These raw notes enable a student to look through the scripture references from the Old Testament, Apocryphal books, New Testament and see two of the very finest lexicons available (L & N, BDAG). This will enable the student to get a far deeper grasp of the meaning of Rev. 1:5 without the answer being spoon-fed.
Enjoy!
Searching Greek Lemma of πρωτοτόκos (firstborn)
Here are all hits for OT/NT and Apocrypha
*
At the bottom of the list I am including the lexical entries for this word also.
I hope this helps!
Gen. 4:4
Gen. 10:15
Gen. 22:21
Gen. 25:13, 25
Gen. 27:19, 32
Gen. 35:23
Gen. 36:15
Gen. 38:6f
Gen. 41:51
Gen. 43:33
Gen. 46:8
Gen. 48:18
Gen. 49:3
Exod. 4:22f
Exod. 6:14
Exod. 11:5
Exod. 12:12, 29
Exod. 13:2, 13, 15
Exod. 22:28
Exod. 34:19f
Lev. 27:26
Num. 1:20
Num. 3:2, 12f, 40ff, 45f, 50
Num. 8:16ff
Num. 18:15, 17
Num. 26:5
Num. 33:4
Deut. 12:6, 17
Deut. 14:23
Deut. 15:19
Deut. 21:15ff
Deut. 33:17
Jos. 6:26
Jos. 17:1
Jda. 8:20
Jdg. 8:20
1 Sam. 8:2
1 Sam. 14:49
2 Sam. 3:2
2 Sam. 13:21
2 Sam. 19:44
1 Ki. 16:34
2 Ki. 3:27
1 Chr. 1:29
1 Chr. 2:3, 13, 25, 27, 42, 50
1 Chr. 3:1, 15
1 Chr. 4:4
1 Chr. 5:1, 3, 12
1 Chr. 6:13
1 Chr. 8:1, 30, 38f
1 Chr. 9:5, 31, 36, 44
1 Chr. 26:2, 4, 6, 10
2 Chr. 21:3
Neh. 10:37
Tob. 5:14 Apocrypha
4 Ma. 15:18 Apocrypha
Ps. 77:51
Ps. 88:28
Ps. 104:36
Ps. 134:8
Ps. 135:10
Wis. 18:13
Ps. Sol. 13:9 Apocrypha
Ps. Sol. 18:4 Apocrypha
Mic. 6:7
Zech. 12:10
Jer. 38:9
Ezek. 44:30
Lk. 2:7
Rom. 8:29
Col. 1:15, 18
Heb. 1:6
Heb. 11:28
Heb. 12:23
Rev. 1:5
From Louw & Nida's Semantical Domain Greek Lexicon
5565 πρωτότοκος ον
(a) firstborn 10.43
(b) existing before 13.79
(c) superior 87.47
10.43 πρωτότοκος, ον: pertaining to being a firstborn child (normally in contexts speaking of people but also used in reference to domestic animals) - 'firstborn.' ἔτεκεν τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον 'she gave birth to her firstborn son' Lk 2.7.
In Jewish society the rights and responsibilities of being a firstborn son resulted in considerable prestige and status. The firstborn son, for example, received twice as much in inheritance as any other offspring.
The use of πρωτότοκος 'firstborn' does not imply in Greek that other children were also born to a woman, though in a number of languages one would never use 'firstborn' unless other children followed. Such an individual would be spoken of merely as 'the only child.' It is also frequently necessary to employ an appropriate qualifier for 'firstborn' in order to mark clearly the fact that it is 'a firstborn son' rather than 'a firstborn daughter.'
The figurative meaning of πρωτότοκος in the messianic title πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως 'firstborn of all creation' (Col 1.1 may be interpreted as 'existing before all creation' (see 13.79) or 'existing superior to all creation' (see 87.47).
13.79 πρωτότοκος, ον: pertaining to existing prior to something else - 'existing first, existing before.' πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως 'existing before all creation' or 'existing before anything was created' Col 1.15. It is possible to understand πρωτότοκος in Col 1.15 as 'superior in status' (see 87.47). See also discussion at 10.43.
87.47 πρωτότοκος, ον: pertaining to existing superior to all else of the same or related class - 'superior to, above all.' πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως 'existing superior to all creation' Col 1.15. For another interpretation of πρωτότοκος in Col 1.15, see 13.79; see also discussion at 10.43.
And from BDAG's famous massive Greek Lexicon you have the following entries.
6400 πρωτότοκος
• πρωτότοκος, ον (πρῶτος, τόκος; Sb 6647 [5 BC; s. WMichaelis in 2a: p. 314f]; Kaibel 460, 4; 730, 3; PLips 28, 16; PGM 36, 312; Anth. 8, 34; 9, 213; LXX; TestReub, JosAs; SibOr 3, 627 Philo, Cher. 54 al.; Jos., Ant. 4, 71; Just., Tat., Mel., Iren.) ‘firstborn, heir apparent’.
1. lit. pert. to birth order, firstborn ὁ υἱὸς ὁ πρ. (PLips loc. cit. υἱὸν γνήσιον καὶ πρωτότοκον; Gen 25:25 al. LXX; JosAs 1:11; Σὴθ τρίτος, οὐ π. ἐστίν Did., Gen 147, 7) Mt 1:25 v.l.; Lk 2:7 (JFrey, La signification du terme πρ. d’après une inscription juive: Biblica 2, 1930, 373-90; CIJ II 1510, 6; Boffo, Iscrizioni 156-65; New Docs 163); cp. B 13:5 (Gen 48:18 ). τὰ πρ. the firstborn=all the firstborn (τὰ πρ. Ex 22:28; Num 18:15 al.; Just., D. 84, 1; 111, 3) Hb 11:28 (cp. Ex 11:5). τὰ πρ. τῶν προβάτων the firstborn of the sheep 1 Cl 4:1 (Gen 4:4). The special status enjoyed by a firstborn son as heir apparent in Israel is an implicit component of πρ. in ref. to such a son and plays a dominant role in
2. pert. to having special status associated with a firstborn, firstborn, fig. ext. of 1
a. of Christ, as the firstborn of a new humanity which is to be glorified, as its exalted Lord is glorified πρωτότοκος ἐν πολλοῖς ἀδελφοῖς Ro 8:29. Also simply πρωτότοκος Hb 1:6; cp. Rv 2:8 v.l. This expr., which is admirably suited to describe Jesus as the one coming forth fr. God to found the new community of believers, is also used in some instances where the force of the element -τοκος appears at first glance to be uncertain, but s. comment on status at end of 1 (cp. the originally polytheistic Naassene psalm in Hippol., Ref. 5, 10, 1 and also Ex 4:22; Ps. 88:28) (ὁ) πρ. (ἐκ) τῶν νεκρῶν Col 1:18; Rv 1:5. πρ. πάσης κτίσεως Col 1:15 (cp. Orig., C. Cels. 6, 17, 38; Theoph. Ant. 2, 22 [p. 154, 18]; s. JGewiess, Christus u. d. Heil nach d. Kol.: diss. Breslau ’32; ECerny, Firstborn of Every Creature [Col 1:15]: diss. Baltimore ’38; Romualdus, Studia Cath. 18, ’42, 155-71; WMichaelis, D. Beitrag d. LXX zur Bedeutungsgeschichte von πρ.: ADebrunner Festschr. ’54, 313-20, ZST 23, ’54, 137-57; AArgyle, ET 66, ’54, 61f, cp. 124f, 318f; NKehl, D. Christushymnus im Kol., ’67, 82-98).
b. of ordinary humans
α. of God’s people (JosAs 21:3 Ἰωσὴφ … ἐστὶν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ὁ πρ.) of the assembly of the firstborn (s. Ex 4:22) in heaven ἐκκλησία πρωτοτόκων Hb 12:23. Some interpret this phrase as a ref. to angels. On the various interpretations s. OMichel, comm. ad loc.
