Revela&on 1. A Study of John s Vision While on Patmos: The Revela;on of Jesus Christ. Presented by: Mark LaRose Date: 05/08/17 Dra< File: Rev1

Transcription

1 Revela&on 1 A Study of John s Vision While on Patmos: The Revela;on of Jesus Christ Presented by: Mark LaRose Date: 05/08/17 Dra< File: Rev1

2 Rela&onship with Christ The Most Important Understanding about our Salva&on: We believe eternal life is a gi@ from God in Christ Jesus and we are jus;fied by His grace and His faith who paid the price; death, for our transgressions Romans 3:21-26; 4:4-5,25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:4-10; Titus 3:4-7 (Is 53; Eze 36:25-27; John 3:3-8,16; 16:8; Rom 5:6-10; 8:1-4, 14-17; 1Cor 15:3-4,20-22; 2Cor 5:14-15,19-21; Gal 1:4; 3:13-14,26; 4:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Col 1:13-14; Heb 8:7-12; 1Pet 1:23; 2Pet 1:3-4; 1John 2:2; 4:10) God sent his angel to show his servants the future (Rev 22:6) Do not despise prophecies. 1Thess 5:20 Purpose: To share the vital necessity of a character transforming rela;onship with Christ, namely the Gospel of His sacrifice for all who call Him Lord and Savior (Ps 1:1-2; Ma` 20:25-28; Luke 19:17-20; John 20:21; Rom 12:2; 2Cor 3:17-18; Gal 5:22-25; Eph 5:19-21; 6:12-18; Phil 3:7-14; Col 2:6; 1Thess 5:16-23; Heb 10:25; 2Pet 2:9; 3:18; 1John 4:4)

3 Principles of Bible Study Paul s counsel to Timothy: 16 All Scripture is given by inspira;on of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc;on, for instruc;on in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Tim 3:16-17 (Ps 119:105; Prov 30:5-6; Is 8:20; John 17:17; 1Thess 2:13; Heb 4:12) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 2Pet 1:21 Bible versions: Use versions with the closest transla&on to the original language Recommend comparing NKJV (used here), NASB95, KJV, ESV, and NIV Concordance sources: Use of Expository study methods (versus Thema&c study) This method explores the literal meaning of each word in Scripture and its rela&onship to other words in its context (exegesis)

4 Principles of Interpreta&on It s important to be consistent by using the same principles, pa`ern, and understanding of the Book of Daniel for the prophecies in Revela;on (Num 12:6; 2Chron 20:20; Joel 2:28-29; Amos 3:7; Acts 2:14-21; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 22:8-9) Every word deserves careful considera;on For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a li`le, there a li`le. Is 28:10 Like Daniel s visions were to Daniel, most everything in Revela;on is future to John s ;me I will show you things which must take place a@er this. Rev 4:1 to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. Rev 22:6 The Historicist method of interpreta;on is used for both Daniel and Revela;on Much of Revela;on is symbolic Look for defini;ons and correla;ons elsewhere within Daniel and Revela;on first, then the Bible as a whole; then in history Like Daniel 2,7,8,9 & 10-12, the principle used is to repeat and enlarge

5 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are wri`en in it; for the ;me is near. Revela&on 1:3

6 Overview The Book of Revela&on The Book of Revela;on summarizes the other 65 books of the Bible and is therefore a highly condensed masterpiece describing God s plan from before earth s crea;on to a@er it is restored and God s universal kingdom is relocated to the earth. Revela;on has endless depth and is likewise enormous in its scope. There are 550 quota;ons or allusions of Old Testament localized informa;on that are applied on a worldwide basis in Revela;on. (There is never a second local applica;on) We will likely spend eternity endeavoring to understand the story it tells; the love it represents.

