Pastor George Shafer SURVEY OF THE REVELATION Sunday School June 2, 2013 Lesson 1 - Introduction Page 1

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1 Pastor George Shafer SURVEY OF THE REVELATION Sunday School June 2, 2013 Lesson 1 - Introduction Page 1 Rev 1:7 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. INTRODUCTION A. The last book of the Bible is entitled The Revelation of Jesus Christ. 1. The book contains 22 chapters, 404 verses, and about 12,000 words. 2. The Westcott and Hort (critical/corrupt) Greek text from which the NIV is translated, changes 334 if 404 verses in The Revelation a. This is the most changed of all the NT books in the Westcott/Hort Greek text b % of the verses have been altered c. For example, in Chapter 22, only verse 4 is unaltered in the Westcott/Hort text B. The author is without doubt, John (Rev 1:1), and it was written while John was banished to Patmos in about 96 A.D. C. The book was a visual account of things John saw (Rev 1:2) D. It is the only book that promises a blessing to the reader (Rev 1:3) just for reading the book. 1. To be blessed, one must read, or hear, and keep the things written therein 2. The time is at hand E. It is accompanied by a curse to those who change it 1. Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 2. Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 3. The Westcott/Hort text shortens over 120 verses and adds to about 80 verses in The Revelation (in the Greek text). F. The Revelation is, without doubt, the most difficult book of the Bible to understand, and compares to the Old Testament book of Zechariah in its use of symbolism. II. III. OUTLINE OF THE REVELATION AND PLAN FOR THE CLASS A. Introduction to The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Week 1) Rev 1:1-20 B. Letters to the Seven Local Churches (Week 1 and July/August) Rev 2:1-3:22 1. Ephesus, July 7, David Jett, Jr. 2. Smyrna, July 21, Aron Davies 3. Pergamos, July 28, David Jett, Jr. 4. Thyatira, Aug 4, Aron Davies 5. Sardis, Aug 11, Aron Davies 6. Philadelphia, Aug 18, David Jett, Jr. 7. Laodicea, Aug 25, David Jett, Jr. C. The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Week 2) Rev 4:1-11:19 D. The Story of Israel and Her Salvation (Week 3) Rev 12:1-14:20 E. Judgment of the World System (Week 4) Rev 15:1-18:24 F. Reward of the Righteous and Judgment of the Wicked (Week 5) Rev 19:1-20:15 G. The New Creation and Conclusion of The Revelation (Week 5) Rev 21:1-22:21 PREREQUISITES TO UNDERSTANDING THE REVELATION A. You must understand how to interpret the Bible 1. The Bible is a literal book which uses figurative language, but when the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense. 2. If you reject the obvious meaning in favor of a symbolic one, you cannot understand The Revelation

2 Pastor George Shafer SURVEY OF THE REVELATION Sunday School June 2, 2013 Lesson 1 - Introduction Page 2 3. Any time someone says, Israel means church or thousand doesn t mean thousand you know you have a problem. B. You must understand the distinction between Israel and The Church 1. Israel is the nation of Israel as it exists today, and has existed since Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 2. Church is the local churches like the seven named in Revelation Chapter 2 and 3 3. Israel and church are distinctly different entities and are never the same. C. You must understand that The Revelation is prophetic, and is not historic (has not taken place) IV. PART I - THE INTRODUCTION (Revelation 1:1-1:20) A. The Revelation Declared (1:1-2) 1. It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ the disclosing of the King of Kings! (1:1). This is the purpose of the book, and the events described in the book. 2. It was shown to His servant John 3. John gave a record: (2) a. Of the Word of God (what God said to him) b. Of the testimony of Christ c. Of all that he saw - it was a vision B. A Blessing Promised (1:3) 1. To the reader/hearer if he keeps the words of this book. 2. One blessing is that we know how things will end, and another is that we know how eternity will be shaped. C. The Audience Defined (1:4-6) 1. The Revelation is addressed to local churches a. Not to Israel b. Not to any universal body 2. The Writer is God Himself a. His person (4) (1) Eternal (is/was/is to come) (2) Expressive - seven spirits (a) These are mentioned four times in the Bible, only in The Revelation (b) They are before the throne not on it (c) They are later described as seven lamps and seven eyes (d) They are sent forth (3) Enthroned b. His works (5-6) (1) He is the faithful witness (2) He is the first (of many) to be resurrected from the dead (3) He is the prince (superior to) of all kings on the earth. (4) He loved us (5) He washed us from our sins in His own blood (6) He made us kings and priests unto God (7) He will have glory and dominion forever D. The Coming Described (1:7) 1. From above, just as He departed 2. Seen by EVERYONE (no secret return) 3. Israel shall see Him (they pierced Him) 4. All kindreds of the earth shall see and mourn (wail) E. The Redeemer Authenticated (1:8) 1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the beginning and end of the story - He created, He sustains, and He will return and rule for all eternity.