β. of a notorious dissident πρωτότοκος τοῦ Σατανᾶ Pol 7:1 (NDahl, D. Erstgeborene Satans u. d. Vater des Teufels: EHaenchen Festschr., ’64, 70-84). Specif. of Marcion acc. to a saying of Polycarp, EpilMosq 3 (cp. Iren. 3, 3, 4 [Harv. II 14, 2]); s. also the corresp. Hebr. expr. in HZucker, Studien z. jüd. Selbstverwaltg. im Altert. ’36, 135.—DELG s.v. τίκτω B. M-M. EDNT. TW. Spicq. Sv.
For an extended study, you could look at Jewish Intertestamental Literature in Greek, first century non religious Jewish writings in Greek, and the Early Church Fathers up to about 350 or 400 AD. Since you know English, many of these resources are accessible online for free~
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Saturday, August 05, 2006
The City God Lives In (Rev. 21:9-22:21)
The City God Lives In
Revelation 21:9-22:21
Initial view of the city: God’s glorious presence establishes the completed community of the redeemed. Revelation 21:9-14
9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Hears one thing.
Sees the interpretation of what was heard (same pattern throughout Revlation)
Measurements: God’s permanent presence secures the perfected redeemed community.
Revelation 21:15-17
15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17 He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using.
:Materials: God’s presence causes the perfected, redeemed community to reflect God’s glory. Revelation 21:18-21
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
The background of the precious stones. See Exodus 28:17-20; 39:8-14
NIV Exodus 28:17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 18 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; 19 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.
(For an indepth article on this, see Beale NIGTC Revelation)
Differently named stones are semantic equivalents.
See also Lamentations 4:1-2
NIV Lamentations 4:1 How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! The sacred gems are scattered at the head of every street. 2 How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, are now considered as pots of clay, the work of a potter's hands!
Squareness of the city and the ephod/high priest allusion.
Internal Features: False believers are excluded. True believers caused to enter into direct praise and worship.
Isaiah 60:3, 5, 11. the nature of this is international (all nations).
NIV Isaiah 60:3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm. 5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.
NIV Isaiah 60:11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations-- their kings led in triumphal procession.
Psalm 72:11
NIV Psalm 72:11 All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.
Revelation 21:9-22:21
Initial view of the city: God’s glorious presence establishes the completed community of the redeemed. Revelation 21:9-14
9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Hears one thing.
Sees the interpretation of what was heard (same pattern throughout Revlation)
Measurements: God’s permanent presence secures the perfected redeemed community.
Revelation 21:15-17
15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17 He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using.
:Materials: God’s presence causes the perfected, redeemed community to reflect God’s glory. Revelation 21:18-21
18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.
The background of the precious stones. See Exodus 28:17-20; 39:8-14
NIV Exodus 28:17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 18 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; 19 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.
(For an indepth article on this, see Beale NIGTC Revelation)
Differently named stones are semantic equivalents.
See also Lamentations 4:1-2
NIV Lamentations 4:1 How the gold has lost its luster, the fine gold become dull! The sacred gems are scattered at the head of every street. 2 How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in gold, are now considered as pots of clay, the work of a potter's hands!
Squareness of the city and the ephod/high priest allusion.
Internal Features: False believers are excluded. True believers caused to enter into direct praise and worship.
Isaiah 60:3, 5, 11. the nature of this is international (all nations).
NIV Isaiah 60:3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm. 5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.
NIV Isaiah 60:11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations-- their kings led in triumphal procession.
Psalm 72:11
NIV Psalm 72:11 All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
The Great White Throne & The New Introduced Rev 20:11 to 21:8 (July 22, 2006)
Death is only a comma to a Christian, not a period.
The devil gives his best first and saves his worst for last. But the Lord saves the best for last! (A. Rogers)
Please remember these are simply my unedited guideline/notes. The audio files are available online usually within a few days of these notes being posted.
ESV Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. (Rev 1:4 & Rev 2:13 & & Rev 3:21 & Rev 4:2 & Rev 5:7 & 1 Kings 10:18-20 & Dan 7:9-10 & Eze. 1:26-28 & Rev 6:12-17) From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 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.
ESV Psalm 114:1 When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, 2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. 3 The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. 5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? 6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs? 7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.
ESV Exodus 32:32 But now, if you will forgive their sin--but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written."
Regarding persecutors of the righteous…
ESV Psalm 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.
Regarding the time of the resurrection of the dead..
NIV Daniel 12:1 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-- everyone whose name is found written in the book-- will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Rev. 20:11-15
The Final Judgment will happen at the end of this world’s history.
All people will be resurrected and brought to stand before God.
All their works will be judged.
Those found guilty of breaking God’s law will be consigned to eternal punishment.
NIV Daniel 7:9 "As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
NIV Matthew 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Rev 21:1-8
The Faithful enter into intimate communion with God-in the new creation.
The Unfaithful will be excluded from this communion.
ESV 2 Chronicles 7:1 As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD's house. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."
21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
Jesus Freak Story
Christ Himself is our inheritance. To be with Him is the ultimate joy.
Heaven is being with You.
I’ve heard stories of heaven. Pavement made of gold. Ageless beauty forever that never grows old.
But if I got there only to find out Jesus you were not up there….good bye wings, angel things.
Heaven is being with you. There’s nothing I’d rather do.
There is nothing better. Knowing You is heaven. There is nothing better. Loving You forever.
Jesus!
Last week we were challenged by Voice of the Martyrs.
We are asked to help the faithful when they are in need.
ESV Philippians 4:3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Action Pack Opportunity…
If you were looking for this post earlier, my apologies. Our internet modem was blown out by a storm and I have not been able to get online as much. Hope to have all that fixed in a few days. Thanks for your patience.
The devil gives his best first and saves his worst for last. But the Lord saves the best for last! (A. Rogers)
Please remember these are simply my unedited guideline/notes. The audio files are available online usually within a few days of these notes being posted.
ESV Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. (Rev 1:4 & Rev 2:13 & & Rev 3:21 & Rev 4:2 & Rev 5:7 & 1 Kings 10:18-20 & Dan 7:9-10 & Eze. 1:26-28 & Rev 6:12-17) From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 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.
ESV Psalm 114:1 When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, 2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. 3 The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. 5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? 6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs? 7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.
ESV Exodus 32:32 But now, if you will forgive their sin--but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written."
Regarding persecutors of the righteous…
ESV Psalm 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.
Regarding the time of the resurrection of the dead..
NIV Daniel 12:1 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-- everyone whose name is found written in the book-- will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Rev. 20:11-15
The Final Judgment will happen at the end of this world’s history.
All people will be resurrected and brought to stand before God.
All their works will be judged.
Those found guilty of breaking God’s law will be consigned to eternal punishment.
NIV Daniel 7:9 "As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
NIV Matthew 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Rev 21:1-8
The Faithful enter into intimate communion with God-in the new creation.
The Unfaithful will be excluded from this communion.
