appendix A: memory verses

Transcription

1 appendix A: memory verses For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Matthew 24:21, NASB If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 2 Peter 2:9 NIV Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time. Revelation 12:12, NLT And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon. Revelation 16:16, NLT On His robe at His thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:16, NLT Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:6, NASB And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10, NASB And if anyone s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15, NASB He said to me: It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. Revelation 21:6, NIV But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13, NIV And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book. Revelation 22:7, NASB 88

2 appendix B: map 2. Letter to Smyrna: Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (2:10). 3. Letter to Pergamos: I have a few things against you (2:14). ASIA 4. Letter to Thyatira: Hold fast what you have till I come (2:25). Pergamos Thyatira 5. Letter to Sardis: You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead (3:1). Sardis Smyrna Philadelphia 6. Letter to Philadelphia: I have set before you an open door (3:8). AEGEAN SEA Ephesus Laodicea ISLE OF PATMOS John received his vision and wrote the Revelation while in exile on this island in the Aegean Sea. 1. Letter to Ephesus: You have left your first love (2:4). 7. Letter to Laodicea: You are neither cold nor hot (3:5). 89

3 appendix C: interpretations of revelation 1 Schools Of Interpretation Of Revelation Name Description History Representatives Commentators Idealist Preterist Historicist Futurist Describes the perennial battle between good and evil, God and Satan, symbolically. Events are not real or predictive. Describes what happened in John s day (i.e., the first century) Describes the past history of the church from the first century to the present. Describes what will precede and follow Jesus Christ s Second Coming. Most recent view Alcasar, a Spanish Jesuit, introduced the view in Joachim of Floris, a Franciscan monk, introduced this view about Held by many early church fathers including J. Martyr and Irenaeus (second century), and Hippolytus and Victorinus (third century). Mostly liberal in theology though some conservatives hold it. Most contemporary scholars hold it (i.e., liberals, amillennialists, and postmillennialists) Most who hold this view are amillennialists and postmillennialists Most who hold this view are premillennialists including dispensationalist. R. Calkins, P. Carrington, W. Hendriksen, M. Kiddle, W. Milligan, P. S. Minear, M. Rissi, G. Beale, et al. W. Barclay, G. B. Caird, R. H. Charles, J. M. Ford, T. F. Glasson, W. Harrington,W. G. Heidt, A. Pieters, R. Summers, J.P. M. Sweet, H. B. Swete, R. C. Sproul, H. Hannegraf, et al. H. Alford, J. Calvin, E. B. Elliott, M. Luther, et al. G. R. Beasley-Murray, I. T. Beckwith, F. F. Bruce, J. N. Darby, V. Eller, A. F. Johnson, W. Kelly, G. E. Ladd, H. Lilje, L. Morris R. H. Mounce, J. B. Smith, M. C. Tenney, R. L. Thomas, J. F. Walvoord, J.D. Pentecost, C. C. Ryrie, et al. 1 Thomas Constable, Revelation Study Notes, page

4 appendix D: views of the millennium 1 Views When Will Christ Reign How and Where Will Christ Reign Amillennial Premillennial Postmillennial Between the first and second comings (present reign) Immediately after the second coming (future reign) Between the first and second comings, but arriving by degrees (present reign) Christ rules over a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of believers on earth and over the souls of the redeemed in heaven (spiritual reign). Christ will rule personally for one thousand years over a literal, physical, earthly kingdom with Satan bound and the curse of the fall removed. Christ rules in the hearts of believers as the Church brings in the kingdom by the triumph of the Gospel in this world (spiritual reign). Two Main Points of Agreement 1. All three of these views believe that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords and that He rules or will rule over a glorious kingdom. 2. All three of these views hold that Jesus Christ will one day return to this world literally, physically, visibly, and gloriously as the Judge of all the earth. Three Main Points of Disagreement 1. When will Jesus reign? (the timing of His reign) 2. How will Jesus reign? (the nature of His reign) 3. Where will Jesus reign? (the place of His reign) 1 Mark Hitchcock, 101 Answers to Most Asked Questions about the End Times (Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2001),

