Tag Archives: Revelation

Introduction into the book of Revelation

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Title: Revelation of Jesus Christ = Apocalypse = revealing, uncovering = Final Victory of Christ

Author:  Apostle John – (Rev, 1:1, 4, 9, 22:8)

Gospel of John, The Epistles of John- confirmed by Irenaeus and Justin Martyr

Common Themes- Christ is The Word, Christ is the Lamb

Historical account of John’s exile to Patmos

Tradition holds that on one occasion, John was scheduled for boiling in oil. He escaped by divine intervention. His exile on Patmos easily could have been a death sentence. When Emperor Domitian, who had exiled him to Patmos, had died, John was brought back to Ephesus, where he was confined for two years. It is written that he was compelled to drink poison but was unharmed, and finally died in peace.

source: Foxes Book of Martyrs

Date:  Early or Later Date? Majority believe it was written the end of the first century AD 94-96

Why is this significant? Destruction of the Jewish Temple 70 AD = Held by primarily Preterist

Strong evidence for a later date:

  •  Irenaeus – Church Father, disciple of John, affirms late date
  • Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Victorinus, Eusebius, Jerome -all affirm later date
  • 7 Churches of Revelation = point to a later date = example Church of Ephesus

4 Views of Revelation:

  • Preterist- Believe everything in Revelation is fulfilled by 70 AD- (hence the importance of the early date)
  • Historical View– Believe Revelation is a symbolic view of the Church history
  • Idealist View – View Revelation as symbolic of the cosmic world between good and evil
  • Futurist View – View events from Chapters 6-22 are still futuristic , and those chapters literally and symbolically depict real events, including the second coming of Christ, the Millennial Reign, Final Judgement ect

Matthew 24- Signs of The End

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And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:1-3

Matthew Chapter 24 is the core of all future end time events and the return of Christ. Now there are many Christians who believe all of Matthew 24 is already fulfilled, however while I believe parts are fulfilled, there are still many things to come, and will break it down in the next verses. The first sign of the end of the Old Covenant is the destruction of The Temple. This is one the of the charges the religious leaders placed on Christ during his trial, his prediction of the destruction of the Temple

We know that in 70 AD , this prophecy was fulfilled and the Temple in Israel was destroyed and never rebuilt , even to this day. Whether your a Christian or not, you can’t deny the accuracy of Jesus’ prophecy. However the destruction of The Temple has even greater meaning, as with the destruction of the Temple, goes the entire Mosaic Worship system, such as sacrifices, high priests, these are all fulfilled in Jesus Christ and his New Covenant (Hebrews 8)

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.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. Matthew 24:4-9

The disciples asked Jesus “What will be the signs of your return and the end of the age”? Jesus gives his disciples 4 signs, now when you study Revelation 6, the four horseman, they align perfectly with what Christ reveals here

  1. The Anti-Christ- 1rst Horseman White– 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. 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. Revelation 6:1-2 

Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many Matthew 24:5

Yes many Ant-Christs have already come and gone, but the Son of Perdition(2 Thessalonians 2) will come at the end to deceive most of the world

  1. Wars- 2nd Horseman Red And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 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. Revelation 6:3-4

          And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom Matthew 24:6-7

Yes there have been wars in the past, but the Anti-Christ will generate a war on a global scale, with casualties never seen in human history

  1. Famine – 3rd Horseman Pale   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. 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. Revelation 6:5-6 

           . For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places Matthew 24:7

Famine will come on a global scale that has never been seen before, and large amounts of the worlds population will die

  1. Death- 4th Horseman Black – And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed 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. Revelation 6:7-8

            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. Matthew 24:9

The Last Horseman will be death and it will been seen on a scale never seen before in the world

Other resources:

Is Jesus The First Horseman?

Is Jesus The First Horseman?

Is Jesus The First Horseman?

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Is Jesus the First Horseman?

Who is the first horseman in Revelation? The Watchtower teaches that the first horseman is Jesus Christ himself, but is this Biblical? Does this idea line up with the rest of scripture? Lets take a look:

When we compare Revelation 6 with Matthew 24, the answer is clear:

 

And I saw when the Lamba opened one of the seven seals,b and I heard one of the four living creaturesc say with a voice like thunder: “Come!” 2  And I saw, and look! a white horse,d and the one seated on it had a bow; and a crown was given him,e and he went out conquering and to complete his conquest.f Revelation 6:1-2 (NWT)

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. 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. Revelation 6:1-2 (KJV)

Now the first contradiction you’ll see here in scripture is the Lamb (Jesus) opens the seals. So if Jesus is supposed to be the first horseman as the JW’s state, why is he also opening his own seal? Not saying that it would be impossible for Jesus to do this, but does it really make logical sense?