ESV 2 Chronicles 7:1 As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD's house. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."
21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
Jesus Freak Story
Christ Himself is our inheritance. To be with Him is the ultimate joy.
Heaven is being with You.
I’ve heard stories of heaven. Pavement made of gold. Ageless beauty forever that never grows old.
But if I got there only to find out Jesus you were not up there….good bye wings, angel things.
Heaven is being with you. There’s nothing I’d rather do.
There is nothing better. Knowing You is heaven. There is nothing better. Loving You forever.
Jesus!
Last week we were challenged by Voice of the Martyrs.
We are asked to help the faithful when they are in need.
ESV Philippians 4:3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Action Pack Opportunity…
If you were looking for this post earlier, my apologies. Our internet modem was blown out by a storm and I have not been able to get online as much. Hope to have all that fixed in a few days. Thanks for your patience.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
The Great Promise (Revelation 20:1-10)
The beginning of the seventh and final cycle of judgment.
The Millennium: The Great Promise
Background points:
ESV Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
NIV Genesis 5:5 Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died.
Was the bible wrong? Adam didn't die in the 'day' he ate of the tree did he?
The Book of Jubilees-sometimes called the Lesser Genesis, is an ancient Jewish religious work. It reworks material found in the Biblical books of Genesis and Exodus in the light of traditionalist concerns of some 2nd century BC Jews. It was well known to early Christian writers in the East and the West. Later it was so thoroughly suppressed that no complete Greek or Latin version has survived. It is part of the Jewish midrash, canonic for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and considered apocryphal by Protestant, Roman Catholic, and most Eastern Orthodox Christians.
The Book of Jubilees claims to present "the history of the division of the days of the Law, of the events of the years, the year-weeks, and the jubilees of the world" as secretly revealed to Moses (in addition to the Torah or "Law") while Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights. The chronology given in Jubilees is based on multiples of 7; the 'jubilees' are periods of forty-nine years, seven 'year-weeks', into which all of time has been divided. According to the author of Jubilees, all customs and all human destiny are determined by God's decree.
The book of Jubliees 23:27-30 says that a thousand year period represents the complete perfection of the eternal time of blessing for God’s people….and essentially concludes that the coming Messiah must achieve what Adam did not achieve because Adam did not live one thousand years.
1 Enoch & Barnabas also concur with a symbolic use of the term 1,000/day connecting Psalm 90 with interpreting the end of the age.
ESV Psalm 90:1 A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" 4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning:
Adam did die in the 'day' he ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...if we see things with Psalm 90:4 in mind. Did the Lord mean 1,000 years as a 'day' in Gen. 2:17? Note Adam did not live 1,000 years. No man in Genesis lived 1,000...the oldest living man was Methuselah.
NIV Genesis 5:27 Altogether, Methuselah lived 969 years, and then he died.
Adam could not live for 1,000 years because he ate of the tree. Christ's rule for 1,000 yrs symbolizes in part that Jesus Christ accomplishes what Adam or any other man could never accomplish. The 1,000 year period represents that which the first Adam could never complete. Jesus, the last Adam, does what the first Adam could not.
And so 1,000 years is not just a figure picked out of the air. It's an allusion to Adam's incompleteness...to Adam's death. Adam did die in the 'day' he ate of the fruit. Jesus will not just live, but He rules for this time period. It makes one think of eternal life...which is what Adam was kept from. Christ brings eternal life...the wiping away of death. It's a glorious thing.
Cross link with the Greek text of Rev 20...a passage on relief from suffering (akin to Psalm 90).
NIV Job 10:5 Are your days like those of a mortal or your years like those of a man,
NIV 2 Peter 3:3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
Here Peter talks about the symbolism of one thousand years during a discussion about the ‘day of the Lord’. This means that Psalm 90 applies to the topic of the day of the Lord precisely because Peter specifically connects it. Not only that, but Psalm 90:4 says a thousand years are as a day ….or as a watch in the night…(3-4 hours)…a term taken from Vineyard workers who were assigned to stand at a watchtower during the night to overlook the Vineyard. Their job was to prevent thieves from stealing or foxes from eating the fruit. The watchman would split the night into shifts…3 or 4 hour shifts so that no one was required to stay up all night long. A thousand years could be as a watch or a shift in the watchtower during the night to the Lord.
Peter flips it also…he says a day is like a thousand years…and a thousand years are like a day.
So the only places in the NT that discuss one thousand years both deal with the end of the age....and Peter's use specifically ties the concept to Psalm 90. Since John wrote after Peter, it's very possible that John knew his readers had Peter's letter...so he did not feel it was necessary to explain the link to Psalm 90. Peter had already done that...years before. There was also a culture of understanding of this linkage.
NIV Jude 1:14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him." 16 These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." 19 These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
The same document, 1st Enoch, an ancient Jewish apocalyptic letter, interpreted the seven days of creation as paralleling the 7,000 years of earth’s history. He said that after six thousand years there would be a one thousand year rest. Then the end would come and the 8th day (8 thousand year mark) would begin a new world. From reading Peter & Jude we can see that the early church leaders not only were familiar with this letter, but quoted from it in scripture!! That means we should consider carefully what it says, even though it is not scripture. The most critical thing to take away from Enoch is that the notion of viewing 1,000 years as symbolic, rather than literal, was embedded into the early church.
Old Testament things that were spiritually interpreted by the Christians:
1) The Kingdom is in you
2) Sacrifical lamb
3) Crossing the Red Sea: Baptism is freedom for spiritual Egypt
4) Crossing the Jordon River: Baptism is resurrecting to newness of life
5) Tithing: Shifted from the temple in Jerusalem to the local prophet
6) Temple: ‘You are the temple of the Living God’
7) Chosen people: ‘You are a chosen people
8) Priesthood: You are a royal priesthood
The general approach to the OT was to spiritualize it in the church. This is why the gnostics became a danger. Gnostics taught that Jesus himself was a spirit, not a real man…and they spiritualized everything to the extreme. 1 John was written against gnosticism. Over time eventually the approach to opposing gnosticism included an effort by Irenaeus in the late 2nd century that pressed a literal interpretation of Revelation. For a few hundred years then Apostolic Fathers of the church debated the millennium until Augustine in the 4th century convincingly argued John meant it to be interpreted symbolically. The debate did not resurface again until the reformation period.
The oldest copy of the new testament has a few additional books added onto it which were ancient inspiring Christian books that all early Christians read, but most did not consider Barnabas to be scripture-although apparently Oriental Orthodox Church has argued for it's inclusion.
'Barnabas'-not the real author-in the Ten Commandments section the author deals with the concept of the sabbath. He interprets the six days of creation to parallel six thousand years…and teaches that the word day signifies a thousand years. He teaches that the seventh day is a one thousand year time when the Son shall come and abolish the time of the Lawless One…and shall judge the ungodly, change the sun and moon and stars and bring rest.
Two views:
Millennium started with the Church age.
1) God has limited Satan’s deceptive powers.
2) Christians who are deceased are already reigning in heaven.
3) At the end of the Church age Satan will have a deception resurgence.
4) The thousand years are symbolic for the total span of the church age.
5) The rule of Christ is not physical/earthly, it is spiritual through the church.
Millennium
1) There is coming a period of Christ’s total rule on the earth
2) It has not started yet.
3) The thousand year reign may be literally a thousand years.
First view says we have authority over Satan now because his ability to deceive is bound/limited.
