Revelation Explained

The Marriage Supper

2008-05-15T20:54:00.002-04:00

"Then he said to me, 'Write, "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb" ' And he said to me, 'These are true words of God.' Then I fell at his feet to worship him But he said to me, 'Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' " (Revelation 19:9,10 - New American Standard)

The celebration of the Marriage Supper will occur after the Battle of Armageddon when the New Jerusalem descends from heaven. To this feast will be invited all the saved who are in glorified bodies whose home will be the New Jerusalem and all the saved in fleshly bodies who enter into the Millennial Reign of Christ.

In New Testament times, marriage suppers were the most joyous and festive events which the average person ever attended. This Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be the most joyous and festive event of all time.

At this point, John is so overwhelmed with emotion that he falls down before the angel who is showing him these things and begins to worship him. The angel immediately stops him. The angels of God do not desire our worship.

This great and mighty angel is but a fellow servant of God with us. He is our brother in the service of the Lord. We worship God. He worships God.

We should not give worship to any created being. No angel, no saint, no creature is to be given the praise, glory, worship and adoration that belongs to God. With the conclusion of heaven's Hallelujah chorus, the army of heaven is ready to march. The Battle of Armageddon is about to begin.

The Bride is Ready

2008-05-03T19:55:00.003-04:00

"The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: 'Amen, Hallelujah!' Then a voice came from the throne, saying: 'Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!' Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.' (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)" (Revelation 19:4-8 - New International Version)

As the worship continues, the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures join the multitude praising God. A voice from God's throne calls upon all God's servants to praise him.

The voice that John hears in verse six was loud, melodious and powerful. He does not tell us who it was that spoke. This voice announces that God Almighty reigns.

God has always reigned in heaven. However, this passage should be seen in relation to ruling the earth. God's reign on earth is about to begin. The god of this world, Satan, is about to be dethroned.

Who is the bride of Christ in Revelation? Most commentators state that it is the Church. Ephesians tells us that the relationship of Christ and the Church is like the relationship between husband and wife. This is figurative.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation is also figurative. There is not going to be an actual marriage ceremony. Jesus is not going to actually marry some person. In Revelation, John uses the term bride four times. He speaks of marriage twice. He writes of a wife twice. Of these eight times, seven refer to Christ and his bride in two passages. The first passage is the one we are studying. This passage does not tell us who the bride is.

The other passage is Revelation chapter twenty-one verses nine and ten. This passages does tell us who the bride is.

“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.' 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.” (New International Version)

The bride of Christ in Revelation is a city: the New Jerusalem. When we get to chapter twenty-one in our study, we will discuss the symbolism of this if more detail. For our understanding of the passage before us, we only need to understand that the bride is this city.

At the time to which our passage relates, the city will be ready. It will be ready to descend from heaven to the earth.

The beauty of the New Jerusalem is described in more detail latter. Her beauty will be based upon both the work of God and the work of the saints. She will be decorated with the glory of God and the godly deeds of the redeemed. This is figurative.

Heaven's Hallelujah Chorus

2008-04-21T06:23:00.002-04:00

"And after these things I heard a great voice of a great multitude in the heaven, saying, `Alleluia! the salvation, and the glory, and the honour, and the power, [is] to the Lord our God; because true and righteous [are] His judgments, because He did judge the great whore who did corrupt the earth in her whoredom, and He did avenge the blood of His servants at her hand;' and a second time they said, `Alleluia;' and her smoke doth come up -- to the ages of the ages!" (Revelation 19:1-3 - Young's Literal Translation)

This passage is the only place in the King James Version where the word Alleluia or Hallelujah appears. In the Old Testament, it is always translated: Praise ye the Lord. It is not found anywhere else in the New Testament.

This Hallelujah chorus in heaven is before the return of Christ for the Battle of Armageddon. The forces of the Anti-Christ prepare for the battles with curses and blasphemy. Heaven's army prepares with worship and praise.

The Apostle John hears a great crowd in heaven. He does not tell us who make up this crowd. It may include angels and saved human beings.

They praise God. They declare him to be the source of salvation, of glory, or honor and of power. They give both a general and specific reason for their praise.