5 appendix E: numbers Numbers are used literally to communicate factual information throughout the Word of God. It has been suggested that specific numbers communicate symbolic significance as well. Numbers in the Bible Number Suggested Significance Examples One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Ten Twelve Forty Seventy Primary number, absolute singleness Witness and support Unity, accomplishment, full manifestation Related to earth Grace Number of man, suggests incompleteness Number of God, completeness, perfection New beginning Human government, human responsibility Divine administration or government Testing, trial, judgment, probation, separation Human committees, judgment God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4) One body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, etc. (Ephesians 4:4-6) Two witnesses to confirm truth (Deuteronomy 17:6) Two angels at Sodom (Genesis 19:1) Two angels at resurrection (Luke 24:4) Christ was raised on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4) Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19) Noah s three sons unity of human race (Genesis 6:10) Esther s three days of preparation (Esther 4:16) Four directions: north, south, east, west (Genesis 13:14) Four seasons (Genesis 8:22) Four world kingdoms (Daniel 7:3) Five sacrificial offerings (Leviticus 1-5) Five wise virgins (Matthew 25:2) Man s world was created in six days (Genesis 1:31) Nebuchadnezzar s statue was 60 by six cubits (Daniel 3:1) God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2) Forgive 70 x 7 (Matthew 18:22) Eight people are saved from the flood (Genesis 7:13) Circumcision on the eighth day (Genesis 17:12) 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) 10 tribes in the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 11:31-35) 10 men witness decision (Ruth 4:2) 12 tribes of Israel (Genesis 49) 12 apostles (Matthew 10:2-4) Rained 40 days and nights in the flood (Genesis 7:4) Israel wandered 40 years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33) Jesus fasted in the wilderness 40 days (Matthew 4:2) Moses had 70 elders (Numbers 11:16) Jesus appointed 70 disciples (Luke 10:1) Israel s exile in Babylon was 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10) In observing the utilization of various numbers in Revelation: One suggests absolute singleness in one like the Son of Man (Revelation 1:13), one sat on the throne (Revelation 4:2), these have one purpose (Revelation 17:13), and judgment was in one hour (Revelation 18:10, 17, 19; repeated three time for emphasis). Two signifies witness and support with two tribulation witnesses (Revelation 11:3), two olive trees and two lampstands (Revelation 11:4), and two prophets (Revelation 11:10). Three suggests the accomplishment of the witnesses whose dead bodies will be viewed for three days (Revelation 11:9), as well as the full manifestation of evil with three unclean spirits, like frogs, sent out (Revelation 16:13). 92

