Revelation Chapter Twelve

Transcription

1 Revelation Chapter Twelve

2 SERMON OUTLINE Metaphor a figure of speech in which one thing is likened to another, a different thing by being spoken of as if it were that other. Revelation 12:1-17 *The following questions will be answered concerning Revelation Chapter Who is the woman clothed with the sun, moon and stars? 2. Who is the great red dragon with 7 heads, 10 horns and 7 diadems? 3. Who is the male child who is to rule the nations? 4. What is the wilderness in which the woman is nourished for 1,260 days? 5. When did the war in heaven take place? 6. How did the saints conquer Satan s assaults upon them? 7. How is the woman and her offspring protected by God from destruction?

3 Scriptures used throughout this Sermon Revelation 12:1-17 Point 1 Revelation 12:1-2; Galatians 4:26; Genesis 37:1-9; Isaiah 61:19-20; 66:7; Galatians 6:16. Point 2 Revelation 12:3-4; Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14; I Timothy 3:6; John 8:44; John 10:10; Genesis 1:31; Revelation 5:6; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; II Corinthians 4:4; I Timothy 5:21; John 13:26-30; II Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 6:10-18; I Thessalonians 2:18; II Thessalonians 2:9; I Peter 5:8; II Corinthians 2:10-11; James 1:13; II Corinthians 11:3; Jude 1:3-4; I John 4:1-3; Ephesians 4:11-16; I Timothy 4:16; Ephesians 4:3; Hebrews 3:1-12. Point 3 Revelation 12:5; Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27; 19:15. Point 4 Revelation 12:6; Deuteronomy 8:1-5; I Kings 19:3-8; Galatians 1:17-18; Matthew 16:13-20; Matthew 6:33; I Corinthians 10:4; Numbers 11: Point 5 Revelation 12:7-10; Ephesians 6:10-18; Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1; Job 1-42, Zechariah 3:1-2; Luke 10:18; John 12:31. Point 6 Revelation 12:11-12; Romans 8:1;37; Acts 22 & 26. Point 7 Revelation 12:13-17; Exodus 15:12; Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 40:31.

4 Chapter Twelve (12) Sermon Notes and significant thoughts and ideas from the Sermon on this chapter. Metaphor a figure of speech in which one thing is likened to another, a different thing by being spoken of as if it where the other thing. Example He runs like a deer. She protects her children like a bear. Chapter 12 is filled with metaphors and is one of the great chapters of the Book of Revelation. The women clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head represents the ideal church in heaven and the actual historical church on earth. 1. The ideal church in heaven. 2. The historical church on earth. Galatians 4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free and she is our mother. Ideal Church Israel of Old Israel of New -1-

5 Chapter Twelve (12) Dr. Beal wrote: In this respect, the woman with the 12 stars alludes to the continuation of true Israel in the 12 apostles and the church they represent. Number 12 = God s People A crown with 12 stars 12 Tribes of Israel Again Dr. Beal Writes = Chapter 12 presents the woman as incorporating the people of God living both before and after Christ s coming. 12 Apostles of the New Testament Sun, Moon, Stars Israel of Old (Genesis 37:1-9; Isaiah 61:19-20 Christ s birth came through the people of Israel of old - Isaiah 66:7; Galatians 4:4-6 The woman also represents the Israel of the New Covenant Galatians 6:16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them and upon the Israel of God. Heaven Ideal Church = Woman Historical Israel of Old Historical Church of New -2-

6 Chapter Twelve (12) The great red dragon with 7 heads, 10 horns and 7 diadems represents Satan. Dragon = symbol for Satan Chief Fallen Angel *Ezekiel 28 *Isaiah 14 Satan fell because of pride I Timothy 3:6 Red = Color of murder (John 8:44) Satan is a murderer and a liar John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. 7 Heads = his desire for sovereignty 10 Horns = evil and the 4th beast of Daniel & the 10 Kings 7 Diadems = crown of a ruler Satan mimics Christ in everything he does in Scripture Satan is called... (1) The ruler (prince) of this world John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11. (2) The ruler of the power of the air Ephesians 2:2 (3) the god of this world II Corinthians 4:4 His tail swept down 1/3 of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. 1/3 Stars = represent the angels that rebelled with Satan. 2/3 of the angels remained true to God. -3-

7 Chapter Twelve (12) Dr. William Shedd wrote that God gave an extra measure of preserving grace to 2/3 of the angels who are called God s Elect I Timothy 5:21 Elect angels Fallen angels are also called Demons. Satan has been attacking the people of God throughout the scriptures. Examples of Satanic plots against Christ and his people. Old Testament * Cain killed Able * The Flood * The Tower of Babel * Moses dead body * Ezra inter-marriage * Ester Haman * False prophets, etc., etc., New Testament * Herod killing babies Matthew 2 * Scribes./Pharisees plot to kill Jesus * Judas betrayed Christ John 13:26-30 * Pilate mock trial 4 gospels Satan is An enemy of Christ. 3 C s = 2. An enemy of the Christian. 3, An enemy of the Church -4-

8 Chapter Twelve (12) Satan has many schemes of destruction (II Corinthians 2:10-11) Schemes/Designs = a carefully arranged and systematic plan of action crafty, trickery. The following are some of his schemes: 1. Temptation (James 1:3) 2. Deception (II Corinthians 11:3) 3. False Doctrine (I John 4:1-3; I Timothy 4:1 4. Church splits (Ephesians 4:3) 5. Unbelief (Hebrews 3:11-12) We defeat Satan by Prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18) 2. Putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) 3. Resisting him (James 4) 4. Knowledge of scripture (Matthew 4) 5. Worship & Praise (Psalms) Satan is defeated foe and every Christian can remain victorious over him. The Male Child represents the Lord Jesus Christ God s Anointed One who is to rule forever. Birth His Ascension Prophetic Telescoping (item 1) -5-