The general reason is that God's judgments are true and righteous. The word true carries with it the thought of being ideal. Righteous has a similar idea. God's judgments are just. The punishment fits the crime.

The specific reason for the praise of this crowd is that God has judged the great prostitute. This refers to both Religious Babylon of chapter seventeen and Commercial Babylon of chapter eighteen. Both will draw people away from God. Both will kill those who do not submit to their authority. Both will make war on God's children. Their destruction as described in Revelation fits their awful deeds.

Babylon Thrown Down

2008-04-19T19:57:00.002-04:00

"Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, 'Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.' ” (Revelation 18:21-24 - New King James Version)

The angel in verse twenty one throwing the stone into the sea symbolizes the complete and final destruction of Babylon. It will be quickly destroyed. It will never again be built.

The destruction of Babylon will be complete. There will no more singing or music in the city. There will be no one working a trade. There will be no one preparing food. There will be no light in the city. There will be no rejoicing. It will be totally destroyed. If any survive the destruction, they will leave and never return.

This city will be the center of the world. All will adore her. Yet the respect and admiration she gets will be based upon lies. Satan will blind people's eyes to the ugly truth.

Her destruction will come because she will kill God's people and all others who might oppose her rule. This will happen near the end of the Tribulation just before the battle of Armageddon. Chapter nineteen tells us about that battle.

Rejoice, Babylon Has Fallen

2008-04-12T15:37:00.002-04:00

"The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, 'Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.' And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, 'What city was like the great city?' And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, 'Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste.' Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets,for God has given judgment for you against her!" (Revelation 18:15-20 - English Standard Version)

The third group who mourn for the city are those who made their living bringing the merchandise to the city: the sailors and ship owners. These mourn more than the others, even throwing dust on their heads. With her sudden destruction, their jobs are gone.

While those who profited from the wickedness of Babylon mourn, those who are godly are called upon to rejoice. God has avenged the blood of his servants. We are not to be glad because people suffer or die. We are to be glad that wickedness will be destroyed and that good will prevail. It is the end of their wicked deeds that cause us to rejoice.

God is not happy that the wicked are destroyed. He is happy when the wicked repent, turn their lives over to him and change their ways. He is happy when evil is no longer practiced. Unfortunately some will never turn to him, and their evil will not end until they are destroyed.

Mourning for Babylon

2008-03-31T19:50:00.001-04:00

"And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all." (Revelation 18:9-14 - King James Version)

When God destroys this city, the rulers of the world will mourn. They will miss the pleasures and luxuries that they enjoyed there. Her destruction will make them sad.

However, they will mourn her from afar. They will not go to her aid. They will simply watch her burn. They do not want to suffer the fate of her residents. The destruction is so sudden that the rulers describe it as occurring in one hour.

The items listed in verses twelve and thirteen are all luxuries. During the last part of the Tribulation, most people will be struggling just to survive. Those connected to the government will be living well. With the destruction of the capital, no one else will be able to afford these things. There will be no market for them.

Babylon will have enjoyed fine jewelry, the latest fashions, expensive furniture and ornaments, spices, perfumes, strong drink and exotic foods. It will also attract those whom it can use for their pleasure: people so desperate that they will sell themselves to survive. The citizens of this city will use them like slaves, like animals, and think nothing of it.

This city will never again enjoy those things after which she lusted. Those who supplied this city's desires and became rich will also stand afar off and mourn. They will not try to help but be sad that no one will buy their goods any longer.

Both the rulers and the merchants will be sad because Babylon is destroyed. Not because they cared about the city. They will be sad because her destruction will be bad for them.

Commercial Babylon Destroyed

2008-03-25T12:59:00.001-04:00

"Repay to her what she herself has paid [to others] and double [her doom] in accordance with what she has done. Mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed [for others]. To the degree that she glorified herself and reveled in her wantonness [living deliciously and luxuriously], to that measure impose on her torment and anguish and tears and mourning. Since in her heart she boasts, I am not a widow; as a queen [on a throne] I sit, and I shall never see suffering or experience sorrow--So shall her plagues (afflictions, calamities) come thick upon her in a single day, pestilence and anguish and sorrow and famine; and she shall be utterly consumed (burned up with fire), for mighty is the Lord God Who judges her." (Revelation 18:6-8 - Amplified Bible)

Verses six through eight make it clear that what happens to this city is according to justice. It is the result of their own wickedness.