Satan would annihilate the church if he could.
The binding of Satan pertains to his deceiving ability.
The binding pertains to those who are sealed in Christ. The full number of those called to be brought into Christ’s Kingdom. Satan is bound from deceiving them. When their full number is brought in, THEN Satan deceives the remaining members of the nations which sets up the final judgment.
The Millennium started for deceased saints during the church age by the resurrection of their souls, placing them in the heavenly condition of having authority with Christ as priests and kings over spiritual death.
Points to compare Rev 12:7-11 and 20:1-6
1) heavenly scene
2) angelic battle against Satan
3) Satan cast
4) Angel’s evil opponent called the great dragon
5) Satan & a little or short time
6) Satan’s fall…triggers Kingdom of Christ and his saints
7) Saints kingship based on the fall of Satan AND their faithfulness even to death…Holding to their testimony/word of God
The resurrection is directly linked to the casting down of Satan. The earthly even of Christ’s resurrection has a heavenly counterpart with Michale casting Satan out of heaven.
We have spiritual power over the devil and his forces because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This power is sealed, unbreakable. We are able to stand against the wiles of the devil because Christ rose from the dead.
At the final conclusion of time, Satan will be released to deceive the nations again, so that they will attempt to annihilate the church. 20:7-10
God is sovereign.
Satan’s efforts are futile.
God only needs an angel to bind Satan.
Satan’s final thrust of deceit proves the justice of God’s eternal judgment once and for all.
These messages on Revelation are compiled from my own meditations and reflections on studies from the Greek NT, commentators like Beale, Poythress, Osborne and others listed in my recommended reading list as well as encyclopaedic references available online such as wikipedia.com or archeological sites online including bibleplaces.com and any other site linked to this site on my links section. I appreciate the input of everyone who has helped me grow in my understanding of Revelation.
The Millennium: The Great Promise
Background points:
ESV Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
NIV Genesis 5:5 Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died.
Was the bible wrong? Adam didn't die in the 'day' he ate of the tree did he?
The Book of Jubilees-sometimes called the Lesser Genesis, is an ancient Jewish religious work. It reworks material found in the Biblical books of Genesis and Exodus in the light of traditionalist concerns of some 2nd century BC Jews. It was well known to early Christian writers in the East and the West. Later it was so thoroughly suppressed that no complete Greek or Latin version has survived. It is part of the Jewish midrash, canonic for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and considered apocryphal by Protestant, Roman Catholic, and most Eastern Orthodox Christians.
The Book of Jubilees claims to present "the history of the division of the days of the Law, of the events of the years, the year-weeks, and the jubilees of the world" as secretly revealed to Moses (in addition to the Torah or "Law") while Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights. The chronology given in Jubilees is based on multiples of 7; the 'jubilees' are periods of forty-nine years, seven 'year-weeks', into which all of time has been divided. According to the author of Jubilees, all customs and all human destiny are determined by God's decree.
The book of Jubliees 23:27-30 says that a thousand year period represents the complete perfection of the eternal time of blessing for God’s people….and essentially concludes that the coming Messiah must achieve what Adam did not achieve because Adam did not live one thousand years.
1 Enoch & Barnabas also concur with a symbolic use of the term 1,000/day connecting Psalm 90 with interpreting the end of the age.
ESV Psalm 90:1 A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" 4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning:
Adam did die in the 'day' he ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...if we see things with Psalm 90:4 in mind. Did the Lord mean 1,000 years as a 'day' in Gen. 2:17? Note Adam did not live 1,000 years. No man in Genesis lived 1,000...the oldest living man was Methuselah.
NIV Genesis 5:27 Altogether, Methuselah lived 969 years, and then he died.
Adam could not live for 1,000 years because he ate of the tree. Christ's rule for 1,000 yrs symbolizes in part that Jesus Christ accomplishes what Adam or any other man could never accomplish. The 1,000 year period represents that which the first Adam could never complete. Jesus, the last Adam, does what the first Adam could not.
And so 1,000 years is not just a figure picked out of the air. It's an allusion to Adam's incompleteness...to Adam's death. Adam did die in the 'day' he ate of the fruit. Jesus will not just live, but He rules for this time period. It makes one think of eternal life...which is what Adam was kept from. Christ brings eternal life...the wiping away of death. It's a glorious thing.
Cross link with the Greek text of Rev 20...a passage on relief from suffering (akin to Psalm 90).
NIV Job 10:5 Are your days like those of a mortal or your years like those of a man,
NIV 2 Peter 3:3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
Here Peter talks about the symbolism of one thousand years during a discussion about the ‘day of the Lord’. This means that Psalm 90 applies to the topic of the day of the Lord precisely because Peter specifically connects it. Not only that, but Psalm 90:4 says a thousand years are as a day ….or as a watch in the night…(3-4 hours)…a term taken from Vineyard workers who were assigned to stand at a watchtower during the night to overlook the Vineyard. Their job was to prevent thieves from stealing or foxes from eating the fruit. The watchman would split the night into shifts…3 or 4 hour shifts so that no one was required to stay up all night long. A thousand years could be as a watch or a shift in the watchtower during the night to the Lord.
Peter flips it also…he says a day is like a thousand years…and a thousand years are like a day.
So the only places in the NT that discuss one thousand years both deal with the end of the age....and Peter's use specifically ties the concept to Psalm 90. Since John wrote after Peter, it's very possible that John knew his readers had Peter's letter...so he did not feel it was necessary to explain the link to Psalm 90. Peter had already done that...years before. There was also a culture of understanding of this linkage.
NIV Jude 1:14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him." 16 These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." 19 These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
The same document, 1st Enoch, an ancient Jewish apocalyptic letter, interpreted the seven days of creation as paralleling the 7,000 years of earth’s history. He said that after six thousand years there would be a one thousand year rest. Then the end would come and the 8th day (8 thousand year mark) would begin a new world. From reading Peter & Jude we can see that the early church leaders not only were familiar with this letter, but quoted from it in scripture!! That means we should consider carefully what it says, even though it is not scripture. The most critical thing to take away from Enoch is that the notion of viewing 1,000 years as symbolic, rather than literal, was embedded into the early church.
Old Testament things that were spiritually interpreted by the Christians:
1) The Kingdom is in you
2) Sacrifical lamb
3) Crossing the Red Sea: Baptism is freedom for spiritual Egypt
4) Crossing the Jordon River: Baptism is resurrecting to newness of life
5) Tithing: Shifted from the temple in Jerusalem to the local prophet
6) Temple: ‘You are the temple of the Living God’
7) Chosen people: ‘You are a chosen people
8) Priesthood: You are a royal priesthood
The general approach to the OT was to spiritualize it in the church. This is why the gnostics became a danger. Gnostics taught that Jesus himself was a spirit, not a real man…and they spiritualized everything to the extreme. 1 John was written against gnosticism. Over time eventually the approach to opposing gnosticism included an effort by Irenaeus in the late 2nd century that pressed a literal interpretation of Revelation. For a few hundred years then Apostolic Fathers of the church debated the millennium until Augustine in the 4th century convincingly argued John meant it to be interpreted symbolically. The debate did not resurface again until the reformation period.
The oldest copy of the new testament has a few additional books added onto it which were ancient inspiring Christian books that all early Christians read, but most did not consider Barnabas to be scripture-although apparently Oriental Orthodox Church has argued for it's inclusion.