9 Chapter Twelve (12) The people of God of the Old Testament brought forth the Messiah who will rule. Psalm 2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter s vessel. Revelation 2:27 and Revelation 19:15 Jesus is presently ruling from heaven. Already Not Yet John telescopes Jesus earthly life for several reasons 1. He calls attention to Satan s defeat at the Lord s birth and ascension. 2. He links Jesus ascension to his rule over the nations. 3. He uses the ascension as a prelude to the next segmentwarfare in heaven. 4. John mentions 2 main redemptive facts: he stresses Jesus birth on earth that includes his ministry and his ascension into heaven that includes his majestic rule. God is in control, for at the right moment he intervenes to safeguard his Son and causes Satan s strategies to collapse. God is the agent in the passive voice of the phrase the child was snatched to God. When Jesus took his rightful position on God s throne, Satan and his angel lost their place in heaven. -6-

10 Chapter Twelve (12) Personal Application 1. The Church is God s agent to transact his business in the world. Woman = people of God no higher privilege than to be a member of the body of Christ. 2. The Messiah Redeemer came through the people of God. Woman was pregnant and gave birth = Messiah 3. Satan s tactics was to destroy and kill the Messiah Satanic Plots Old Testament New Testament 4. Satan hates Christ, Christians and the church. 5. His failure to destroy Christ means he is out to destroy the church. 6. Christians must be prepared for spiritual warfare Ephesians 6: Christ is Lord and he will destroy Satan an evil and reign forever he rules the nations. -7-

11 Chapter Twelve (12) The Wilderness = the desert Israel s 40 year stay in the Sinai Peninsula. Deuteronomy 8:1-5 The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you. Several factors follow from fleeing to the wilderness: 1. It s a place of protection. 2. It s a place of provision. 3. It s a place of training. 4. It s a place of miracles. 5. It s a place that s temporary. -8-

12 Chapter Twelve Spiritual Warfare is a reality. (Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1; Ephesians 6:10-18). The Archangel Michael is a guardian over God s people and ethnic Israel in particular. There was spiritual warfare in heaven and Satan and his angels were thrown down to earth = there was no place in heaven for them. When Did This Happen? In the Old Testament Satan had access to God s throne to accuse believers. Job Job 1-42 Joshua High Priest Zechariah 3:1-2 Old Testament Saints / Israel of Old With Christ coming and his victory over death and ascension things changed. Heavenly Ascension 40 Days Cross Resurrection Ascension Satan/Demons Cast out of heaven down to the Earth His time is short! -9-

13 Chapter Twelve (12) Luke 10:18 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to your name! And he said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. Satan/Demons were cast out of heaven 2,000 years ago Their Time is Short! 2nd Coming Time is Short Eternity Eternity -10-

14 Chapter Twelve (12) When Jesus died, rose again and ascended to heaven then there was no place in heaven for Satan and his angels. How do the saints conquer Satan s assaults against them. Revelation 12:11-12 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short. 1. We conquer Satan by the blood of the Lamb. We have been redeemed. 2. We conquer Satan by our personal testimonies. Apostle Paul Acts 22/26 3. We conquer Satan by being willing to die for Christ if necessary. Martyr one who gives their life for Christ. -11-

15 Chapter Twelve (12) How does God protect the woman and her offspring. Revelation 12:13-17 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea. God supernaturally protects his people. He carried them across the Red Sea. (Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 40:31) Exodus 15:12 You stretched out your right hand; the earth swallowed them. -12-

16 Chapter Twelve (12) The church since the resurrection of Christ for the last 2,000 plus years has been supernaturally protected from extinction. Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 4. Satan will use all of his evil weapons to destroy the church. Floodtide Deception Evil False prophets, etc. 5. But God will super-naturally protect his church. The gates of hell will not prevail. 6. The church will be nourished and protected by God in the wilderness until Christ s return. 7. Satan will never stop assaulting Christ, the church And Christians until Christ returns and defeats him. -13-

17 Chapter Twelve (12) Personal Application 1. Spiritual warfare is real but Christians are promised victory. (Ephesians 6:10-18) 2. God s spiritual weapons are powerful. Bible Study/Prayer Worship/Praise Obedience/Discipline Making Disciples Fellowship of Believers Etc., Etc., 3. We also defeat Satan by: The blood of Christ salvation and our identity The word of our testimony. The laying down of our lives for Christ (Martyr). -14-

18

19 Revelation Chapter Thirteen

20 SERMON OUTLINE Antichrist anyone who denies that Jesus is God and the final human ruler of the world. Revelation 13:1-10 *The coming antichrist will be An evil ruler who is empowered by Satan. 2. Mortally wounded and healed as he blasphemes God and exercises power for 42 months. 3. Determined to destroy the saints, rule the world and receive worship from all mankind. 4. Worshiped by those whose names are not written in the Book of Life. 5. The one who takes believers into captivity and ultimately death.

