Tuesday Revelation Bible Study : March 2013

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Chapter 9

Tuesday Night Revelation Bible Study

CHAPTER 9

Housecleaning: Thanks again for all of the assistance with the Haiti Baby Kits. Kelly has picked up both the Baby and Medical Kits, and she wanted to extend a heartfelt thanks!! Several of you have asked about wanting to contribute for the cost of the baby kits. I will bring the receipts tomorrow so we can figure out the shared amounts for everyone.

Finally, the blog is caught up:) !!

Questions for discussion chapter 9:

1. What is the life expectancy of a locust? Are the locust mentioned actual locusts, or something else?

2. This chapter has more occurrences of the words 'like' or 'as' then any other chapter in the Bible, why do you think this is?

3. The opening verse mentions a falling star, but then mentions that keys were given to him...is it a star, or something, someone else?

4. Are there believers on earth during this time?

5. Who are those that have God's mark on their foreheads?

6. Does any earthly army currently have two hundred million soldiers?

7. What is it that those that don't believe, can't give up to follow the Lord.

Recap of Chapter 9 (Chapter Notes and Background) - to follow after group discussion completed.

Chapter 8

Tuesday Night Revelation Bible Study

CHAPTER 8

Chapters 4 through 18 summarize the events that take place preceding the return of Jesus Christ. Not all of the events happen chronologically. As we discussed, it is important to note the words ‘like’ and ‘as’ as you read through these chapters. These two words help the reader understand John’s method of communicating ideas / events / concepts that he might not have the words to describe. Remember that John is giving a first hand exposition in terms of what he witnesses. These chapters can be scary, convicting and at times confusing, but the message is that Christ is returning in victory.

Recap of Chapter 8 (Chapter Notes and Background)

On September 11, 2001, I was working out at a 24hour fitness. As I was riding the stationary bike, there was breaking news on the television about a plane that had accidentally hit the World Trade Center in New York City. I was almost finished with my workout so I went to the locker room to change. In the locker room as I looked up at the television, another plane crashed into the second World Trade Center. I remember being speechless. My brain was having a hard time processing what I had just seen…and I noticed that everyone else watching the television, had the same silent reaction.

Christ breaks the seventh seal at the beginning of chapter 8. A profound silence ensues. Whenever I think about Heaven, I usually picture people talking, laughing, music playing, constant activity. The opening verse does not mention an isolated silence; that only in the north part of Heaven was it silent, but that ALL of Heaven was silent. The silence lasted thirty minutes. Everyone, not just God, is aware that the remaining trumpet and bowl judgements are going to usher in chaos and destruction that earth has never before experienced. Silence is the most powerful scream.

“Trumpets play a major role in God's dealings with His people (cf. Exod.

19:16; 20:18; Isa. 27:13; Jer. 4:5; Joel 2:1; Zeph. 1:16; Matt. 24:31; 1 Cor.

15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16). They were part of Israel's ceremonial

processions (e.g., Josh. 6:4, 13-16; 1 Kings 1:34, 39; 1 Chron. 15:24), and

they assembled the Israelites for war, journeys, and special feasts (e.g.,

Num. 10:9-10). They also warned of the coming day of the Lord (e.g., Joel

2:1), and they announced the new year in Israel (e.g., Num. 29:1). Here

they announce divine judgment in the day of the Lord (cf. Zech. 1:14-16).”

- Dr. Thomas L. Constable

As the trumpets are given to the seven angels, who will use them at God’s command, we see the effect of prayer. Verse 3 of chapter 8 mentions “the prayer of all the saints”.

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever.

Amen.

The Lord’s prayer above is modeled on the words of Christ in the Gospels. Many Christians since the first century have said aloud, “your will be done on earth as is in Heaven”. I believe that all of the prayers asking God to intervene, to make His rule absolute on earth, as it is in Heaven, finally are about to become a reality. The judgment that falls on earth before the trumpets begin to sound, are literally the prayers returning to pave the way for Christ’s return.