7 Revela&on (AD95-96) The Apostle John received the Revela&on visions while on Patmos John was exiled in AD95 during the reign of Emperor Domi;an. His exile ended upon the accession of Emperor Nerva in AD96. Jerusalem had been destroyed 25 years earlier in AD70 Revela;on is wri`en using chias;c structures: a chiasm is a repe;;on of similar ideas in the reverse sequence Events in Revela;on are built by progressive repe;;on adding detail like Daniel 2, 7, 8, 9, & The visions were not given in chronological order

8 Overview The Book of Revela&on Revela;on 1-14 is mirrored! Rev 1:1-8 Introduc;on! Rev 1:9-3:22 7 Churches! Rev 4:1-8:1 7 Seals! Rev 8:2-11:18 7 Trumpets! Rev 11:19-14:20 Cosmic Controversy by Revela;on 15-22! Rev 22:8-17 Conclusion! Rev 21:9-22:7 New Jerusalem! Rev 19:11-21:8 1,000 Years! Rev 15:1-16:21 7 Plagues! Rev 17:1-19:10 Fall of Babylon

9 Introduc;on and Conclusion The Book of Revela&on Rev 1:1-8 is mirrored A. tes;mony of Jesus Christ (1:2) B. Blessed is he who reads the words (1:3) C. Behold, He is coming (1:7) D. I am the Alpha and the Omega (1:8) by Rev 22:8-21 A. I, Jesus, have sent to tes;fy (22:16) B. Blessed is he who keeps the words (22:7b) C. I am coming quickly (22:12,20) D. I am the Alpha and the Omega (22:13)

10 7 Churches and New Jerusalem The Book of Revela&on Rev 1:9-3:22 is mirrored A. Christ walks in the midst of the seven golden lamps (2:1) B. tree of life (2:7) C. an open door (3:8) D. I am coming quickly! (3:11) E. New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven (3:12) F. Christ sat down with My Father on His throne. (3:21) by Rev 21:9-22:7 A. the Lamb is its light (21:23) B. tree of life (22:2) C. Its gates shall not be shut (21:25) D. I am coming quickly! (22:7) E. holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven (21:10) F. the throne of God and of the Lamb (22:1,3)

11 7 Seals and 1,000 Years The Book of Revela&on Rev 4:1-8:1 is mirrored A. a door standing open in heaven (4:1) B. a white horse. Followed by colored horses (6:2-8) C. souls of those who had been slain asking for judgment (6:9-10) D. a white robe was given (6:11; 7:9-14) E. Kings, great men, rich men, commanders, the mighty men asked to be killed (6:15-16) by Rev 19:11-21:8 A. I saw heaven opened (19:11) B. a white horse. Armies followed on white horses (19:11-14) C. souls of those who had been beheaded enthroned as judges (20:4-6) D. clothed in fine linen, white and clean (19:14) E. Kings, captains, and mighty men are killed (19:17-21)

12 7 Trumpets and 7 Plagues The Book of Revela&on Rev 8:2-11:18 is mirrored 1) thrown to the earth (8:7) 2) thrown into the sea (8:8-9) 3) rivers and springs (8:10-11) 4) Sun, moon, and stars (8:12) 5) Bo`omless pit, darkness (9:1-12) 6) great River Euphrates. (9:13-21) 7) loud voices in heaven, the kingdoms of Christ, lightnings, noises, thunderings, and earthquake, and great hail (11:15-18) by Rev 15:1-16:21 1) upon the earth (16:2) 2) on the sea (16:3) 3) rivers and springs (16:4) 4) the sun (16:8-9) 5) throne of the beast full of darkness (1:10-11) 6) great River Euphrates (16:12-16) 7) loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, It is done!, noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake great hail (16:17-21)

13 Cosmic Controversy and Fall of Babylon The Book of Revela&on Rev 11:19-14:20 is mirrored A. a woman clothed with the sun (12:1) B. dragon having 7 heads and 10 horns (12:3; 13:1 sea beast) C. woman into the wilderness (12:14) D. keep the commandments of God (12:17b) E. have the tes;mony of Jesus Christ. (12:17c) F. Babylon is fallen, is fallen (14:8) by Rev 17:1-19:10 A. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet (17:4) B. scarlet beast having 7 heads and 10 horns. (17:3b) C. into the wilderness a woman (17:3a) D. mother of harlots (17:5b) E. tes;mony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (19:10c) F. Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen (18:2)