'Barnabas'-not the real author-in the Ten Commandments section the author deals with the concept of the sabbath. He interprets the six days of creation to parallel six thousand years…and teaches that the word day signifies a thousand years. He teaches that the seventh day is a one thousand year time when the Son shall come and abolish the time of the Lawless One…and shall judge the ungodly, change the sun and moon and stars and bring rest.
Two views:
Millennium started with the Church age.
1) God has limited Satan’s deceptive powers.
2) Christians who are deceased are already reigning in heaven.
3) At the end of the Church age Satan will have a deception resurgence.
4) The thousand years are symbolic for the total span of the church age.
5) The rule of Christ is not physical/earthly, it is spiritual through the church.
Millennium
1) There is coming a period of Christ’s total rule on the earth
2) It has not started yet.
3) The thousand year reign may be literally a thousand years.
First view says we have authority over Satan now because his ability to deceive is bound/limited.
Satan would annihilate the church if he could.
The binding of Satan pertains to his deceiving ability.
The binding pertains to those who are sealed in Christ. The full number of those called to be brought into Christ’s Kingdom. Satan is bound from deceiving them. When their full number is brought in, THEN Satan deceives the remaining members of the nations which sets up the final judgment.
The Millennium started for deceased saints during the church age by the resurrection of their souls, placing them in the heavenly condition of having authority with Christ as priests and kings over spiritual death.
Points to compare Rev 12:7-11 and 20:1-6
1) heavenly scene
2) angelic battle against Satan
3) Satan cast
4) Angel’s evil opponent called the great dragon
5) Satan & a little or short time
6) Satan’s fall…triggers Kingdom of Christ and his saints
7) Saints kingship based on the fall of Satan AND their faithfulness even to death…Holding to their testimony/word of God
The resurrection is directly linked to the casting down of Satan. The earthly even of Christ’s resurrection has a heavenly counterpart with Michale casting Satan out of heaven.
We have spiritual power over the devil and his forces because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This power is sealed, unbreakable. We are able to stand against the wiles of the devil because Christ rose from the dead.
At the final conclusion of time, Satan will be released to deceive the nations again, so that they will attempt to annihilate the church. 20:7-10
God is sovereign.
Satan’s efforts are futile.
God only needs an angel to bind Satan.
Satan’s final thrust of deceit proves the justice of God’s eternal judgment once and for all.
These messages on Revelation are compiled from my own meditations and reflections on studies from the Greek NT, commentators like Beale, Poythress, Osborne and others listed in my recommended reading list as well as encyclopaedic references available online such as wikipedia.com or archeological sites online including bibleplaces.com and any other site linked to this site on my links section. I appreciate the input of everyone who has helped me grow in my understanding of Revelation.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
The Judge & Warrior Messiah (19:11-21)
The Judge & Warrior Messiah
An expositonal sermon
Revelation 19:11-21
By David Bielby
NIV Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."
NIV Revelation 11:19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
NIV Revelation 15:5 After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened.
NIV Revelation 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.
Note the repetition. Note the progression.
Repetition with a shifting focus towards the climax of history.
Cycle 1: 7 Seals we have an allusion to the final battle in Rev 8:1 when we read about the pregnant silence in heaven for about half an hour. NIV Revelation 8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Cycle 2: 7 Trumpets there is more revelation on the final aspect of this present age.
NIV Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." 16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great-- and for destroying those who destroy the earth." 19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
Cycle 3: 7 symbolic histories: The same portion of history is repeated, but with more detail.
NAU Revelation 14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. 18 Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe." 19 So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 20 And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses' bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles.
Cycle 4: 7 bowls: Once again the seventh part focuses on the final conclusion of this age.
A shifting focus…here it is on Babylon!
NIV Revelation 16:17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. 19 The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. 21 From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.
Cycle 5: 7 Msgs The judgment on Babylon is the focus of this segment. Again it concludes with a devastation.
NIV Revelation 18:21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. 22 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. 23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth."
Cycle 6: White Horse Judgment: Beast & False prophet are sent to the Lake of fire.
The repetition of what is going to happen with a shifting focus continues on through this glorious book called Revelation.
NIV Revelation 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
NLT Colossians 3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
What are you going to wear? Who are you riding with? Who do you choose?
The rider of the white horse is Jesus.
1:12
Eyes are a flame of fire
Rev 1:14
NIV Revelation 2:18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
Many crowns contrasts the Dragon 12:3 (7 crowns) and the beast of the sea 13:1 with 10 crowns.
The Dragon & beast claim to have full and sovereign authority…but they will be proven NOT to possess these qualities.
1:13
Whose blood has stained Christ’s robe? Is it the blood of the cross? Is it the blood of the martyrs whom Christ has stood faithfully with as they were murdered for their faith? It’s probably the blood of his enemies who stand against him at the end of the age.
NIV Isaiah 63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." 2 Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? 3 "I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. 4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. 5 I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. 6 I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground."
1:14 Messianic Army clothed in fine linen and on white horses.
NIV Revelation 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings-- and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
NIV Jude 1:14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
Divine retaliation…Vengeance is mine says the Lord….only Christ’s robe seems to be dipped in blood.
Wrath: Judgment: Striking the nations. Rod of iron: These terms of endearment signify final judgment of the world is now the total focus of Revelation.
NIV Psalm 2:1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
ANY VIEW OF GOD THAT ELIMINATES JUDGMENT AND HIS HATRED OF SIN IN THE INTEREST OF AN EMASCULATED DOCTRINE OF SENTIMENTAL AFFECTION FINDS NO SUPPORT IN THE STRONG AND VIRILE REALISM OF THE APOCALYPSE.
19:17-18
Barclay, Sweet & Roloff call this exceedingly crass or ghastly. One writer says this bloodthirsty picture is far more in line with OT expectations than with the gospel of Jesus. See Ezekiel 39:17-20.
NIV Ezekiel 39:17 "Son of man, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Call out to every kind of bird and all the wild animals: 'Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrifice I am preparing for you, the great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood. 18 You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as if they were rams and lambs, goats and bulls-- all of them fattened animals from Bashan. 19 At the sacrifice I am preparing for you, you will eat fat till you are glutted and drink blood till you are drunk. 20 At my table you will eat your fill of horses and riders, mighty men and soldiers of every kind,' declares the Sovereign LORD.
Rev 19:17-18 does dovetail well with Ezekiel 39.
It is NOT true, however, that with the coming of the gospel age that the God of the OT decided to prove to people that he really was a gentleman after all and so dispensed with any further recourse to judgment. The good news is that people need not bear the just punishment due their sin, bu t that Another has paid the price on their behalf. Only when people refuse forgiveness must they bear the penalty for their wickedness.
Beast is the personification of secular power in its opposition to the church.
The false prophet represents the role of false religion in persuading people to worship the antiChristian power.
The destruction of those who persecute the church is meant to encourage those being persecuted, that no matter what happens, God will vindicate them.
A) We can trust in Christ because he will vindicate all those who suffer for His sake.
B) We can trust in Christ because He will overcome the enemies of our souls.
C) We can trust in Christ because the devil and his system will be brought down in the end.
D) We can choose to be riders with Christ now…so that at the end of the age we are found among the faithful and true who ride with him!
E) Make your choice to be a rider with Christ.
F) Apply the gospel to your life…as Paul teaches in Colossians 3:12. Eph 4 and other places…put off the ways of death and put on the garments of Christ…the clothing of compassion, kindness, humility.