God will do to them what they have done to others. What she has made others drink, she will drink in double portion. The misery, torture and death that she has caused will be brought upon her. According to how she has lifted herself up, and exalted herself and lived in luxury while others suffered, so will be the measure of her downfall. This city will think itself invincible, secure and strong. God will destroy it in one day.

The fifth bowl of God's wrath will bring darkness upon this city. The seventh bowl will bring her complete destruction. Revelation chapter sixteen verse nineteen tells us that God will remember great Babylon and “give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath!”

The great earthquake of that day will destroy the city and the volcanic activity that follows will bring more death and destruction. The city will burn.

Come Out of Her

2008-03-22T16:35:00.003-04:00

"Just then I heard another shout out of Heaven: 'Get out, my people, as fast as you can, so you don't get mixed up in her sins, so you don't get caught in her doom. Her sins stink to high Heaven; God has remembered every evil she's done.' " (Revelation 18:4,5 - The Message)

John hears another voice from heaven. He does not tell us whose voice it was. The context would suggest that it is the voice of Jesus.

God's people are called upon to remove themselves from the city of Babylon. This call is a warning for those who will live during the Tribulation to avoid compromise with the government, system and religion of the Anti-Christ. Its application, however, extends to all Christians who live at any time. We are to avoid becoming a part of the worldly and immoral society in which we live.

Those Christians who compromise or ignore the social evils of their society will soon fall victim to the sins around them. Their morals will slip and soon they will be in bondage to sinful habits that will greatly limit their ability to serve God. Such things may destroy their testimony and even their lives. “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins!”

Jesus warns that those who ignore his warning face the same destruction as is reserved for this city. Lot and his family suffered because they were living in Sodom when God destroyed it. They lost all their possessions. Lot's wife lost her life. It is dangerous to continue a love affair with the things of the world.

People may think that God does not see their sinful ways. They may think that judgment and eternal punishment are outdated concepts. They may continue in wickedness for a long time. But God sees. He remembers. And his wrath will fall upon this world. It is certain. We should not doubt it.

Commercial Babylon

2008-03-17T06:20:00.002-04:00

"After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality.' " (Revelation 18:1-3 - New American Standard)

Chapter seventeen of Revelation dealt with Religious Babylon. This represented the great united world religion that will exist during the first part of the Tribulation. This system will eventually be destroyed by supporters of the Anti-Christ and replaced by the worship of the Anti-Christ. Some commentators believe that chapter eighteen describes the same religious system.

However, most commentators take the position that chapter eighteen is dealing with commercial Babylon. This will be a city which reaches a position of world wide influence and power during the Tribulation. This will likely be the capital of the world government. Some believe that this city will be on the site of ancient Babylon in modern day Iraq. Others believe that it will be Rome. Rome is more likely but it could be any city selected by the Anti-Christ as his capital.

We are not told who this angel is. His description indicates that he is an angel of great authority and responsibility. There is much that we do not know about the positions and duties of angels.

This angel speaks in the past tense announcing the fall of Babylon. John freely mixes past, present and future tenses in this chapter. This should not be considered strange in prophetic writing.

Babylon was the capital city of the great Babylonian Empire. in the book of Daniel, it is the first of the five great Gentile powers. It represents the wicked immoral system of this world as opposed to the kingdom of God. In this chapter it represents the capital of the great world government of the Anti-Christ.

This city will be a place of much occult activity. Its ruler will be possessed by Satan. Demons will come and go constantly. It will be given over to witchcraft, astrology, drug addiction, immorality and corruption.

All nations will submit to the power of this city. The authority of the Anti-Christ will be world wide. All the world's rulers will visit this place and partake of her immoral pleasures. The large multi-national corporations will supply all for which this city lusts. Wealth will flow in from all the nations, and will be spent on luxuries. While the rest of mankind suffers under the terrible disasters of the Tribulation, this city will enjoy prosperity and unrestrained revelry.