Second we notice the rider of the first horse is carrying a bow, The bow in the Bible is also symbolic for deceit , reference (Psalm 64:3-4, Hosea 7:16, Jeremiah 9:3, Psalm 78:56-57)

Next lets take a look at Jesus teachings from Matthew 24 known as the Olivet Discourse. You will notice Jesus teachings line up perfectly with the four horseman prophecies in Revelation 6

4  In answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads you,e 5  for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.f Matthew 24:4-5 (NWT)

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:4-5 (KJV)

Jesus is going to give the 4 signs of the end, notice how that lines up with the 4 Horseman. The first sign (Horseman) is the Anti-Christ. Now we can argue if the AntiChrist is one person or a group of people, however the point here is the first horseman is about deception. This would guarantee the first horseman is not Jesus himself

You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet.g Matthew 24:6 (NWT)

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6 (KJV)

When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creatureg say: “Come!” 4  Another came out, a fiery-colored horse, and it was granted to the one seated on it to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another, and he was given a great sword.h Revelation 6:3-4 (NWT)

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 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. Revelation 6:3-4 (KJV)

If you compare Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, you see they line up perfectly and the second sign and horseman is war

When he opened the third seal,i I heard the third living creaturej say: “Come!” And I saw, and look! a black horse, and the one seated on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6  I heard what sounded like a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say: “A quart* of wheat for a de·narʹi·us*k and three quarts of barley for a de·narʹi·us; and do not harm the olive oil and the wine.”l Revelation 6:5-6 (NWT)

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. 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. Revelation 6:5-6 (KJV)

For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom,h and there will be food shortagesi and earthquakes in one place after another.j Matthew 24:7 (NWT)

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Matthew 24:7 (KJV)

Notice Revelation and Matthew line up as the third sign and horse will be famine

When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creaturem say: “Come!” 8  And I saw, and look! a pale horse, and the one seated on it had the name Death. And the Grave* was closely following him. And authority was given them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with a long sword and with food shortagen and with deadly plague and by the wild beasts of the earth.o Revelation 6:7-8 (NWT)

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed 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. Revelation 6:7-8 (KJV)

Then people will hand you over to tribulationk and will kill you,l and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name.m Matthew 24:9 (NWT)

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. Matthew 24:9 (KJV)

The 4th Horseman/Sign is Death. Notice Jesus talks about how his followers will be killed for his name. Another thing to notice throughout all the seals, Jesus opened every seal.

The fact that many people , including the Jehovah Wittnesses, are deceived that the First Horseman is Christ, shows you how deceptive the Anti Christ will be. When he comes many will believe He is the Christ, but he is actually the Son of Perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

In Revelation 19, we see Jesus riding on a white horse and the assumption is made that he is also the first horseman. But there are many differences between the two:

  1. The Anti Christ is carrying a bow (deceit) while Jesus is carrying a sword (Rev 19: 15)
  2. The Anti Christ is riding on Earth, while Jesus was riding from Heaven (Rev 19:11)
  3. The Anti Christ has one crown on his head, Jesus has many crowns on his head (Rev 19:12)
  4. The Anti Christ is not identified while Jesus is clearly identified as the Word of God (Rev 19:13)
  5. The Anti Christ is alone while Jesus is followed by many followers also on horses (Rev 19:14)
  6. The Anti Christ does not have a scepter while Jesus rules with a rod of Iron (Rev 19:15)
  7. The Anti Christ has no identification while Jesus is clearly identified as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ( Rev 19:16)

 

Please also reference : Zechariah 6, Ezekiel 14:20-21

Revelation Chapter 22- Lord Come Quickly!

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And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. v1-2

 

River of Life + Tree of Life = Healing of all nations

Now we are seeing the first glimpses of Heaven, of Paradise that has been restored. Notice God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are there right with us. Just like the Garden of Eden, God has provided a Paradise just for us!