3 Pastor George Shafer SURVEY OF THE REVELATION Sunday School June 2, 2013 Lesson 1 - Introduction Page 3 2. He is the Almighty God - His power has no limit F. The Writer Enlightened (1:9-18) 1. His person - He is one of us (9) and was suffering for his faith in God 2. The place - Patmos - a small barren island in the Aegean Sea a. Located 60 miles SW of Ancient Ephesus b. About 8 miles long by three miles wide, arid, without trees, hot and dry. 3. The period - it was the Lord s day (10) 4. The perspective (10) a. He heard the trumpeting voice of Christ behind him, giving instructions. (11) b. He turned towards the voice and saw seven candlesticks surrounding the Son of Man 5. The proclaimer a. Floor length garment with a golden girdle (13) b. White hair c. Flaming eyes (14) d. Brazen feet and a perfect voice (15) e. Possessing seven stars in His right hand (16) f. A sharp sword proceeding from His mouth (16) g. Shining bright like the sun (16) 6. The product a. John fell to the Lord s feet, perfectly still (17) b. The Lord put His hand on John and assured him (17) (1) He is the first and last (2) He is the resurrected one (18) (3) He is eternally alive (4) He (alone) has the keys of death and hell G. The Documentation Commanded (1:19-20) 1. Things seen, things that are, things that shall be (19) 2. The seven stars are messengers of seven churches; the seven candlesticks are churches. V. PART II THE SEVEN CHURCHES (Rev 2:1-3:22) A. This passage is one of the greatest proof texts for the definition of the local church B. These churches were, obviously, very geographically close to one another - perhaps a day s journey from one to the next. 1. They are located in modern day Turkey 2. You can drive from one to another, i.e. Smyrna to Ephesus, in about an hour. C. They existed at the very same time but had very different conditions - some weak and some strong; some good and some bad. If there were one ruling body (i.e. a Pope), you would thing that all of them would have been similar in doctrine and practice, but they were not. D. The individual churches are addressed by the Lord. If there were one ruling body (i.e. a Catholic hierarchy) it would be inappropriate not to address that one ruler (i.e. to go around him). The Seven Churches of The Revelation E. I do not believe that these churches represent seven different church ages. 1. First, that is allegorical interpretation and there is no scriptural support of the idea. 2. Second, it does not fit history. 3. Finally, it takes away the fact that there are churches of all types in all ages. F. We will discuss each of these churches in separate lessons later in the class.

4 Pastor George Shafer SURVEY OF THE REVELATION Sunday School June 2, 2013 Lesson 1 - Introduction Page 4

5 June 9, 2013 Lesson 2 - Chapters 4 to 9 Page 5 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Rev 4:1 I. INTRODUCTION A. The actual revelation of Jesus Christ begins in chapter 4 (after the seven churches are addressed), and the events on earth accompanying His revelation are described beginning in chapter 6. B. The culmination of this revelation of Christ is found in Chapter 19 when the beast and false prophet are defeated and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. C. The events which transpire between chapters 4 and 19 take place during Daniel s 70 th week - a period of seven literal calendar years. D. Between chapter 4 and chapter 19, there are several parenthetical statements which may not be strictly subjected to a chronological time line, but which explain what is happening. E. After chapter 3, the churches are not mentioned again until the very end of the book Sevens in The Revelation Seven churches (1:4) Seven spirits (1:4) Seven candlesticks (1:12) - seven churches Seven stars (1:16) - angels of the seven churches Seven lamps (4:5) the seven Spirits of God Seven seals (5:1) Seven horns and eyes on the Lamb (5:6) Seven angels (8:2) Seven trumpets (8:6) Seven thunders (10:3) Seven crowned heads on the great red dragon (12:3) Seven last plagues (15:1) Seven golden vials (15:7) Seven mountains where the woman sits (17:9) Seven kings (17:10) 1. The churches are not present during the events that take place starting in chapter 4 a. 1 Thes 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. b. Rev 6:16 - the wrath of the Lamb; Rev 6:17 - the great day of his wrath is come; Rev 11:18 - thy wrath is come, etc. (wrath mentioned 13 times in the Revelation) 2. The events in Daniel s 70 th week are intended for thy people Israel (Dan 9:24) F. The events beginning in chapter 4 are future events. There has never been an event in the history of the earth that fits their literal description 1. The third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up (Rev 8:7) 2. And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. (Rev 8:9) 3. By these three was the third part of men killed (Rev 9:18) G. The actual coming of Christ back to earth is not described in the Revelation until chapter 19. II. SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTERS FOUR TO NINE A. Chapter 4 John sees the throne room in heaven 1. One sitting on a throne 2. Twenty four elders 3. Four beasts B. Chapter 5 The sealed book and search for one worthy to unseal it 1. The sealed book 2. The Lamb of God 3. The seals on the book C. Chapter 6 The four horsemen of the apocalypse and the first six seals opened D. Chapter 7 The four angels and sealing of the 144,000 E. Chapter 8 The seventh seal is opened 1. Seven angels with seven trumpets 2. Four trumpets are sounded F. Chapter 9 The fifth and sixth trumpets sound

6 June 9, 2013 Lesson 2 - Chapters 4 to 9 Page 6 III. CHRIST ENTHRONED IN HEAVEN (Rev 4:1-11) A. The Lord s return takes place in Revelation 19. He is enthroned in heaven as John s vision of Him begins in chapter 4. B. Chapter four is an account of God seated on His throne 1. He is surrounded by 24 elders (Rev 4:4) - redeemed, rewarded, resting, representative. a. The symbolism and/or identity of the elders is not specifically stated in the Bible. b. They occur in Rev 4, 5, 11, and 19, and they fall down and worship each time they are mentioned. c. They are representatives of God s redeemed - perhaps 12 for Israel and 12 for Gentiles d. They are kings and priests [who] shall reign on the earth. (Rev 5:10) e. They are redeemed to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation (Rev 5:9) 2. Before the throne, He is accompanied by four beasts (6) - continually praising the One on the throne a. In another scriptural view of God s throne (Isaiah 6), these were Seraphims (a Hebrew word which also means fiery serpent ) which were not as well described as the beasts in The Revelation. b. In both cases they have six wings and cried Holy, Holy, Holy C. It is evident, that the initiation of the terrible events that take place on the earth in Chapters 6 and beyond are overseen and orchestrated by the God of all eternity whose will is done in heaven, and who concerns Himself with the affairs of men upon the earth. IV. THE BOOK WITH SEVEN SEALS (Rev 5:1-14) A. This book is not the Bible, nor is it the Lamb s book of life. B. The unsealing of the seven seals on this book is that which produces various acts of judgment and tribulation upon the earth. C. The qualification to unseal the book is exclusively that of the Lamb of God - The Lord Jesus Christ - He alone is worthy to enact the judgment of the world for He alone is holy. D. The book: 1. Held in God s right hand (1) 2. Only one is worthy to open its seals (5) 3. The Lamb takes the book (6) and is worshiped because of His worthiness E. A book can be a story, historical record, or a legal document. Roman law required a will (testament) to be sealed seven times. F. At the end of Daniel s prophecy (Dan 12:4), a book was sealed until the time of the end. Perhaps this is the same book. V. THE OPENING OF THE SEALS BY THE LAMB (Rev 6:1-17) A. This is the beginning of the events of the Tribulation - a period of seven years which pertain to Israel and the wrath of the Lamb ( then shall be great tribulation Matt 24:21). See Dan 9:24-27 B. The first four seals are opened (Rev 6:1-8) THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF APOCALYPSE 1. The first seal is opened (Rev 6:1) a white horse and rider conquest - the rise of Antichrist 2. The second seal (6:3) red horse war 3. The third seal (6:5) black horse famine and scarcity of food