The Prostitute Destroyed

2008-03-09T09:40:00.002-04:00

" 'This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little while. The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 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.' Then the angel said to me, 'The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages. The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled. The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.' " (Revelation 17:9-18 - New International Version)

The angel says that the woman sits upon the seven mountains. This would seem to indicate that her headquarters will be in a city that is built on seven hills. Ancient Rome was built on seven hills. This is most likely the location. Although there are other possibilities that have been suggested, one of which is Jerusalem.

The angel then speaks of seven kings. Five are past. One existed during the time of John, One is yet to come. The Anti-Christ will be the eighth and the seventh.

These seven kings represent the seven world empires. The five that are past are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia and Greece. The one that existed when John wrote was the Roman Empire. The seventh will be the kingdom of the Anti-Christ. The eighth will be the kingdom of Satan ruling through the body of the Anti-Christ.

During the early stages of the Tribulation, there will be ten rulers who will support the Anti-Christ in his rise to power. They will be fully committed to the Anti-Christ. Many have suggested that these will be European rulers. This is a strong possibility, although one or more of these may rule in another part of the world.

Verse fourteen skips forward to the Battle of Armageddon. Then, Jesus will once and for all overthrow all his enemies and all those who oppose the truth. The saved will return with him at the time of this battle.

The ten kings who support the Anti-Christ's rise to power will see the influence of the world's religious system as a potential threat to their plans and to the authority of the Anti-Christ. They will wait for the right time to destroy the prostitute.

After the resurrection of the Anti-Christ, they will act. They will establish a new religion centered around the worship of the Anti-Christ. Once it is fully established, they will turn upon the great prostitute and destroy her. This will happen sometime after the middle of the Tribulation. During the last part of the Tribulation, all people will be required to worship the Anti-Christ or be killed.

Drunk with the Blood of the Saints

2008-03-04T01:46:00.002-05:00

"And I saw the woman drunken from the blood of the saints, and from the blood of the witnesses of Jesus, and I did wonder -- having seen her -- with great wonder; and the messenger said to me, `Wherefore didst thou wonder? I -- I will tell thee the secret of the woman and of the beast that [is] carrying her, which hath the seven heads and the ten horns. `The beast that thou didst see: it was, and it is not; and it is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go away to destruction, and wonder shall those dwelling upon the earth, whose names have not been written upon the scroll of the life from the foundation of the world, beholding the beast that was, and is not, although it is.' " (Revelation 17:6-8 - Young's Literal Translation)

Once this world-wide religious system is established, it will persecute all those who will not conform to it teaching. It will be intoxicated with blood. The blood of true Christians will be addictive. The more she kills; the more she will desire to kill.

John is amazed by this prostitute. He admires her beauty and wealth and is repelled by her evil and immorality.

The angel tells John that he will explain to him the vision that he has seen. To some commentators, the angel's explanation is just as difficult to understand as the vision itself. However, if we keep in mind an overview of the Tribulation events, things will come into focus.

The angel says that the beast was, and is not and yet is. This beast is the Anti-Christ. In what way does this strange description apply to him. In chapter thirteen we studied the Anti-Christ. Three times in that chapter, John mentions a fatal wound that the Anti-Christ receives. Satan will resurrect the Anti-Christ by possessing his body and animating it. It will be an imperfect imitation of the Resurrection of Jesus.

So the Anti-Christ was alive. Then he died and is not. Then Satan resurrects him and he yet is.
This also explains the reference to the bottomless pit and perdition. Satan will ascend out of the pit to possess the body of the Anti-Christ. At the end of the Tribulation, all those whose names are not in the Book of Life will go into perdition.

The entire world will honor the Anti-Christ when he is resurrected. Only the saved will see things as the truly are. Only the saved will understand what has actually occurred.

The Woman on the Beast

2008-03-01T03:15:00.001-05:00

"And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness: and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication, and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." (Revelation 17:3-5 - American Standard Version)

The beast is the Anti-Christ. This ungodly religion and the Anti-Christ will be partners. They will assist each other as one seeks to rule the world spiritually and the other seeks to rule the world politically. They will unite their efforts early in the Tribulation.

