Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Image

Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Image

Let us start in Daniel 2 with Nebuchadnezzar's image because this prophecy seems to lay the framework for the history of man from Daniel's time up to the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. In Daniel 2 we find the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar was shown an image made of four different metals. These metals indicated the four, and only four, humanly governed world empires that would arise in the course of man's history from Daniel's day on.

King Nebuchadnezzar was told "Thou art this head of gold" (v.38), relating the head of the image to the Babylonian Empire which flourished around 606-538 BC. After that came the Medo-Persian Empire (538-331 BC), which corresponded to the breast and arms of silver on the image (vs. 32,39). Then followed the Grecian Empire (331-68 BC) led by Alexander the Great, which related to the belly and thighs of bronze (vs.32,39). The last world empire to arise was the Roman Empire (68 BC-476 AD), corresponding to the two legs of iron on the image (vs.33,40). In this way, God revealed through this vision the four world empires which would arise before the kingdom of God would be set up on the earth.

The last parts of the image, its feet and toes, were made of iron and clay, showing that the Roman world would be made up of many different nations from the end of the Roman Empire until Jesus (the stone) came to break in pieces the kingdoms of men, and set up his kingdom on earth (vs.33-35,41-45). So we should expect that the Roman dominion would be made up of many different nations, some strong (iron) and some weak (clay), just before the second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Christian Leaders to Oppose Jesus

Christian Leaders to Oppose Jesus

The rejection of Jesus when he returns by the Christian leaders appears imminent. They are not even looking for the return of Jesus to the earth before the 7 year reign of "the Antichrist". Consequently, when Russia soon attacks Israel as the leaders expect, they will begin to declare to both their followers and the rest of the world that "the Antichrist" will soon emerge. Christian circles throughout the earth will then intensify their warnings when they witness the sudden destruction of Russia in Israel. Furthermore, when it is learned that the conqueror of the Russians has established a special covenant with the Jews, has called for the temple to be rebuilt and begins to set up his government with Jerusalem as its capital, the Christian leaders will become ecstatic.

Newspapers, radios and televisions in every city will carry the stories of the mysterious occurrences in Israel. They will describe how the Russian army has been destroyed by an unknown force, and how the leader of the victorious army has declared himself to be king over the whole earth. At the same time the media will also carry the united appeal of the Christian leaders as they frantically warn their followers and all others to resist the man in Jerusalem who claims to be from God. They will label him "the Antichrist" and sternly rebuke any who would follow him, warning that their end will be certain death.

The united efforts of the Christian leaders will generate a high degree of resistance towards Jesus when he establishes his throne in Jerusalem. His appeals to the world that he is in fact the Son of God who has returned from heaven, and his attempts to prove his authority by using his miraculous power will be met by stiff opposition from the leaders. Claiming he possesses satanic powers, which enable him to perform his miracles, the leaders will join forces to denounce him. For the first time in the history of the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Protestant churches their leaders will publicly unite together, declaring that the man in Jerusalem must be opposed. Inevitably, the followers of these leaders will confidently join in the opposition. Very likely others who have spent little time reading the Bible or attending church will be easily influenced when they witness events they cannot explain (e.g. the sudden destruction of the Russian army), especially if the Christian leaders are all declaring the same thing: "Reject the impostor, he is the Antichrist!"

Impossible? It Happened ONCE BEFORE!

When Jesus returns to the earth and is opposed as being "the Antichrist", it will not be the first time he will be rejected by the very people who claim to be looking for his coming. There is a powerful lesson to be learned from the reasons that led to the denial and crucifixion of Jesus by the Jews when he came the first time. If someone had told the Jews in Israel before Jesus began his ministry that they would soon reject their Messiah, no one would have believed it. Likewise, who would have thought that people from the same crowds who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem shouting, ''Hosanna to the Son of David'', and spreading their garments and palm branches before Him, would but one week later be crying out "Crucify him, crucify him !"

It must be remembered that before Jesus began his ministry the Jews in Israel were not completely ignorant as to the nearness of the coming of their Messiah. On the contrary, there were several reasons why more than a few of the people expected their Messiah soon to reveal himself. First of all there was Daniel's 70 weeks prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27), which stated the coming of the "anointed one" would be approximately 490 years (70 weeks of years multiplied by 7 days per week), after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. Many of the Jews were well aware that in 456 BC, this very command was given by Artaxerxes. Secondly, almost everyone in Israel would have heard of the wise men who visited Herod at the time Jesus was born, looking for the infant who was to become the king of the Jews. They so convinced Herod the Messiah had been born that he ordered every male child two years old and under, in the area of Bethlehem, to be put to death in an attempt to destroy Jesus. Thirdly, the message of John the Baptist had spread throughout the nation. He urged the people to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins and taught that another would come after him who would be far greater than himself.

Following his baptism by John, Jesus journeyed throughout Israel preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and healing the various diseases and infirmities of the people. His fame quickly spread throughout the nation because of the authority with which he spoke and the wonderful miracles he performed. The four gospels record two separate incidents when he fed over 4000 men, plus women and children, from a small amount of food; three different occasions when he raised a person from the dead; and numerous times when the lame were made to walk, the blind were given sight and the dumb were able to speak. It is little wonder that the Jews began to look toward Jesus as being the long expected Messiah spoken of by their prophets. If the comments of the people are examined it is evident they recognized this man from Nazareth was more than a prophet. On several occasions they referred to him as the Son of David and at other times were quoted as saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel."

Why then did the Jews reject the very person who had brought hope and healing to Israel and clamor for the release of a terrorist and murderer instead? The answer can be found upon a close look at the incidents that occurred in the last week of Jesus' life before his crucifixion.

A Sudden Betrayal

Following his entry into Jerusalem when the people hailed him as their king (Luke 19:38) and eagerly expected the establishment of his Kingdom (Mark 11:9-10), Jesus spent several days in the city teaching the people and his disciples. There is every indication that he continued to do this right up to the night on which he was betrayed by Judas. During these last few days spent in Jerusalem the entire city would have become aware that Jesus was there. The stories of the marvelous works he had performed would have been talked about in every home and on every street corner. There was hardly anyone in Jerusalem at that time who had failed to hear of this exceptional man.