21 Scriptures used throughout this Sermon Revelation 13:1-10 I John 2 18 Point 1 Revelation 13:2; Daniel 7:1-8; 11:36-39;Matthew 24:15; II Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:2; II Thessalonians 2:7-12; II Corinthians 11:3; 11:14; II Thessalonians 2:11 Point 2 Revelation 13:3-6;14; Daniel 7:23-25; II Thessalonians 2:3-4 Point 3 Revelation 13:7-8; Matthew 24:9; Daniel 7:21 Point 4 Revelation 13:8; Philippians 4:3; Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:12; 21-27; 13:8 Point 5 Revelation 13:10; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 2:7; Revelation 19:12; 13:2; 12:10; John 5:21-23; 13:3; John 5:23; Hebrews 2:12; Daniel 7:1-8

22 Chapter 13:1-10 Sermon Notes and significant thoughts and ideas from the sermons on this chapter Antichrist anyone who denies that Jesus is God and the final human ruler of the world who is Satan s representative. Evil is becoming global, particularly with Muslim terrorists. Globalism, nuclear threats, moral decay, terrorist and the threat of a third world war make the Book of Revelation very relevant. I John 2:18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that Antichrist is coming, so now many Antichrist have come. There are two (2) foundational truths of Christianity. (1) Trinity one God in 3 persons (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) (2) Incarnation The second person of the blessed Trinity God the Son became a man. The Last Hour 2000 years + 2nd Coming of Christ Antichrist is both a spirit (false religion) and a person. there have been many types foreshadows of the coming Antichrist. -1-

23 Chapter Thirteen (13) * * * * Nero Hitler Stalin The Antichrist Revelation13:1-2 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like leopard; its feet were like a bear s, and its mouth was like a lion s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power an his throne and great authority. The coming Antichrist is a combination of the 4 kingdoms of the book of Daniel 7: Great Beasts Lion Babylon Bear Medo-Persian Leopard Greece Beast Rome Daniel predicted the rise of the Antichrist. Daniel 7:8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which 3 of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. -2-

24 Chapter Thirteen (13) Daniel 11:36-39 And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul predicted the rise of the Antichrist (Matthew 24:15; II Thessalonians 2:1-12). -3-

25 Chapter Thirteen (13) Revelation 13 reveals a beast with 7 heads, 7 horns and 7 diadems. 7 Heads = completeness 10 Horns = pure evil and 10 kings of Daniel 7 10 Diadems = Crowns that symbolize ruling The Antichrist is linked to Satan. Revelation 13:2 And to it the dragon gave his power and throne and great authority. II Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one is the activity of Satan with all power and signs and wonders. -4-

26 Chapter Thirteen (13) Satan s number one tactic is deception (II Corinthians 11:3; II Corinthians 11:14; II Thessalonians 2:9-11). One of it s heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. He is wounded by a sword (Revelation 13:14) Satan mocks God who is Triune by having his unholy trinity. (1) Holy Trinity: God the Father God the Son God the Holy Spirit (2) Unholy Trinity Dragon Satan Beast of Sea = Political Antichrist Beast of Earth = False Prophet Jesus was put to death and rose from the dead. Antichrist is put to death but comes back to life. -5-

27 Chapter Thirteen (13) The Antichrist is a blasphemer (Daniel 7:23-25; II Thessalonians 2:3-4) Blasphemer = to slander God s name He takes his seat in the temple of God.... (II Thessalonians 2:4) Temple of God = the Church (Ephesians 2:11-22) (I Corinthians 3:6-17) (I Corinthians 6:19-20) The 42 Months = Symbolic of a time of trouble George Ladd writes: The 42 months is a symbolic number for the entire period of persecution of the church, but particularly the end of this period the time of great tribulation. Dr. Simon Kistemaker writes: Forty-two months or three and a half years is the same as 1,260 days. These references appeared earlier in two preceding chapters where John noted that the Gentiles would trample the holy city for forty-two months and the two witnesses would prophesy for 1,260 days (11:2-3). And he related that the woman (the church) would be cared for in the desert by God for 1,260 days or time, times and a half time, namely, three and a half years (12:6,14). These references signify the entire period during which the gospel is proclaimed, from the time of Jesus first coming to his promised return. In that period, Satan through the beast blasphemes God s name, bans the preaching of his Word, and attempts to destroy the church. -6-

28 Chapter Thirteen (13) 42 Months 2nd Coming 1,260 Days of A.D. 30 Time, Times, 1/2 Times Christ? The Antichrist will determine to destroy the saints, rule the world and receive worship from all mankind. Revelation 13:7-8 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints an to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell one earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. Daniel 7:21 As I looked, this horn (Antichrist) made war with the saints and prevailed over them. Whatever the church has experienced in suffering, persecution and martyrdom in the last 2,000 years will only be intensified during the reign of the Antichrist. -7-

29 Chapter Thirteen (13) All those who take the mark of the beast and worship him are lost and their names are not written in the Book of Life. Revelation 13:8 And all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the Book of Life of the Lamb who was slain. Book of Life this book contains the names of all the Saved/redeemed (Philippians 4:3; Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:12; 21:27). This book belongs to the Lamb The coming Antichrist will be the one who takes believers into captivity and ultimately death. Revelation 13:10 If anyone is taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is slain with the sword, with the sword he must be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. John MacArthur: wrote A call for believers to accept persecution from Antichrist with perseverance and endurance. God has chosen some believers to be imprisoned and executed which they must not resist (cf. Matt. 26:51-54; 2 Cor. 10:4), but accept with patience and such suffering as God ordains for them (cf. I Peter 2:19-24). -8-

30 Chapter Thirteen (13) George Ladd: wrote Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Final judgment is in the hand of God and will surely come. Those who take up the sword against the people of God will meet their just retribution, but endurance is required in awaiting that day. Meanwhile, the beast will seem to have unlimited power to bring the saints to death. This will require of them unswerving faith that God is still God an is still ruling, and that his Kingdom is over all. -9-