7 June 9, 2013 Lesson 2 - Chapters 4 to 9 Page 7 4. The fourth seal (6:7) pale horse death 25% of the earth killed with hunger, sword, beasts. C. The fifth and sixth seals opened 1. The fifth seal (6:9) recognizes the martyrs of the tribulation time 2. The sixth seal (6:12-17) nature in calamity: earthquake, volcano, meteor shower, and recognition that the day of the wrath of the Lamb of God has come (Rev 6:16-17) VI. THE SEALING OF THE 144,000 (Rev 7:1-17) A. A brief respite is given while 144,000 Jews are given a seal of protection B. Then, there is a numberless multitude before the throne and Lamb worshiping and praising God in preparation for His judgment upon the earth (Rev 7:9-12) C. The redeemed, spared from the wrath of the Lamb, are described to John (13-17) VII. THE OPENING OF THE SEVENTH SEAL: SEVEN ANGELS/TRUMPETS (Rev 8:1-9:21) A. The seventh seal introduces seven angels with seven trumpets, each of which results in further horrible calamity and judgment upon the earth. B. The awe and horror of this last trumpet results in absolute silence in heaven for half an hour (8:1) C. The first four trumpets It is God s creation to destroy as He pleases 1. The first (8:7) - hail, fire, and blood rain down and destroy one third of the vegetation on the earth (so much for the Green movement). 2. The second (8:8) - a third of the sea becomes blood (metaphorical?) destroying one third of sea life and ships 3. The third (8:10) - a third of rivers, fountains, and waters are made bitter, causing much death 4. The fourth (8:12) - a third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened D. The three woes 1. The fifth trumpet (9:1-12) - locusts from the bottomless pit are loosed upon the earth to torment all mankind for five months. 2. The sixth trumpet (9:13-19) - four angels slay one third of all men E. In spite of all this, men refuse to repent

8 Pastor George Shafer June 9, 2013 SURVEY OF THE REVELATION Lesson 2 - Chapters 4 to 9 OBC Sunday School Page 8

9 June 16, 2013 Lesson 3 - Chapters 10 to 14 Page 9 I. REVIEW A. The first three chapters of The Revelation deal with the introduction to the book and with the seven churches of Asia. B. Chapters 4 and 5 are the scene in the throne room of God C. Chapter 6 begins the tribulation period, and continues through chapter 19. BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE REVELATION 1. The sealed book (Rev 5) 2. The little book (Rev 10) 3. The Lamb s book of life (Rev 13, 17, 20 etc.) 4. The books of judgment (Rev 20) 5. This book (Rev 22) D. Between chapter 6 and chapter 19 (14 chapters), there are several groups of events which unfold, all of which pertain to the judgment of the inhabitants of the earth. 1. The seven seals are opened in chapters 6, 7, and 8: The seven trumpets (part of the seventh seal) are sounded in chapters 8 to Chapters 12, 13, and 14 a. Revelation 12 the story of the woman (Israel) with child (the Messiah) b. Revelation 13 the story of the blasphemous beasts which rise up c. Revelation 14 the angelic preaching and reaping of the earth for judgment E. Chapters 15 to 18 the final judgment of the world and select groups (i.e. the Whore) F. Chapter 19 the return of the Lord G. Chapter 20 the 1,000 year reign of Christ H. Chapter 21 and 22 the new heaven and new earth, and the conclusion of The Revelation II. III. CHAPTER TEN The Angel Over the Earth with the Little Book A. The first verse of chapter 10 continues the events from chapter 9, without interruption, but are a precursor to the sounding of the seventh trumpet (in Rev 11:15) B. Elements in chapter ten 1. The mighty angel clothed with a cloud 2. The little book 3. The seven thunders C. The events in chapter ten deal with John s understanding, rather than with events happening on the earth, and are told to us for our benefit. D. The identity of this mighty angel is speculated about, at best. We are not told who he is but are given many facts about him. E. The little book is a message of salvation and judgment. 1. When we learn the good things God has for those who trust Him, we find them sweet. 2. When we hear of the horrible judgment God has in store for the wicked, we find it bitter. F. Thunder is a sign of pending judgment. The details are kept secret by the Lord (Rev 10:4) CHAPTER ELEVEN The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet A. There are several specific amounts of time mentioned in chapter months is three and one half years 2. 1,260 days is exactly 3.5 prophetic years (360 days in a prophetic year) days (Rev 11:9) B. Elements of interest in chapter eleven 1. A measuring rod for determining the size of the temple a. Obviously this is a literal temple or you could not measure it 2. Two powerful invulnerable witnesses a. Two olive trees and two candlesticks standing before God 3. The beast (this is the first time in The Revelation that he is mentioned) 4. The seventh angel sounds his trumpet in Rev 11:15 C. The events that unfold in chapter 11

