If one thinks sequential, there will be a difficult time reconciling all of the elements.

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1 Revelation 20 Date: February 28, 2018 Title: The Final Judgment Text: Revelation 20 Theme: The enthroned Christ (Rev. 1) encourages His persecuted church (Rev. 2; 3) by presently reclaiming what is His as Creator (Rev. 4) and Redeemer (Rev. 5) and ultimately reconstituting His Garden (Rev. 21; 22) for the joy of His people and the destruction of His enemies (Rev. 20). Introduction: Our intent in our study of Revelation 20 is not to discredit a literal 1,000 year reign of Jesus on Earth. If, however, no number in Revelation is to be taken literally, then there is no reason to think the 1,000 year period of time is to be taken literally. To think there was a starting point that cause the clock to begin ticking would be erroneous. The pages of the calendar are being removed and we are moving ever closer to the coming of Jesus, but God controls the time table. The only way to understand Revelation 20 properly is to see how John continues to fold events into each other. What he has said, he says, and will say. Each repeating of events looks at it from different angels and perspectives. This is no less true of Revelation 20 and the judgment of God s people and enemies. If one thinks sequential, there will be a difficult time reconciling all of the elements. THE BIG PICTURE: 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss [cf. Rev. 9] and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction (Rev. 17:8, 11). Revelation 17 has already prepared us for Revelation 20. The Dragon was, and is not [bound], and is about to come up out of the abyss (Rev. 9). IS NOT That the beast is not refers to the continuing effects of his defeat by Christ at the cross and resurrection. 1 From Matthew we know Satan seeks to stop the plan of God (Matt. 4:10; 16:23). We also learn from Matthew s account of Jesus having bound Satan and plundering his house (Matt. 12:25-29). This same story occurs in Mark 3: Mark will use the same words as Matthew. The word for plunder means to seize, to spoil. It is a compound word made up of the prefix dia and the word harpazo. Harpazo is a strong word used of a violent taking (Matt. 11:12), of being taken by force against one s will (John 6:15), of wolves catching sheep (John 10:12), of no one able to pluck anyone out of God s hands (John 10:28, 29), of Philip being caught away by the Spirit of the Lord (Acts 8:39), of Paul almost being pulled apart (Acts 23:10), of Paul being caught 243

2 Revelation 20 up to Paradise (2 Cor. 12:2, 4), of God s people being caught up by the Lord at His coming (1 Thess. 4:17), and of the Christ being caught up into heaven at His ascension (Rev. 12:5). The same word used in Matthew 12:29 for Satan being bound [deo] is the same one used in Revelation 20:2 for Satan being bound. Satan was defeated at the cross (Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8). This initial defeat although inaugurated, has yet to be consummated (1 Cor. 15). However, right now, He is cast out of heaven (Luke 10:18; John 16:11; Rev. 9:1; 12:8, 9). Despite his immediate defeat, he is currently the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2) and the prince of this world (John 16:11) for an indefinite period of time known only to God (Rev. 20 [ a thousand years ]). As a prince, he has a kingdom marked by darkness (Col. 1:13; Acts 26:18). As a prince, he has authority. This is seen repeatedly from Revelation 12 and 13. Authority to do what? We know from Mark s gospel that the devil seeks to snatch the Word of God from bearing fruit (Mark 4:15). He still binds people (Luke 13:16). It is the same word occurring in Matt. 12:29 and Rev. 20:2. He is still entering people, energizing evil through people (John 13:27; Acts 5:3). As noted earlier, Satan was defeated at the cross. Moreover, there is still a fuller and final expression of this defeat (Rom. 16:20; Rev. 20), but this opening conquest empowers perseverance in the people of God. Satan has been and continues to be under the authority of God (1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:20). He does God s bidding. 1. What is the author s structure of this passage? Please a) show sections with verse references, b) state the author s emphasis, and c) explain what strategies you used to see this structure. I. The Final Judgment of God Against the unholy Trinity (vv. 1-3, 7-10) 1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him [cf. is not ] for a thousand years [e.g. long time during this period the gospel spreads to all the nations]; 3 and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time (Rev. 20:1-3). 7 When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison [cf. Rev. 9:1-12], 8 and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore [cf. Rev ]. 9 And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them [cf. Rev. 17:8-14; 19:11-21]. 10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev. 20:7-10). 244