31 Chapter Thirteen (13) Christ and Antichrist Contrast The Beast is an image of Satan, who brought him forth (13:1), just as Christ is the exact image of God, begotten by the Father (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3; Psalm 2:7). The Beast has ten crowns, while Christ has many crowns (19:12). The Beast has blasphemous names written on him, while Christ has worthy names (19:12). The Dragon has given the Beast his power, his throne, and great authority (13:2), just as Christ has power (5:12-13), a throne (3:21), and authority (12:10) from the Father (John 5:21-23). The Beast has a healed fatal wound, counterfeiting Christ s resurrection (13:3). The Beast s healing is one of the principal features that attracts followers, just as the resurrection of Christ is one of the principal points of evangelistic proclamation. Worship is directed both to the Dragon and to the Beast, just as Christians worship both the Father and the Son (John 5:23). The Beast attracts the worship of the whole world (13:3), just as Christ is to be worshipped universally. The Beast utters blasphemies, while Christ utters the praises of God (Hebrews 2:12). The Beast makes war against the saints, while Christ makes war against the Beast (19:11-12). The song of praise to the Beast in 13:4 counterfeits the song to God, the warrior, in Exodus 15:11. The striking juxtaposition of Christ and the Beast in 19:11-21 shows that they are the two main warriors in the battle. Christ is the divine warrior, fulfilling the imagery of Exodus 15:3; Isaiah 59:16-18; 63:1-6; Habakkuk 3:3-15; Zechariah 9:13-15; 14:1-5. The Beast is the unholy, counterfeit warrior, fulfilling the imagery of Daniel 7:

32 Chapter Thirteen (13:1-10) Personal Application 1. The spirit of Antichrist Denying that Jesus is God has been with us for 2,000 years. 2. The spirit of Antichrist will in the near future be manifested in a human being called in Thessalonians 2 The Man of Lawlessness. 3. Satan will be the real power behind the Antichrist whose main purpose is to receive worship. 4. The Antichrist will rule with great authority at the end of history right before Christ s return. 5. Christians will be severely persecuted and killed during the Antichrist rule. 6. The Antichrist rule will be global. Revelation 13:7-8 And authority was given it (Antichrist) over every tribe and people and language and nation and all who dwell on the earth will worship it (Antichrist). 7. All those who take the mark of the Beast and worship him are doomed to destruction an a life separated from God in hell for eternity.

33 SERMON OUTLINE False Prophet a deceiver who leads people away from worship of the true God and his truth. Revelation 13:11-18 *The false prophet of Revelation chapter thirteen (13) will Look like a lamb but be an embodiment of evil. 2. Cause the world of unbelievers to worship the antichrist. 3. Use deceitful signs and wonders to cause people to make an image of the beast. 4. Make all unbelievers to receive a mark of 666 on their right hand and forehead. 5. Be the third person of the unholy trinity.

34 Scriptures used throughout this Sermon Revelation 13:11-18 Deuteronomy 13:1-5 Deuteronomy 18:15-22 Matthew 24:21-27 I Timothy 4:1 II Timothy 4:1-5 II Peter 2:1-3 I John 4:1-3 Jude 1:3-4 John 17:3; 14:6; 17:17 Point 1 Revelation 13:11; Daniel 8:3; Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10. Point 2 Revelation 13:12; Matthew 16:13-18; Hebrews 1:1-2; II Timothy 3:16; Jude 1:3; Ephesians 2: Point 3 Revelation 13:13-15; I Kings 18; II Kings 1:10,12; Matthew 24:24; II Thessalonians 2:9-10; Exodus 7:11; Acts 13:6-8. Point 4 Revelation 13:16-18; Revelation 7 & 13. Point 5 Revelation 13:11-18.

35 Chapter 13:11-18 Sermon notes and significant thoughts and ideas from the sermon on this chapter False Prophet a deceiver who leads people away from worship of the true God and his truth. Moses warned Israel of the Danger of false prophets Deuteronomy 13:1-5 Is a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, Let us go alter other gods, which you have not known, and let us serve them, you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of th land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst. -1-

36 Chapter Thirteen (13) Deuteronomy 18:15-22 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers it is to him you shall listen just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die. And the Lord said to me, They are right in what they have spoken. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken? - when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously You need not be afraid of him. Matthew 24:11 Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. -2-

37 Chapter Thirteen (13) Other Scriptures that teach this truth (I Timothy 4:1; II Timothy 4:1-5; II Peter 2:1-3; I John 4:1-3; Jude 1:3-4). Who Is The True God? The only true God is the one revealed in Jesus Christ and Scripture. John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you sent. You can not know the true God until you know his Son, Jesus Christ. The false prophet of Revelation 13 will look like a lamb but be an embodiment of evil. Revelation 13:11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. Two (2) horns like a lamb but spoke like a dragon. Dr. George Ladd writes: This beast had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. He is the parody of Christ religion prostituted for evil ends. The second beast had the appearance of a lamb, but his voice belied his appearance: he spoke like a dragon. That the second beast represents religion employed in support of the worship of the beast is seen from the fat that hereafter he is called the false prophet (16:13; 19:20; 20:10). The first beast represents civil power, satanically inspired; the second beast represents religious power employed to support civil power. -3-

38 Chapter Thirteen (13) (1) Antichrist = Civil Power, Government turned evil (2) False Prophet = Religious power turned evil * The false prophet speaks like a dragon. * The true Lamb (Christ) speaks the Word of God. The false prophet is mentioned 3 other times in Revelation: Revelation 16:13 Revelation 19:20 Revelation 20:10 He stands in complete service to the Antichrist. His purpose is to set the whole world against Christ, Revelation and his people. He is presented as... * Harmless * Lovable * Attractive But he is the embodiment of... * Evil * Deception (lies) * Death -4-