Verse four is a picture of great wealth. In New Testament times, purple and scarlet dies were expensive. Only the wealthy could afford such colors. So this religious system will be very wealthy.

The golden cup represents the teachings of this religion. On the outside, it looks good and beautiful. However, the truth is that it is full of wicked and immoral teachings and practices. In God's eyes, this religion will be dirty and disgusting. From God's view, there will be nothing good in this religion.

The name of this new religious order is a mystery. It is something that must be carefully considered.

She is Babylon. Babylon was an ancient city. Its ruins are in modern day Iraq. This city is considered to have grown out of Babel. Babel is man's first city and is described in Genesis chapter eleven.

There are many parallels between the Babylon of Revelation and the Babel of Genesis. Both seek to unite mankind politically and spiritually. Both are opposed to the truth and to God. Both are destroyed by God.

This Babylon the Great will be the mother of all false religions. All of them will unite under her leadership.

The Great Prostitute

2008-02-27T03:00:00.002-05:00

"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke to me. He said, 'Come, and I will show you the punishment that will be given to the great prostitute, the one sitting over many waters. The kings of the earth sinned sexually with her, and the people of the earth became drunk from the wine of her sexual sin.' " (Revelation 17:1,2 -New Century Version)

Chapter Seventeen, like many others in Revelation, is not in chronological order. There are, however, some clues that give us a good idea of when this chapter fits into the Tribulation period.

This chapter describes a great religious system that will exist during the first part of the Tribulation. This religion will be used by the Anti-Christ as he consolidates his position as world ruler. There is much symbolism in this chapter; most of it is easy to understand.

Often in Revelation, an angel speaks with John and points out to him something of importance, or explains what John is seeing. This angel does both. This angel is one of the ones who poured out the bowls of God's wrath. He now wants to show John the judgment that will come upon the great prostitute.

In the Bible, adultery and prostitution are used in both a physical and spiritual sense. Spiritually these terms speak of false religion and being unfaithful to God and the truth.

So the great prostitute represents a wicked and immoral religious system. She claims to offer peace with God. In fact, to accept her seductive ways brings damnation.

Verse fifteen tells us that the waters upon which this woman is sitting represents all people groups. This will be a world-wide religious system. All ethnic groups, all nationalities, all languages will be represented within this immoral religion. This religion will be multi-faith and ecumenical. It will seek to please everybody but God.

This religious system will have political power because of its world-wide nature. The kings of the earth will join this new religion.

The Seventh Bowl of Wrath

2008-01-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

"Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great." (Revelation 16:17-21 - New King James Version)

When the seventh bowl is poured out, God speaks. He says a single word. It is the same word Jesus used on the cross that is translated, “It is finished.”

With the pouring out of the last bowl of God's wrath, the reign of man is finished; the power of Satan is finished; the waiting for justice is finished. It is time for Christ to lead his army to victory. However, John has a lot to tell us before he describes the battle in chapter nineteen.

The seventh bowl introduces another series of natural disasters: thunder, lightning and another earthquake. Earlier in Revelation under the sixth seal, John tells us about a great earthquake that caused men to hide in the mountains and cry out in fear. Under the seventh seal, there was another earthquake. Under the sixth trumpet, there was another great earthquake. Through out the Tribulation, there will be other minor earthquakes and tremors.

Under the seventh bowl will occur an earthquake greater than all the others. An earthquake more powerful than any that has ever occurred in the history of man. Every place on earth will move! No place will escape the effects of this earthquake.

Jerusalem will be divided into three sections because of the movement of the earth. Cities all over the world will face great destruction. The capital of the Anti-Christ will be especially hard hit.

Following this earthquake, volcanic activity will be world-wide. As we mentioned before the Greek word used for hail in Revelation means anything that falls. This hail will be huge rocks thrown into the air be the volcanoes. Some of these rocks will weigh 45 kg (100 pounds).

How will man react in the face of this destruction? He will curse God! Rather than recognize that this had been brought on by his own wickedness, mankind will blame God.