10 June 16, 2013 Lesson 3 - Chapters 10 to 14 Page First, there is a literal Jewish temple in Jerusalem (the holy city). a. Jerusalem is under Gentile control for three and one half literal years 2. Two witnesses prophesy for three and one half years, and do miracles 3. At the end of that time, the beast will kill them. They will be unburied and then resurrected after three and one half days and will ascend into heaven. 4. Then, an earthquake will destroy ten percent of Jerusalem and kill 7,000 men 5. After this, the seventh angel will sound his trumpet. D. Where chapter ten deals with things John sees in Heaven, chapter eleven is dedicated to literal events that take place on the earth. E. It is very logical to assume that the witnesses prophesy during half of the seven year tribulation, and because of the events described after their resurrection, during the first half. F. The beast appears at the end of these three and one half years 1. He gets his power from the dragon (Rev 13:4) 2. He is recognized as a world power (Rev 13:4) 3. An image is made to him and he is worshiped by the world 4. He has a kingdom (Rev 16:10) 5. He is different from the Dragon and the False Prophet (Rev 16:13) 6. He will be cast into a lake of fire (Rev 19:20) G. The seventh trumpet 1. This is a sign that the kingdoms of this world will now belong to Christ (15) 2. It is time for God s wrath upon the nations (18) IV. CHAPTER TWELVE The Story of the Woman and the Dragon A. This is an easier chapter to interpret, as its symbolism is explained within the chapter. B. The events in chapter twelve 1. The dragon opposes the woman who flees into the wilderness for 3.5 years 2. War in heaven (7) and the dragon cast out 3. The dragon persecutes the woman (13) C. Elements in chapter A woman Israel 2. A child - Christ 3. A great red dragon - Satan 4. A flood sent by the dragon D. The flight of the woman into the wilderness takes place during the last half of the seven year tribulation. THREE AND ONE HALF YEARS MENTIONED IN THE REVELATION months in Rev 11:2 and 13:5 2. 1,260 days in Rev 11:3 and 12:6 3. Time, times, and half a time in Rev 12:14 and Dan 12:7 V. CHAPTER THIRTEEN The Rise of the Beast A. Events in chapter The rise of the beast (1) antichrist 2. The beast prevails over the saints (7) and is worshiped (8) 3. Another beast rises (11) - the false prophet B. Explanation 1. The antichrist and false prophet emerge and reign over the inhabitants of the earth for three and one half years. 2. Any who refuse to worship the beast are martyred. 3. The false prophet promotes the antichrist with miracles and all are caused to receive the mark of the beast. Those who refuse are banned from commerce. 4. The number of the beast is 666. This is not necessarily the mark of the beast.

11 June 16, 2013 Lesson 3 - Chapters 10 to 14 Page 11 VI. CHAPTER FOURTEEN Assurance, Preaching, Ripeness, and Reaping of the Earth A. Chapter 14 is an interlude of hope which precedes five chapters of horrible judgment B. Events in Chapter The Lord stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000 (1-5) 2. An angel preaches the gospel to the earth (6-7) 3. Another angels condemns Babylon (8) 4. A third angel condemns those who worship the beast (9-11) 5. That which the saints have been waiting for, judgment, is here (12) 6. Blessings pronounced on the dead who are in Christ (13) 7. The earth is reaped in a bloody exhibition of God s wrath (14-20) C. The reaping at the end of Chapter 14 is clearly accompanied by the death of many. This is further described in subsequent chapters. VII. SUMMARY OF CHAPTERS 6 TO 19 A. Chapter 6 - the four horsemen of the Apocalypse B. Chapter 7 - the sealing of the 144,000 Jews C. Chapters 8 & 9 - the destruction in the earth as the seals are opened D. Chapter 10 - John understands the judgment written in the little book E. Chapter 11 the two witnesses and the sounding of the last trumpet F. Chapter 12 the story of the woman and the dragon G. Chapter 13 the emergence of the beast and false prophet H. Chapter 14 the interlude before the final judgment of the earth s kingdoms I. Chapters 15 to 18 men, the Great Whore, and Babylon are judged J. Chapter 19 Christ returns; the marriage supper announced as the beast and false prophet are defeated