But then overnight the people turned against Jesus. Ignoring the kindness, love, dedication, and mighty work shown to them for the past 3-1/2 years they turned their backs on him and sought his death. The reason for this sudden betrayal is clearly indicated in Matthew 27:20,

The CHIEF PRIESTS and THE ELDERS persuaded the people to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

Mark records in chapter 15, verse 11,

The CHIEF PRIESTS stirred up the crowd to have him (Pilate) release for them Barabbas instead.

Responding to the cries and appeals of their religious leaders the people chose to reject their Messiah. Who in Israel would have believed it possible? Had they been familiar (as they should have been) with the Old Testament prophecies concerning the need for the sacrifice and suffering of the Messiah before he acquired his Kingship, the Jews might not have acted so quickly. But their dependence upon the religious leaders for direction led them to denounce their Savior.

And what of today? Because of the popularity and general acceptance of the "future Antichrist" theory, Christians everywhere are being prepared to follow in the same footsteps as their Jewish counterparts at the time of Jesus' crucifixion. Most of today's Christians have come to rely solely on their leaders for an understanding of the prophecies concerning the return of Christ and read their Bibles only to learn of the moral standards to be upheld in their life. While the latter is extremely important, it by no means fulfills the responsibility of every follower of Jesus Christ to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Therefore, with our Bibles in hand, let us examine the true meaning of the Scriptural passages which are misunderstood by the supporters of the "future Antichrist" theory.

THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF THE MIDDLE EAST

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LOGOS BIBLE MARKING SERVICE - TAPE 29
Title: THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF THE MIDDLE EAST
These events will have taken place as the Judgment of the Household proceeded.
All nations are to be drawn to Jerusalem to battle - Zechariah 14:1; Joel 3:2.
Armageddon is at Jerusalem, not at Megiddo, as we shall see when we consider
Revelation 16:15.
The process is outlined in Daniel 11:40-45.
The peace and safety cry will precede this time (1 Thess. 5:3-5; Dan. 7:23-25).
Exposition
Verse 22 shows that the eastern leg of the Roman Image power is here referred to.
The capital was Constantinople. Constantine transferred the capital of the Empire from
Rome to Constantinople, and when the Empire was ultimately
divided into two, the latter city became the capital of Eastern Rome.-
The prophecy of Daniel 7:23-25 relates to the "last end of the indignation" (v.19).
VERSE 23
"Latter time of their kingdom" - Daniel was shown four kingdoms developing out of the
power of Grecia. These four kingdoms were Syria, Egypt, Pergamum and Macedonia, and
they arose after the death of Alexander the Great through the rivalry of his four generals.
The "latter time" of their kingdom was when they were absorbed by the rising power of
Rome. Rome was drawn into the Middle East by the power of Pergamum, and from that
centre gradually absorbed all four kingdoms by BC 65.
"A king of fierce countenance" - This implies a warlike aspect, and relates to Rome.
"The transgressors" - Rotherham renders this as "transgressions," and they relate to the
Jewish transgressions. Rome was permitted to dominate by God to punish the Jews for
their folly.
"A king of fierce countenance" - A warlike aspect, which was a characteristic of Rome.
Drawn into the east by Pergamum, Rome ultimately made Constantinople (in the territory
of Pergamum) her capital.
"Understanding dark sentences" - Rotherham renders this "skilful in dissimulation" or
hypocrisy. Others render it "talking riddles." This latter would relate to the harsh foreign
latin tongue of the Romans, a language that is completely foreign to Hebrew in structure
and idiom. See Deut. 28:50.
VERSE 24
"Not by his own power" - His power will stem from God. See: Deut. 28:49; Matt. 22:7;
Luke 20:16,19; John 19:11.
"Practise" - The word means to "establish". The RSV renders: "He shall succeed in what
he does."
"Shall destroy the mighty and the holy people" - The Jewish people. It is important to
note that the prophecy is not dealing with Rome, but with the power that occupies
Constantinople, or ancient Pergamum. Rome continued to do so until 1453 when it was
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taken over by the Turks. Since then, the Turks have been inveterate enemies of the Jews.
Ultimately, Russia will take over Turkey as Revelation 16:12 indicates. This prophecy
therefore merges into a prophecy of the latter-day possessor of Constantinople, even
Russia.
VERSE 25
"He shall cause craft to prosper" - The Roman power in occupation of Constantinople
supported, the pretensions of the Roman Catholic church, and, thus caused "craft" to
prosper. The latter-day possessor of Constantinople (Russia) will ultimately do likewise.
The word craft is translated from Mirmah, signifying deceit, fraud. The RSV renders it
"deceit." In Jer. 9:6 it is used of religion. See also Dan. 8:12. The policy of the Roman
Emperors ruling from Constantinople was to support Roman Catholicism, and thus uphold,
its religious deceit. Russia must ultimately do likewise.
"By peace" - The word in the original (shalyah) signifies "security", or "success."
Rotherham renders; "By their careless security." The peace referred to is that of
1 Thess. 5:3, by which the world will be taken off its guard.
"He shall also" - This is an additional work, such as is indicated in Dan. 11:40. In that
Scripture the King of the North reappears after a long break of time when he no longer
appears on the scene. That is indicated also in this prophecy. There is a long break
between V.24 and V.25.
"Against the Prince of princes" - Sar-sarim: "The Commander of Commanders" - Christ
and the saints. Cp V.11. Isa.55:3.
"Broken without hand" - Without human agency. See Isa. 17:12-14; 31:8; Zech. 4:6;
Dan. 11:45.
DANIEL 11
This is an amplification and explanation of Daniel 8.
Compare Daniel 8:8 with Daniel 11:4.
Exposition of Daniel 11:40-45
VERSE 40
"The time of the end" - Cp with Dan. 8:19. This is defined as the time of Christ's return
(Dan. 12:1), the time of national trouble (Dan. 12:1), the time of resurrection and
deliverance (Dan. 12:2), the time of judgment (Dan. 11:35), the time of the complete
unravelling of the Divine secret and purpose (Dan. 12:4,6,9), the time when Daniel shall
stand, in his lot (Dan. 12:13). There is a beginning and ending to this "time" which
defines an epoch rather than a day,
"The king of the south" - Consistently throughout this chapter this title defines a foreign
power in occupation of Egypt. In this case it relates to Britain who occupied Egypt in
1882. Note that after the incident referred to in this verse, the "king of the south"
disappears from the narrative, and instead, it refers to Egypt (v.42), thus indicating that
after the event here recorded, Egypt will obtain its independence, as it has today.
"Push at him" - This is the "king" of v.36. Notice the use of the personal pronoun "he"
(vv.37,38,39) all aligned with the "King." This King was originally the Roman Emperor who
established his capital in Constantinople. It therefore relates to the ruling power in
Constantinople. In 1453, the Ottomans drove the Romans from Constantinople, and
occupied it themselves, laying the foundation of the Turkish Empire. Turkey thence
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became the power referred to. It completed the prophecy of v.39 in that it "divided the
land (of Israel) for gain."
The prophecy demands that at the time of the end a foreign power in occupation of
Egypt should push at Turkey. This came to pass in World War 1, when under Allenby the
British forces drove the Turks from Palestine, and made possible the return of the Jews.
This was in 1917.
"The king of the north" - The Russian power.
"Shall come against him" - The same power occupying Constantinople. This Turkish power
will be completely "dried, up" (2,sv. 16:12). Russia will suddenly drive against
Constantinople, and occupy it. There to consolidate the forces of Europe, so that a
peace and safety cry will emanate from those who witness the power of Russia.
Meanwhile Christ will have returned, and. the resurrection and judgment will take place.
VERSE 41
"Also" - This implies an additional drive. After consolidating his power in Constantinople,
and forming the image of Dan. 2, Russia will move south.
"Glorious Land" - Or, the "pleasant land." See Dan.8:9.
"Overthrown" - Kashal, to "totter, waver, faint or fall." The countries shall be overthrown
through very weakness.
"Edom, Moab, Amnion" - These countries on the east of Jordan shall escape because
Russia will drive swiftly down the western plains of Palestine in a lightning attack on
Egypt. The term "escape" implies a change in policy between Russia and the Arab powers,
in that the latter will then be antagonistic to the former.
VERSE 42
"Egypt shall not escape" - Egypt shall be occupied by Russia.
VERSE 43
"Power over the treasures of Egypt" - See Isaiah 19.
"Ethiopians and Libyans at his steps" - Following his army. See Ezek. 38:5.
VERSE 44
"Tidings out of the east and north" - To be expounded next tape.