Armageddon

2007-11-22T06:05:00.000-05:00

"An evil spirit that looked like a frog came out of the mouth of the dragon. One also came out of the mouth of the beast, and another out of the mouth of the false prophet. These evil spirits had the power to work miracles. They went to every king on earth, to bring them together for a war against God All-Powerful. But that will be the day of God's great victory. Remember that Christ says, 'When I come, it will surprise you like a thief! But God will bless you, if you are awake and ready. Then you won't have to walk around naked and be ashamed.' Those armies came together in a place that in Hebrew is called Armagedon" (Revelation 16:13-16 - Contemporary English Version)

Satan puts all his efforts into gathering a great physical and spiritual army. He plans one more attempt to gain the throne of heaven. All his efforts, however, are only serving God's purpose. Satan is gathering his forces for the battle of the great day of God Almighty. It will be the day when God proves once and for all that he is in control and all opposition will be humbled.

Jesus, in verse fifteen, interjects a warning at this point in John's account. Jesus is coming at a time when most people will not expect him. Most people will not be ready for his appearance. Those who are spiritually prepared will be blessed by his return. Those who are saved but who are spiritually naked, unprepared and living selfishly and sinfully at his return will be ashamed.

Armageddon means either the hill or city of Megiddo. Megiddo means place of troops or place of slaughter. This town was located on the southern rim of a huge plain. This valley is about 22 km (14 miles) wide and 32 km (20 miles) long. Napoleon called it “the most natural battlefield of the whole earth.”

This area has seen many battles. The Israelites under Barak defeated the Canaanites here. Israel under Gideon defeated the Midianites. The Philistines defeated Israel in this valley and killed her first king, Saul. Pharaohnechoh and the Egyptians defeated Judah and killed king Josiah at Megiddo while on their way to battle Nebuchadnezzar. General Titus and a Roman army marched across this valley on their way to destroy Jerusalem. The Crusaders fought here. During World War I, the British General Allenby used the valley in defeating the Turkish army. At least one more battle will be fought here: the Battle of Armageddon.

The Sixth Bowl of Wrath

2007-09-26T06:31:00.000-04:00

"The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east." (Revelation 16:12 - English Standard Version)

Depending upon how we understand previous passages in Revelation, this verse may or may not be difficult to interpret. In our study of Revelation chapter 12, we considered the very real possibility that the Euphrates River will be diverted because of the earthquake activity during the Tribulation. This would occur around the middle of the Tribulation.

If the Euphrates was diverted into the Jordan River system about 42 months before the sixth bowl is poured out, the drying of the Euphrates at this point is puzzling. There are two possibilities, either only part of the water was diverted then and the rest now dries up, or else, the head waters of Euphrates are dried up at this time which in turn dries up the Jordan River system into which these waters now flow. If the kings of the east are to easily enter into the Valley of Megiddo, they must cross the Jordan.

God will prepare the way for all peoples to move toward Jerusalem. He will dry up rivers. He will squeeze the sides of the Gulf of Suez together to allow the kings of the south easy access. Isaiah 11:15 says, “And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry shod.” (King James Version)

The next verses in Revelation tell us who will come and gather in this valley. It has been called the Valley of Jezreel, the Valley of Esdraelon and the Valley of Megiddo. Christians usually call it Armageddon.

The Fifth Bowl of Wrath

2007-08-07T19:38:00.000-04:00

"And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds." (Revelation 16:10,11 - King James Version)

The first bowl of wrath causes painful sores to break out on those who follow the beast. The second destroys all sea life. The third pollutes all rivers and fountains. The fourth causes the sun to burn men with great heat.

These are direct acts of God. There are no scientific explanations for them. Yet rather than throw himself upon the mercy of God, mankind, as a whole, curses God. God continues to judge the wickedness of man.

Darkness thick enough to be felt falls upon the capital city of the beast. This may be Rome or a re-built Babylon or some other city. Wherever it is, the darkness will be complete. This will be a clear indication of God's disapproval of the Anti-Christ.

They will sit in darkness. The pain of the sores of the first bowl and the burning caused by the fourth bowl will continue to torment them. They will continue to blaspheme and curse God. They will continue in their rebellious sinful ways. They will refuse to repent and turn from wickedness.