6 Four [used 29 times in Revelation] includes four living creatures (Revelation 4:6-8), four horsemen (Revelation 6), four angels on four corners of the earth, holding four winds of the earth (Revelation 7:1), four angels loosed (Revelation 9:14-15), four corners of the earth (Revelation 20:8), and four sides of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:13). Five perhaps signifies grace in that the demon locusts were limited to tormenting only five months, and to hurt men for only five months (Revelation 9:5, 10). Six is the number of man, one less than the number of God, suggesting incompleteness, and antichrist s number is 666 (Revelation 13:18), repeated three times as the full manifestation of evil, as well as satanic imitation of the Trinity. Seven [used 48 times in Revelation] repeatedly emphasizes the completion, fulfillment, and perfection of God s plan: seven churches and seven spirits (Revelation 1:4); seven golden lampstands (Revelation 1:12); seven stars (Revelation 1:16); seven spirits of God (Revelation 3:1); seven lamps of fire (Revelation 4:5); seven seals on the scroll (Revelation 5:1); seven horns and seven eyes of the Lamb (Revelation 5:6); seven angels and seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2); seven thunders (Revelation 10:3); seven heads of the dragon and seven crowns on his heads (Revelation 12:3); seven heads of the beast (Revelation 13:1); seven angels having the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1, 6); seven golden bowls (Revelation 15:7); seven angels which held seven bowls (Revelation 17:1); seven heads are seven mountains (Revelation 17:9); seven kings (Revelation 17:10); seven angels which had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues (Revelation 21:9). Ten [used 11 times in Revelation] reveals the government and dominion of satan and the antichrist: the revived Roman empire will have 10 nations (Daniel 7:24; Revelation 17:12); they will have tribulation 10 days (Revelation 2:10); there are 10 horns (Revelation 12:3; 13:1); on his horns are 10 crowns (Revelation 13:1); 10 horns and the 10 horns are 10 kings (Revelation 17:3, 7, 12, 16). Twelve [used 21 times in Revelation] reflects the divine administration of God on earth through the 12 tribes of Israel with 12,000 sealed from each of the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:5-8), and in the future New Jerusalem with 12 gates, 12 foundations, 12 angels, 12 tribes, and the 12 apostles (Revelation 21). Seventy is not used in Revelation, however Revelation fulfills God s plan of 70 x 7 years determined for Daniel s people (Daniel 9:24), the completeness of the divine plan for Israel. Multiple numbers extend and emphasize the symbolic meaning of the foundational number(s). Multiples of seven are based upon God s pattern of rest on the seventh day in the creation account, with the application to man resting and worshipping God on the Sabbath, as well as letting the land rest from cultivation every seventh year (Leviticus 25:2-7). The year of Jubilee follows the seventh cycle of rest (7 x 7 = 49 years; year of Jubilee is the 50 th year) emphasizing completeness as the land returns to its former owners and slaves are released (Leviticus 25:10). Christ s declaration of forgiving 70 x 7 is not a mathematical formula, but emphasizes the limitless nature of forgiveness He desires believers to exercise toward others (Matthew 18:22). Multiples of twelve include the 24 divisions of priestly service (1 Chronicles 24), and the 24 elders around the Throne (Revelation 4:4; 7 time in Revelation), combining government, responsibility, and witness (12 x 2 = 24). Additionally 12,000 (12 times in Revelation) Jewish servants of God are sealed from each of the 12 tribes of Israel for a total of 144,000 (12 x 12 x 1000) bondservants (Revelation 7:4; 14:1, 3). Multiple repetition of six occurs in the number of the beast, which is 666, suggesting a man (the antichrist) trying to emulate God and the Trinity (Revelation 13:18). Ten thousand times ten thousand [10,000 x 10,000; lit: myriads of myriads ] emphasizes the fact that angels are innumerable, an indefinitely large number beyond calculation (Revelation 5:11; Hebrews 12:22). * All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB 93

7 appendix F: symbolism in revelation It has been estimated that the 404 verses in Revelation contain over 500 references to the Old Testament, as many themes begun in Genesis, the first book in the Bible, are culminated in Revelation, the final book in the Bible. These themes include creation, redemption, judgment, deliverance, Satan s opposition to God and mankind, and God s eternal kingship and sovereignty and victory. Revelation has also been noted for extensive use of symbols, powerfully enhancing the dramatic conclusion of God s revealed plan, with Satan described as a great dragon and old serpent, the antichrist described as a malicious beast, and Christ as the Lamb of God, slain, yet reigning as the Lion of Judah. Many symbols are explained in the book of Revelation, many other symbols are clarified by their use in other portions of the Word [particularly the Old Testament], and some symbols remain elusive, being best understood in their context. John Walvoord has compiled the following list of symbols to aid the student of the Bible in understanding the book of Revelation 1. The seven stars (1:16) represent seven angels (1:20). The seven lampstands (1:13) represent seven churches (1:20). The hidden manna (2:17) speaks of Christ in glory (cf. Exodus 16:33-34; Hebrews 9:4). The morning star (2:28) refers to Christ returning before the dawn, suggesting the rapture of the church before the establishment of the Kingdom (cf. Revelation 22:16; 2 Peter 1:19). The key of David (3:7) represents the power to open and close doors (Isaiah 22:22). The seven lamps of fire represent the sevenfold Spirit of God (4:5). The odors of the golden vials symbolize the prayers of the saints (5:8). The four horses and their riders (6:1 ff) represent successive events in the developing Tribulation. The fallen star (9:1) is the angel of the abyss, probably satan (9:11). Many references are made to Jerusalem: the great city (11:8), and Sodom and Egypt (11:8), which stand in contrast to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city. The stars of heaven (12:4) refer to fallen angels (12:9). The woman and the child (12:1-2) seem to represent Israel and Christ (12:5-6). Satan is variously described as the great dragon, the old serpent, and the devil (12:9; 20:2). The time, times, and half a time (12:14) are the same as 1260 days (12:6). The beast out of the sea (13:1-10) is the future world ruler and his empire. The beast out of the earth (13:11-17) is the false prophet (19:20). The harlot (17:1) variously described as the great city (17:18), as Babylon the great (17:5), as the one who sits on seven hills (17:9), is usually interpreted as apostate Christendom. The waters (17:1) on which the woman sits represent the peoples of the world (17:15). The ten horns (17:12) are ten kings associated with the beast (13:1; 17:3, 7, 8, 11-13, 16-17). The Lamb is Lord of lords and King of kings (17:14). Fine linen is symbolic of the righteous deeds of the saints (19:8). The rider of the white horse (19:11-16, 19) is clearly identified as Christ, the King of kings. The lake of fire is described as the second death (20:14). Jesus Christ is the Root and Offspring of David (22:16). Walvoord comments: The problems of interpretation of Revelation have often been made far greater than they really are. They frequently yield to patient study and comparison with other portions of scripture. The linguistic study of Revelation is an endless task but offers rich rewards to the patient student. * Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15, NASB 1 John F. Walvoord, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1966),