The Second Exodus

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TAPE 28 LOGOS BIBLE MARKING SERVICE
The Second Exodus
Israel is to repeat the experience of the exodus under Moses - Isa. 11:11. Elijah with his
associates, will 'bring hone to the Jews scattered, abroad the fact that their Messiah has
returned. Mal 4:5-6.
His message is expressed in such Scripture as Isa 40:1-10 (note v1O), Jeremiah 3:17-4:2.
a. The problem and how it can be solved – v19.
b. Israel's past apostacy frankly revealed - v20.
c. The mourning of Israel - v21.
d. The appeal and response made to and by them - v22.
e. Their confession - v24-25.
f. What true repentance demands of them ch 4:1.
g. What they must do, and its effect on blessing, all nations - v2 (cp with Zech 8:13).
Israel's attempt to return will be opposed by a world at war – Isa. 43:6.
They will fight their way back to the land – Ezek. 20:33-38; Mic. 7:15-20..
They will be brought into the bonds of the Abrahamic Covenant - Ezek 20:38, Jer. 31:31-
34; Rom. 11:23-27.
They will enter the land either from the north or the south - Isa. 11:15-16; 27:12-13;
Zech 10:9-12.
Some nations will assist them - Zeph 3:10, Isa 18; 60:9.
Forty years will be occupied in restoring Israel Micah 7:15-20.
The COMPLETE restoration of the nation AS IN THE PAST is required - Acts 3:19-20;
Amos 9:11; Jer. 33:7; Ezek. 36:11.
This forms the basis of Christ's reign - Luke 1:32-33; Matt. 19:28.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE GREAT DAY OF YAHWEH

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LOGOS BIBLE MARKING- SERVICE - TAPE 27
Title: EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO CHRIST'S RETURN
The events epitomised, hereunder should be marked, in the space allocated for this
subject, either in the front or back of your Bible.
JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST (cont.)
Christ is to be the Judge - John 5:27.
The basis for Judgment: the Word of God - John 12:48.
The angels will assist - Matt. 13:41,49
Christ will announce final decision upon wicked and. just – Matt. 25:34-46
THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB - Rev. 19:7
The glorious union of Christ and, his Bride will follow the Judgment Seat of Christ.
The fulfilling of the Type - Gen. 2:21-24; 1 Cor. 15:45; 2 Cor. 11:1-2; Eph. 5:31.
Complete Unity - John 17:21; Song 2:10-13.
To fraternise together – Deut. 24:5.
Hidden from the world – Isa. 26:20.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE GREAT DAY OF YAHWEH
Surveying the work of Conquest - Hab. 3:6.
Nations are called to the marriage supper - Rev. 19:9,17**
The Divine Army prepared for War - Isa. 9:7; Rev. 19:11-16.
The Condition of the World at that Time:
Spiritually: Darkness - Isa. 60:1-2.
Politically: Turmoil and Distress - Luke 21:25-28,
At War - Daniel 11:40.
The Middle East invaded - Daniel 11:41-43.
ELIJAH'S WORK OF RESTORATION
Elijah sent to Jews abroad, before the Day of Yahweh - Malachi 4:5-6.
The Work of Restoration to extend over 40 years - Micah 7:15.
Yet to be accomplished - Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 17:11.
The Problem, their Iniquity - Jeremiah 3:19.
FURTHER COMMENTS (which we suggest you mark at the references indicated).
Revelation 19:9,17
"Unto the supper of the great God" — This figure of speech is based, upon the custom
of the East, where the marriage procedure is as follows:
The bride is dressed in white, often richly decorated (Psalm 45:13-14) with bridal girdle
about the waist (lsa.49:18), and bejewelled (Isa.61:10). The bridegroom sets out from his
home to that of the bride, accompanied by friends and musicians (Matthew 9:15; 25:6).
Having received the bride, he conducts the whole company to his house with song and
dancing (Psalm 45:15; Song 3:6-11), friends joining the company on the way back. A feast
is then provided, to which additional friends come (Matthew 22:1-10; 25:1-13). THUS -
Jesus Christ, the bridegroom, will return with his angelic friends to meet the Bride at
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Sinai to conduct her to Zion for the feast. Those invited constitute Israel and the nations
(Revelation 19:17). The terms of the invitation are expressed in Revelation 14:6-7. This
feast will be celebrated between Armageddon and the complete destruction of the
nations. Those nations who reject the invitation will be destroyed.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