The Fourth Bowl of Wrath

2007-06-11T05:17:00.000-04:00

"Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, causing it to scorch everyone with its fire. Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues. They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give him glory." (Revelation 16:8,9 - New Living Translation)

Under the fourth bowl, God allows the sun to burn people. Mankind is scorched. Possibly, God removes some of the protection of the ozone layer. Whatever occurs, it is caused by a direct act of God. People will suffer greatly from this heat.

Four times God will directly act in judgment upon man. He will send a plague of sores upon people. He will turn the sea and the rivers into blood. He will cause the sun to burn people. Yet rather than seek him, they will be harden in their rebellion. They will curse God and blaspheme. They will not repent.

When God sent His plagues upon Egypt, the Pharaoh's spiritual wickedness and hardness grew. When God sends these final plagues, they will only serve to increase the rebellious spirit of man. They will not repent.

The Third Bowl of Wrath

2007-03-12T18:22:00.000-04:00

"Then the third [angel] emptied out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they turned into (became) blood. And I also heard the angel of the waters say, Righteous (just) are You in these Your decisions and judgments, You Who are and were, O Holy One! Because they have poured out the blood of Your people (the saints) and the prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. Such is their due [they deserve it]! And [from] the altar I heard [the] cry, Yes, Lord God the Omnipotent, Your judgments (sentences, decisions) are true and just and righteous!" (Revelation 16:4-7 - Amplified Bible)

With the pouring out of the third bowl, God miraculously changes all rivers and fountains into blood. Fresh water will be almost impossible to find. An angel praises God for this judgment because it is fitting. The Anti-Christ and his followers have shed the blood of many people. Now they must drink blood. The wicked people of the earth are worthy to receive such punishment.

This reminds us that although God's wrath is terrible, it is also appropriate. It is what sinful man deserves. God is willing to forgive all people, but those who refuse to turn to him face judgment for their rebellion.

The Second Bowl of Wrath

2007-01-29T05:14:00.000-05:00

"The second Angel poured his bowl on the sea: The sea coagulated into blood, and everything in it died." (Revelation 16:3 - The Message)

Verse three in the Greek, reads, “it became blood as of a dead man.” John clearly distinguishes the blood here from that in early passages. Blood, in the Bible, can refer to anything with a blood red color. In chapter eight, it referred to the Red Tide which is a natural occurrence in the ocean. In chapter fourteen, it referred to molten lava.

However, in this passage, John tells us that he is speaking of blood like the blood of a dead man. It seems clear that under the second bowl of wrath, God turns the oceans into actual blood. The natural result will be the death of all marine life.

The First Bowl of Wrath

2007-01-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

"Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.' So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image." (Revelation 16:1,2 - New American Standard)

God's patience with man will once again run out. He will pour out judgment upon mankind because they rebel against him. These seven bowls of wrath are poured out one after the other in rapid succession over a period of a few weeks. Any longer and no one would be left alive at the end of the Tribulation.

The voice in verse one must belong to God. No one else is allowed in the temple during this time. The angels are ordered to pour out their vials or bowls. This shows the speed with which these things will happen. The angels go together one after another to pour out their bowls.

The sores of verse two are loathsome, foul, evil, malignant and painful. They are not treatable and last at least until the fifth bowl is poured out and likely until the end of the Tribulation when these people are cast into torments. These sours afflict the majority of mankind; those who worship the beast and his image. Those who have not accepted the mark of the beast will be spared.

The Seven Angels

2007-01-11T06:34:00.000-05:00

"After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened. Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed." (Revelation 15:5-8 - New International Version)

The tabernacle that Moses built and the temple built by Solomon were both patterned after the true temple in heaven. John sees seven angels coming out of the temple. They have just left a personal and private audience with God. These angels are dressed in white with golden sashes. Some think they are dresses as priests; others that they are dressed as ancient generals.

One of the four beasts, who are constantly in God's presence, hands each of the angels a bowl. These bowls are filled with God's anger.

The temple fills with the glory of God in the form of a thick cloud of smoke. The fate of the earth has been sealed. God's judgment is about to fall. No man is allowed into God's presence during this time.

This chapter should remind us that God always acts in holiness and justice. When he pours out his wrath it is the right thing to do. It also shows how serious heaven takes these events. These plagues are not sent to the earth arbitrarily or hastily. Only after an audience with God himself in the heavenly temple do these angels take the bowls and go to the earth.