12 June 23, 2013 Lesson 4 - Chapters 15 to 19 Page 12 Rev 1:7 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. REVIEW AND OVERVIEW A. The Revelation of The Lord Jesus Christ Summarized 1. Chapters 1 to 5 - Introduction, letters to churches, scene in heaven s throne room 2. Chapters 6 to 19 Seven year tribulation culminating with return of Christ a. Chapters 6 to 11 The first half of the seven year tribulation (1) The four horsemen (2) The sealing of the 144,000 from Israel (3) The trumpets of judgment upon the earth b. Chapters 12 to 14 the mid point of the tribulation, parenthetical (explanatory) statements and preparation for the last half of the tribulation c. Chapters 15 to 18 the last three and one half years of the tribulation d. Chapter 19 - the return of the Lord 3. Chapters 20 to 22 Millennium, judgment, new heaven and earth B. The chapters in this lesson: 1. Chapter 15 A very short chapter (8 verses) where seven angels are prepared for the last judgment upon the earth 2. Chapter 16 The Seven Vials (sometimes called Bowls) of judgment poured on the earth 3. Chapter 17 The Judgment of the Great Whore - world religion centered in Rome 4. Chapter 18 The Judgment of Babylon - the world system of government & commerce 5. Chapter 19 The literal, visible, physical return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth II. III. CHAPTER FIFTEEN PREPARATION FOR THE END A. This short chapter is similar to chapter 10: it explains what is about to happen, and why, but does not actually describe events taking place on earth 1. God has a reason for what He does 2. In this chapter, that reason is the vindication of the Lord and those who believe on Him B. The last plagues are about to appear the full wrath of God will be poured out on earth (15:1) C. The saints sing the song of Moses (3) A song of triumph (see Deut 32) 1. The song of Moses ascribes greatness to our God (Deut 32:3) 2. It addresses the corrupt and perverse people who return God s favor with wickedness (5-6) 3. This song is about Israel and the judgment of her sins (9-10, 16) 4. God declares that He will restore and protect Israel (38) 5. The last part of the song (41-43) is a declaration of judgment and vengeance D. The song is being sung by the saints, not just by Israel (Rev 15:2-3) E. The purpose of God s judgment is to bring all nations to worship Him (4) F. Then, out come the seven angels with the last plagues (5-8) CHAPTER SIXTEEN THE FINAL JUDGMENT UPON THE EARTH A. The seven angels are sent out (1) B. The swift horrible destruction caused by the last seven angels 1. The first angel causes grievous sores on men who worshiped the beast (2) 2. The second angel causes the sea to coagulate and all life in the sea is killed (3) 3. The third angel destroys all rivers and fountains, and declares God righteous for doing so (4-7) 4. The fourth angel causes the sun to overheat the earth (which now has no water (8-9) 5. The fifth angel darkens the beast s kingdom and increases the pain of men (10-11) who still refuse to repent.

13 June 23, 2013 Lesson 4 - Chapters 15 to 19 Page The sixth angel empties the Euphrates river which gives eastern armies access to Israel (12) a. During this angel s plague, three unclean spirits emerge from the beast b. These spirits cause the armies of the earth to fight against Israel (14-16) C. Armageddon (Jezreel Valley) 1. The place called Armageddon is in the valley North of Megiddo, also known as Jezreel, and the plain of Esdraelon 2. This place is located in Northern Israel 3. It is claimed that Napoleon called this place the most perfect battlefield in the whole world. 4. When you stand on the ruins (tel) of Megiddo, and look North, you see an expansive view of the valley below and on a clear day can see many scriptural sites such as the location of Endor, and even Nazareth. 5. Here Gideon gained his great victory over the Midianites 6. Here Barak defeated Sisera 7. This is where Saul s army was defeated by the Philistines 8. King Josiah, while fighting in disguise against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt, was slain here 9. In WW I, allied troops defeated the Ottoman army at this site. 10. A Third Century A.D. church was found here with the Greek inscription consecrated to the God Jesus Christ. D. The seventh and last angel pours judgement upon the earth (17-21) 1. There is a huge worldwide earthquake (18) 2. Jerusalem is divided into three parts, islands move, cities are destroyed, mountains fall. 3. There is enormous hail weighing 80 or 90 pounds per hailstone E. In spite of all this judgment, men still blaspheme God IV. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN THE JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT WHORE A. A whore is someone who takes that which is special, precious and reserved for a chosen one, and exchanges (gives) it to anyone willing to pay a price. The Roman Catholic Church has taken the cause of Christ, the cross, and salvation, and used it to obtain wealth and power which it has then abused beyond measure. B. The scriptural description of the Great Whore 1. Sits upon many waters (nations of people support her) 2. Interacts with the kings of the earth and influences the inhabitants (2) 3. Sits upon a red beast with seven heads (mountains) and ten horns (kings) (3) a. This sounds a lot like Rome (Rev 17:18). b. There are actually a number of cities on seven hills including Mecca, Athens (Greece), and Istanbul (Turkey) 4. The woman is fabulously wealthy (the cash assets of the Catholic church, today, probably exceed 50 Billion dollars). (4) 5. Her name begins with the word Mystery a. The rights of the church, such as baptism and the Eucharist, were called mysteries of the church, and they still are in the Eastern Church. The ancient Greek word is mysterion. (Ken Collins)

14 June 23, 2013 Lesson 4 - Chapters 15 to 19 Page 14 b. Taking the word "sacrament" in its broadest sense, as the sign of something sacred and hidden (the Greek word is "mystery") (Catholic Encyclopedia) 6. She has killed many saints (some suggest that millions have died as Martyrs because of the Catholic church). (6) 7. The woman is a city (Rome). (18) V. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN BABYLON IS DESTROYED A. Babylon 1. In the Bible, Babylon is never a good thing 2. Babylon represents unity around a false cause which is enabled by compromise 3. The cause is opposed to, or in disregard of, God. It is a substitute religion 4. The Babylon in Revelation 18 is a system and a city the kingdom/government of antichrist which will be confederate with the one world religion (some flavor of Catholicism) which will be headquartered in a city (probably Rome). B. This Babylon was The source of riches (18:9) for kings 2. A mighty city (10) 3. A center of commerce (11-15) 4. Rich and beautiful (16) C. This Babylon will be Utterly burned with fire (18:8) 2. Judged in an instant (10) 3. Thrown down with violence (21) 4. Found no more at all (21) D. Interesting note 1. Vesuvius, the volcano that destroyed Pompeii, is still active. It is called the most dangerous volcano on earth. It is located about 140 miles SE of Rome. 2. This may not be how Rome is destroyed, but Rome will be destroyed before Christ s return. VI. CHAPTER NINETEEN THE RETURN OF CHRIST A. The chapter begins with the hosts of heaven praising God for what He has done Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God (1) 1. For judging the whore (2) 2. He has avenged his martyrs (2) B. Again, the hosts of heaven speak: they announce the reign of the Omnipotent God (6) C. The Wedding Announcement (7-10) 1. The bride consists of the saints of God (8) D. Then, the Lord returns (11-21) 1. His appearance (11-13) a. He rides a white horse, and is called by the titles Faithful and True (11) b. His eyes, fire: His head, crowned with many crowns: His name, The Word of God 2. His armies - clothed in white linen (14) 3. His weapon - a sharp sword from His mouth (15) 4. He is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (16) E. An angel invites the fowls of heaven to the supper of the great God (17). These birds will devour the bodies of Christ s enemies (18) F. The beast gathers his armies (19), but instead of victory he is cast into a lake of fire (20) and his followers are slain (21) and the birds eat their flesh.