8 appendix G: old testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus Biblical Prophecy: is 100 percent accurate (Deuteronomy 18:20 22) harmonizes with the Word completely (Deuteronomy 13:1 11) includes predictive prophecy (one-fourth of all Scripture was prophetic when it was originally written) Selected Old Testament Prophecies fulfilled by Jesus (332 at His first advent) 1. That He would be born of a woman (Genesis 3:15; cf. Galatians 4:4) 2. That He would be from the line of Abraham (Genesis 12:3, 7; 17:7; cf. Romans 9:5; Galatians 3:16) 3. That He would be a son of Isaiah (Genesis 21:12; cf. Luke 3:23, 34) 4. That He would be a son of Jacob (Numbers 24:17; cf. Luke 3:23, 34) 5. That He would be from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10; cf. Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5) 6. That He would be from the family of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1; cf. Luke 3:23, 32) 7. That He would be from the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12, 13: cf. Luke 1:31 33; Romans 1:3) 8. That He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; cf. Matthew 1:18-25) 9. That He would be given the throne of David (2 Samuel 7:11, 12; Psalms 132:11; Isaiah 9:6, 7; 16:5; Jeremiah 23:5; cf. Luke 1:31 32) 10. That this throne would be an eternal throne (Daniel 2:44; 7:14, 27; Micah 4:7; cf. Luke 1:33) * 11. That He would be called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14; cf. Matthew 1:23) * 12. That He would have a forerunner (Isaiah 40:3 5; Malachi 3:1; cf. Matthew 3:1 3; Luke 1:76 78; 3:3 6) 13. That He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; cf. Matthew 2:5,6; Luke 2:4 6) 14. That He would be worshiped by wise men and presented with gifts (Psalms 72:10; Isaiah 60:3 9: cf. Matthew 2:1,11) 15. That He would be in Egypt for a season (Numbers 24:8; Hosea 11:1; cf. Matthew 2:15) 16. That His birthplace would suffer a massacre of infants (Jeremiah 31:15; cf. Matthew 2:17 18) 17. That He would be called a Nazarene (Isaiah 11:11; cf. Matthew 2:23) 18. That He would be the Lamb of God Who would take away the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:7; cf. John 1:29 36; 19:36) 19. That He would be zealous for the Father (Psalms 69:9; 119:139; cf. John 2:15 17; 6:37 40) 20. That He would be filled with God s Spirit (Psalms 45:7; Isaiah 11:2; 61:1, 2; cf. Luke 4:18 19) 21. That He would heal many (Isaiah 53:4 6; cf. Matthew 8:16, 17) 22. That He would deal gently with the Gentiles (Isaiah 9:1, 2; 42:1 3; cf. Matthew 4:13 16; 12:17 21) 23. That He would speak in parables (Isaiah 6:9 10; Psalms 78:2; cf. Matthew 13:10 15) * 24. That He would be rejected by His own (Psalms 69:8; Isaiah 53:3; cf. John 1:11; 7:5) 25. That He would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; cf. Matthew 21:4 5) 26. That He would be praised by little children (Psalms 8:22; cf. Matthew 21:16) 27. That He would be the rejected cornerstone (Psalms 118:22 23; cf. Matthew 21:42) 28. That He would be a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15 19; cf. Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16, 39; John 1:21,25; 6:14; 7:40) * 29. That His miracles would not be believed (Isaiah 53:1; cf. John 12:37 38) * 30. That His friend would betray Him (Psalms 41:9; 55:12 14; cf. Matthew 26:14 16, 21 25) 31. That He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12, 13; cf. Matthew 26:14 16) 32. That He would be a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3; cf. Matthew 26:37 38) 33. That He would be hated without a reason (Psalms 35:19; 69:4; cf. John 15:24 25) 34. That He would be forsaken by His disciples (Zechariah 13:7; cf. Matthew 26:31, 56) 35. That He would be scourged and spat upon (Isaiah 50:66; cf. Matthew 26:67; 27:26) * 36. That He would pray for His enemies (Psalms 109:4; cf. Matthew 5:44; Luke 23:34) 37. That His betrayal price would be used to buy a potter s field (Jeremiah 18:1 4; 19:1 4; Zechariah 11:12, 13; cf. Matthew 27:9 10) 95

