Revelation Bible Study Notes- Chapter 8

Chapter 8

 

-The seventh seal is now opened and there is silence in Heaven for about half an hour before the seven angels (messengers) who stand before God are given seven trumpets (Revelation 8:1-2). “Another angel (messenger) came and stood at the altar with a golden censer and was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel (Revelation 8:3-4).” This censer was taken by the angel, filled with fire from the altar, and thrown to the earth with peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightening, and an earthquake (Revelation 8:5). *Application* If you ever wondered if the prayers you pray have an effect, look no further than this passage. These are the prayers of the saints going into action as an Almighty God who is just and sees all of the chaos and confusion on this earth and will one day make everything right in His perfect judgment. So keep offering your honest and sincere prayers and petitions before Him and wait. He will listen and respond in His perfect time and will.

-The introduction of the first four trumpets is elucidated now as the seven angels prepare to blow them. The first angel blows and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, upon the earth. A third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all green grass was burned up. The second angel blows his trumpet and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, is thrown into the sea making a third of it blood killing a third of the living creatures in the sea and destroying a third of the ships. The third angel blows his horn and a great star, named Wormword, fell from heaven, blazing like a torch and destroying a third of the rivers and springs of water. Many people died from the water that was infected from this judgment because of its bitterness. Then the forth angel blows and a third of the sun, moon, and stars were struck so that a third of the day and night were altered. At this point a eagle crying with a loud voice flew directly over John’s head proclaiming three woes upon those who dwell on the earth because of the three remaining trumpet blasts that are about to blow (Revelation 8:6-13).

-*Application* These destructive events are upcoming in the economy of God’s wrath upon a sinful and fallen world. It behooves us to prepare for these cataclysmic occurrences with prayer and fasting. Perhaps He will spare His people from the impending doom and gloom that His Day (of Judgment) will bring. Even so, we know through every birth pang that we are now experiencing (Matthew 24:3-13, Mark 13:4-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6) that He still loves us and is drawing us to Himself for salvation.

Check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBETugAECrA

 

Verse to Memorize: Revelation 8:2

Revelation Bible Study Notes- Chapter 7

Chapter 7

 

-There is now an interlude of time, it appears from the text, in between the sixth and seventh seals being opened as we get to chapter seven. Four angels are sent to the four corners of the earth to hold back the wind (Revelation 7:1). Then another angel ascends from the rising of the sun with the seal of the Living God. He calls out to the four angels not to “harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads (Revelation 7:2-3).” The number of the sealed was heard as being 144,000 from every tribe of the sons of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8). It is interesting to note here that the tribe of Dan is not listed in the distribution of the sealed, but rather one of Joseph’s sons, Manasseh, is listed instead. Also, Judah is listed at the forefront and the concubine tribes of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali are promoted in order of listing. This, along with some alternative interpretive views, have made for some interesting understandings of this group of God’s sealed people.

-After this, John sees a great multitude that no one could number from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes made clean by the blood of the Lamb and had palm branches in their hands crying out salvation praise unto the Lord and worshiping Him along with all the angels, the 24 elders, and the four living creatures. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might unto God for evermore were the specifics of their praise and adoration. One of the elders approaches John and verifies that these clothed in white robes are the ones coming out of the tribulation as enduring overcomers (conquerors) by the power of Christ in them (Revelation 7:9-14). These are before the Lord’s throne serving Him night and day in His Temple, and God shelters them with His presence. They shall not hunger nor will they thirst anymore, and the sun will not strike them or any scorching heart. “The Lamb in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes (Revelation 7:15-17).”

-*Application* The Lord’s Day may come at any time, and the tribulation of the saints is very real and literal. We should be prepared for this intense spiritual struggle and determine in our spirit that we will be part of those numerous believers that were able to come out of the tribulation with the Lamb’s blood covering us and cleansing us if that is required of us. Some scholars and theologians would say that the saints will be raptured out and these are converts to Christ from the witness of the 144,000 during the tribulation, and that may be true. But, if we are indeed asked by the Lord to endure this period as His church, we should be ready, willing, and able, knowing that the reward on the other side is that our Lamb will shepherd us to springs of living water and wipe away every sad tear from our eyes.