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LOGOS BIBLE MARKING TAPE SERVICE - No. 26
EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO CHRIST'S RETURN
The events epitomised hereunder should be marked in the space allocated for this
subject either in the front or hack: of your Bible,
THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
Exhortation on the subject – Rom. 14:10.
The Resurrection and Judgment of Believers precedes that of the Nations - 1 Pet.
4:17; Mal. 3:1*; Psalm 149:4-9*; Zech. 14:5*; 1 Thess. 4:16-17.
The Judgment Seat of Christ to be set up in a specific place - Rom. 14:10; 2
Thess. 2:1.
Not all will be raised and judged - Isa. 26:14; Dan. 12:2; Jer. 51:57; Psalm 49:19-
20.
Three classes will be brought to judgment:
a. Those who understand but do not obey the Truth in baptism (Rom. 2:8;
cp. Rom. 6:17). See also Luke 12:47; 13:28; Acts 24:25 cp. v.21.
b. Those who are baptised but remain habitually evil (Rom. 2:9).
c. Those who will receive Iirmortality (Rom. 2:7).
The living and resurrected Saints will, be gathered to Sinai for Judgment - 2 Tim.
4:1; Deut. 33:2; Psalm 68:17; Hab. 3:3.
FURTHER COMMENTS (which we suggest you mark at the places indicated).
Malachi 3:1
This has an application to both advents of Christ. Vv.3-4 obviously relate to the
future.
Psalm 149:4-9
Notice the sequential development:
Immortality granted - v.4;
Rejoicing of the accepted - v.5;
Preparations for war - v.6;
Executors of vengeance - v.7;
Conquest of nations - v.8;
Vindication of Yahweh - v.9.
As it is the honour of the saints to execute the judgments written, they obviously
must be judged and glorified before this.
Zechariah 14:5
The saints are described as pouring out judgments on the nations implying that
their resurrection and judgment has already taken place.
Psalm 68:17
The Companion Bible renders this verse as follows:
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"Yahweh among them (the angels and chariots) hath come from Sinai into His
Sanctuary."
The Psalm is Messianic (cp. v.18 with Eph. 4:8). In the statement of v.17 the
Psalmist epitomises the work of Christ as the manifestation of Yahweh ascending
from Sinai to Zion, when the Temple of the future Age will be set up.

Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return.

Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return.
Exhortation to clearly discern the future - Heb 12:1-2; 2 Cor 4:18.
Christ will return when least expected - Rev l6:l5; Luke 12:40; 17:26-37; Matt 24:50.

CHRISTS SECOND ADVENT

Summary of subject - Luke 19:11-27+
To return personally and visibly - Acts 1:11+
With a reward – Rev. 22:12+ Isa. 40:10.
To raise the dead and reward his saints – Dan. 12:2.
To judge and rule the world - Acts 17:31.
To establish righteousness and peace – Isa. 61:11.
To set up God's kingdom - Dan 2:44, 7:27+

SIGNS OF HIS IMMINENT APPEARANCE

Exhortation on the subject - Luke 21:34-36+
Decline of Turkey - Rev 16:12
Return of the Jews - Ps 102:13,16,18, Rom 11:11-15+; Ezek 37:21-22.
Decline of Morals - 2 Tim 3:1-5.
False teaching - 2 Peter 3:3-5.
Preparations for war – Joel 3:9-10.
Growth of Russian power - Ezek ch 38.
The nations divided into two armed blocs - Dan 11:40-45.

FURTHER COMMENTS

(which we suggest you mark at the places indicated)

Luke 19:11-27
Verse 11
'Jerusalem' - He had proclaimed that as his future capital - Matt 5:35. The
disciples thought they were walking to glory, not to the cross. See also Acts 1:6.

We suggest you epitomise the sequence suggested in this parable at the top of
the page as follows:

1. The Nobleman has gone to the far country to receive his authority.
2. His servants must mean while 'occupy till he come' (v13).
3. He returns to first reward them (v15).
4. He afterwards deals with his enemies (v27).

Acts 1:11
'Why stand ye gazing up into heaven' - This was to remind them that there was
work to do on earth and that Yahweh's purpose will be consumated therein.
Revelation 22:12
‘My reward is with me' - We do not go to it; he brings it with him cp Heb 9:28; Phil 3:20.
Dan7:27
Underline the word 'under'.

Luke 21:34-36
Verse 34
'Take heed’ - For the means provided
'To yourselves' - This is a personal responsibility; we owe it to ourselves to seek God's way.
'Overcharged' - Gr. BAREO = To be heavy, weighed down, hence drowsy through overeating
and the effect of gluttony. The word is rendered 'very heavy' in Matt 26:43. A
person weighed down through over-eating is in a drowsy state, and unfit for the vigilence
Christ would have him exhibit.
‘Drunkenness and cares' - The pleasure and cares of life. These can choke the growth of the
word (Matt 13:22).