39 Chapter Thirteen (13) The false prophet of Revelation 13 will cause the world of the lost to worship the Antichrist. Revelation 13:12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. Joseph Smith is a false prophet and Mormonism is a Cult. An Overview of Mormon Doctrine Much of the Mormon theology uses doctrinal words that mimic Christian theology but carry vastly different meanings, says Tal Davis of the HMB Interfaith Witness Department. A closer look will reveal a different concept of God, salvation, and Christ s divinity; terms often sound right, but most have been refined. Mormons believe theirs is the only true church and accept the Bible only as far as it is correctly translated. Church founder Joseph Smith made more than 600 corrections to the King James Version and added three additional scriptures: The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine an Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Following is a brief overview of Mormon doctrine. God is an exalted man. There are infinite number of gods in the universe, each of whom is the god of his own planet. However, only God the Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost three separate and distinct gods are worshiped. God the Heavenly Father has a wife (or wives) and is the literal father of every person in the spirit world. God has a father and grandfather and he once lived on a planet as a mortal man before attaining godhood, or exaltation. -5-

40 Chapter Thirteen (13) Jesus is the Son of God, God the Father is the literal father of Jesus, or Jehovah, in both the spirit world and on earth. The virgin birth is redefined; Jesus was not begotten of the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers. After Jesus resurrection in Palestine, He appeared in the Western Hemisphere, organized a church, and appointed apostles among the American Indians. Males are gods in embryo, Adam s fall was necessary to provide billions of preexistent spirits with mortal bodies. Humans are basically good; they will be punished for their sins, but not for Adam s sin of disobedience. According to Lorenzo Snow, fifth president of the LDS Church, men are potential gods; as man is, God once was; as God is, man may become. Women may become wives of gods. After the judgment, worthy Mormon men who were married in the temple can progress to godhood and the celestial kingdom and receive a planet to populate, as God the Heavenly Father did before them. Three kingdoms exist. At death, Mormons go to Paradise, while non-mormons are assigned to a temporary spirit prisonhell to await resurrection and judgment. Jesus Christ will return to reign at Independence, Mo., for 1,000 years before the judgment, after which good Mormons will go to the celestial kingdom, other people of good will go to the terrestrial kingdom, and the wicked will go to the telestial kingdom (not hell). Mormon doctrine is unbiblical and false It is a cult The false prophet of Revelation 13 will use deceitful signs and wonders to cause people to make an image of the Beast. -6-

41 Chapter Thirteen (13) Revelation 13:13-15 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Jesus and the apostle Paul warned about the deceit of coming false prophets (Matthew 24:24; II Thessalonians 2:1-10). In Moses days magicians in Egypt used tricks to deceive people (Exodus 7:11). Magic, sorcery and deceit have been used by Satan to draw people away from the worship of the true God. The false prophet encourages unbelievers to make an image of the beast who was slain and came back to life. Revelation 13:11-15 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its -7-

42 Chapter Thirteen (13) Revelation 13:11-15 (continued) inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It performs great signs even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak an might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. The conflict in Revelation is not between one religion and another but between Christ and Antichrist. Dr. Kendell Easley wrote:... cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. The demon spirit animating the statue not only speaks but demands death for those fool enough to refuse to worship Antichrist or his statue. This shows plainly enough the terrible insolence of false religion: what began as following the beast inevitably led to worshiping the beast; in turn this led to killing those who rejected the beast. The text does not specify that everyone refusing to worship the beast will be murdered, only that the False Prophet has the power to cause such killing. Although this pattern has been repeated throughout human history, it will be played out one moe time on a truly global scale. -8-

43 Chapter Thirteen (13) The false prophet will make all unbelievers receive a mark of 666 on their right hand or their forehead. Revelation 13:16-18 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom; let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. Revelation 7 the 144,000 were sealed from God s wrath. Revelation 13 those who worship the beast are branded on the right hand or forehead. 2 Groups of People Those sealed for God Those marked for the Antichrist The seal of believers is symbolic but the mark of the beast is probably physical in some sense. The mark of the beast is both: 1. Religious 2. Economic -9-

44 Chapter Thirteen (13) The Antichrist wants total control. Most Governments Want Total Control of People. The mark of 666 = fallen man The number represents the Antichrist and his evil kingdom. Whatever this number means will be absolutely clear to the people taking it. No one will take this mark accidently or without full knowledge. Dr. Hendriksen wrote: It (666) represents failure upon failure upon failure. It is symbolic of the beast s continuing failure to accomplish his purpose. It is the trinity of imperfection. The false prophet of Revelation 13 will be the third person of the unholy trinity. 1. Dragon Satan 2. Beast of Sea Antichrist 3. Beast of Earth False Prophet In the same way that the Holy Spirit directs our attention and worship to Christ so the false prophet causes unbelievers to worship the Antichrist which cause the Dragon/Satan to receive worship. -10-

45 Chapter Thirteen (13:11-18) Personal Application 1. False prophets and false religions have existed for 2,000 years but will culminated in the end of history. 2. The false prophet will be another master piece of Satan like the Antichrist to deceive the world. 3. The false prophet will perform signs and wonders to deceive millions. 4. His prime purpose will be to get people (unbelievers) to worship the Antichrist which brings worship to Satan. 5. He will cause unbelievers to receive the mark of the beast on their right hand or forehead. 6. Only those with the mark of the beast can buy or sell. 7. Both the Antichrist and the false prophet are heading for severe punishment of God.

46

47 Revelation Chapter Fourteen

48 SERMON OUTLINE Angels created spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence but without physical bodies. Revelation 14:1-13 *Revelation chapter fourteen (14) verses 1-13 reveal The 144,000 redeemed standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb. 2. The first (1st) angel flying overhead with the eternal gospel. 3. The second (2nd) angel with a message for Babylon. 4. The third (3rd) angel with a warning to those who take the mark of the beast. 5. The message of hope and reward for all those who remain faithful to Christ.