9 * 38. That He would be silent before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; cf. Matthew 26:63; 27:12; Mark 14:61; 15:5; Luke 23:9; John 19:9) 39. That He would be accused by false witnesses (Psalms 27:12; 35:11; cf. Matthew 26:60 61; Mark 14:55-61) 40. That He would be hated without reason (Psalms 35:19; 69:4; cf. John 15:24 25) 41. That He would be crucified between two thieves (Isaiah 53:12; cf. Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27; Luke 22:37) * 42. That He would be given vinegar to drink (Psalms 69:21; cf. Matthew 27:34, 48; John 19:28 30) 43. That His hands and feet would be pierced (Psalms 22:16; Zechariah 12:10; cf. Matthew 15:25; John 19:34, 37; 20:25 27) 44. That His garments would be parted and gambled for (Psalms 22:18; cf. Luke 23:34; John 19:23, 24) 45. That He would be surrounded and ridiculed by His enemies (Psalms 22:7, 8; cf. Matthew 27:39 44; Mark 15:29 32) 46. That His friends would stand far off (Psalms 38:11; 88:18; cf. Matthew 27:55; Mark 15:40; Luke 23:49) 47. That He would thirst (Psalms 22:15; cf. John 19:28) 48. That He would feel forsaken by God (Psalms 22:1; cf. Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34) 49. That He would commend His spirit to the Father (Psalms 31:5; cf. Luke 23:46) 50. That His bones would not be broken (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalms 34:20; cf. John 19:33 36) 51. That He would be stared at in death (Zechariah 12:10; cf. Matthew 27:36; John 19:37) 52. That He would be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9; cf. Matthew 27:57 60) 53. That He would be raised from the dead (Psalms 16:10; cf. Matthew 28:2 7) 54. That He would ascend (Psalms 24:7 10; cf. Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51) 55. That He would become a greater high priest than Aaron (Psalms 110:4; cf. Hebrews 5:4 6, 10; 7:11 28) 56. That He would be seated at God s right hand (Psalms 110:1; cf. Matthew 22:44; Hebrews 10:12 13) 57. That He would become a smiting scepter (Numbers 24:17; Daniel 2:44, 45; cf. Revelation19:15) 58. That He would rule the heathen (Psalms 2:8; cf. Revelation 2:27) 59. That He would be declared to be the Son of God (Psalms 2:7; Proverbs 30:4; cf. Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 1:35) 60. The time of His first coming (Daniel 9:24 27) Fulfilled prophecies confirm Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God. 96