3 Revelation 20 II. The Final Judgment of God Against the Woman s Seed (vv. 4-6) 4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years (Rev. 20:4-6). III. The Final Judgment of God Against the Serpent s Seed (vv ) 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). Author s Emphasis: The final judgment of all things by the one who sits on the throne. Author s Strategies: Then I saw vv. 1, 4, 11 Subject Matter Dragon (vv. 1-3, 7-10) The people of God (vv. 4-6) The judgment of humanity (vv ) 2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Answer this question using a) the literary context (the passages on either side), b) the historical context (circumstances and culture of the audience), and c) the biblical context (connections to other places in the Bible). Literary With the coming of Jesus (chap. 19), evil is destroyed (chap. 20), His people are delivered, and His Garden is Restored (chaps. 21; 22). Historical All the enemies of God have been and will be destroyed. Babel (Gen. 11) Egypt (Exod. 14:26-28) Assyria Babylon Rome Etc. 245

4 Revelation 20 Biblical Read Daniel 7; Ezekiel 38; In light of the emphasis of this passage in its context, state the author s main idea for his audience (in one short sentence). With the coming of Jesus (chap. 19), evil is destroyed (chap. 20), His people are delivered, and His Garden is Restored (chaps. 21; 22). 4. What parts of this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What particular facet of the gospel is in view? [What are its Christological / Christo-centric contributions?] Jesus is worth dying for (v. 4a) His people will co-reign with Him (vv. 4b, 6) The saints of God will be gathered in the city of God (v. 9) God will deliver His people from the serpent s rage/wrath (v. 9b) God will judge all of humanity (vv ). No one will escape this judgment. Q. How does this descriptive contribute to the idea of judgment in this chapter? A. It describes for us the outcome of the judgment. 5. In light of your gospel connection, what argument (one short sentence) will you make to your audience? What applications from this argument will you make for the believer? The unbeliever? To the believing: Hold fast to Christ, for He is coming and His reward is with Him. To the unbelieving: Repent now for the judgment of God is final and furious. 6. What is your preaching outline? 246

5 Revelation 20 Drilling down with Simeon Principles 1. How does this vision of Christ expand on our understanding of Him in this Book, Testament, and Canon? Book: When Jesus returns His reward will be with Him for the unbelieving and the believing. Canon OT NT 2. Where is the surprise in this text? You should expect the text to surprise you. The overwhelming weight [awe] of His judgment. 3. What is the unique contribution this text, passage, chapter make to the Book as a whole? Its finality and fullness of judgment. 4. Always look to link the pieces to the whole. a. How is this text informed by the melodic line? In the return of Jesus, He fully and finally reclaims all that is His as Creator and Redeemer and reconstitutes His Garden through the delivering of His people and the destruction of His enemies. b. How does it contribute to the melodic line? It shows the fulfillment of God s initial judgment in Genesis 3:15, carried forward at the cross, and culminating at His return. 5. Can we trust the A.I.M. of the text to be relevant, applicable, and creative / profitable? Keep looking to Jesus for He is the author and finisher of faith. You must accept Jesus as Savior or you will bow before Him as Judge. 1 G.K. Beale, The Book of Revelation, NIGTC, p