49 Scripture used throughout this Sermon Revelation 14:1-13 Nehemiah 9:6 Point 1 Revelation 14:1-5; Psalm 2:6; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:3; John 4:24; Revelation 14:4; I Corinthians 15:20; Jeremiah 1:18; Revelation 14:5; Zephaniah 3:13. Point 2 Revelation 14:6-7; Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 1:20; Revelation 13; I Peter 1:20; John 10:28-30; Romans 8:35-39; Jude 1:24. Point 3 Revelation 14:8; Genesis 2:10,14; 10:8; 11:5; Genesis 24:3,4 & 10; 27:42: 3&4; Daniel 1:1, 2, 3:36, 38; Revelation 17 & 18. Point 4 Revelation 14:9-12; John 3:36; Matthew 25:46 Point 5 Revelation 14:13; II Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21, 23.

50 Chapter Fourteen (14) Sermon notes and significant thoughts and ideas from the sermons on this chapter. Angels created spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence but without physical bodies. Nehemiah 9:6 You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts (angels)... Revelation is a highly symbolic book. Symbolic using symbols to represent another thing. Mt. Zion = is symbolic of heaven and the victory of the Saints (Psalm 2:6). Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem and to innumerable angels in festal gathering. 144,000 = All the redeemed of God with particular emphasis upon those living during the time of the Antichrist. (complete totality). -1-

51 Numbers 3 = Divine Number 7 = Perfect Number 10 = Number for Evil Chapter Fourteen (14) 12 = Number for God s People 12 Tribes 12 Stars 12 Apostles 12 Gates 12 Foundations A 5-fold identification of the 144,000 redeemed from the earth. 1. They are worshipers. Worship an active response to God whereby we declare his worth. 2. They are undefiled (faithful). Purity spiritual dedication to Christ. Dr. Ladd writes... We conclude, therefore, that the one hundred and forty-four thousand are virgins and undefiled in the sense that they have refused to defile themselves by participating in the fornication of worshiping the Beast but have kept themselves pure unto God. 3. They are followers of the Lamb. True Discipleship A believer and follower of Jesus Christ all their lives. -2-

52 Chapter Fourteen (14) 4. They are firstfruits. 2 ways to understand: (1) Firstfruits Israel harvested the 1st ears of the grain harvest with a harvest to follow (I Corinthians 15:20). (2) Firstfruits Refers to the entire entity, the totality of God s people. Jeremiah 1:18 Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest. I believe the second interpretation is the meaning here. The 144,000 with the Lamb = the complete number of the saved. 5. They are blameless. Revelation 14:5 And in their mouths no lie was found, for they are blameless. Blameless in the Old Testament used for unblemished sacrifices. Zephaniah 3:13 Those who are left in Israel shall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue

53 Chapter Fourteen (14) The eternal Gospel the angel is preaching the Good News concerning everlasting life and entrance into the Kingdom of God. Change your allegiance from the Beast/Antichrist the Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel = the Good News of God s saving power and forgiveness of sins based on Christ s death, burial and resurrection. This gospel is eternal because It is rooted in the eternal council of the Triune God (Ephesians 1:4). 2. It is rooted in the eternal Son of God (I Peter 1:20). 3. It is rooted in God s promise that we are saved not just temporally (time) but for (eternity) (Romans 8:35-39). Babylon symbol of rebellion against God (paganism). Revelation 18:2 Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great. Historical Babylon was an ancient Mesopotamian city that was the political and religious capital of the world. -4-

54 Chapter Fourteen (14) Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. Here s why. * Eden was in Iraq. Genesis 2:10,14 * Adam & Eve were created in Iraq. Genesis 2:7,8 * Satan made his first recorded appearance in Iraq. Genesis 3:1,6 * Nimrod established Babylon & Tower of Babel was built in Iraq. Genesis 10:8, 97 & 11:1,4 * The confusion of the languages took place in Iraq. Genesis 11:5, 11. * Abraham came from a city in Iraq. Genesis 11:31 & Acts 7:2,4 * Isaac s bride came from Iraq. Genesis 24:3,4 & 10 * Jacob spent 20 years in Iraq. Genesis 27:42,45 & 31:38 * The first world Empire was in Iraq. Daniel 1:1,2 & 2:36,38 * The greatest revival in history was in a city in Iraq. Jonah 3 * The events of the book of Esther took place in Iraq. Esther * The book of Nahum was a prophecy against a city in Iraq. Nahum * The book of Revelation has prophecies against Babylon, which was the old name for the nation of Iraq. Revelation 17 & 18 No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated with it than Iraq. -5-

55 Chapter Fourteen (14) God s judgment is about to fall upon Babylon. Babylon is the symbol of paganism and rebellion against God. A third angel warns sinful mankind of the dire consequences of worshiping the Beast and taking the mark of the Beast on their right hand or forehead. They will suffer the wrath of God. God s wrath is his reaction of his holiness to man s sinfulness and rebellion. GOD Love Wrath Revelation emphasizes God s wrath more than any other book in the New Testament. John 3:36 He who does not obey the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides upon him. Unbelievers who take the mark of the Beast will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever and they have no rest, day or night who worship the Beast. -6-

56 Chapter Fourteen (14) Hell is real and it is eternal Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. The same Greek word for eternal ( used for both the lost and saved. ) is Here is a call for the endurance of the saints. Dr. Ladd writes... Verse 12. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. In view of the certain doom of the beast and those who worship him. John inserts a call to patient endurance on the part of those who are about to suffer at the hands of the beast. The faith of Jesus is not the faith he gives but an objective genitive: faith in Jesus. All believers who remain faithful to Christ will be rewarded and blessed because They enter into Christ s presence in heaven (II Cor. 5:8) 2. They are at rest in Christ. 3. They are at rest waiting for their rewards. A new glorified body. Various crowns. A new heaven and a new earth. -7-

57 Chapter Fourteen (14) Personal Application 1. God s redeemed are sealed and protected by God s Spirit and everyone of them will make heaven. 2. We must continue to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. The pagan world of Babylon is doomed for certain Destruction. 4. All unbelievers will experience the full wrath of God. 5. All believers who die in Christ will be blessed and rewarded.