Verse 35
'A snare' - Waymouth renders this as 'a falling trap'. The world will "be suddenly and
unexpectedly caught in such a trap.
'Watch' - Gr. AGRUPNEO = 'to 'be sleepless' Pron AGREUO = 'to chase' and HUPNOS =
'sleep', and thus to chase away sleep, or be watchful (see 1 Thess. 5:5-7).
'Therefore' - The Diaglott adds: 'At all seasons', i.e. even when Christ is least expected.
'To stand' - i.e. approved (See Psa. 1:5).
Romans 11:11-15.

Verse 11
‘They stumbled' - Jewry did that in rejecting Jesus.

Verse 12
'If the fall of them be the riches of the world' – The riches of Christ have "been
offered to the world because they were rejected by the Jews.
'How much more their fulness' - If great benefits accrued by the diminishing of the
Jews, much greater benefits will come through their restoration.

Verse 15
'Life from the dead' - The restoration of the Jews is the great sign of the
resurrection, i.e. of Christ's return.

THE SEVEN ANGELS WITH THE SEVEN VIALS

I feel certain that the action of the seven vials are yet future for the following reason:
The seven angels (agents) come out of the TEMPLE that is built up of lively stone, Christ Jesus being the chief corner stone (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21-22; and 1 Peter 2:5).
These angels are clothed in pure and white linen which is the righteousness of Christ’s bride (Revelation 15:6; 19:8).
The seven vials full of the wrath of God are given to the angels by one of the living creatures (Revelation 15:7).
These vials contain the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, for in them are FILLED UP (completed) the wrath of God  (Revelation 15:1).
Christ Jesus with his army (the saints) treadeth the winepress of the wrath of God (19:15) outside the city (14:20), i.e., the NEW JERUSALEM which signifies the NEW HEAVENS and EARTH (Revelation 21:1-2) the old heavens and earth having been dissolved with fervent heat - the Lake of Fire - which signifies the action of the seven vials.
It is evident that the seven angels and the army of white horses (chapter 19) belong to the body of Christ, his bride - as signified by the pure and white linen in which they were clothed (19:8).

Now in the 14th chapter are shown six angels taking part in two reapings after the Lamb and 144,000 are seen on Mount Zion. 
Angel #1 preaches the everlasting gospel to ALL PEOPLE
(verses 6 & 7; compare Matthew 24:14).
Angel #2 finds Babylon has fallen into degraded state (verse 8) i.e., the Laodician state. 
Angel #3 gives a warning to all people who worship the beast and his image and who receive his mark in their forehead or hand (verse 9 - 11).  Then the Revelator gives encouragement to those putting their trust in the Lord (verses 12 & 13).  Then John looks and sees a white cloud and one like unto the Son of Man sat thereon (compare Matthew 24:30) and in his hand was a sharp sickle (verse 14).

Angel #4 came out of the TEMPLE, crying to him on the white cloud to cast his sickle into the earth.  He did so and the earth was reaped (verses 15 & 16).  This is the gathering of NATURAL ISRAEL - since the saints are comprehended in the 144,000, the first fruits (verse 1).
Angel #5 came out of the TEMPLE, he also having a sharp sickle
(verse 17).
Angel #6 comes out from the ALTAR, which had power over fire.  He cries to Angel #5 to cast in his sickle and he cast in his sickle, which gathers the vine of the earth and cast it into the winepress of the wrath of God (verses 18-20).
Angel #7 is composed of SEVEN ANGELS who dispense the seven last plagues.  The winepress of God’s wrath is trod by him riding the white horse and his army, who are clothed in fine linen, clean and white (Revelation 19:14-15).
It is evident that these judgments are executed by Christ and his saints.  For authority to execute judgment in the earth has been given him by the Father
(John 5:22, 27;    See Jeremiah 23:5).  Also, this honour have all his saints, to execute the judgments written (Psalm 149:9) and to him that overcomes will be given power over the nations and he shall rule (judge) them with a rod of iron (Revelation 2:26-27).

It is disclosed that the world will be composed of three great systems which will oppose Christ Jesus when he comes.  They are:  the beast, the false prophet and the dragon.  These have been signified as:
The two horn beast arising from the EARTH, alias the woman riding the scarlet colored beast, alias the false prophet when opposing the Lamb, the true prophet.
The seven headed, ten horn beast that arose out of the SEA, alias the scarlet colored beast on which the woman rode, alias the beast that loaned his power to the false prophet against the Lamb.
The seven headed, ten horned dragon that stood before the woman with child, alias the dragon that was cast out of heaven and bound for 1000 years, alias the satan that deceived the nations in going up against the camp of the saints.


These systems have expanded throughout the world, entwining and intermingling with each other, yet retaining their separate and independent characteristics peculiar to each.  So the last plagues will extend throughout the world, taking 100% effect in each environment as revealed by the seven vials.
The first vial (chapter 16:2) is poured upon the EARTH - the environment out of which the two horned beast arose (chapter 13:11) - and effects those which have the mark of the beast (chapter 15:2).  This beast is identified as the false prophet by his deception and mark (chapter 13:16-17 with chapter 19:20).
The second vial (chapter 16:3) is poured upon the SEA (the environment out of which the seven headed, ten horned beast arose (chapter 13:1).  This beast became the scarlet colored beast upon which the woman rode (chapter 17:3) and is signified as many waters (chapter 17:1 and 17:15).  This beast makes war with the Lamb in alliance with the false prophet (Revelation 17:14).    That is why these two are cast simultaneously into the Lake of Fire  (Revelation 19:19-20) - the Fire of the Altar -
The Word of God.
The third vial (chapter 16:4) is poured upon the rivers and fountains of water (of false doctrines), as contrasted to the pure river of water of life which issues from the fountain of God and the Lamb that will be in the NEW JERUSALEM
(Revelation 22:1-2 with 21:2).  This group are those making claims in the name of Christ Jesus separately and independently of the beast and false prophet, yet they rightly belong in the same category (Christendom).  They are the remnant which is slain with the sword of him riding on the white horse (Revelation 19:21).  The Earth, Sea and Remnant typify the subject people (the Christendom systems) who are the FIRST to be effected by the Fire of the Spirit (the word of truth).  See pages 41 and 42 of the pamphlet relative to the Lake of Fire.
The fourth vial (chapter 17:8-9) is poured upon the SUN (the ruling authority of the foregoing systems) who will take action against their subjects when they realize that they are being robbed in their own house (environment) that is being converted to the Gospel promulgated from Mt. Zion (See Matthew 24:43 and Item 2, page 20 of pamphlet).


