Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation reveals to us who Jesus really is! His leadership, justice, power and  majesty.

Revelation 1   John’s vision regarding the end-times 

Jesus’ revelation and visions given to John

Revelation 2-3 Letters to the 7 churches 

Instructions Jesus gave to the 7 churches

Revelation 4-5 Jesus takes the scroll 

This represents the earth’s title deed and Jesus’ battle plan to cleanse the earth in preparation for his return.

Revelation 6-22 Jesus’ Battle Plan 

This is written in the scroll and includes the Great Tribulation judgements against Harlot Babylon and the Antichrist’s empire. 

The Five Sections:  7 seals; 7 trumpets; 7 bowls 

Tells us what happens to the Antichrist’s followers in 21 judgement events 

The 5 Angelic Explanations 

Angels explain to John what happens to God’s people, including what Jesus does to help the saints, and how the Antichrist will persecute the saints. 

1.   Seal Judgements (7) 

2.  Trumpet Judgements (7) 

3.  Second Coming & Rapture The 7th (last) trumpet

4.  Bowls of Judgement (7) destroying all the evil structures within society

.5. Triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem

The Main Symbols in Revelation: 

Dragon:                          Represents Satan 

First Beast:                   Represents the Antichrist 

Another Beast:            Represents the false prophet 

Seven Heads:              Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome/revived Roman Empire

Ten Horns:                     10 king government (under the Antichrist)

Harlot Babylon:           One world religious and economic system

Woman/male-child    Represents Israel & Jesus

Published July 2019

The ‘Apocalypse’ is in reference to the book of Revelation which details events to happen in the end times. A scroll with seven seals is in God's right hand and is opened by Jesus, who is portrayed as a Lamb, and the only one worthy to open the scroll. Four horsemen are released as four out of seven seals are opened. These are spiritual forces carrying out God’s end-time purpose.

“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.”  (Revelation 6:1)

The first six seals are events that lead to the Day of the Lord; the day Christ returns to earth, referred to as the Second Coming! The seventh seal is connected to the Day of the Lord and the main theme of Revelation. As each of the first four seals are opened, a coloured horse is released carrying a rider with a specific mission, that unleashes certain judgments upon the earth. The horsemen are symbolic of events which intensify prior to the return of Christ. Jesus describes similar events in Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21, the Olivet discourse, and helps identify what each of the horsemen represent. The first four seals are similar to birth pangs described in Matthew 24 1-14, religious deception, war, famine, pestilence and death.

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24:3-8)

The four horsemen are given power which results in the death of  a quarter of the world’s population, which has a huge impact upon the earth. 

And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:8)

We see these events happening in the world today. But there are still prophecies that indicate even more destruction yet to come. These will intensify as the fifth seal is opened, at the ‘Great Tribulation’. The four horses in Zechariah 6 are similar to those described in Revelation 6. 

1st Seal - White Horse 

False Gospel/Deception - Rider with bow and crown

The first rider on a white horse is similar to Jesus’ return in Revelation 19. It represents religious deception and a false gospel. It could include Antichrist’s impersonation of Christ. The rider wears a crown and carries a bow but has no arrow! 

“I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”  (Revelation 6:2)

2nd Seal - Red Horse  

War & Bloodshed- Rider with a sword 

The second horseman represents war, as he is carrying a sword and takes peace from the earth which causes men to kill each other.

“Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.” (Revelation 6:4)

3rd Seal - Black Horse

Famine & Economic Crisis - Rider with scales 

The third horseman is riding a black horse representing  famine, he is holding scales and weighing food supplies.

“And there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’” (Revelation 6:5)

4th Seal - Pale Horse 

Rider with a sword- War, Famine & Plagues 

The fourth horseman rides a pale horse called ‘Death’. The paleness of the horse indicates death which is to follow.