“By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. v3-5

 

 

The curse of Sin and Death are over! Victory is now ours through Jesus Christ. We will finally see the Lord face to face and serve him daily. When it says his name will be on their foreheads, I believe this means we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Notice there will never be darkness ever again! The face of Jesus shines so bright the Sun is not even necessary for Heaven.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13

Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” v6-7

Jesus tells us three times in this Chapter that He is Coming Quickly, Are you ready? Jesus may come today, maybe tomorrow, or maybe next year, don’t be like the 5 Virgins who were not ready when the Lord returned. Always keep your lamps lit! Blessed is the one who keeps the Word of God!

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Matthew 24:36

Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” v8-9

The Apostle John was so excited about what he heard and saw, he fell down to worship the Angel. The Angel quickly rebuked him and told him to only worship God. Notice throughout the Bible Jesus was worshipped. This should tell you something

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. Matthew 28:17

Jesus Is God

And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” v10-11

The Angel told the Apostle John, “Don’t seal up this book” Why? Because the time of Christ return is soon! Jesus said three times in this chapter alone “I will come quickly” Be ready and prepared for the return of our Lord and Savior

What I say to you I say to all, ‘Be on the alert!'” Mark 13:37

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” v12-13

From the words of the Lord Jesus Christ himself, He is coming quickly! Notice also Jesus says that everyone will be judged according to their deeds. Everything you do daily for God matters! You will be rewarded for your labor as a servant to Christ!

Also Jesus confirms again his deity as he tells us He is Eternal (The Alpha and Omega) (Beginning and The End) Jesus reigns forevermore!

“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me. Isaiah 44:6

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. v14-15

Here we see two groups of people, those washed with the blood of Christ and those who are still covered in sin. But notice the timing of this scripture, the New Heavens and Earth has been established, the Holy City of the New Jerusalem has already come down from Heaven. The Great White Throne Judgement has already taken place. Could this be scriptural proof of an Eternal Hell?

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”v16

Interesting to note here Jesus calls himself “the bright morning start” remember Satan was also referred to also the morning star, so what does this all mean. Notice throughout the Bible, Satan tries to copy or mimic Jesus. He tries to get people to worship him, he even tried to fake his own death and resurrection. But there is only one true Christ, the Son of God , Jesus!

Son of David = Messianic Title

How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! Isaiah 44:12

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. v17

The Holy Spirit and The Church are screaming for the return of Jesus Christ! Are you yelling “Come Lord Jesus”? Are you spiritually awake and lamps are lit? Or are you in a spiritual slumber? Time to Get Ready!

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. v18-19

Jesus makes it very clear, we are not to add to Gods word or subtract from it. Anyone who adds to the Word of God will be condemned. Its important to preach what God has written and not create false doctrines

You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. v20-21

Jesus emphasizes again that He is coming Soon! Are you getting the message Church? Are you ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ?

If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. 1 Corinthians 16:22

Revelation Chapter 21- NO MORE!

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Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. v1-2

No More Sea = No more division within the Kingdom of God, no more governments Christ rules and reigns

The Great White Throne Judgement is over = New Heaven and Earth

New Jerusalem = place prepared for His bride = John 14:2-3 = City of God

Probably one of the most exciting Chapters in the entire Bible. Here we learn what Heaven and Earth will look like when God restores his Kingdom. Notice it says the old Earth is going to pass away, God is going to restore paradise just like in the beginning at the garden of Eden

The holy city of the New Jerusalem is coming down from Heaven with God dwelling in it! Jesus will establish his throne here on Earth and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords

But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 65:17

For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. v3

God is with men = we will live with Christ

Think about this, God is going to dwell among us Forever! Now wait a minute, many people believe Heaven is in the sky, floating around on clouds , and playing harps. No, The Bible clearly tells us Heaven will be restored here on Earth, just as it was meant to be in the beginning!

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” v4

One of the greatest scriptures in the Bible! Death, pain, suffering, and illness are all gone! There will be no more sorrow, no more depression, no more anxiety, these things have all been removed completely by God. The former things have all passed away!

He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. v5-7

Jesus Christ takes his throne = King of Kings

Jesus is Eternal, Jesus states he is the Alpha and Omega (First and Last letter of Greek Alphabet), Beginning and the End. Meaning Jesus always existed, he was always here. Don’t confuse Jesus human side with his deity.