This will result in the fifth vial (chapter 16:10-11) being poured upon the Throne of the Beast.  The preceeding five plagues disclose the action of the Lake of Fire into which the beast and false prophet are cast (Revelation 19:20).  The fire is a spiritual process which leaves a residue that later connives with the dragon against the camp of the saints as shown under vial #6.
The sixth vial (chapter 16:12) is poured upon the RIVER EUPHRATES and the WATERS (faith of Islam) are dried up, that the way of the kings of the east (sun rising) might be prepared.  At this juncture the dragon, the old serpent, the devil and satan (paganism) deceives the nations in sending up their men of war against the camp of the saints (see page 46 of pamphlet).  They go up to the battle of God Almighty.
The seventh vial (chapter 16:17) is poured into the AIR, and a great voice out of the TEMPLE saying:  It is done and there were voices, thunders, lightnings and a mighty earthquake (See Isaiah 2:19).
“For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I [Yahweh] spoken.  Surely in that day there shall be a GREAT SHAKING in the Land of Israel.  So that the fishes of the sea and fowls of the heaven and the beast of the field and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and ALL THE MEN upon the face of the earth shall shake at my presence ...” (Ezekiel 38:29-20).
The AIR (atmosphere) is the life supporting element of all mankind.
The effects of this vial permeates every environment of men.  Here the dragon (satan) is cast into the Lake of Fire where the beast and false prophet are (chapter 20:10).  This is the battle of Yahweh for his Holy Name’s Sake (Ezekiel 36:22) and is the grand finale, FOR IT IS DONE.
Then begins the 1000 years of Christ’s reign.

The SEVENTH SEAL

The connection of Revelation 7 with its preceding chapter is close and obvious. Instead of going on immediately to describe the opening of the Seventh Seal, the development of the prophecy pauses to answer the awe­ful question with which Seal Six concluded: “Who shall be able to stand?” 

The Chapter opens with And after these things [that is after 1948] I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds 

The apostle saw four angels at the four corners of the earth (or Land), controlling the four winds. These winds (the first four Trumpets: see especially ch. 8:7, 8) were not to go forth in destruction against the earth, sea or trees until a certain 144,000 had been sealed unto God.

SPIRITUAL ISRAEL

It is important before going any further to recognize that the 144,000 sealed out of the twelve tribes of Israel are to be taken as referring to Israel after the spirit, i.e. saints, and not to literal Jews. The reasons for this are copious enough.

Elsewhere in Revelation the symbolism of natural Israel is used to describe the saints; e.g. “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” is described also in terms of a city, “the holy Jerusalem,” upon the gates of which are “the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel’s (21:9‑12). And in Revelation 3:12 “the name of my God,” which is the Seal applied to the 144,000 (see ch. 14:1) is promised to the faithful in Philadelphia, most of who would clearly be Gentiles.

These blessed ones are described as “coming out of the great tribulation.” “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

In the Last Days, Jesus asserts, for his saints there will be a special deliverance from tribulation: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days ... shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven ... and he shall send his angels ... and they shall gather together his elect” (Matthew 24:29‑31.

Revelation chapter 8 begins: “And when he had opened the seventh seal ... I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given the seven trumpets.”

We must not forget that the "SEVENTH SEAL" includes all that happens during the sounding of the "Trumpets," and the pouring out of the "Vials," and so extends down to the ushering in of the Millennium. So the "Seventh" Seal includes the "Seven Trumpets," and the "Seventh" Trumpet includes the "Seven Vials."

The "seventh seal" is the last of the seals, and covers the period from 1948 to the end of the harvest

The "SILENCE" that followed the breaking of the "Seventh Seal" was preparing for what was to follow during the sounding of the "Trumpets," and the pouring out of the "Vials."

The suspense of the half hour of SILENCE in Heaven was intense. But why that half hour of silence? What did it mean? It was the period of silent preparation for the awful judgments that were to burst forth in the earth under the "Trumpets" and "Vials."

The run up to the final tribulation will provoke a “praying always, that ye may be accounted worthy... to stand before the Son of man" (Lk. 21:36). Perhaps this intense latter day praying of the faithful is what Rev. 8:1 refers to, in speaking of "silence in heaven" when the seventh seal was opened- for this is one of Revelation's allusions to the temple service: "In the Temple, when the incense was offered, the people retired from the court and prostrated themselves in silent prayer".

comparing Matthew 24 and Revelation 6

Bible Prophecy has a dual fulfilment application the first is short-term fulfilment which is now history that is a fulfilled prophecy which has happened in the past. Next is the future application or  the long-term fulfilment

When we come to the Book of Revelation most people do not understand that it has a dual application. The Continuous Historical interpretation understands the Book of Revelation as setting forth the major events of Christian history spanning the time of John until the second coming. Therefore the seals and trumpets have already been fulfilled in the past. 

However I believe that the seals and trumpets have also a  dual fulfilment to come to pass in the last days

John was told that the events of the seals "must take place". The Olivet prophecy uses the same phrase (Mt. 24:6; Lk. 21:9). The Olivet prophecy describes the events of both AD70 and our present last days, with special reference to the tribulation of God's people, both natural and spiritual. The connections between the Olivet prophecy and the seals would therefore indicate that the seals, and therefore much of Revelation, has a fulfilment in the last days. 