“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. (Revelation 6:8)

Published July 2019

Many believe the Church is raptured prior to the tribulation period, or before events in Revelation 4 onwards begin to unfold. This is based on the belief that as the church is not mentioned in Revelation Chapters 4-21, it must no longer be on earth during this time. But the ‘Saints’ are mentioned, and scripture indicates we are still here during the tribulation. Throughout Revelation there is constant war between Satan and the Saints. 

The dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17)

Revelation is very detailed about what takes place in the end-times and events that lead up to the Return of Christ and Satan’s defeat. Although this will be a difficult and intense time with many crisis and disasters, it will also be the church’s finest hour! God gives us detailed information to encourage and strengthen us, so we are aware of what is taking place and to remind us He is still in control during this time. John was given the vision of the end-times from Jesus, which included the Millennium Reign and the New Heavens and New Earth. In his vision, John saw multitudes who had come out of the great tribulation standing before God’s throne. 

Behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne…These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7: 9, 14)

In Revelation 17, God commands His people to come out of Harlot Babylon (a global false economic and religious and system) prior to its final judgment and destruction, detailed in Revelation 18, as it is guilty of persecuting and martyring the saints.

I saw the woman (Harlot Babylon), drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. (Revelation 17:6)

I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4)

In Revelation 13, many follow and worship the beast during the 3½ year rule of the Anti-Christ on earth. He wars against the saints during this time and some are killed. Scripture encourages the saints to remain faithful and patient, even in the midst of adversity.

He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. This calls for patience, endurance and faithfulness of the saints. (Revelation 13:7, 10)

As saints are being martyred and beheaded during the tribulation, the Church must still be on earth. 

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. (Revelation 20:4)

The Prayers of the saints during the tribulation period (7th seal) releases the trumpet judgments.

Another angel…was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints. The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. (Revelation 8:3–4)

Scripture indicates once again, saints are still on earth during the rule of the Antichrist after he sets himself up in the temple area claiming to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). His global worship and economic system are in operation when the ‘mark of the beast’ is enforced.

There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast, and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. This calls for patience endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.  (Revelation 14: 11-12)

Despite the Antichrist’s greatest efforts to war against the saints, there is still great victory over him. He is finally overturned and defeated when Christ returns, when he is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20)

They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (Revelation 12:11)

I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast, and his image and over the number of his name. (Revelation 15:2)

Published July 2019

The book of Revelation mentions a group of Jewish people who are descendants from the 12 tribes of Israel numbering 144,000. 12,000 are from each tribe, the tribe of Judah; Reuben; Levi; Gad; Asher; Naphtali; Manasseh; Joseph Simeon; Issachar; Zebulun; Benjamin.

“One hundred and forty-four thousand, of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed” (Revelation 7:4) 

Two separate groups are identified in chapters 7 & 14, the 144,000 along with a multitude of Gentile believers. In Revelation 14 we are told 144,000 are given a worship song no-one else can learn. They have kept themselves pure and will be redeemed from the earth, from amongst men. They are described as ‘first fruits’, they are the first from a spiritual harvest still to come, with a special calling and play an important role prior to the ‘Second Coming of Christ’.

"no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and to the Lamb” (Revelation 14:3-4).

The 144,000 are pictured alongside Jesus on Mount. Zion, where He returns to earth as 'King of kings, they ‘follow the lamb (Christ) wherever he goes.’

Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. (Revelation 14: 1-3)

The 144,000 are first mentioned between the 6th & 7th seals and are still on earth during the Great Tribulation, prior to the final judgments being poured out on earth. After the six seals have been opened, four angels are poised ready to pour out God’s judgment but are told to wait until the 144,000 have received God’s seal on their forehead (Revelation 7:1-3). 

The seal is the mark that identifies something as being genuine or approved, they are marked as belonging to the Lord, His name is ‘written on their foreheads’. This is for special protection against the judgements of God and from the Antichrist.

In various places throughout scripture we read where saints are ‘sealed’ by God.  John 6:27 tells us “Jesus on whom God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Paul describes saints in Ephesus as “having believed, …were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). Members of the church in Corinth “who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2 Corinthians 1:22).  Consider the timing of when the saints of the church are sealed compared to the 144,000.