An expositonal sermon
Revelation 19:11-21
By David Bielby
NIV Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."
NIV Revelation 11:19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
NIV Revelation 15:5 After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened.
NIV Revelation 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.
Note the repetition. Note the progression.
Repetition with a shifting focus towards the climax of history.
Cycle 1: 7 Seals we have an allusion to the final battle in Rev 8:1 when we read about the pregnant silence in heaven for about half an hour. NIV Revelation 8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Cycle 2: 7 Trumpets there is more revelation on the final aspect of this present age.
NIV Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." 16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18 The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great-- and for destroying those who destroy the earth." 19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
Cycle 3: 7 symbolic histories: The same portion of history is repeated, but with more detail.
NAU Revelation 14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. 18 Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe." 19 So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 20 And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses' bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles.
Cycle 4: 7 bowls: Once again the seventh part focuses on the final conclusion of this age.
A shifting focus…here it is on Babylon!
NIV Revelation 16:17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. 19 The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. 21 From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible.
Cycle 5: 7 Msgs The judgment on Babylon is the focus of this segment. Again it concludes with a devastation.
NIV Revelation 18:21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. 22 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. 23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth."
Cycle 6: White Horse Judgment: Beast & False prophet are sent to the Lake of fire.
The repetition of what is going to happen with a shifting focus continues on through this glorious book called Revelation.
NIV Revelation 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
NLT Colossians 3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
What are you going to wear? Who are you riding with? Who do you choose?
The rider of the white horse is Jesus.
1:12
Eyes are a flame of fire
Rev 1:14
NIV Revelation 2:18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
Many crowns contrasts the Dragon 12:3 (7 crowns) and the beast of the sea 13:1 with 10 crowns.
The Dragon & beast claim to have full and sovereign authority…but they will be proven NOT to possess these qualities.
1:13
Whose blood has stained Christ’s robe? Is it the blood of the cross? Is it the blood of the martyrs whom Christ has stood faithfully with as they were murdered for their faith? It’s probably the blood of his enemies who stand against him at the end of the age.
NIV Isaiah 63:1 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save." 2 Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress? 3 "I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing. 4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come. 5 I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me. 6 I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground."
1:14 Messianic Army clothed in fine linen and on white horses.
NIV Revelation 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings-- and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
NIV Jude 1:14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
Divine retaliation…Vengeance is mine says the Lord….only Christ’s robe seems to be dipped in blood.
Wrath: Judgment: Striking the nations. Rod of iron: These terms of endearment signify final judgment of the world is now the total focus of Revelation.
NIV Psalm 2:1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. 3 "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters." 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." 7 I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery." 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
ANY VIEW OF GOD THAT ELIMINATES JUDGMENT AND HIS HATRED OF SIN IN THE INTEREST OF AN EMASCULATED DOCTRINE OF SENTIMENTAL AFFECTION FINDS NO SUPPORT IN THE STRONG AND VIRILE REALISM OF THE APOCALYPSE.
19:17-18
Barclay, Sweet & Roloff call this exceedingly crass or ghastly. One writer says this bloodthirsty picture is far more in line with OT expectations than with the gospel of Jesus. See Ezekiel 39:17-20.
NIV Ezekiel 39:17 "Son of man, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Call out to every kind of bird and all the wild animals: 'Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrifice I am preparing for you, the great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood. 18 You will eat the flesh of mighty men and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as if they were rams and lambs, goats and bulls-- all of them fattened animals from Bashan. 19 At the sacrifice I am preparing for you, you will eat fat till you are glutted and drink blood till you are drunk. 20 At my table you will eat your fill of horses and riders, mighty men and soldiers of every kind,' declares the Sovereign LORD.
Rev 19:17-18 does dovetail well with Ezekiel 39.
It is NOT true, however, that with the coming of the gospel age that the God of the OT decided to prove to people that he really was a gentleman after all and so dispensed with any further recourse to judgment. The good news is that people need not bear the just punishment due their sin, bu t that Another has paid the price on their behalf. Only when people refuse forgiveness must they bear the penalty for their wickedness.
Beast is the personification of secular power in its opposition to the church.
The false prophet represents the role of false religion in persuading people to worship the antiChristian power.
The destruction of those who persecute the church is meant to encourage those being persecuted, that no matter what happens, God will vindicate them.
A) We can trust in Christ because he will vindicate all those who suffer for His sake.
B) We can trust in Christ because He will overcome the enemies of our souls.
C) We can trust in Christ because the devil and his system will be brought down in the end.
D) We can choose to be riders with Christ now…so that at the end of the age we are found among the faithful and true who ride with him!
E) Make your choice to be a rider with Christ.
F) Apply the gospel to your life…as Paul teaches in Colossians 3:12. Eph 4 and other places…put off the ways of death and put on the garments of Christ…the clothing of compassion, kindness, humility.
Monday, June 26, 2006
God Judges Rome (Babylon) {Government & Economy} Revelation 17 to 19:10
Judgment on the world’s economic system
Revelation 17:1-19:10
Seven Parts of Judgment Against Babylon
What is Babylon? Some have said that this is Jerusalem. Some have said it is America. Some have said it is the Roman Catholic Church.
Most reasonable view is that it refers to the Roman Empire and the city of Rome during John’s day. The global economy in their day was driven massively by Rome’s economic demands for ship loads of luxuries brought in from all over the world on a daily basis. Everything from slaves to exotic animals or extraordinary supplies and materials were brought into Rome via the ship routes on a daily basis.
Rome ruled what was commonly called the world in John’s day.
The principles we extract from this passage apply directly to our situation today with America. And they apply to every major world economic empire that will come into power.
a. Symbolic actors 17:1-6
b. Six msgs of destruction 17:7-18:19
a’. Promise for the saints 18:20
bb. Seventh msg of destruction 18:21-24
a”. Seven-fold joy response 19:1-10
1. 19:1-2
2. vs. 3
3. vs. 4
4. vs. 5
5. vs. 6-8
6. vs. 9
7. vs. 10
The a" is a difference from the four previous cycles of judgment. None of them had this additional segment.
We should embrace God's judging of governments and economies with rejoicing because:
The righteous man notices the house of evil and he hates it.
The hatred of evil is the beginning of wisdom.
Wisdom is supreme…though it costs all you have get understanding. Prov. 4:7
How does Babylon rule?
Babylon is part of Satan’s kingdom.
Two elements in this passage:
1) Beast vs. 2) Prostitute (Babylon)
Fear vs. Lustful Desire
Passive vs. Active
Retreating vs. Advancing
Avoiding Pain vs. Gaining Pleasure
These are all counterfeits to God’s Kingdom and His incredible offer.
The Beast turns and destroys the prostitute. Sometimes God uses evil to destroy evil. Babylon judged Jerusalem 600 years before John wrote, and Babylon was wicked!
God then in turn judged wicked Babylon.
The High and mighty love power & luxury.
Loving comfort and hating all destruction is a false sentimentality. (Poythress)
Wickedness needs to be destroyed.
Therefore heaven rejoices at the fall of wickedness.
How does God judge Babylon? (represents governmental and economic world systems which will climax with one system at the end of the age)
3 separate angelic msgs of doom
17:7-18 Fallen
18:1-3 Fallen
18:4-8 Come out of her
3 laments of those commited to Babylon
18:9-10 Governmental Leaders
18:11-17a Business Leaders
18:17b-19 Transportation Industry
1 Command to Rejoice
18:20
1 Pronouncement that Babylon’s Fall is permanent
Satan attacks with power & persecution
NIV 1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.