10 Illustration of the Silver Dollar Peter Stoner [Science Speaks, Moody Press, 1963, quoted by Josh McDowell in Evidence that Demands a Verdict, pp ] calculates the probability of the eight prophecies marked by an asterisk (*) being fulfilled by any man who ever lived as 1 in 10 17, or 1 followed by 17 zeros 100,000,000,000,000,000). That many silver dollars would cover the state of Texas two feet deep. Imagine if one silver dollar was marked and mixed into the mass of dollars covering the state, and a blindfolded man was dropped somewhere in the state and told to travel as far as he wanted, and then to pick up only one silver dollar. The probability of him selecting the marked dollar is 1 in The probability of fulfilling 48 prophecies is 1 in It has been claimed that Jesus actually fulfilled 332 prophecies in His first coming [Evidence, p. 181]. Conclusion 332 distinct predictions were literally fulfilled in Christ s first coming Fulfilled prophecy establishes Christ s messianic credentials Fulfilled prophecy verified God s sovereignty, omniscience, and omnipotence Fulfilled prophecy is a powerful apologetic and a powerful evangelistic tool bibliography for the prophecies Ellis Smith, Marsha A., Gen. Ed. Holman Book of Biblical Charts, Maps, and Reconstructions. Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers, Fruchtenbaum, Arnold G. Messianic Christology: A Study of Old Testament Prophecy Concerning the First Coming of the Messiah. Tustin, California: Ariel Ministries, Hoehner, Harold W. Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. The Messiah in the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Lockyer, Hebert. All the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, McDowell, Josh. Evidence that Demands a Verdict. Campus Crusade for Christ International, Payne, J. Barton. Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy. New York, New York: Harper and Row Publishers, Pentecost, J. Dwight. Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, Ryrie, Charles C. Basic Theology. Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, Walvoord, John F. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, Walvoord, John F. Jesus Christ Our Lord. Chicago: Moody Press, Willmington, H. L. Willmington s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers,

11 appendix H: glorified Christ Christ is the central focus of Revelation in His risen glory (Revelation 1), ministering to the churches on earth (Revelation 2 3), receiving worship in heaven (Revelation 4 5), dispensing God s wrath on the earth during the Tribulation (Revelation 6 18), returning in victory at His second coming (Revelation 19), reigning in glory during the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20), and enjoying the worship and fellowship of His beloved bride throughout eternity (Revelation 21 22). Christ in Revelation Christ reveals God and His plan for the future to His bondservants (1:1 3) Christ is the faithful Witness (1:5) Christ is the first-born from the dead (1:5) Christ is the Ruler of the kings of the earth (1:5) Christ is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end (1:8; 21:6; 22:13) Christ was, and is, and is to come (1:8) Christ is the Lord God (1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3) Christ is the Almighty (1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3) Christ is the Risen, glorified Son of God ministering among the churches (1:13 16) Christ is the Son of Man (1:13) Christ has the sharp two-edged sword (1:16; 2:12; 19:5) Christ is the first and last (1:17; 2:8; 22:13) Christ is the living One Who was dead but now is alive forevermore (1:18; 2:8) Christ has the keys of death and of Hades (1:18) Christ is the Son of God (2:18) Christ is the bright morning star (2:28; 22:16) Christ is holy and true (3:7) Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, beginning of the creation of God (3:14) Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (5:5) Christ is the Lamb in heaven with authority to open the scroll (5:6 ff) Christ is the Lamb on the Throne (7:17) Christ is the Messiah Who will reign forever (11:15) Christ is returning in glorious splendor on a white horse (19:11) Christ is faithful and true, judging and waging war in righteousness (19:11ff) Christ is the Word of God (19:13) Christ is the majestic King of kings and Lord of lords (17:14; 19:16) Christ is the Root and Offspring of David (5:5; 22:16) Christ is coming quickly (1:7; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20) Revelation confirms that Christ loves believers (1:5), has released us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to His God and Father (1:5). Christ gives us authority (2:26) and reproves and disciplines those He loves to elicit their repentance (3:19). Christ will wipe away every tear (7:17; 21:4) and will reward His servants when He returns (22:12). Christ is the Victor, and revelation describes His victory! We will worship Him, serve Him, and reign with Him! 98