We should neither question God's character because of his anger, nor underestimate the horror of it. Sometimes what is right and true is not pleasant.

The Victorious Ones

2007-01-04T05:14:00.000-05:00

"And I saw as a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who do gain the victory over the beast, and his image, and his mark, [and] the number of his name, standing by the sea of the glass, having harps of God, and they sing the song of Moses, servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, `Great and wonderful [are] Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty, righteous and true [are] Thy ways, O King of saints, who may not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? because Thou alone [art] kind, because all the nations shall come and bow before Thee, because Thy righteous acts were manifested.' " (Revelation 15:2-4 - Young's Literal Translation)

We were told in chapter four that the sea of glass is before God's throne. If the sea of glass in verse two is the same one then these people are standing before God's throne. These are the ones who had victory over the beast: the Tribulation martyrs. In God's eyes, we win the victory when we give up all for him. As Jim Elliot, one of the missionaries killed by the Auca Indians, said, “A man is no fool to give up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

These men and women, of whom the world is not worthy, stand before the throne of God with harps. Verse three tells us what they sing. They sing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb.

It is debated what the Song of Moses is. Some believe that it is the song that Moses and the people of Israel sang after crossing the Red Sea as recorded in Exodus fifteen. If this is the case then these saints in heaven would see the Pharaoh as symbolic of Satan and the forces of evil.

This is what Moses sang:
I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.
The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
Pharaoh's chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.
The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.
Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power.
Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy.
In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you.
You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.
By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.
The surging waters stood firm like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
The enemy boasted, 'I will pursue, I will overtake them.
I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them.
I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.'
But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them.
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia.
The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall upon them.
By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone— until your people pass by, O LORD, until the people you bought pass by.
You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance— the place, O LORD, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your hands established.
The LORD will reign for ever and ever.
(Exodus 15:1b-18 – New International Version)

The Song of the Lamb is that which John records in Revelation. Notice that although these are martyrs who gave their lives for the Lord, they do not speak of the things which they suffered and endured. They do not praise their own faithfulness or courage. Instead their praise is centered upon God's greatness.

They praise him for being all powerful. They praise him for his pure character. They proclaim him King of the nations. They announce that all peoples will worship the Lord. Their song is a beautiful song of praise.

The character of God as praised in this song should be constantly in our minds as we continue in Revelation. His wrath comes from a pure heart. We need to remember this.

The Seven Last Plagues

2007-01-01T08:25:00.000-05:00

"Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete." (Revelation 15:1 - New King James Version)

Chapter fifteen is a short interlude before God's wrath is poured out upon the earth. It reminds us that the judgment of God is not vindictive but just. It is not based upon anger but upon holiness. To lightly skip over this chapter would prevent us from seeing the wrath of chapter sixteen from the correct perspective.

Verse one is like a title for the chapter. The subject of this chapter is the seven angels who carry the bowls filled with God's wrath. John calls them a sign. These angels and their actions teach us about the holiness and justice of God.

There is a finality in the words of this verse. These angels carry the seven LAST plagues. These will bring an end to the Tribulation. The wrath or anger of God is filled up in these seven last plagues. The word for filled up or complete means finished. It is the same word Jesus used on the cross when He said, “It is finished.”

These plagues will finish the wrath of God. They will satisfy his justice.

The Winepress of the Earth

2006-12-21T05:36:00.000-05:00

"And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs." (Revelation 14:17-20 - King James Version)

Notice the difference in the actions of the first angel who harvests and the one in verses seventeen to twenty. The first thrust his sickle on the earth. This one thrusts his sickle into the earth. The first was harvesting the lives of men. The second is preparing a winepress.

Notice also that the angel commanding this one has power over fire. Remember that in the Bible, Isaiah 25:21, the earth is said to have blood, referring to the molten magma inside the earth.

This winepress will not be filled with human blood. It will be filled with the blood of the earth, red hot lava. The angel will strike the earth with his sickle opening up the Fault of Arabah which runs the length of Israel. For 300 km (about 180 miles), the lava will flow four feet deep.