All seven of the trumpet judgments seem to proceed out of the seventh seal judgment. When Christ broke the seventh seal, it began a whole new series of judgments. It does appear that the trumpet judgments, to be followed by the bowl judgments, will happen chronologically. These trumpet and bowl judgments are the judgments that the angel in chapter 7 held back until the 144,000 Jewish converts were sealed. Though both the trumpet and bowl judgments are indictments on sinful humanity and a fallen earth, the objective of these judgments is to bring hostile unbelievers to repentance. Unfortunately, and unbelievably most are so hostile to God that even despite these more severe calamities, they still do not repent.

In the book of Exodus we do have a picture of how unbelievers react to plagues similar to the seven trumpet judgments. Before the nation of Israel was allowed to leave Egypt, God sent plagues to finally cause the Pharaoh, despite his unwillingness, to release Israel. The plagues in Exodus closely mirror the trumpet plagues (see above and cross reference with those in Exodus), but obviously on a smaller scale. Despite the plagues that God sent upon Egypt, many held onto their unbelief. Though it is surprising that many do not turn to repentance and ultimate salvation in Christ during these seven trumpet judgments, we only have to look back to the Old Testament to see that unfortunately human nature has not changed too much since then.

Chapter 7

Tuesday Night Revelation Bible Study

CHAPTER 7

Housecleaning: Thanks again for all of the assistance with the Haiti Baby Kits. Kelly has picked up both the Baby and Medical Kits, and she wanted to extend a heartfelt thanks!!

As you may of noticed I have not had a chance to update the blog…yet we have already discussed chapters 4 – 8. I am going to get us caught up…and will start a new blog entry for Chapter9. Thanks again, and hope this helps make these chapters a bit easier to understand.

Recap of Chapter 7 (Chapter Notes and Background)

After reading chapter 6, it can be hard to imagine that anything good can come out of all this destruction. However, even today we can see examples of God still working to heal, save and redeem men and women out of horrible events. Columbine, Newtown, Oklahoma City Bombing, September 11, 2001- all of these events can immediately bring back memories of pain and suffering. Still, even through those horrible acts, we also capture glimpses of God’s grace and mercy extended to those immediately affected. God never stops communicating His love to His creation. The devil works to destroy, but God works to save.

Chapter 7 is also one of the most popular chapters in the Bible for false teachers / religions. Many false religions have tried to use some of the information in chapter 7 to prove that their religion is the only true religion. Jehovah Witnesses to this day believe the 144,000 witnesses mentioned, relate to only Jehovah Witness members. Yet, a cursory reading reveals that the central individuals in this chapter are not representative of the church, but in fact are Jewish converts to Christianity.

Chapter 7 is an interlude between the seal judgements in chapter 6, and the seven trumpet judgements in chapter 8. Between chapters we see God seal 144,000 Jewish individuals for the purpose of witnessing to the world at large with the message of Jesus Christ.The interesting thing about the list of tribes in chapter 7, is that it differs from the list typically found in the Old Testament.

“The tribe of Judah was usually first in such lists, as it is here, due to the

prophecies that it would lead the other tribes and that Messiah would come

from Judah (Gen. 49:10; 1 Chron. 2:3—4:43). "The lion that is from the

tribe of Judah" is the Lamb (5:5; cf. 6:16-17; Heb. 7:13-14).

The tribe of Dan is absent in this list perhaps because that tribe was the

first to establish idolatry in Israel (Judg. 18:30; cf. 1 Kings 12:29-30).

However the Danites will receive a portion of land in the Millennium

(Ezek. 48:1-2).

"Joseph" represents Ephraim (v. 8; cf. v. 6). Ephraim was also "notorious

for . . . fickleness and proclivity to idol worship."307 Ephraim was the head

of the Northern Kingdom of Israel that apostatized under King Jeroboam

I's leadership. Ephraim will also be in the millennial kingdom (Ezek.

48:5). Perhaps Ephraim's name does not appear in this list, though he is

included in the reference to Joseph, to avoid the unpleasant connotations

of his name.308

The listing of Manasseh's name (v. 6) is unusual since his father Joseph's

name also appears. Perhaps this honors Manasseh's faithfulness in contrast

to Ephraim's unfaithfulness.” – Dr. Constable

The list below comprise the twelve tribes of Israel that John mentions in Chapter 7. The Jewish individuals from these tribes will be called to evangelize during this tribulation time period. Note the meaning associated with their names.