MATT. 24:4-5 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.	1-SEAL FALSE CHRIST'S	REV. 6:1-2 AND I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
MATT. 24:6-7 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these thingsmust come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:	2-SEAL WARS	REV. 6:3-4 3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 4 And there went out. another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
p. 63
MATT 24:7 and there shall be famines,	3-SEAL FAMINES	REV. 6:5-6 5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
MATT. 24:7-8      and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.	4-SEAL PESTILENCE AND DEATH	REV. 6:7-8 7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell fol. lowed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
MATT. 24:9-13 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.	5-SEAL MARTYRDOMS	REV. 6:9-11 9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy, and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11, And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until . their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled:
MATT. 24:14 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.		THE GOSPEL NOW BEING PREACHED IS THE "GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD": ACTS 20:24.
ANSWER TO THE SECOND QUESTION
MATT. 24:15 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand,)		"THE SIGN" OF THE "DESOLATOR" DAN 9:27
p. 64
MATT. 24:16-22 16 Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: 17 Let .him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his. clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give. suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.	<--- THE "GREAT TRIBULATION"
ANSWER TO THIRD QUESTION
MATT. 24:29-30 29 ¶ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.	6-SEAL PHYSICAL CHANGES	REV. 6:12-17 12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 1 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bond man, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to 'the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
THE "FIG-TREE" SIGN MATT. 24:32-35 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the floors.	6-SEAL PHYSICAL CHANGES
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.	<-- JEWISH RACE

The seals, then, can be applied to our latter day tribulation. They are snapshots of the same scene from different angles. The seals and the repeated references to the tribulation period can be understood likewise; they are giving different aspects of information about the same basic scene. 

The sixth seal concludes with the great day of the Lamb coming, with the fig tree casting her immature figs (cp. the fig tree parable), and great changes in Heaven and earth. This must have some reference to the second coming. 

Revelation 7 then describes how the 144,000 are sealed to ultimately survive the persecution, and due to the accumulated intense prayer of the persecuted believers, the seventh seal of judgment is poured out on the world (8:3,4), resulting finally in the establishment of the Kingdom. 

SEVEN CLIMAXES OF THE APOCALYPSE

Revelation 1:1 to 1:9 - Opening and Salutation

Climax #1 - Revelation 1:10 to 4:11 - Seven letters to seven churches

Climax #2 - Revelation 5:1 to 8:1 - A book with seven seals

Climax #3 - Revelation 8:2 to 11:19 - Seven angels with seven trumpets

Climax #4 - Revelation 12:1 to 14:20 - Stories of beasts and harvests

Climax #5 - Revelation 15:1 to 16:21 - Seven angels with seven vials

Climax #6 - Revelation 17:1 to 19:21 - Harlot, beasts, true bride & groom

Climax #7 - Revelation 20:1 to 22:15 - Two "thousand years" periods

Revelation 22:16 to 22:21 - Closing and warnings to readers

John was shown seven different perspectives, or points of view, or history-to-come; how each climax coincided with the others, beginning at the time when John saw them - or near after - and ending at the judgement and kingdom of God; visions of the church (the true one and the false one), of certain groups of men, of the world governments, and their relationships to each other.

Revelation 6 The first 6 seals

On being opened, the seven-sealed scroll reveals the course of future events

1st seal from 33AD to 313AD

1 ¶  And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

Noise of thunder:

the voice of thunder the first living creature spoke with a voice of thunder a voice stands for an order or command a command of judgement. Now thunder implies a storm and storm symbolises political trouble (1sam 2:10 zech 9:13,14). So the thunder is a symbol of  storm judgement on the roman empire from 33AD to 313 when the paganism of Rome was suppressed in favour of Christianity

This thunder judgement was because of Roman persecution of the Jews and the Christians.

During this period the Roman Empire is afflicted with insurrection many of its emperors, died by violence murdered or assassinated.

The thunder of insurrection that developed in these events cleared the way for a change in human affairs

Next John sees a white horse and the rider has a bow and a crown and it goes forth conquering and to conquer. This is the first period of the church in the world when it went forth conquering and triumphant and the gospel message was carried over all the Roman empire until Christianity conquered the empire.

Christians usually assume this horseman is Jesus Christ because Christ also comes on a white horse. But Christ comes with a sword, not with a bow (Revelation 19:11-15).And when you see what this white horseman actually does, you realize that even though he looks like Christ, it isn’t Christ at all! This is a false Christ who has DECEIVED THE WORLD

The white horse is a symbol of Rome under the pace of Constantine he is the rider on the horse a rider of a horse is use for rulers of nations zech 10:5 and here denotes those who guide the destiny of Rome.

the rider on the horse is The Bishop of Rome, the embryo Pope, 6. The Man of Sin

The bow was arrowless now the bow is used for the word of god zech 9;13-14 psa 64;3  and symbolis the influence of Christianity conquering by the power of the word. Constantine in the year 313 issused a decree giving toleration to Christianity and shortly afterwards he declared himself a Christian. Thus after two and a half centuries of bitter persecution the  church had triumphed and the cross replaced the eagle on the standards of Rome.

2nd seal

the period is from around 313 to 800AD

John sees a red horse and power was given to the rider to take peace away from the earth. Soon after the Roman Empire officially accepted Christianity it began to fall into decay. corruption within, civil war and the barbarian tribes without gradually weakened the empire

The rider of the red horse which moved in from the west carried a great dagger, and was commanded to take peace from the earth, to cause men to slay one another. This is a clear an indication as one could want that civil war was to be God’s next judgement

The great dagger is not the same word in vs. 8  which is a sword of open war. Thus this sword is figurative of internal war which were fulfilled following the death of Constantine.

