s Second Coming.
Revelation 3:14-22: And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
I will conclude my message with my saying, "Watch out for lukewarmness." When the Lord barfs, the whole universe recoils--- we don’t want that. They thought they were rich. May I expand that out to mean not only material wealth (as taught in prosperity theology), but to any condition that makes one feel "all is well". We will know we are well for sure when we make it with the Lord. Until then, the mind and heart is deceiving. I rather see a person a little uncomfortable at times with self-evaluation by testing his or her faith. That’s why I used to hate the hymn with the lyrics "it is well with my soul". Actually, the writer of the hymn underwent severe tragedy and loss of family members, and I believe amidst the grief that the writer genuinely believed the Lord would carry him through regardless of the circumstances. But what I have seen is complacent, "well-fed", self-assured people sing that song without a care in the world. I truly sense that they were Laodiceans. What did the Lord say about that condition? He still loved his people in spite of it and corrected them. He then made the famous invitation that we all heard at one time or another, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. "OK. Now we invited the Lord into our hearts, we can die and go to heaven now?" No. There is more. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
The Kingdom is coming. Too bad many stop teaching after the part where Jesus decides to have a little supper with the believer (which is better than barfing). However, that is why Morfessa and I are here. We want Christians to realize there is more---- much more!