6 Revelation

7 Revelation 21 Date: February 28, 2018 Title: The End of the Story Realized God is with His People! Text: Revelation 21:1-22:5 Theme: Introduction: The enthroned Christ (Rev. 1) encourages His persecuted church (Rev. 2; 3) by presently reclaiming what is His as Creator (Rev. 4) and Redeemer (Rev. 5) and ultimately reconstituting His Garden (Rev. 21; 22) for the joy of His people and the destruction of His enemies (Rev. 20). THE BIG PICTURE: Outline: 1. What is the author s structure of this passage? Please a) show sections with verse references, b) state the author s emphasis, and c) explain what strategies you used to see this structure. vv. 1-8 What is New [ He will dwell among them Behold, I am making all things new v. 5 [cf. 2 Cor. 5:17]; It is done v. 6] New Heaven (v. 1) New Earth (v. 1) New Jerusalem (v. 2; 3:12) [New] Presence (v. 3) [New] Condition (v. 4) New Name (2:17; 3:12) New Song (5:9; 14:3) vv The Bride Described [ The Glory of God reflected in the Bride vv. 11, 23, 24, 26] The glory of God (Exod. 33:23) is reflected in the salvation of His people (12 Tribes, Apostles [vv ; Nations vv ]) vv. 22-2:5 What is No Longer ( They will see His face 22:4) No Sea (21:1) No longer any death (v. 4) No Temple (v. 22) No Sun (v. 23) No Night (v. 25) No one who practices [sin] (v. 27) 249

8 Revelation 21 The Presence of God (vv. 1-8 He will dwell among them ) The Glory of God (vv Having the glory of God ) The Face of God (vv :5 They will see His face ) 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." God s Presence (v. 3) God s Glory (vv. 10, 11) The People Described (v. 4) The Place Described (vv ) 8 "But for the cowardly and 27 and nothing unclean, and no one unbelieving and abominable and who practices abomination and murderers and immoral persons and lying, shall ever come into it, but sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, only those whose names are written their part will be in the lake that in the Lamb's book of life. burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Author s Emphasis - God returns to a restored Eden for the joy of His people (vv. 6, 7 [comp. Gen. 1 w/ Rev. 21]). Author s Strategy There are two panels (1:8 and 9-27). The first panel sees a city and speaks of the people occupying the city. The second panel sees a bride and speaks of the place. Both end by excluding the unclean. 2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Answer this question using a) the literary context (the passages on either side), b) the historical context (circumstances and culture of the audience), and c) the biblical context (connections to other places in the Bible). Literary With the coming of Jesus (chap. 19), evil is destroyed (chap. 20), His people are delivered and His Garden is Restored (chaps. 21; 22). Historical What was or will be destroyed [e.g. Jerusalem / Temple / Garden; AD70] will be restored for the joy of His people and the glory of God. Biblical Isa. 11:6-9; 65:17; 66:22 Genesis 1:1 w/ Rev. 21:1 Moses asks to see God s glory (Exod. 33:18-23; 34:5-7). God says no one can see His face and live (Exod. 33:20). The cross enables His people to see His face and live (Rev. 22:4). 250

9 Revelation In light of the emphasis of this passage in its context, state the author s main idea for his audience (in one short sentence). God fulfills His promise to dwell among His people. It is done (v. 6) and His people may freely drink from the spring of the water of life (v. 6). 4. What parts of this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What particular facet of the gospel is in view? [What are its Christological / Christo-centric contributions?] God is the origin/source of the New Jerusalem (v. 2). God is in a bridegroom/bride [father/son v. 7] relationship with His people (vv. 2, 9) God will dwell among His people (vv. 3, 22, 23; 22:1-5) He will remove the consequences of the curse for His people (v. 4; 22:3). God will make all things new (vv. 1, 5). God will finish what He began (v. 6). His bride will have His glory (vv. 10, 11, 24-27) His people will see His face (22:5). Q. How does this descriptive in this chapter contribute to the idea of dwelling with His people? A. It describes for us the fullness of joy and pleasures forever more that exist in His presence. Through the person and work of Jesus the designed end of God will be achieved for His people. Only in Jesus do we encounter the presence, glory, and face of God (John 14:9; Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3). Shepherding the Sheep: (What is the NEXT STEP?) 5. In light of your gospel connection, what argument (one short sentence) will you make to your audience? What applications from this argument will you make for the believer? The unbeliever? Those who reject Jesus will be excluded from God s Presence (vv. 8, 27) 2. Those who accept Jesus will see His face (v. 7; 22:4) What is your preaching outline? Making all things New (v. 5) I. The Presence of God (vv. 1-8 He will dwell among them ) II. The Glory of God (vv Having the glory of God ) III. The Face of God (vv :5 They will see His face ) The design of God for us finds its fulfillment in Him. God created us so that we might know and experience the joy He has within Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and this joy is only known and experienced in His presence. 251