15 June 23, 2013 Lesson 4 - Chapters 15 to 19 Page 15 Pages 872 and 873 from the 1957 edition (21 st ) of Halley s Bible Handbook. Later editions removed this information in order to reach a bigger audience with this book.

16 June 30, 2013 Lesson 5 - Chapters 20 to 22 Page 16 I. CHILIASM, MILLENNIALISM, and PRETERISM A. What is a thousand? 1. Out of the 395 times that the word thousand appears in the KJB; 42 of these are in the New Testament. 2. In the NT, the English word thousand is sometimes a translation from a Greek word which is a large number like five thousand (Mt 14:21) or four thousand (Mt 16:10) a. In these cases, the suffix is the Greek word chileoi (thousand) 3. Twenty three times in the KJB, the Greek word chilias is translated thousand a. Like Acts 4:4 about 5,000 believed b. Or I Cor 10:8 in one day fell three and twenty thousand c. It is always a literal quantity of 1,000 of something 4. In Revelation 20, the word thousand appears six times, each is from the same Greek word found in places like Acts 4:4: cilioi chilioi khil'-ee-oy. (Strong s 5507). 5. While we have little regard for other corrupt versions of the Bible, for the sake of argument we will consider how they translate this word (Strong s 5507). a. NKJV - thousand b. NLT - thousand c. NIV - thousand d. ESV - thousand e. NASV - thousand f. RSV - thousand 6. We have examined countless Greek lexicons, and find none that say that Strong s 5507 can be translated to be a word other than thousand. 7. THOUSAND MEANS THOUSAND a quantity, number, or count. B. Why does it matter what a thousand means? 1. In 1878, a man named James Stuart Russell, wrote a defense of what is known as the Preterist view. It is pure heresy! It looks at the doctrine of the second coming, and concludes that Christ returned in AD 70. As early as the 1600's, and before, men were writing an attack on the idea of a literal thousand year reign of Christ on the earth. 2. Those who believe in the literal thousand year reign of Christ are called (by some) by the name Chiliast or Milllennialist. 3. The term Millennium comes from a Latin word for 1,000. C. If the word thousand literally means thousand and the word years means literal years, then Rev 20:4 declares that Christ will reign with the saints for 1,000 years. D. If the return of Christ to the earth is documented in Revelation 19, then this reign will take place on the literal earth. 1. Note that all the events in prior chapters were focused on the earth a. Rev 16:1 wrath upon the earth b. Rev 17 the woman is on the earth c. Rev 18:24 upon the earth (earth mentioned 6 times in chapter 18) d. Rev 19:19 the battle is upon the earth e. Rev 20:8, 9, 11 the earth 2. It makes no sense to say that Christ will reign in heaven for 1,000 years. He already reigns in heaven (Matt 6:10). E. To deal with (confront) Preterism and those who oppose the doctrine of a literal one thousand year reign of Christ on earth They are impossible to talk to: their mind is made up and no scripture or logic will change it. Avoid them and don t waste time talking to people who hold this opinion. 2. Remember that James, Peter, Paul, and John were all waiting for the coming of the Lord. Don t believe the foolish idea that awaiting His literal return is a recent idea.

17 June 30, 2013 Lesson 5 - Chapters 20 to 22 Page 17 II. III. REVELATION 20 THOUSAND YEAR REIGN & WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT A. The Thousand Year Reign of Christ (Rev 20:1-10) 1. Satan is bound for a thousand years (Rev 20:2-3). His names: a. The dragon Psalm 91:13 prophesied that Christ would trample the dragon b. The serpent of Genesis 3 will no longer be able to beguile (until the end) c. The devil The phrase the devil appears only in the NT 44 times. He is first mentioned in Matthew 4 when he tempts the Lord. d. Satan Job was accused by Satan who now finds himself bound in a bottomless pit. 2. The bottomless pit is mentioned seven times, always in The Revelation. a. In Revelation 9, it was opened and allowed locusts to torment the earth b. The bottomless pit is the source of the beast (Rev 11:7) 3. Were it not for Satan, man would not be deceived into sin. Satan s binding changes the course of the Lord s 1,000 year reign, allowing Christ to rule without Satanic opposition. a. Satan will always oppose God, until he is bound or destroyed. 4. During the thousand years a. Those who refused to worship the beast are resurrected (first resurrection) and reign with Christ (4) b. Those who worshiped the beast remain dead (5) c. This proves the time line: the millennium is after the tribulation 5. The Old Testament prophets are the exclusive source of details about the thousand year reign of Christ 1. a. An era of peace (Isaiah 2:4, 9:7, 11:6-10, etc.) b. An era of righteousness (Isaiah 1:26,27, 4:2-4, 35:8-10, etc.) c. An era of joy (Isaiah 9:3,4, 12:3-6, 14:7-8, etc.) d. An era of God s manifest glory (Isaiah 4:2, 35:2, 60:1-9) e. An era of justice (Is 9:7, 42:4, Jer 23:5) f. An era of knowledge of the Lord (Is 11:1-3,9, 54:13, Habakkuk 2:14) g. An era of instruction, blessing, worship, and freedom 6. At the end of the thousand years, Satan is let loose (7-10) and deceives the nations a. The nations gather to battle Jerusalem with numberless hoards, and are instantly devoured by fire from heaven (9) b. Then, the devil is cast into the lake of fire for all eternity (10) B. The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15) 1. This is not a judgment of those who are born again, but of those who are lost those who are dead (12) 2. This is a judgment according to works (13) Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us 3. The deciding factor is, a name written in the book of life. Without that name, those who are judged are cast into a lake of fire (15) a. Php 4:3 says that Paul s fellowlaborers had their names written in the book of life b. Except for Philippians, the book of life is only mentioned by name in The Revelation, but: (1) Moses mentioned this book (Ex 32:32) (2) Daniel 12:1 refers to this book REVELATION 21 THE NEW HEAVEN, EARTH, AND CITY A. The new heaven and new earth (21:1-8) 1 The Book of The Revelation, Robert Sargent, Bible Baptist Church, Oak Harbor Wash., pp