14 Overview The Book of Revela&on Revela;on contains 7 Throne scenes that provide a view of the Sanctuary in Heaven: 1. Introduc;on of the 7 seals (Rev 4:1-5:14) 2. Introduc;on of the 7 trumpets (Rev 8:2-6) 3. Introduc;on of the cosmic controversy in Rev 12 (Rev 11:19) 4. Introduc;on to the 7 plagues (Rev 15) 5. Introduc;on to the fall of symbolic Babylon (Rev 16:17-17:3a) 6. Introduc;on to the Second Advent (Rev 19:1-10) 7. Introduc;on to the New Earth (Rev 21:5-11a)

15 Introduc;on A Book of 7 s The Book of Revela;on refers to several significant numbers; with 7 being an important theme throughout 7 Throne room scenes (prior slide) 7 ;mes, the Word of God (Rev 1:2,9; 6:9; 17:17; 19:9,13; 20:4) 7 ;mes, a Prophecy (Rev 1:3; 11:6; 19:10; 22:7,10,18,19) 7 ;mes, Pa;ence (Rev 1:9; 2:2, 3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12) 7 Blessings (Rev 1:3; 14:12-13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:6-7; 22:14-19) 7 Lampstands (Rev 1:13) 7 Stars (Rev 1:16,20) 7 Churches (Rev 2 & 3) 7 Spirits (Rev 1:4; 4:5), Lamb with 7 horns and 7 eyes (Rev 5:6) 7 Hymns (Rev 4:8; 4:10-11; 5:8-9; 5:11-12; 5:13-14; 7:9-10; 7:11-12) 7 Thunders (Rev 10:4) 7 Seals (Rev 6:1-17; 8:1) 7 A`ributes of God (Rev 4:11; 5:12; 7:12) 7 Trumpets (Rev 8:7-9:21; 11:15) 7 Bowls/plagues (Rev 15 & 16) 7 Heads/Kings/Mountains (Rev 12:3; 13:1; 17:3,9-11) 7 Days of crea;on week (Rev 14:7, Gen 1:1-2:3) 7 Woe Songs to Babylon (Rev 18:1-24; 19:1-4) h\p://

16 Revela&on 1 Jesus Revealed: The Introduc;on

17 Revela&on 1:1-2 1 The Revela&on of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the tes&mony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. The purpose of the vision of Revela;on is to reveal Jesus Christ God gave: The Father entrusted all to the Son (Ma` 11:27; 28:18; Heb 2:10-14) His servants: The saints of all ;me, par;cularly the end ;me remnant Things which must shortly take place: John was shown the future (both short and long range); not history (except themes in process) (Rev 12; 22:6) Some ini;ated but uncompleted events: (2Thess 2:7, Era of the church of Ephesus, the Rider of the white horse/1 st seal; Satan s fall) His (Jesus ) angel: Gabriel (Dan 8:16; 9:21; 10:10-11:2a; Luke 1:19,26) John bore witness of God s Word (Is 8:20; John 1:1-3; 14:6-14; Rev 19:13) Tes;mony of Jesus Christ: Past and contemporary prophets; witnessing (Amos 3:7; Rev 1:9; 6:9; 11:7; 12:11,17; 15:5; 19:10)

18 Revela&on 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are wri\en in it; for the &me is near. Blessed is he: The first of 7 blessings in Revela;on; an amazing promise for those embracing this gospel (Rev 1:3; 14:12-13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:6-7; 22:14-19) Read: An indica;on that we must read and study God s Word for ourselves rather than relying on other s interpreta;ons and sermons (Is 55:11; John 16:13; Ma` 21:22; James 1:5) Hear: Listening for God when in prayer is important The spoken word, promp;ng study and verifying for ourselves: Rom 10:17 Nature is a witness of God the Creator: John 1:3; Col 1:16 Dreams that are in complete harmony with scripture: Joel 2:28 The s;ll, small voice of the Holy Spirit: 1Ki 19:11-13 Keep things wri`en: This promise is condi;onal on living in harmony with God s Word, including His Law and the tes;mony of His prophets (Eccl 12:13-14; Is 8:20; Hab 2:1; Rev 22:7) Time is near: Though 1,920 years have passed since John wrote what he was shown, for each one the ;me is near (Eccl 9:5,10-12; Luke 12:20)