The legions were withdrawn from the outlying provinces as Rome weakened Europe fell into chaos. The Church moved into the power vacuum trying to manipulate the various rulers. peace was indeed taken away from the earth. The period continues to about the 8th century when Europe began to be dominated by the franks through whom the church began to wield power. In 800AD Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the holy Roman empire

3rd seal

the period is from around 800 to 1200AD

Balance joined with symbols denoting the sale of corn and fruits by weight, becomes the symbol of scarcity; bread by weight being a curse in Lev. 26:26 and in Ezek. 4:16,17. During this period the common people could have in their own tongue only a few words or verses of the Scriptures; and for these they were obliged to pay large sums to the clergy, who alone had the ability to translate from the dead languages, or even to read at all. As the services were in Latin the people were starved spiritually.

Famines in the period 927–928 Caused by four months of frost Byzantine Empire

1005 England

1016 Famine throughout Europe


4th seal

the period is from around 1200AD to 1500AD


The opening of this seal represents a truly terrible period. As in the letters to the churches of about this period the direction of the vision is changed from the professing christian church to the faithful few. One of the results of the assumption of power by the Roman Church was the denial of freedom of individual thought and the instrument designed to enforce this was the inquisition. it is impossible to tell how many people died under this system whilst it ruled without any organised opposition, but it is estimted that it was many times more than those who died under the earlier  persecution by again pagan Rome

during this same period there were endless wars in Europe as rival claims to thrones tried to establish themselves plague and pestilence followed in the wake of the wars  it is estimated that the black death took about a quarter of the population of Europe



5th seal

this period is from around 1500 to 1799


This period is parallel to the letter to philadelphia John sees the souls of those who had already been martyred in the preceding periods and they wanted to know how long it would be before God would come and judge the persecutors. they were told to wait a little longer until the number would be complete

it is the period following the reformation when man's consciousness arose against the wickedness of the Roman Church

6th seal

this period is from around 1799 to 1948

"Earthquake" the French revolution

And the sun became black as sackcloth of hair

dissolved on 6 August 1806, when the last Holy Roman Emperor Francis II (from 1804, Emperor Francis I of Austria) abdicated, following a military defeat by the French under Napoleon

And the stars of heaven [the Roman Church] fell unto the earth

Symbolically, the stars of the papal heavens (the pope) fell to the earth when Napoleon fined the Pope ten million dollars, organized the Papal territory into a republic and took the Pope prisoner

• The fallen starts  was the church in the French Revolution (1789). 

• Sword. Two world wars and the threat of global annihilation by nuclear and biological weapons

Even as a fig tree

The fig tree in this prophecy may be understood to signify the Jewish nation. (Matt. 24:32.) If so, it is being fulfilled; the Zionist movement, started in 1897, since that time Jewish nation was born in 1948 these buds have thrive.

CASTING her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. — threw off its immature show of character], it shall also throw off its immature show of character when surrounded in the very end by "Gog"

when she is shaken of a mighty wind [surrounded by the armies of Gog.









7th seal

A revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him Revelation 1:1

Revelation 1:1 A revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place. And he sent forth his angel and presented [it] in signs through him to his slave John,

“A revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place.” (Revelation 1:1a) So it was the resurrected Jesus Christ who received this important message from God.

Far from being part of a mystic Trinity, Jesus is here shown to be subject to his Father. In the same way, the “slaves” making up the Christian Churches are subject to Jesus Christ.

"Of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him" — This teaches that Jesus was dependent upon God for the knowledge that he passed on to "his slaves," and proves conclusively that he is not co-equal with the Father. Previously certain knowledge was hidden from the Lord (see Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7), but having "prevailed," and having been raised from the dead to life eternal, and elevated to the right hand of God, the; full revelation of the Father's purpose was given unto him (see Rev. 5:5). In turn, he passed this knowledge on to his servants over whom he has the preeminence (Col. 1:18).

“Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open,’ he said, ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’”—Catholic Jerusalem Bible.

Stephen saw a vision of God in heaven with Jesus standing next to Him. The Son was standing next to the One termed, not just “Father,” but “God,” one completely separate in identity from Jesus. And there was no third person involved in what Stephen saw. The holy spirit was not seen in heaven with Jesus and his Father.

That is similar to Revelation 1:1, which states: “This is the revelation given by God to Jesus Christ.” (The Jerusalem Bible) Again, the resurrected Jesus in heaven is shown to be entirely separate from God, and the holy spirit is not mentioned. If Jesus were the second person of a Trinity, knowing all things, how could he be “given” a revelation?

IF THE Trinity were true, it should be clearly and consistently presented in the Bible. Why? Because, as the apostles affirmed, the Bible is God’s revelation of himself to mankind. And since we need to know God to worship him acceptably, the Bible should be clear in telling us just who he is.

One like a son of man Revelation 1

What do the seven churches represent? The seven churches represent the faculties of the divine mind manifed in the believer.


One "like a son of man" walking in an area where there were seven golden lampstands. This would be a symbolic representation of spiritual illumination. The one “like unto a son of man” was a vision of the glorified body of Jesus after resurrection. It is also a description of what we shall be when we become like him in manifestation. 1 John 3:2 Which we will look at in another video


"dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest." Perhaps this was an indirect reference to the seamless robe mentioned in the Gospels. (See John 19:23.) Symbolically, this would represent wholeness, or completeness.


"Hair white as wool ... eyes like a flame of fire." The white hair was the well-known symbol of age and wisdom, while the flashing eyes emphasised the fact that age had not dulled the perceptive powers of the Christ.


"His feet were like polished bronze"—a reference to stability and understanding as relating to all affairs of life.


"In his right hand he held seven stars." Here, the author was apparently thinking of a scepter, as held by a monarch, symbolizing royal power. This would recall Jesus' own words: "All authority (power, A.V.) in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matt. 28:18).


"From his mouth issued a sharp two-edged sword." What is the two-edged sword? The Word of God.This would symbolize the power of the spoken word. The writer to the Hebrews states that "the word of God is ... sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb. 4:12). It will be noticed that in Revelation Jesus is presented as a warrior, rather than as "Prince of Peace."


"First and last. . . alive for evermore ... have the keys of Death and Hades." All these phrases are reminiscent of the Isaiah's words: Isaiah 22:22 And the key of the house of David will I lay on his shoulder;