 

Verse to Memorize: Revelation 7:17

Revelation Bible Study Notes- Chapter 6

Chapter 6

 

-The first six seals are opened by the Lamb in chapter 6 of Revelation. The four living creatures are involved with the word “Come” repeated over and over as they introduce each seal. The first seal can be called the “False Christ,” who rode on a white horse (the first of four horses that represent God’s beginning judgment of humanity’s sin and rebellion). He has a bow and a crown and went out “conquering and to conquer (Revelation 6:1-2).”

-The second seal is broken as a red horse went out with the power to take peace from the earth so that men would slay one another (this is the opposite of God’s command to love one another, John 15:12, 17 among others). He who sat on the red horse had a great sword given to him. Therefore, this seal can be entitled “War” (Revelation 6:3-4).

-The third seal was introduced with a black horse with its rider having scales. This indicates “Famine,” but the oil and wine were not to be damaged (Revelation 6:5-6).

-The forth seal then came with an ashen horse. He who sat on it had the name “Death” and “Hades (Hell)” was following with him. These riders were given authority over a forth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with pestilence, and by the wild beasts of the earth (Revelation 6:7-8).

-The fifth seal, which the Lamb broke, revealed “underneath the alter the souls of those who had been slain because of the Word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained.” These were crying out as to how long the Lord who refrain from His ultimate judgment in avenging their blood that was spilt. These were given a white robe and told to wait a little while longer, until their fellow servants and their brothers who were to be killed, as they had been, were completed. This seal should then be entitled, “Martyrs” (Revelation 6:9-11).

-The sixth seal sees a progression in horrific judgment demonstrations. There was a great earthquake, the sun became black as sackcloth, the whole moon became red like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth (John compares it to figs falling from their tree out of season in a great wind). “The sky was split apart like a scroll when its rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” At this point the kings of the earth and great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man began to hide themselves in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They wanted the rocks to kill them because of the horrors that were occurring. They wanted to be hidden from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. “For the day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” This seal could be entitled “Terror” (Revelation 6:12-17).

-*Application* The presence of the Lord is what we as believers seek out of our adoration and awe in our compassionate and holy God. This is the way God wants it to be. Right now He is being patient and extending His invitation for us to repent and believe in His restoring forgiveness and mercy (2 Peter 3:7-15). There will come a time when His patience is completed and then the fury of His wrath will come on all those who persist in rejecting Him. Don’t be in that category. Accept the Lord Jesus Christ while there is still opportunity. Don’t delay! There is literal judgment coming upon this earth, before the Lord restores and make all things new (Revelation 21:5)

 

Verse to Memorize: Revelation 6:17

Revelation Bible Study Notes- Chapter 5

Chapter 5

 

-Now John sees the Lord on His throne with a scroll having writing on both the inside and the outside, but it was sealed up with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). A mighty angel asked who was worthy to open the scroll and break the seals (Revelation 5:2). No one in Heaven or on earth or under the earth was able and John began to weep because of this (Revelation 5:3-4). This is when one of the twenty-four elders came up to him and told him to weep no more because “the Lion of Judah, the Root of David has conquered (overcome)” and He can (is able) to open the scroll and the seven seals of it (Revelation 5:5).

-The Lamb stands between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, as though It had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth (the number seven represents completeness and is best understood as God completely going out into all the earth). Jesus, who is the Lamb, went and took the scroll from the right Hand of Him who was seated on the throne. When this happened the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down and worshiped the Lord with each having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:6-8). They declare His worthiness, which is the meaning of any praise unto the Most High. They thank Him for taking the scroll and having power to break the seals. They adore Him for His death and the shedding of blood for the purpose of ransoming the people of God from every tribe, language, people, and tongue as a Kingdom and priests to our God in reigning power (Revelation 5:9-10). The Lamb was praised by all to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing forever (Revelation 5:11-14).

-*Application* A life of praise and declaring the Lord’s worthiness should exemplify our lives. Don’t wait for this incredible scene of future events. Start worshiping the Lord today. He is personally close to you and smiles when you glorify Him as He truly deserves. He’s given everything to bring us close to Him through His death, burial, and resurrection. Through His love He has made the way possible. He is able to save, to deliver, and to open up! Praise His Holy Name!