Everyone who is in Christ is a Child of God! No longer are you a stranger or foreigner in the Kingdom of God. You are a Child of God by the blood of Jesus Christ

Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 44:6

And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” v8

Lake of Fire = Eternal Hell Fire = Second Death

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. v9-14

Here we see the Angel is showing the Apostle John what the New Jerusalem will look like. Visually its beyond our comprehension or words. Imagine a structure built by Gods hands using the finest stones and materials. The New Jerusalem will be beyond our comprehension when we are there

Notice the city has the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. It’s awesome to see how the Old and New Covenants have come together to worship the same God under the rule of the Christ Jesus = 24 elders Revelation

Great High Walls = New Jerusalem

 

And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. v15-17

The New Jerusalem is going to be about 1,400 miles wide and 1,400 miles long, a perfect cube. New Jerusalem will be larger than the current country of India with nearly 2 million square miles! Think about that! And the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will all dwell there among us, what a beautiful thought!

The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. v18-21

Again the materials of the New Jerusalem are only the finest and so beautiful its beyond words or comprehension. The gold is so pure that its like clear glass. Remember the walls will be 1,400 miles high also. Also the streets are made of pure gold, what an awesome site it will be to see!

But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.  Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). v22-25

Jesus Is The New Temple = No Need For Sun = Jesus Is The Light (Literally)

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60:3

“No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory. Isaiah 60:19

The New Jerusalem has no need for a temple, why? Because God himself dwells there forever! There will never be any darkness and the gates are never closed! Access to God almighty 24 X7, its going to be a long worship service!

And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. v26-27

Sin does not exist in the Kingdom of Heaven, this is why if your still living in sin you must remove it! Confess your sins to Jesus and repent! Become a new creation in Gods Kingdom! Make sure your name is written in the Book of Life! Make sure Jesus is your Lord and Savior!

But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

Revelation Chapter 20- The Millennial Reign of Christ

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Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. v1-3

 

Millennial Reign = 1,000 years

Serpent of Old = Satan

This Chapter will begin what is known as the “Millennial Reign” this means it will be a 1,000 year reign of Christ here on Earth. With Satan bound in the Abyss and Spiritual Babylon destroyed and removed. Peace will reign on Earth! As the King of Kings Jesus Christ reigns from Jerusalem.

The Abyss which was referenced by demons, pleading with Jesus not to throw them in there, appears to be a holding cell for Demons and evil spirits.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” Genesis 3:1

They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss. Luke 8:31

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. v4

 

souls of those who had been beheaded = Tribulation Saints

And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. / And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?” / Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed. Revelation 6:9-11

 

But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years v5-6

The First Resurrection is happening. All the martyrs and saints who lost their lives for Jesus Christ, are now back and eternal. Notice it says they will not be harmed by the “Second Death” meaning they are now immortal and reigning with Jesus Christ. Don’t you want to be one of them?

And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:53

Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. v7-8

When the thousand years are over (Millennial Reign) Satan will be released for one more time to deceive the world , for one more final cosmic battle

 

And you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD to the land of Israel, ‘An end! The end is coming on the four corners of the land. Ezekiel 7:2

They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.  v9

Beloved City = Jerusalem

You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the latter days, O Gog, that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy in you before their eyes. Ezekiel 38:16

Satan and his followers last effort to overthrow Christ and Gods Kingdom, but we already have the Victory!

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever v10

Lake of Fire = Eternal Hell Fire

Satan’s judgement has finally come as hes thrown into the Lake of Fire with the Beast and False prophet. Lake of Fire is most likely Hell (Gehenna) where all who follow Satan and reject Christ will end up!

Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41

 

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. v11

Great White Throne = Final Judgement

Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

The Great White Throne of Judgement is about to happen. Now notice there is basically two judgements here. The first one here I believe are the ones already resurrected because their names are in the “Book of Life”, if your name is blotted out you will not inherit the Kingdom of God

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. Matthew 25:31

And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. v12

Book of Life = The saved in Christ

 

“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered Daniel 12:1

Now those who did inherit eternal life are being judged based on their deeds (works) for Gods Kingdom to determine their place

There is a dispute about when the Church will receive their rewards at the judgement seat of Christ, most likely at the Rapture

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. v13

The Final Judgement of everyone who lived

Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29

This part of the Judgement will be for those whose name was blotted out of the Book of Life. Because they are not covered by the blood of Christ, all their sins will be judged according to Gods Law.

“For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. Matthew 16:27

 

Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire v14-15

Final judgement of everyone = Death and Hades thrown into the Lake of Fire = Eternal Hell

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Everything has finally been abolished including evil, sin, and death. Satan and everyone who has rejected Christ have received their final destination of the Lake of Fire. This is why its crucial we tell people the gospel of Christ and what Jesus has done for us!

The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 1 Corinthians 15:26