18 June 30, 2013 Lesson 5 - Chapters 20 to 22 Page Exclusions (things not there) a. No more sea (1) b. No more death (5), sorrow, crying, or pain c. No more temple (22), sun (23), moon (23), night (5), Curse (22:3) 2. New things (things created new and done differently) a. Heaven, earth, all things (5) b. God will now dwell with men (3) 3. All wickedness and wicked men will inhabit the lake of fire forever (8) B. The new Jerusalem (21:9-27) 1. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven (10) a. Shining like a precious stone b. Surrounded by a wall c. Gates are named in honor of the twelve tribes of Israel (not the church) (12) d. Foundations named in honor of the apostles (14) e. Dimensions of approximately 1,500 miles square (16) (1) This is 3.4 billion cubic miles (2) If the population were 6 billion, this is about half a cubic mile per person that is a space of 60,000 square feet with a 20 foot ceiling for each person. Of course, this includes streets, public spaces, etc. f. Gates never shut (25) g. Nations are living outside (24, 26) h. Inhabitants are those written in the Lamb s book of life (27) IV. REVELATION 22 THE NEW JERUSALEM, AND THE CONCLUSION A. Inside the new Jerusalem (22:1-5) 1. A pure river comes from the Lamb s throne (1) 2. Streets on both sides of the river 3. The tree of life bearing different fruit each month (there will still be months, and time) (2) 4. The throne and presence of the Lord and the sight of His face will be seen (4) 5. We will serve Him B. Conclusion (22:6-16) 1. This is the truth: it will happen (6) 2. The Lord will come quickly (7) 3. The promised blessing to those who keep these sayings is repeated (7) 4. The witness certifies his testimony I saw these things, says John (8) 5. The command is given Worship God (9) 6. Unlike Daniel, John is commanded not to seal the sayings of the prophecy (10) (see Daniel 9:24 and 12:4) 7. Let men be who they are, wicked and righteous, but the Lord is coming quickly (11-12) and cannot be stopped: He will reward all men according to their work (12). C. The last invitation in the Bible (Rev 22:17) D. The warning of curses upon those who add to or take away from this book (Rev 22:18-19) 1. Modern versions rely on a Greek text that has changed 8 out of every ten verses in the Revelation. 2. There are five changes to Rev 22:19 found in the Greek text used in the NIV, which include the removal and addition of words to this verse. 3. There are about 90 words missing in The Revelation in the critical Greek text. E. Final endorsement (22:20-21) V. CONCLUSION A. Since Cain and Abel, God has been dealing with two groups of people the wicked and the

19 June 30, 2013 Lesson 5 - Chapters 20 to 22 Page 19 righteous. B. The righteous are born again. They are God s family His children. C. The wicked are unbelievers. They are of their father the devil. They have rejected Christ and the wrath of God abides on them. 1. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. D. The Revelation of Jesus Christ the last book of the Bible deals with every single open issue regarding these two groups of people. 1. For the righteous a. God vindicates (gains vengeance) them by punishing all those who have persecuted and tormented them. b. God rewards them both by allowing them to see His judgment on the wicked, and by giving them rewards and giving them a new place to live forever c. God honors them for what they have done in His name 2. For the wicked: a. God pours his wrath out upon them for their stubborn refusal to accept His Son b. God deals with those who rejected Christ in Israel, and during the tribulation (Daniel s 70 th Week) God finally gets National Israel s attention. c. God condemns the wicked, and the devil who deceive them, to hell for all eternity. E. At the end of The Revelation all is good, once again, just as it was in the garden before sin entered the world.