 

Verses to Memorize: Revelation 5:5, 12

Revelation Bible Study Notes- Chapter 4

Chapter 4

 

-Chapter four begins with a time line phrase “after this (Revelation 4:1).” This is a marker in the text and a transition into John’s vision in which he is taken in the Spirit to Heaven (Revelation 4:1-2). He perceives the Lord in His majesty seated on His throne with vivid description and the heavenly hosts are brilliantly described (Revelation 4:2-11). The voice that called him up sounded like a trumpet (compare, this is the same sound as in Revelation 1:10). This denotes symbolically a warning sound to alert. This messenger, or angel, was allowed to reveal to John the things that were to take place after this (Revelation 4:1). This indicates a future revelation as to the things that “will be (Revelation 1:4, 8).” The Lord had the appearance of jasper, carnelian, rainbow, and emerald in majestic brilliance. Around the Lord were 24 elders on 24 thrones clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightening, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne were seven torches of fires representing the seven spirits of God and a crystal sea like glass. Around the throne were four creatures who were alive that had the appearance of a lion, an ox, the face of a man, and an eagle in flight. These creatures were full of eyes all around and within, and they worshiped the Lord night and day proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (Revelation 4:8).” And whenever the living creatures give this glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, the 24 elders fall down before Him in reverence and worship as well casting their crowns before the throne saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory, and honor, and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created (Revelation 4:11).” *Application* We have the opportunity to praise and worship the Lord in this exact same way. He is to be exalted. Enjoy His presence where you are on this earth. There is a reason why He prayed while in His incarnation, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10).” God’s presence can come down to us because of His great love. We can look forward to His glory in Heaven, but it can also be experience with great vibrancy here on this earth as well. His Spirit indwells His people! I’m not waiting for the afterlife, we can be filled with Him now! Worship the Lord with gladness (Psalms 100:2, Acts 2:28)!

 

Verse to Memorize: Revelation 4:11

Revelation Bible Study Notes- Chapter 3

Chapter 3

 

-The same format that addressed the first four churchis is used for the last three churches as the Lord addresses the angels of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Their works are known and both positive and negative qualities are discussed in each with the exception of Philadelphia, which had no negative.

-Sardis was known for being alive, but it was dead. The Lord told them to wake up and strengthen what remained that was about to die. Their works were not complete in the eyes of God. They were instructed to remember what they had seen and heard, keep it and repent. If they refuse to wake up, the Lord said that He would come against them like a thief at an unknown hour. There were some who had not “soiled their garments (become unclean),” and those would walk with Jesus in white for they are worthy. These would overcome and wear white garments (the righteousness of Christ) and never be blotted out from the book of life (Psalm 69:28, Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:1-6; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19).

-Philadelphia had an open door that no one could shut. They had a little power, yet kept God’s Word and did not deny His Name. God promised to make the synagogue of Satan bow before them at their feet. These evil ones would know in the end that God loved Philadelphia and their righteousness. They were commended for patient endurance and would be kept from the hour of testing that is coming upon the whole world. They are told to hold fast what they have, so that no one seizes their crown (reward). These overcomers (conquerors) would be pillars in the Temple of God forever and would receive new names of various kinds (Revelation 3:7-13).

-Laodicea is described as lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, which infuriated the Lord to the point of being vomited up. They claimed to be rich with prosperity needing nothing, but they were actually wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. God’s recommendation was to buy from Him gold refined by fire and white garments of righteousness to gain needed wealth spiritually speaking. This would be healing salve to anoint their eyes so that they could see. Those whom the Lord loves, He disciplines and reproves; therefore, their instruction was to be zealous for the Lord and repent from the evil. Jesus is standing at the door knocking. If anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He will come in and eat with him and abide. To these overcomers (conquerors) will be given the opportunity to sit down with the Father on His throne (Revelation 3:14-22).