19 Revela&on 1:4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 7 Churches: Literally the churches of Rev 2 & 3; spiritually for the Chris;an church (all claiming to be Chris;an ) un;l Jesus returns Asia: Western Asia Minor, east of Greece (present day Turkey) Is, was, is to come: God s eternal nature (Ex 3:14; Heb 13:8; Rev 1:8; 4:8) Grace and peace: God provides both to His people (2Pet 1:2; Dan 4:1) From: No;ce there are Three Persons listed; the Eternal One, 7 Spirits (Rev 3:1; 4:5), and Jesus Christ (Ma` 28:19; Heb 13:8); The Trinity (Ps 136:1-3; Is 6:3; 42:1; 48:16; 1John 5:7-8) However, when He 1, the Spirit of truth, has come, He 2 will guide you into all truth; for He 3 will not speak on His 4 own authority, but whatever He 5 hears He 6 will speak; and He 7 will tell you things to come. John 16:13 (John 14:17; 15:26; 2Pet 1:21; Mic 3:8; 1Cor 2:9-13) Here, John refers to the Spirit as an individual, 7 ;mes

20 Revela&on 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, Jesus, our trustworthy Witness, providing hope through His resurrec;on Ruler: the Prince who rules over all earthly kings (Is 9:6; Dan 8:25; 10:13; Rev 3:14) The Trinity loves us so much, that Jesus shed His blood, so we might have everlas;ng life (Ma` 26:28; John 3:16-17; Heb 9:14,22; 1Pet 2:24; 1John 1:7-9; Rev 7:14) Washed us: Jesus cleanses us, covering us with His robe of righteousness (Zech 3:1-5; John 1:29; Rom 11:27) Sins (Greek: hamar&a, meaning to miss the mark, to err, be mistaken ) (Ma` 1:21; 9:6; 26:28; Mark 2:7) These include sins confessed and repented of (Luke 24:47) Those who persist in sin, inten;onally reject the principles of heaven (Rom 6:1-2,6-7)

21 Revela&on 1:6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Priests: Exodus 19:6 designated Israel as a kingdom of priests, a fiong example for the end ;me spiritual Israel described in 1Pet 2:9 as a royal priesthood and holy na;on (Ex 19:6; Lev 16:30-31,34; Deut 7:6; Is 61:6; 66:21 Eze 37:12; Hos 4:1,6; 1Pet 2:9; Rev 5:10) Rev 20:6 designates those who are brought back to life in the first resurrec;on as priests of God and of Christ (Note: Zech 3:7) These make up the great mul;tude of Rev 7:9-15 These are those under the altar spoken of in the 5 th seal (Rev 6:9-11) Kings: Rev 20:4a,6 raises the ques;on of the poten;al for a different role for the 144,000, and for the remnant that remain alive, or part of the special resurrec;on, at Christ s return (Dan 12:2) Is it possible that these will serve with Christ as judges (kings), verifying the characters of the wicked dead during the 1,000 years? (Rev 7:15) Amen means it is true (2Cor 1:20-22) " Melchizedek, a type of Christ, was King (Greek: basileus) of Salem/Peace/ Righteousness and Priest of God (the Holy Spirit) (Gen 14:18; Ps 110:1,4; Heb 7:1-8:1) " Christ serves as both Priest (forgiving) and King (cleansing) as typified in the Old Testament sanctuary service and day of atonement

22 Revela&on 1:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Coming with clouds: Jesus will return with clouds (Ma` 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; 14:62; Acts 1:9-11; Titus 2:13) The clouds are His angels (Dan 7:13) Every eye will see Him: Every person alive on earth will see Jesus (Ma` 25:31-46; Luke 21:27; 1Thess 4:16-17; 2Thess 1:7-8) They who pierced Him: Likely all those who had a direct hand in Jesus crucifixion will be raised to see Him return (Dan 12:2; Zech 12:10-11; Ma` 23:37-39; 26:64; John 19:34) These will then die once again, only to be a part of the second resurrec;on of Rev 20:5 (Luke 23:30; Rev 6:15-16) Tribes of the earth mourn: Earth dwellers, those who don t dwell in heaven will mourn, though do not repent (Ps 91:9; Jer 4:28; Rev 6:15-17; 18:8,11) This speaks to the spiritual end-;me fulfillment of Zech 12:10-14 and Ma` 24:30 (2Chron 35:20-25; 2Ki 23:29-30; Rev 16:12-16) Amen means it is true (2Cor 1:20-22)