20 OUTLINE OF THE REVELATION Part I - Introduction to the Revelation 1. The Description 1:1 1:2 Description of the revelation 2. The Promise to the Reader 1:3 Promise to the reader 3. The Salutation to the churches 1:4 1:6 Salutation to the seven churches 4. The Nature of the Revelation 1:7 Return of the Lord promised 1:8 Eternal nature of Christ declared 5. John's Personal Revelation 1:9 1:11 John hears the Lord 1:12 1:16 John sees the Lord 1:17 1:18 John's reaction to seeing the Lord 1:19 1:20 John's instructions from the Lord; explanation of the vision Part II - Letters to the Seven Churches 2:1 2:7 To the church of Ephesus 2:8 2:11 To the church in Smyrna 2:12 2:17 To the church in Pergamos 2:18 2:29 To the church in Thyatira 3:1 3:6 To the church in Sardis 3:7 3:13 To the church in Philadelphia 3:14 3:22 To the church of the Laodiceans Part III - The Revelation 1. John's Entry Into and Vision of Heaven 4:1 John called up to heaven 4:2 4:6 The one on the throne described 4:7 4:9 The four beasts described 4:10 4:11 The four and twenty elders praise Him 2. John Sees the Lamb 5:1 5:5 The book that couldn't be opened 5:6 5:8 The lamb (worthy to open the book) 5:9 5:10 The elders sing a new song of praise 5:11 5:12 The angels praise the Lamb 5:13 5:14 All creation praises him

21 3. The Seven Seals 6:1 6:2 The lamb opens the first seal - a white horse goes forth 6:3 6:4 The second seal - a red horse 6:5 6:6 The third seal - a black horse 6:7 6:8 The fourth seal - a pale horse 6:9 6:11 The fifth seal - a promise to the martyrs of old 6:12 6:17 The sixth seal - the wrath of God is revealed 7:1 7:3 Four angels on the corners of the earth 7:4 7:8 The 144,000 are sealed by the angels 7:9 7:12 A great multitude worships the Lamb 7:13 7:17 The multitude explained 8:1 8:6 The seventh seal is opened 4. The Seven Trumpets 8:7 The first angel sounds the first trumpet - hail and fire on the earth 8:8 8:9 The second trumpet - the third part of the sea becomes blood 8:10 8:11 The third trumpet - one third of waters made bitter 8:12 8:13 The fourth trumpet - one third of day and night made dark (Woe, woe, woe) 9:1 9:12 The fifth trumpet - bottomless pit opened 9:13 9:21 The sixth trumpet - four angels loosed to slay one third of men 10:1 10:3 Angel with a little book open appears 10:4 The seven thunders sound 10:5 10:7 Angel declares the 7th trump is the end of the mystery of God 10:8 10:11 John commanded to eat the little book 11:1 11:2 John given a reed to measure the temple 11:3 11:14 Two witnesses given power to prophesy three and one-half years 11:15 11:19 The seventh trump sounds - the judgement Part IV - Story of the Salvation of Israel 12:1 12:6 The woman with child and the dragon 12:7 12:9 War in heaven; the dragon cast out 12:10 12:12 Voice of salvation heard 12:13 12:17 Woman delivered from the dragon 13:1 13:3 Beast rises from the sea with seven heads and ten horns 13:4 13:10 Beast blasphemes and makes war with the saints 13:11 13:18 Another beast with two heads 14:1 14:5 The Lamb appears with the 144,000 14:6 14:7 First angel preaches the gospel 14:8 Second angel declares Babylon is fallen 14:9 14:12 Third angel declares judgement on those who accept the mark of the beast 14:13 Voice commands to write "Blessed are they which die in the Lord" 14:14 14:16 The Lord appears on a white cloud with a sharp sickle 14:17 Fourth angel appears with a sharp sickle also 14:18 14:20 Fifth angel appears and commands the other angel to reap for judgement Part V - Judgement of the World System 1. Seven Angels Prepare for Judgement 15:1 Seven angels appear with seven last plagues

22 15:2 15:4 Victorious saints seen praising God 15:5 15:8 Seven angels sent forth out of the temple 2. The Seven Vials 16:1 16:2 First plague (vial) poured upon the earth - noisome and grievous sore on men 16:3 Second vial - sea became as blood 16:4 16:7 Third vial - rivers and fountains became blood 16:8 16:9 Fourth vial - men scorched with great heat 16:10 16:11 Fifth vial - men gnawed their tongues for pain 16:12 16:16 Sixth vial - Euphrates dried up, three unclean spirits appear 16:17 16:21 Seventh vial - great storm with hail 3. Judgement of the Great Whore 17:1 17:6 John sees the great whore who is to be judged 17:7 17:18 Description and explanation of the whore 4. Judgement of Babylon 18:1 18:3 Babylon's fall is declared and justified 18:4 18:24 Babylon is judged Part VI - Rewards for the Saved and the Lost 19:1 19:3 Much people praise God for judging the Great Whore 19:4 The four and twenty elders worship God 19:5 19:8 The time of the Marriage announced 19:9 19:10 John commanded to write blessings to those invited to the marriage supper 19:11 19:16 The Lord appears on a white horse with his armies 19:17 19:18 Angel invites fouls to the supper of the Great God 19:19 19:21 Beast and false prophet cast into lake of fire; their armies slain 20:1 20:3 Satan cast into bottomless pit for 1,000 years 20:4 20:6 Martyrs and they who didn't accept the mark reign w/ Christ 1000 years 20:7 20:10 Satan loosed; nations deceived; nations consumed by fire; Satan judged 20:11 20:15 Great white throne judgement of the dead Part VII - The New Creation 1. New Habitations 21:1 John sees the new heaven and new earth 21:2 John sees the new Jerusalem 2. New Cohabitations 21:3 21:5 Voice declares God will live with men forever 21:6 21:8 The Lord declares salvation and damnation 21:9 21:27 The bride (the new Jerusalem) is described by John 3. New Life Part VIII - Conclusion 22:1 22:2 Pure river of water of life 22:3 22:5 No more curse 22:6 22:7 The Lord promises to come quickly 22:8 22:9 John tries to worship another angel

23 22:10 John told to seal the prophecy of this book 22:11 22:15 The Lord proclaims blessing and cursing 22:16 Jesus declares who He is 22:17 Invitation to come 22:18 22:19 All warned not to add to or take from this book 22:20 The Lord's promise to come quickly reiterated 22:21 John's closing salutation of blessing