-*Application* These churches represent what can also happen in our own spiritual walk for sure. We need to keep enduring patiently, not being stained by this world (James 1:27). We need to walk with Christ every day with His confidence and His righteousness with genuineness. We need to go through His opened doors to minister to people and hold fast to His Word. We don’t ever want to become apathetic and lukewarm to spiritual things where we don’t care. We need refining by the challenges and trials of life. We need to let Christ in and dine with His presence as He longs to abide with us. May we become overcomers (conquerors) in His Name every single day as we await His coming.

 

Verse to Memorize: Revelation 3:20

Revelation Bible Study Notes- Chapter 2

Chapter 2

 

-John begins to pour out what the Spirit of God is saying to the seven churches. The first four churches are addressed in this chapter, those being Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. He uses descriptions of Christ at the introduction to each church, which are repeated from the first chapter describing important characteristics of the Lord with variety. He also concludes with diverse qualities of Christ, each time with the phrase, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29). The text also gives hope to each of these four churches that if can overcome (or conquer), they will be rewarded (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26). The interpretation of these messages to the churches and the spirits behind them can be seen as two-fold, with diversity of meaning according to biblical scholars and theologians. We can say that indeed there was a literal and historical application to these ancient churches of the first century AD. But, there can also be application and significance to future churches during this age of the Body of Christ. Even this has been seen with different hermeneutics. Some will suggest that these churches represent different eras of the Kingdom’s advancement moving towards the completion of all things with the return of Christ. This is a linear view of the message. Others will point out that these characteristics describe what kinds of spirits preside over particular churches all throughout the age of the church with warnings to those who go astray and blessings to those that abide in the Spirit of God. Both can be accurate and should be heeded as we constantly evaluate what the church of the Living God is doing and where it is going. One thing to remember is that the Lord always gives hope and a way to return to Him in each and every situation that the churches encounter. These messages to the churches are designed to be introspective and contemplative. Therefore, we can conclude that John is talking about the things “that are” in this section, but it also has prophetic implications going on into the church age.

-Ephesus was known positively for its good works, hard toil, patient endurance, testing false apostles, and bearing up for the Name of the Lord (Revelation 2:2-3). They also hated the teachings and works of the Nicolaitans, who were heretics seducing people to idolatry and sexual immorality (Revelation 2:6). However, on the negative side they had abandoned their first love and grown apathetic. They had fallen in the area of their passion and were called to repentance (Revelation 2:4-5).

-Smyrna was known entirely positive for its bearing up under tribulation and suffering with lack of material things. They had been slandered by the false Jews of the synagogue (assembly) of Satan. They had no fear for what they were about to suffer with imprisonments and testings. They were encouraged to remain faithful unto death, which would earn them the crown of life with no hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:8-11).

-Pergamum had endured in a tough spot where the throne of Satan was located. This probably refers to the pagan setting they were at geographically, but again there is deeper spiritual meaning to this. On the positive, they held fast the Name of Christ under persecution and martyrdoms, like in the days of Antipas. They were faithful witnesses of the Lord at certain times. However, some of them were holding the teaching of Balaam, who loved money and put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel through Balak so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and practiced sexual immorality. They also had some who held to the teachings of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:12-17).

-Thyatira had on the positive some good works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, and growth. However, they tolerated the Jezebel spirit of control, deception, and seduction. There is another reference to eating meat sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality here in this church under this Jezebel influence. This spirit, or spirits, will make people in the church physically sick and bring great tribulation unless there is a repentant turning back to God. Death is even mentioned as a consequence for the downward spiral in ethics and practice. Some in Thyatira were resisting Satan and his teaching. Those are told to hold fast until the Lord would come, who will rule with a rod of iron and possessing the morning star (Revelation 2:18-29).

-*Application* This list of do’s and do not’s is important for us to live out in our days. Consider the traits of the persevering godly as opposed to the things God detests in His church. Don’t let the wrong spirits take control of your own personal life because you, if you have trusted Christ, are a part of His Church. The value is on repentance when we see that we are doing things wrong and going against Christ. O Christian brothers and sisters, do not harden your heart towards the ways of God. Return to Him and get restoration wherever it needs to be applied. He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).

 

Verse to Memorize: Revelation 2:26