23 Revela&on 1:8 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. I am: The Creator (John 8:58; Deut 32:39; Is 43:10; 46:4; John 13:19; 18:5) Alpha: The Beginning (John 1:1) (Is 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; Heb 12:2; Rev 1:11; 21:6; 22:13) Omega: The End (Rev 1:11,17; 2:8; 21:6; 22:13) Who is and who was and who is to come: God is eternal (Rev 1:4; 4:8; 11:17; 16:5; 21:6; 22:13) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever Heb 13:8 Almighty: Ruler of all (Rev 4:8; 16:7; 19:15; Amos 9:5)

24 Revela&on 1 The Vision of Christ in the midst of The 7 Churches

25 Revela&on 1:9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribula&on and kingdom and pa&ence of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the tes&mony of Jesus Christ. John: The disciple whom Jesus loved (John 20:2) The author of the Gospel of John, 3 epistles, and Revela;on Tribula;on: Reference to suffering for Christ (Ma` 10:38; Luke 22:28; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; 2Tim 2:12; 3:12) Kingdom: Of grace (Ma` 4:17), and the saints (Dan 7:13-14) Pa;ence: Literally remain under implying self control (Rev 2:7; 14:12) Island of Patmos: John was imprisoned on Patmos (55 mi SW of Ephesus) For the Word of God: Literally on account of the word (John 1:1-3) For the tes;mony of Jesus Christ: Reference to the tes;mony of God s prophets (Is 8:20; Rev 19:10; 22:7), and the law (Ex 25:21)

26 Revela&on 1: I was in the Spirit on the Lord s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, and, What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thya&ra, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. Spirit: In vision Lord s Day: The 7 th day Sabbath (Ex 20:8-11; Lev 23:3; Deut 5:15; Is 58:13-14; Ma` 12:8; 24:20; Mark 2:27-28; Luke 23:50-24:1; Heb 13:8) Loud voice as of a trumpet: Stressing the importance of the message Alpha, Omega, First and Last: The Lord is unique, there is no other (Is 41:4; 44:6; Rev 1:4,8; 21:6; 22:13) (Note: Lamenta&ons is a alphabe&cal acros&c poem from A to Z) 7 Churches: No;ce the separate invita;on for each one These messages, including all of Revela;on, were to these 7 literal churches in Asia Minor and also for the 7 eras of the Chris;an church (all groups and churches claiming Christ) as noted above, describing their spiritual condi;on

27 Revela&on 1: Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. See the voice: John likely recognized the voice of his Master from some 65 years earlier 7 Golden lampstands: Represen;ng the responsibility of the Chris;an church to be a con;nual light to the world (Lev 24:2-4; Ma` 5:14-15; John 8:12; Rev 2:5) This scene places Jesus in the Holy Place following His ascension (Acts 1:9-11) Son of Man: Jesus (Dan 7:13; Ma` 26:64; Mark 2:28; 8:31; 14:62; Luke 9:22; 19:10; Acts 7:56) Midst of the lampstands: Indica;ng this scene was shown John from the perspec;ve of earth And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us John 1:14 (Num 1:51-53; 2:1-34; Ps 148:14; Heb 10:22) Alludes to Christ s priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (Is 53:12; Heb 8:1-6) Garment girded with a golden band: Compare Dan 10:5 & Rev 15:6

28 Revela&on 1: His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. Compare dress and characteris;cs to the Father in Dan 7:9-10, and Daniel s descrip;on of Jesus in Dan 10:5-6 (Is 1:18; Ps 119:105) Many waters: Like the sound from many people (Rev 17:15) 7 Stars: Angels protec;ng the 7 churches/the saints (Rev 1:20) Out of His mouth, sharp two-edged sword: Likely refers to the dual nature of the gospel, His Law and the tes;mony of His prophets (Is 8:20; 41:10; Hos 6:5; 1Cor 1:6; Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12-13; 1John 5:10; Rev 3:8; 12:17; 19:15,21) Countenance like sun: Consistent with His appearance at the transfigura;on (Ma` 17:2; Mark 9:3; Luke 9:29; John 1:14; 2Pet 1:16-18)