After the picture of the 144,000, we are shown a great ‘unnumbered’ multitude standing before the throne wearing white robes. Although they are a separate group of people, they are connected to the 144,000. These are saints from the Gentile nations. 

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)

Their white robes indicate their righteousness, as their robes have been ‘cleansed in the blood’. These are not the saints who have previously died down through the ages, as one of the elders asks two questions, “who are these and where have they come from”? The answer is “they have come out of the great tribulation”. For them to ‘come out’ of the tribulation, they would  had to have been in it! Chapter 14 suggests both the believing Jews and Gentiles reign together with Jesus at this point.

“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).

After the 144,000 have been sealed, the trumpets are blown. The last trumpet announces the return of Christ. When the 7th angel sounds his trumpet, loud voices are heard in heaven proclaiming:

"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)

The 7th trumpet is the last trumpet, when the rapture and resurrection of the saints occur,  at the end of the Great Tribulation period (1 Corinthians 15:51-55; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 and Matthew 24:31).  

Published July 2019

We read In Revelation 1, John was given a vision of end-time events leading up to Christ’s return while on the Island of Patmos. John was instructed to write down what he saw and send it to the seven churches. The purpose of the letters were to encourage, strengthen and lead them to God's truth. The letters contain warnings, correction and consequences and are just as relevant to the church today, they can also apply on an individual basis. The seven stars are messengers, the seven lampstands are the churches which existed at that time, located in Asia Minor, which is Modern-day Turkey. 

Jesus evaluates the spiritual condition of each church and makes them aware of their success and shortcomings, He calls them to account. In each of the letters, Jesus uses the words “hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. A church should listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit is saying, especially in these last days. Each letter begins with a revelation of Jesus along with a commendation. The letter to the church in Ephesus was the first, the island of Patmos was only 50 miles from Ephesus.

CHURCH IN EPHESUS  (The Loveless Church)

Jesus comes to them as ‘the one with the seven stars who walks in the midst of seven golden lamp-stands’. Ephesus was a commercial city with a seaport and home to temple Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. This was the home Church of John and Mary (Jesus’ mother). Jesus tells them He knows their works, patience and their attitude towards evil. They were commended for not tolerating the Nicolaitan teaching, which persuaded Christians to conform to the world’s  standards. But the Ephesians had lost their passion for Christ and their works were no longer motivated from love. Jesus told them to repent or he would remove their lampstand.

“To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7)

CHURCH IN SMYRNA ( The Persecuted Church)

Jesus comes to them as ‘the first and the last, who was dead and came to life’. In 600 BC this was destroyed in a disaster and then rebuilt (was dead and came to life). Smyrna was a beautiful city, known as the Crown of Asia. They suffered persecution and poverty. Jesus told them at Smyrna, He knew their tribulation and poverty and how they had suffered. He knew those who were Jewish pretenders. They received only commendations  and no warnings or rebuke. Although they were poor, they were spiritually rich.

This contradicts the belief of the prosperity gospel which is popular amongst many today. Poverty was not due to their lack of faith, their giving or disobedience. Jesus encourages believers in the church at Smyrna to be faithful, even to the point of death. Jesus’ words should encourage us in difficult times and for the days that lie ahead.

“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (Revelation 2:11)

CHURCH IN PERGAMOS  (The Compromising Church) 

Jesus comes to them as ‘he who has the sharp two-edged sword’. Those who refused to worship Caesar were killed by the sword. Pergamos was referred to as ‘Satan’s city’ as they were surrounded by Pagan beliefs and practises. Pergamos was the capital of Asia with a temple dedicated to Ascepulus, the God of medicine. There is reference to Anti-pas, believed to be the first martyr in Asia, roasted to death in a kettle. Balaam and Balak represent false teaching. Balaam tried to entice the Israelites into sin. Compromise had infiltrated the church and should warn us against religious tolerance in the last days. They were fellowshipping with those who had doctrines that were not Christ based. This is happening in certain denominations today. This is the falling away, the departing from faith Paul describes in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it”  (Revelation 2:17).