58 Scriptures used throughout this sermon Revelation 14:14-20 Galatians 4:4-5 Luke 21:25-28 Romans 11:26 Matthew 24:7; II Timothy 4:3 II Thessalonians 2 Revelation 13 Point 1 Revelation 14:14-16; Daniel 7:13; Matthew 26:63-64; 13:36-43; 25:31-32; Matthew 17:5; 25:29-31; Revelation 1:7; Galatians 4:4; Revelation 14:15; Psalm 135:6; II Corinthians 12:2; I Thessalonians 4:16-16; I Corinthians 15: Point 2 Revelation 17:20; Matthew 13:39; 24:29-31; Luke 3:17; Isaiah 63:2-3; Joel 3:13; Revelation 19:11-16; 6:12-17; Zechariah 14:4; Revelation 16:6. Point 3 Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43; 47-50; Matthew 24 & Mark 13; I Corinthians 15:51, 52; Revelation 20:1-2; Daniel 12:1-3; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:1-6; II Thessalonians 2:1-4; 2:1-12; Matthew 24:43; I Thessalonians 5:1-3; II Peter 3:9-10; Revelation 16:15; II Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation 14:14-20; I Corinthians 15:20-28; Luke 17:22-37; Leviticus 23:4-44; John 6:39-40; 44; 54.

59 Chapter Fourteen (14) Sermon notes and significant thoughts and ideas from the sermons on this chapter Harvest the time of the year when a mature crop is reaped and gathered in. Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under law to redeem those under the law.... When full preparation was made the full number of days God s Exact Time God s Chronological Time Luke 21:25-28 And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. -1-

60 Chapter Fourteen (14) Let s consider some of the signs of the time. 1. The sign of Israel. 2. The sign of the Middle East conflict and potential global war. 3. The sign of the rise of evil. 4. The sign of the rise of religious apostasy. 5. The sign of the rise of a future evil ruler. II Thessalonians 2:3 The man of lawlessness... The son of destruction. Revelation 14:14-16 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and sharp sickle in his hand. And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe. So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. -2-

61 One like a son of man. Chapter Fourteen (14) Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, with clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. The title Son of Man clearly points to the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout the Gospels Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. Matthew 26:63-64 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said to him, You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated on the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven. Jesus also portrayed the end of times as the Son s mission to separate the righteous from the wicked. Matthew 13:36-43 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field. He answered, -3-

62 Chapter Fourteen (14) Matthew 13:36-43 (Continued) The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears let him hear. Behold a white cloud White symbolic of things of God (Matthew 17:5) Revelation 1:7 Behold he is coming with clouds, and every eye shall see him

63 Chapter Fourteen (14) A sharp sickle in his hand the instrument for harvesting grain. Grain the righteous; the harvest is fully ripe. History is under God s control (Galatians 4:4). The earth is reaped = rapture of the church. There is no judgment in this 1st harvest. This is the rapture of the church (I Thessalonians 4:16-18; I Corinthians 15:50-57). Revelation 14:17-20 An angel with a sharp sickle Sickle to harvest, this time the harvest focuses on judgment. Angels are used to gather the unrighteous for judgment. Matthew 13:39 The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. The rapture/gathering of the church is at the end of history just before the judgment upon believers. Matthew 24:29-31 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of -5-

64 Chapter Fourteen (14) Matthew 24:29-31 (Continued) the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. For its grapes are ripe Luke 3:17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. Grapes symbol of judgment Isaiah 63:2-3 Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress? I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel. -6-

65 Chapter Fourteen (14) Joel 3:13 Put in the sickle for the harvest is ripe go in, tread. For the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great. The great winepress of the wrath of God. Revelation 19:11-16 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure are following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horses bridal, for 1,600 stadia. 184 miles the entire length of Israel 4 deep -7-

66 Chapter Fourteen (14) Revelation 6:12-17 When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the Earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand? Zechariah 14:4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives.... Revelation 16:6 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. World War III the last great battle on Earth of good and evil. -8-

67 Chapter Fourteen (14) George Ladd The thought is clear: a radical judgment that crushes every vestige of evil and hostility to the reign of God. The language is symbolic of a literal truth Christ defeating Satan s forces. The fourteen (14) Biblical reasons for the post-tribulation rapture and return of Jesus Christ. III. The 14 Biblical reasons for the post-tribulational rapture and return of Jesus Christ. 1. Because of Parables of The Wheat and Tares and The Net teach that the rapture of the church is at the end of history. (Matthew 13: ; 47-50). 2. Because of the clear teaching of Matthew 24 and Mark 13 that Christ would return after the Tribulation (Matthew 24 & Mark 13). 3. Because of the return of Jesus Christ being at the last trumpet (I Corinthians 15:51-52). 4. Because of the teaching concerning the first resurrection found in the book of Revelation. (Revelation 20:1-6). 5. Because of the Old and New Testament teaching of only two resurrections (Daniel 12:1-3; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:1-6). 6. Because of the teaching by the Apostle Paul that two events (apostasy and the rise of the man of lawlessness (must precede Christ s return (II Thessalonians 2:1-4). -9-