29 Revela&on 1: And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Fell as dead: As others did, John felt weak and unworthy (Eze 1:28; 2:1; Dan 8:17-18; Acts 9:4) Do not be afraid: Comfort is a consistent theme when heavenly beings provide informa;on or assistance to humans (Judg 6:22-23; Dan 10:12; Ma` 28:5) The First and the Last: Emphasis as noted in Rev 1:4,8,11; 21:6; 22:13 (Is 44:6; 48:12-13) Amen means it is true (2Cor 1:20-22) Keys of Hades (grave): Refers to the second death (Rev 20:1,13-14) Satan was given the key to the bo`omless pit (Rev 9:1). His ini;a;on of Islam in AD612 followed by the wars between apostate Chris;anity and Islam showed his true character (Rev 20:1-3) Keys of Death: Refers to a sleep as Lazarus experienced (John 11:11-26; 5:24; 1Cor 15:55)

30 Revela&on 1: Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place a<er this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. " Note the language pa`ern between Rev 1:8b and 1:19 Write: John was shown: the fall of Satan (Rev 12), the current condi;on of Chris;anity and, what will take place in the future of John s day (AD95-96) Right hand: Symbol of power (Ps 89:13; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:31; 1Pet 3:22) Mystery: Jesus reveals the interpreta;on of both the lampstands and the stars Stars refer to both guardian angels and human messengers of the church being protected and guided by Jesus (Rev 12:1b,4)

31 Our Mission as the Remnant Worship God! For the tes;mony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10) The understanding of prophecy is a call to ac;on; to share the gospel of everlas;ng life through a rela;onship with Jesus, proclaiming the 3 angels message of Rev 14:6-12 obey God s commandments (Rev 12:17) and Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water. (Rev 14:7) Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. (Is 56:6-7) Be holy blameless (1Pet 1:16-19; 2Pet 3:10-14)

32 He who tes;fies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revela&on 22:20

33 Addi&onal Informa&on I am indebted to Tim Roosenberg who has studied Daniel since the early 2000 s and has dedicated his ministry to providing people with knowledge of the &mes that we live through seminars and his website; h\p:// I am also indebted to two individuals whom have dedicated their lives in a study of Revela&on 17 since the late 1990 s. Their website, h\p://666man.net, provides significant depth on the many related Bible passages and prophecies that correlate completely to the prophecies of Daniel For an excellent verse by verse commentary see: h\p:// For a deep perspec&ve of how Revela&on represents the spiritual fulfillment of much of the Old Testament see: Louis F. Were, The Certainty of the 3 rd Angel s Message, 1945 Ellen Gould White was a prolific author and an American Chris&an pioneer. Along with other Sabbatarian Adven&st leaders such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, she formed what became known as the Seventh-day Adven&st Church. The Smithsonian magazine named Ellen G. White among 100 Most Significant Americans in an acknowledgement of her influence on religion. h\ps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ellen_g._white

34 Ellen White Comments Gen-Rev " The great feebleness of the church is the result of a failure on the part of the members to appropriate the Word of God as their spiritual food. The Word of God, inspired by the Spirit of God, is not fic&on, but truth, and it preeminently deserves, and with posi;ve assurance demands, our serious apprecia;on. We are to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. We are in no danger of obtaining too much of the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, who He has sent. We may find by a study of the Word that we are in danger, through our negligence, of losing the waymarks. Coming to the light of the Word, our duty is made plain and clear. {Lt } " Let us have more Bible reading and less story reading. {Lt } " The teachings of the Old Testament Scriptures are the words of Christ, spoken in plain, simple language. There is presented the obedience required by God. The truths of the Bible are of ines&mable value, and should be treasured up in the heart and mind. The precepts of the Word of God should govern the whole life in this world, preparing us for the future world. {Lt }