NIV 1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
The world called Christians atheists for refusing to worship any known idols or the emperor of Rome. The world called Christians haters of mankind for refusing to indulge in the luxurious and lust-filled life Roman’s shared in common.
What was true in the first century church is still true today in variations.
God judges Babylon because she murdered His people.
NIV Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Beast/State or governmental power
Prostitute/Economic prosperity and pleasure
These two things often are hijacked by Satan and used to
Compare to Romans 13:1-6
What can we learn today?
We must not compromise with the world system. We must keep ourselves pure from the fear of governmental oppression and from the lust of the world.
Recognize we are at war with the Kingdom of darkness, which will try to hi-jack the world economies and governments to destroy us. Pray for our governments.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Revelation 17:1-19:10
Seven Parts of Judgment Against Babylon
What is Babylon? Some have said that this is Jerusalem. Some have said it is America. Some have said it is the Roman Catholic Church.
Most reasonable view is that it refers to the Roman Empire and the city of Rome during John’s day. The global economy in their day was driven massively by Rome’s economic demands for ship loads of luxuries brought in from all over the world on a daily basis. Everything from slaves to exotic animals or extraordinary supplies and materials were brought into Rome via the ship routes on a daily basis.
Rome ruled what was commonly called the world in John’s day.
The principles we extract from this passage apply directly to our situation today with America. And they apply to every major world economic empire that will come into power.
a. Symbolic actors 17:1-6
b. Six msgs of destruction 17:7-18:19
a’. Promise for the saints 18:20
bb. Seventh msg of destruction 18:21-24
a”. Seven-fold joy response 19:1-10
1. 19:1-2
2. vs. 3
3. vs. 4
4. vs. 5
5. vs. 6-8
6. vs. 9
7. vs. 10
The a" is a difference from the four previous cycles of judgment. None of them had this additional segment.
We should embrace God's judging of governments and economies with rejoicing because:
The righteous man notices the house of evil and he hates it.
The hatred of evil is the beginning of wisdom.
Wisdom is supreme…though it costs all you have get understanding. Prov. 4:7
How does Babylon rule?
Babylon is part of Satan’s kingdom.
Two elements in this passage:
1) Beast vs. 2) Prostitute (Babylon)
Fear vs. Lustful Desire
Passive vs. Active
Retreating vs. Advancing
Avoiding Pain vs. Gaining Pleasure
These are all counterfeits to God’s Kingdom and His incredible offer.
The Beast turns and destroys the prostitute. Sometimes God uses evil to destroy evil. Babylon judged Jerusalem 600 years before John wrote, and Babylon was wicked!
God then in turn judged wicked Babylon.
The High and mighty love power & luxury.
Loving comfort and hating all destruction is a false sentimentality. (Poythress)
Wickedness needs to be destroyed.
Therefore heaven rejoices at the fall of wickedness.
How does God judge Babylon? (represents governmental and economic world systems which will climax with one system at the end of the age)
3 separate angelic msgs of doom
17:7-18 Fallen
18:1-3 Fallen
18:4-8 Come out of her
3 laments of those commited to Babylon
18:9-10 Governmental Leaders
18:11-17a Business Leaders
18:17b-19 Transportation Industry
1 Command to Rejoice
18:20
1 Pronouncement that Babylon’s Fall is permanent
Satan attacks with power & persecution
NIV 1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.
NIV 1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
The world called Christians atheists for refusing to worship any known idols or the emperor of Rome. The world called Christians haters of mankind for refusing to indulge in the luxurious and lust-filled life Roman’s shared in common.
What was true in the first century church is still true today in variations.
God judges Babylon because she murdered His people.
NIV Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Beast/State or governmental power
Prostitute/Economic prosperity and pleasure
These two things often are hijacked by Satan and used to
Compare to Romans 13:1-6
What can we learn today?
We must not compromise with the world system. We must keep ourselves pure from the fear of governmental oppression and from the lust of the world.
Recognize we are at war with the Kingdom of darkness, which will try to hi-jack the world economies and governments to destroy us. Pray for our governments.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Monday, June 12, 2006
Seven Bowls of Wrath (Revelation 15-16)
Introduction:
Al Zarqawi’s death…a rejoicing over the end of his radical acts of terror. Is it ok to rejoice over anyone’s death? Why or why not?
We have been studying the book of Revelation since February 12. As we continue to study this glorious finale of the bible, we have seven purposes we aim to accomplish as a fellowship.
Our overall goal: To experience Jesus & help others experience Jesus
Our vision is to grow a life-giving, kingdom-minded Church in Bloomington-Normal that transforms Central Illinois and all nations with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Current Goals: Seven goals have emerged in this series.
To ignite a passion for God’s word through studying the climax of all scripture.
To help people encounter Jesus Himself…who is the focus of the book of Revelation.
To help our congregation read, listen to and keep the message of Revelation, which will bring us a promised blessing.
To develop a theology for enduring persecution so people live with the future in mind today as a motive for disciplined living now.
To cultivate endurance and holiness in each member.
To challenge and enlist each member of the Church to do at least one ministry with all their heart.
To inspire Christ honoring worship.
Some people have trouble with the idea of seeking Jesus. That’s because some people stumble over the idea of evil in the world. How can God exist or be good if He exists and allow so much evil in the world? The idea of a just and loving God doesn’t compute with the reality of evil we see all around us. Our goal
To help people encounter Jesus Himself…who is the focus of the book of Revelation….is aided by today’s message. When we are done today you should have stronger inspiration to help people encounter Jesus. You should be equipped with one of the strong biblical answers to the accusation that God cannot be just and loving because He allows so much heinous evil in the world today.
A) Scene
1. Seven Bowls parallel the seven seals and seven trumpets.
2. Egyptian plagues background
3. Temple scene, priests and bowls
a. Sea of glass/Red Sea background
D-Day illustration (if you didn’t know about our immediate history, this phrase would be cryptic to you)
b. Song of Moses
Columbus Day (if you didn’t know about our early history, this holiday would be meaningless to you)
c. All nations worship
d. Angels in OT priestly clothing
If you don’t know about the Old Testament priestly clothing requirements, this would go right past you.
1. Exodus 28:42
2. Leviticus 16:4
NIV Leviticus 16:4 He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on.
Angels in the Son of Man’s priestly clothing emphasizes holiness
and Temple service.
e. Smoke typifies God’s anger
Jewish writers between Malachi and Matthew had developed a view on the Seven angels standing before God’s throne. Their names were listed and ranks given. Michael was believed to be the first angel…and the first four were set apart, one for each side of the throne. The other three were also in the presence of God. First four seals, then first four trumpets and also first four bowls all are set apart out of the seven in the same pattern.
The statement in
NIV Revelation 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets….NOTE the phrase ‘the seven angels’…rather than simply seven angels. This is probably John’s validation of the Jewish view about the seven angels before God.
The throne scene in Revelation is mixed with the Temple of God. The angels are wearing priest garments from the OT.
Remember Moses made a tabernacle. He drew up plans based on what God showed him exactly.
4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN."
We can learn about the heavenly situation by studying the earthly copy. Details are given in Leviticus and Exodus. When we understand that Leviticus is a copy of heavenly things, it suddenly is no longer a dry book, but full of excitement and inspiring insight into heaven.