68 Chapter Fourteen (14) 7. Because of the difficulties of the restrainer in II Thessalonians being the Holy Spirit who is taken out of the world (II Thessalonians 2:1-12). 8. Because of the thief motif found in scripture harmonizing with Christ s post-tribulation return (Matthew 24:43; I Thessalonians 5:1-3; II Peter 3:9-10; Revelation 16:15). 9. Because of the teaching that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work in the church age (II Thessalonians 2:7). 10. Because the teaching of Revelation fits a post-tribulation rapture (Revelation 14:14-20). 11. Because of the clear teaching of I Corinthians 15:20-28 concerning the return of Christ (I Corinthians 15:20-28) - Christ s resurrection/second coming/then the end. 12. Because the teaching of Noah and Lot fit into a post- Tribulational return of Christ (Luke 17:22-37). 13. Because the teaching of the feast of Israel, particularly The Day of Atonement, fits a post-tribulational return of Christ (Leviticus 23:4-44). 14. Because of the clear teaching that the rapture of the saints coincides with the resurrection at the last day (John 6:39; 6:40; 44; 54). -10-

69 Chapter Fourteen (14) Personal Application 1. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ can look forward with great joy the blessed hope and 2nd coming of Jesus Christ to rapture us from the earth. 2. The unbelievers will in time experience the wrath of God at the 2nd coming of Christ. 3. The New Testament overwhelmingly presents the rapture and 2nd coming of Christ as one event at the end of history.

70 SERMON OUTLINE Harvest the time of the year when a mature crop is reaped and gathered in. Revelation 14: The rapture of the church at the end of history (14:14-16). 2. The revelation of God s wrath upon the lost at the end of history (14:17-20). 3. The 14 biblical reasons for the post-tribulation rapture and return of Christ (Matthew through Revelation).

71 Revelation Chapter Fifteen

72 SERMON OUTLINE Heaven the dwelling place of God, angels and all the saints who have died. Revelation 15:1-8 *In chapter fifteen we have a glimpse of heaven that reveals to us The seven (7) angels with the seven (7) last plagues of God s wrath. 2. The saints who conquered the beast standing with harps of God in their hands. 3. The saints singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. 4. The seven (7) angels clothed in their beautiful garments who were given 7 golden bowls of God s wrath. 5. The glory and power of a sovereign God that filled the sanctuary.

73 Scriptures used throughout this Sermon Revelation 15:1-8 II Corinthians 12:2-3 Luke 23:42-43 Point 1 Revelation 15:1; 10:7; Psalm 22:1; I John 4:10; Matthew 25:41; 46. Point 2 Revelation 15:2; Hebrews 12:29; Revelation 4:6. Point 3 Revelation 15:3-4; Exodus 15:1-18; 19-21; Genesis 1-2; John 4:23-24; Mark 7; Philippians 3:3; Psalm 150; Revelation Point 4 Revelation 15:5-7; Hebrews 1:14; Luke 2:13-14; Matthew 1:19-20; 2:13-15; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 22:43; Acts 1:10; Mark 13; I Thessalonians 4. Point 5 Revelation 15:8; Exodus 40:34-35; I Kings 8:10-11; Ezekiel 44:4; Daniel 4:34-35.

74 Chapter Fifteen (15) Sermon notes and significant thoughts and ideas from the sermons on this chapter God s dwelling place = Heaven Heaven = Paradise; 3rd Heaven The thief on the cross went to paradise upon his death. God s Wrath means that he intensely hates all sin and will bring his judgment upon it. The seven (7) bowls of judgment are the last judgments of history. In them God s wrath will be completed (Revelation 10:7; 15:1). Revelation 15:1 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues last, because with them God s wrath is completed. In scripture we learn three (3) things about the wrath of God. 1. God s wrath is revealed in history. Adam/Eve Lost Paradise Noah Flood Sodom/Gomorrah Fire & Brimstone 10 Tribes 722 B.C. Assyria (captivity) 2 Tribes 605 B.C. Babylon (captivity) Jerusalem A.D. 70 Romans (destroyed) Romans 1 God s wrath Revelation 7 trumpets/7 bowls -1-

75 Chapter Fifteen (15) 2. God s wrath was revealed at the cross. Cup = God s wrath Psalm 22:1 My God why have you forsaken me? I John 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation (to satisfy God s wrath for our sins. Because Jesus bore the wrath of God in our place all who trust him as Savior and Lord will not experience God s wrath. 3. God s wrath will be revealed throughout eternity in hell. Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. God is love but he is also wrath. His love and wrath are like the two (2) winds of an airplane. Love Wrath Both wings are absolutely necessary for flight and both - wrath and love are necessary to biblically represent the full nature of God. -2-

76 Chapter Fifteen (15) Revelation 15:2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire. Sea of glass mingled with fire. When we see a beautiful body of water it is... Beautiful Calming Majestic Mingled with fire Fire = Represents God Hebrews 12:29 For God is a consuming fire. This represents God s majesty. Also those who had conquered the beast and it s image and the number of its name. They conquered the beast through their being put to death they refused to bow to him and to receive his number 666. They moved into God s presence in heaven. -3-

77 Chapter Fifteen (15) Standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. Sea of glass = God s throne in heaven. Harps of God = expression of praise & worship Harps = symbol of victory Revelation 15:3-4 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. Both the Old Testament and New Testament saints sing about God s deliverance from their enemies (Exodus 15). The song of Moses is the song of deliverance from Pharoh and the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. Red Sea Deliverance -4-