CHURCH IN THYIATIRA  (The Corrupt Church)

Jesus comes to them as ‘He who has eyes like flames of fire and feet like fine brass’. Thyatira was famous for their brassworking industry. ‘Eyes like flames of fire’ meaning he sees, and he purifies. ‘Feet like fine brass’, He judges and tramples sin under his feet. To trade or eat you had to be part of a trade guild, where meals were sacrificed to idols. It was difficult for Christians if they were not part of the guild which could mean no food or trade! Jesus says He knows the works, service, faith and patience of Thyatira. But Jesus referred to this as the ‘home of Jezebel’, a false prophetess in Elijah’s time. This could be referring to her teaching, which had taken root and was leading God’s people astray. There was also a warning to those who were tolerating this teaching. 

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations‘” (Revelation 2:18).

CHURCH IN SARDIS (The Dead Church)

Jesus comes to them as ‘he holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.’ Sardis was a wealthy city, known as the lute playing city. “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” . Although it had a reputation for having lively music, it was spiritually dead. Jesus calls them to repent. He also tells them ‘he will come as a thief in the night.’  This should be a warning to churches that do not study end-time prophecy. As we are now living in the last days, we need to be aware of end-time events, so we are not deceived. Jesus warns in Matthew 24 that the time leading up to His return, would be a time of increased religious deception.

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels”. (Revelation 3:5)

CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA (The Faithful Church)

Jesus comes to them as ‘He who is holy, he who is true and he who has the key of David’. Philadelphia was Known for its wine industry. I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.’ They were faithful in not denying the name of Jesus and held firm to the true doctrine of Christ. They had not been led astray. Because of their faithfulness, doors would be opened for ministry. There are no corrections or warnings. Jesus encouraged them regarding His return, and they would be spared from the hour of trial. They would be victorious over their enemies.

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.” (Revelation 3:7)

CHURCH IN LAODICEA (The Lukewarm Church) 

Jesus comes to them as ‘the faithful and true Witness’. Laodicea was a wealthy and industrial city, Jesus refers to gold. “You are neither Hot nor Cold”, Laodicea was known for its hot mineral springs in the valley, but by the time they got them back to the city they were cold. If you are cold, I will disown you, if you are lukewarm, I will spew you from my mouth. This is the only church with no commendations. It is possible the Laodiceans thought they were spiritual and doing well. Jesus calls on them to wake up and repent. This describes many churches today.

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”’ (Revelation 3:14-22).

Lessons to the Church

God expects holiness and righteousness of His people. Only two of the churches had no criticisms, four were called to repent. To each of the seven churches, Jesus says “I know your works”.  Although we are not saved by works, our works should be motivated from love, passion and devotion to Christ. The letters shows how a church can exist without being a light in a dark place, and a large church may not indicate success. Jesus mentions the ‘removal of the lampstand’  to the church in Ephesus, which could refer to Christ's presence being removed, along with His protection and blessing, as He  would no longer regard it as His church. The lampstand in the Old Testament symbolised Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’ which was to burn continually.

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 

(Revelation 2:5)

(1) The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) 

The church that had forsaken its first love (2:4).

(2) The Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) 

The church that suffered persecution (2:10).

(3) Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) 

The church that needed to repent (2:16).

(4) The Church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) 

The church with the false prophetess (2:20).

(5) The Church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)

The church that had fallen asleep (3:2).

(6) The Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)

The church that endured patiently (3:10).

(7) The Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)

The church with lukewarm faith (3:16).

Each church was promised a different reward, they would:

1. Eat of the tree of life in the midst of paradise

2. Not be hurt by the second death

3. Receive a new name written on a white stone.

4. Receive the morning star

5. Be clothed in white garments and walk with Jesus

6. Be a pillar in the Temple of God

7. Sit with Jesus on his throne

Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to everyone according to his works! (Revelation 12 :1)   

Published July 2019