35 Ellen White Comments Gen-Rev " Would that I could speak words that would sink deep into the hearts of the people of God, arousing them to mix faith with their hearing as well as with their reading of the Word. Open your Bibles alone before God, and ask Him to give you an understanding heart and firm, righteous principles. Ask Him to give you a realiza&on of the importance of implicit obedience, and to fill the heart with an abiding, comfor&ng assurance of the love of Christ. Ask Him to inspire you with a holy endeavor and an unshrinking faith, which takes God at His word. An increase of faith and confidence in God is the result of an increased knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, gained through studying His Word. Thus we may have a visit with the very best Friend we have. {Lt }

36 Ellen White Comments Rev 1-22 " Our lesson for the present &me is, How may we most clearly comprehend and present the gospel that Christ came in person to present to John on the Isle of Patmos, the gospel that is termed the revela&on of Jesus Christ? We are to present to our people a clear explana;on of Revela;on. We are to give them the word of God just as it is, with as few of our own explana;ons as possible. No one mind can do this work alone. Although we have in trust the grandest and most important truth ever presented to the world, we are only babes, as far as understanding truth in all its bearings is concerned. Christ is the great teacher, and that which He revealed to John, we are to tax our minds to understand and clearly to define. We are facing the most important issues that men have ever been called upon to meet. {CW 29.2} " In the revela;on that Christ gave are linked together in a chain of truth the important messages of warning that are to be given to the world before Christ s second coming. The last message of mercy is to be proclaimed where it has never yet been heard. The workers are to labor with such self-denial, such self-sacrifice, that the message will be borne to those who have not heard it. Le\er 110, 1902, p. 4. (To Dr. David Paulson, July 7, 1902.) {1MR 372.3}

37 Ellen White Comments Rev 1-22 " Prophecies of Revela&on Repeat Prophecies of Daniel Revela&on is a sealed book, but it is also an opened book. It records marvelous events that are to take place in the last days of this earth s history. The teachings of this book are definite, not mys&cal and unintelligible. In it the same line of prophecy is taken up as in Daniel. Some prophecies God has repeated, thus showing that importance must be given to them. The Lord does not repeat things that are of no great consequence. Manuscript 107, 1897, pp. 1, 2. ( Search the Scriptures, no date.) {9MR 7.5} " In view of the tes&mony of Inspira&on, how dare men teach that the Revela&on is a mystery beyond the reach of human understanding? It is a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the Revela;on directs the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most important instruc;on, given of God to men, concerning events to take place at the close of this world s history. {GC 341.3}

38 Ellen White Comments Rev 1-22 " The Certainty of Prophecy All that God has in prophe&c history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to come in its order will be. Daniel, God s prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the Revela;on the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel, and thus is Daniel standing in his place. He bears his tes&mony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment. {2SM 109.1} " In the Revela&on all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; the other a revela&on. The book that was sealed is not the Revela&on, but that por&on of the prophecy of Daniel rela&ng to the last days. The angel commanded, But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the &me of the end. Daniel 12:4. {AA 585.1}

39 Ellen White Comments Rev 1-22 " The book of Revela&on opens to the world what has been, what is, and what is to come; it is for our instruc&on upon whom the ends of the world are come. It should be studied with reveren;al awe. We are privileged in knowing what is for our learning. But do we treat the word of God with the reverence which is his due, and with the gra&tude which God would be pleased to see? All Scripture is given by inspira&on of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc&on, for instruc&on in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. {RH August 31, 1897, par. 4} In this book are depicted scenes that are now in the past, and some of eternal interest that are taking place around us; other of its prophecies will not receive their complete fulfillment un&l the close of &me, when the last great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven will take place. {RH August 31, 1897, par. 5}

40 Ellen White Comments Rev 1-22 " To John the Lord Jesus opened the subjects that He saw would be needed by His people in the last days. The instruc&on that He gave is found in the book of Revela&on. Those who would be co-workers with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will show a deep interest in the truths found in the book of Revela;on. With pen and voice they will strive to make plain the wonderful things that Christ came from heaven to reveal. The first chapter of the book of Revela&on was then read with great solemnity. The Revela&on of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John, who bare record of the word of God, and of the tes&mony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that He saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are wri\en therein; for the &me is at hand. Our Instructor presented the solemn messages that have been given in their order in Revela;on and that are to occupy the first place in the minds of God s people. Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our a`en;on. {Lt } {8T 302.1}