Explain what is happening with the seven bowls of wrath….
Mark of the Beast.
Unholy Counterfeit Trinity
Dragon…who is this?
Beast …who is this?
False Prophet….who is this?
NIV 2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
NIV Revelation 13:13 And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. 14 Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
NIV Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
NIV Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
NIV 1 Thessalonians 5:2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
If as some people teach, the rapture happens at Revelation 4:1, then why do we have this exhortation to watch for Christ’s catching away in the middle of Revelation 16? Some say that this verse doesn’t belong here, others say it demonstrates the theory that the rapture happens 7 years before Christ’s return is incorrect. I would agree with that…the rapture cannot happen before the final intense period of persecution against the church which is coupled with the final judgments poured out on the persecutors of the church. No, this specifically challenges us to be watchful and alert and to keep on praying. Nakedness is a reference to our behavior. Cloth yourselves with humility…put on Christ and be forgiving…not bursting out with anger or slander or any other work of the flesh. Be completely humble, grateful and joyful.
7th Bowl parallels the end of history as we know it.
Removal of islands/mountain parallels
7th seal parallels 7th bowl
NAU Revelation 6:14 The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
7th trumpet parallels 7th seal & 7th bowl
NIV Revelation 11:19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
NIV Hebrews 12:24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken-- that is, created things-- so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
NIV Hebrews 4:7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Judgment brings to our natural minds a somberness and sadness. But from the perspective of Revelation, judgment triggers worship. This is because the justice of God is displayed. It is also because those persecuted for their faith in Christ are finally vindicated.
Justice of God….If God is a good God how can He allow so much evil in this world?
Vindication of Saints…if God is a good God how can He let so many bad things happen to His people without doing anything about it? Why do bad things happen to good people?
God is delaying total justice until the end of the age. God will certainly dish out complete justice. He will vindicate all the martyred and suffering saints when all is completed.
We can have confidence in God. We are not wasting our lives by putting all of our confidence in Christ. We will be vindicated for every sacrifice. We identify with Christ and receive righteousness. Any suffering that we endure as His body will be vindicated…that is the evil doers will be punished and the righteous will be rewarded.
Al Zarqawi’s death…a rejoicing over the end of his radical acts of terror. Is it ok to rejoice over anyone’s death? Why or why not?
We have been studying the book of Revelation since February 12. As we continue to study this glorious finale of the bible, we have seven purposes we aim to accomplish as a fellowship.
Our overall goal: To experience Jesus & help others experience Jesus
Our vision is to grow a life-giving, kingdom-minded Church in Bloomington-Normal that transforms Central Illinois and all nations with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Current Goals: Seven goals have emerged in this series.
To ignite a passion for God’s word through studying the climax of all scripture.
To help people encounter Jesus Himself…who is the focus of the book of Revelation.
To help our congregation read, listen to and keep the message of Revelation, which will bring us a promised blessing.
To develop a theology for enduring persecution so people live with the future in mind today as a motive for disciplined living now.
To cultivate endurance and holiness in each member.
To challenge and enlist each member of the Church to do at least one ministry with all their heart.
To inspire Christ honoring worship.
Some people have trouble with the idea of seeking Jesus. That’s because some people stumble over the idea of evil in the world. How can God exist or be good if He exists and allow so much evil in the world? The idea of a just and loving God doesn’t compute with the reality of evil we see all around us. Our goal
To help people encounter Jesus Himself…who is the focus of the book of Revelation….is aided by today’s message. When we are done today you should have stronger inspiration to help people encounter Jesus. You should be equipped with one of the strong biblical answers to the accusation that God cannot be just and loving because He allows so much heinous evil in the world today.
A) Scene
1. Seven Bowls parallel the seven seals and seven trumpets.
2. Egyptian plagues background
3. Temple scene, priests and bowls
a. Sea of glass/Red Sea background
D-Day illustration (if you didn’t know about our immediate history, this phrase would be cryptic to you)
b. Song of Moses
Columbus Day (if you didn’t know about our early history, this holiday would be meaningless to you)
c. All nations worship
d. Angels in OT priestly clothing
If you don’t know about the Old Testament priestly clothing requirements, this would go right past you.
1. Exodus 28:42
2. Leviticus 16:4
NIV Leviticus 16:4 He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on.
Angels in the Son of Man’s priestly clothing emphasizes holiness
and Temple service.
e. Smoke typifies God’s anger
Jewish writers between Malachi and Matthew had developed a view on the Seven angels standing before God’s throne. Their names were listed and ranks given. Michael was believed to be the first angel…and the first four were set apart, one for each side of the throne. The other three were also in the presence of God. First four seals, then first four trumpets and also first four bowls all are set apart out of the seven in the same pattern.
The statement in
NIV Revelation 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets….NOTE the phrase ‘the seven angels’…rather than simply seven angels. This is probably John’s validation of the Jewish view about the seven angels before God.
The throne scene in Revelation is mixed with the Temple of God. The angels are wearing priest garments from the OT.
Remember Moses made a tabernacle. He drew up plans based on what God showed him exactly.
4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN."
We can learn about the heavenly situation by studying the earthly copy. Details are given in Leviticus and Exodus. When we understand that Leviticus is a copy of heavenly things, it suddenly is no longer a dry book, but full of excitement and inspiring insight into heaven.
Explain what is happening with the seven bowls of wrath….
Mark of the Beast.
Unholy Counterfeit Trinity
Dragon…who is this?
Beast …who is this?
False Prophet….who is this?
NIV 2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
NIV Revelation 13:13 And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. 14 Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
NIV Revelation 16:15 "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
NIV Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
NIV 1 Thessalonians 5:2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
If as some people teach, the rapture happens at Revelation 4:1, then why do we have this exhortation to watch for Christ’s catching away in the middle of Revelation 16? Some say that this verse doesn’t belong here, others say it demonstrates the theory that the rapture happens 7 years before Christ’s return is incorrect. I would agree with that…the rapture cannot happen before the final intense period of persecution against the church which is coupled with the final judgments poured out on the persecutors of the church. No, this specifically challenges us to be watchful and alert and to keep on praying. Nakedness is a reference to our behavior. Cloth yourselves with humility…put on Christ and be forgiving…not bursting out with anger or slander or any other work of the flesh. Be completely humble, grateful and joyful.
7th Bowl parallels the end of history as we know it.
Removal of islands/mountain parallels
7th seal parallels 7th bowl
NAU Revelation 6:14 The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
7th trumpet parallels 7th seal & 7th bowl
NIV Revelation 11:19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
NIV Hebrews 12:24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken-- that is, created things-- so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
NIV Hebrews 4:7 Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Judgment brings to our natural minds a somberness and sadness. But from the perspective of Revelation, judgment triggers worship. This is because the justice of God is displayed. It is also because those persecuted for their faith in Christ are finally vindicated.
Justice of God….If God is a good God how can He allow so much evil in this world?
Vindication of Saints…if God is a good God how can He let so many bad things happen to His people without doing anything about it? Why do bad things happen to good people?
God is delaying total justice until the end of the age. God will certainly dish out complete justice. He will vindicate all the martyred and suffering saints when all is completed.
We can have confidence in God. We are not wasting our lives by putting all of our confidence in Christ. We will be vindicated for every sacrifice. We identify with Christ and receive righteousness. Any suffering that we endure as His body will be vindicated…that is the evil doers will be punished and the righteous will be rewarded.
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