10 Revelation 21 Drilling down with Simeon Principles 1. How does this vision of Christ expand on our understanding of Him in this Book, Testament, and Canon? Book What began in the Garden comes full circle and God will dwell with His people for their joy. Canon OT NT 2. Where is the surprise in this text? You should expect the text to surprise you. The overwhelming weight [awe] of His presence among His people. 3. What is the unique contribution this text, passage, chapter make to the Book as a whole? This is for what we have been waiting. 4. Always look to link the pieces to the whole. a. How is this text informed by the melodic line? In the return of Jesus, He fully and finally reclaims all that is His as Creator and Redeemer and reconstitutes His Garden for the joy of His people. It is only in the person and work of Jesus that His people can behold the face of God and live. b. How does it contribute to the melodic line? It shows the fulfillment of God s initial creative action in Genesis 1 and 2. He designed us for joy and this joy is only known and experienced in His presence. 5. Can we trust the A.I.M. of the text to be relevant, applicable, and creative / profitable? Keep looking to Jesus for He is the author and finisher of faith. One day, His people will behold His face for their joy and His glory. You must accept Jesus as Savior or you will bow before Him as Judge. 252

11 Revelation 22 Date: February 28, 2018 Title: The End of the Story is in Sight - Jesus Is Coming Quickly Text: Revelation 22:6-21 Theme: Introduction: The enthroned Christ (Rev. 1) encourages His persecuted church (Rev. 2; 3) by presently reclaiming what is His as Creator (Rev. 4) and Redeemer (Rev. 5) and ultimately reconstituting His Garden (Rev. 21; 22) for the joy of His people and the destruction of His enemies (Rev. 20). THE BIG PICTURE: Outline: 1. What is the author s structure of this passage? Please a) show sections with verse references, b) state the author s emphasis, and c) explain what strategies you used to see this structure. I. I am coming quickly to bless those who keep the words of this prophecy (vv. 6-11) To keep the words is to believe/obey what it says. 6 And he said to me, These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place. 7 And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book. 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 But he *said to me, Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God. 10 And he said to me, Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy (Rev. 22:6-11) II. I am coming quickly to bless those who protect the words of this prophecy (vv ) We do not add to nor take away from the words of this prophecy. 12 Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. 16 I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. 17 The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. 18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book (Rev. 22:12-19). 253

12 Revelation 22 III. I am coming quickly to bless those who receive the words of my prophecy (vv ) Unless and until one receives the grace of God in the person and work of Jesus, one continues to exist under the wrath of God. 20 He who testifies to these things says, Yes, I am coming quickly. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen (Rev. 22:20, 21). Author s Emphasis: Jesus is coming quickly to fulfill His promises to His people. Author s Strategies: Quickly / tachu [Matt. 3x; Mark 2x; John 1x; Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:11; 11:14; 22:7, 12, 20] Words / logos [vv. 6, 7, 9, 10, 18, 19] 2. How does the context inform the meaning of this passage? Answer this question using a) the literary context (the passages on either side), b) the historical context (circumstances and culture of the audience), and c) the biblical context (connections to other places in the Bible). Literary context: Chapter 21-22:5 describe the reward/blessing of His presence, glory, and face. Historical context: To those who are crushed by persecution, hold fast to Christ for deliverance is about to happen. Biblical context: Come quickly Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near (Rev. 1:3). I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown (Rev. 3:11). Cf. 11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy (Rom. 13:11-13). 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:5-7). 7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances 254