41 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:1-2 " This instruc&on is to be the object of our careful and prayerful study; for we are living in a &me when men who are not under the teaching of the Holy Spirit will bring in false theories. These men have been standing in high places, and they have ambi&ous projects to carry out. They seek to exalt themselves and to revolu;onize the whole showing of things. God has given us special instruc&on to guard us against such ones. He bade John write in a book that which should take place in the closing scenes of this earth s history. {Ms }

42 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:1-3 " Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revela&on, saying that He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John. Revela&on 1:1. And to John the angel declared, I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets. Revela&on 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought that the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men. {DA 99.1} " It was Gabriel, the angel next in rank to the Son of God, who came with the divine message to Daniel. It was Gabriel, His angel, whom Christ sent to open the future to the beloved John; and a blessing is pronounced on those who read and hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things wri\en therein. Revela&on 1:3. The Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants and prophets. While the secret things belong unto the Lord our God, those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever. Amos 3:7; Deuteronomy 29:29. God has given these things to us, and His blessing will a`end the reverent, prayerful study of the prophe;c scriptures. {DA }

43 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:1-4 " Many have entertained the idea that the book of Revela&on is a sealed book, and they will not devote &me and study to its mysteries. They say that they are to keep looking to the glories of salva&on, and that the mysteries revealed to John on the Isle of Patmos are worthy of less considera&on than these. {RH August 31, 1897, par. 2} But God does not so regard this book. {RH August 31, 1897, par. 3} The book of Revela&on opens to the world what has been, what is, and what is to come; it is for our instruc&on upon whom the ends of the world are come. It should be studied with reveren&al awe. {RH August 31, 1897, par. 4}

44 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:13, 20 " Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candles&cks. Thus is symbolized His rela&on to the churches. He is in constant communica&on with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devo&on. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. With un&ring wakefulness and unremirng vigilance, He watches to see whether the light of any of His sen&nels is burning dim or going out. If the candles&cks were le< to mere human care, the flickering flame would languish and die; but He is the true watchman in the Lord s house, the true warden of the temple courts. His con&nued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light. {AA 586.1} Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protec&on of Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ. {AA 586.2}

45 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:20 " God s ministers are symbolized by the seven stars, which He who is the first and the last has under His special care and protec&on. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with these ministers of God, who are to represent the love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under God s control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. {GW 13.3} It is to the honor of Christ that He makes His ministers a greater blessing to the church, through the working of the Holy Spirit, than are the stars to the world. The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they will look to Him as He looked to His Father, they will do His works. As they make God their dependence, He will give them His brightness to reflect to the world. {GW 14.1}

46 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:20 " There are wandering stars professing to be ministers sent of God who are preaching the Sabbath from place to place, but who have truth mixed up with error and are throwing out their mass of discordant views to the people. Satan has pushed them in to disgust intelligent and sensible unbelievers. Some of these have much to say upon the gi<s and are o<en especially exercised. They give themselves up to wild, excitable feelings and make unintelligible sounds which they call the gi< of tongues, and a certain class seem to be charmed with these strange manifesta&ons. a strange spirit rules with this class, which would bear down and run over anyone who would reprove them. God s Spirit is not in the work and does not a\end such workmen. They have another spirit. [Tes&monies for the Church 1: ] {NL 49.2} The world will not be converted by the gi< of tongues, or by the working of miracles, but by preaching Christ crucified. [Tes&monies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 424.] {NL 49.3}

47 Ellen White Comments Rev 1:20 " Arrange for each member to have something to do The work of the minister represented by the seven stars is a high and sacred work. When he entertains the idea that his work is comprehended in sermonizing, he overlooks, and is sure to neglect, the work devolving upon a shepherd of the flock. It is his work to have care, to oversee the flock, to so arrange the elements of the church that each may have something to do. The Review and Herald, May 31, {PaM 40.2}