13 Revelation 22 of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Pet. 4:7-11). Comes as a thief Matt. 24:43; Luke 12:39; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15 There is an immediacy, a closeness to the return of Jesus. It is not something that is out there, but near. 3. In light of the emphasis of this passage in its context, state the author s main idea for his audience (in one short sentence). To those who are crushed by persecution, hold fast to Christ for deliverance is about to happen. 4. What parts of this passage connect to the gospel of Jesus Christ? What particular facet of the gospel is in view? [What are its Christological / Christo-centric contributions?] God is the faithful and true (v. 6a). God authors the message received/delivered by His prophets (v. 6b). God is to be worshipped exclusively (v. 9). God will render to everyone proportionately and appropriately (v. 12). God is the Alpha and the Omega (v. 13). Jesus is the root and the descendant of David (v. 16). Jesus is the bright morning star (v. 16). God is the ultimate arbitrary of justice (vv. 18, 19). Jesus dispenses grace (v. 21). Q. How does the descriptive contribute to the idea of His imminent return? A. It describes for us who is coming and what He will do when He comes. 5. In light of your gospel connection, what argument (one short sentence) will you make to your audience? What applications from this argument will you make for the believer? The unbeliever? To the believer: In the midst of your sufferings, do not quit, hold fast to Christ for your deliverance is nigh! To the unbeliever: Jesus is coming soon to deliver His people and destroy His enemies, repent and believe the Gospel. 6. 6What is your preaching outline? 255

14 Revelation 22 Drilling down with Simeon Principles 1. How does this vision of Christ expand on our understanding of Him in this Book, Testament, and Canon? Book Canon OT NT His return is close. Accept Him as Savior now or bow before Him as judge then. 2. Where is the surprise in this text? You should expect the text to surprise you. The overwhelming weight [awe] of His return. 3. What is the unique contribution this text, passage, chapter make to the Book as a whole? In light of all we know, let us ready ourselves for His imminent return. 4. Always look to link the pieces to the whole. a. How is this text informed by the melodic line? In light of His imminent return, let us read, hear, and obey the message of this Book. b. How does it contribute to the melodic line? It provides the certainty of all He has promised. 5. Can we trust the A.I.M. of the text to be relevant, applicable, and creative / profitable? In light of His imminent return, let us live for Him. You must accept Jesus as Savior or you will bow before Him as Judge. 256

15 Comparing Genesis with Revelation Comparing Revelation 1 with Revelation 11 GENESIS SCRIPTURE REVELATION SCRIPTURE 1. The creation of heaven and earth Genesis 1:1-2:4a 1. The creation of the new heaven and earth Revelation 21: The Eden Sanctuary, the river that flowed out of Eden, and the Tree of Life Genesis 2:4b The Sanctuary of the New Jerusalem, the river that flowed from the New Jerusalem, and the Tree of Life Revelation 21:9-22:2 3. The bridegroom (Adam), the bride (Eve) and the wedding of Adam and Eve Genesis 2: The Bride / the people of God and her Bridegroom / Christ; the wedding of the Lamb Revelation 19:5-9; 21: Satan and the woman, Eve Genesis 3: Satan and "the Woman," the "new Eve" Revelation 12: The curse Genesis 3: The curse is abolished Revelation 22:3 6. Death enters creation Genesis 3:19 6. Death is destroyed Revelation 20: Babylon built; judgment on the nations Genesis 10:10; 11: Babylon destroyed; judgment on the nations Revelation 14: The Redeemer is promised Genesis 3:15 8. The victorious Redeemer reigns Revelation 20:1-6; 21:22-27; 22:3-5 Michal Hunt, Copyright 2007 Agape Bible Study. Permissions All Rights Reserved.

16 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, 2 who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. 6 And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bondservants the things which must soon take place. 7 "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book." 17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. 4 John to the seven churches that 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, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood-- 6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. 8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 9 I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." 16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." [The Vision of Jesus vv ]