1. Judah	= "I will praise the Lord"
2. Reuben	= "He has looked on me"
3. Gad	= "Granted good fortune"
4. Asher	= "Happy am I"
5. Naphtali	= "My wrestling"
6. Manasseh	= "Making me to forget"
7. Simeon	= "God hears me"
8. Levi	= "Joined to me"
9. Issachar	= "Purchased Me"
10. Zebulun	= "Dwelling"
11. Joseph	= "God will add to me"
12. Benjamin	= "Son of His right hand"

Now notice what happens when the meaning of the names are combined, in the same order, into a paragraph:
"I will praise the Lord for He has looked on me and granted good fortune. Happy am I because my wrestling God is making me to forget. God hears me and is joined to me. He has purchased me a dwelling. God will add to me the Son of His right hand." (The words in italics are supplied to complete each thought.)

As mentioned above, the omission of the tribe of Dan is interesting. We find the verse below in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, specifically about the tribe of Dan. This is facinating because at the time it was written, there did not exist ANY tribes of Israel, nor was Israel even a people, or a nation let alone the tribe of Dan.

"Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward." (Gen 49:17)

Some believe the above verse supports the idea the anti-christ could potentially come from the tribe of Dan.

Finally, we see the fruits of the 144,000. Many will listen and be convinced that Jesus Christ is lord, and will turn to Him for salvation.

A number of distinctions can be made between the 144,000 and the great multitude in chapter 7. The following table does this.

The 144,000 and the Great Multitude Compared
Questions	The 144,000	The Great Multitude
How many are there?	144,000 (literal/symbolic?)	No one could number
Where are they from?	12 spiritual tribes of Israel	Every nation, tribe and people
When are they sealed?	Before the seven trumpets	During the seven trumpets
Are they part of Babylon?	No, they are virgins	Yes, but they come out of it
What part of the harvest?	First fruits	General harvest
What is their connection to the 3 angel's messages?	Give the messages	Hear and obey messages

Question answered:

In Rev 5:2 the question is asked "who is worthy to open the book?" We learn that Jesus was "found worthy" (Rev 5:4) to open the book. Then in chapter 6, as Jesus opens the seals of this important book, the section ends with the question (Rev 6:17), "in light of these events ...

... who shall be able to stand?
or
... who will be able to make it through?
or, perhaps even,
... who will still be alive at the Second Coming?

The answer is given in chapter 7 - the 144,000 will be able to stand. There is no doubt, in the book of Revelation, that this will be a special and unique group. They evidently do a phenomenal job of witnessing, that the multitude that John writes about, cannot be numbered. Currently there are roughly 25,000 full time missionaries world wide...most would say that through radio, TV, and the missionaries themselves, the Gospel is reaching numbers unimaginable to those in the first century. However, the success that these 144,000 evidently achieve, will far outshine anything that planet earth has seen in terms of the number of converts during a time period turning to Jesus Christ. Despite all of the calamities upcoming, and the brutal deaths most of the multitude in this chapter experienced, God again wins.

Again the number 7, as discussed earlier, is a number of perfection in the Bible. I do not believe it is a coincidence that we see a powerful reminder that no matter the circumstance, God is in complete control. Chapter 7 is a welcome respite, from chapter 6, and chapters to follow. It is almost like the eye of a hurricane where everything is serene and peaceful, and even at times sunny. Yet, all around the eye of tranquility, swirling winds of destruction seek to reek havoc.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Chapter 6

Tuesday Night Revelation Bible Study

CHAPTER 6

Recap of Chapter 6 (Chapter Notes and Background)

Numbers are fascinating studies in Scripture. Each number can clue the reader into more than just the quantity of an item discussed in the Bible. Take some time and read up on the numbers 6 and 7, links below:

http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/7.html

http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/6.html

Relationships between specific numbers and different Biblical concepts are a common theme throughout the Bible. The number six, for the most part throughout the Bible, represents mankind. Chapter 6 is essentially about the opening of the first six seals, and the destruction that occurs on planet earth and the heavens as a result. Is it a coincidence that chapter 6 deals with the first 6 seals? Who knows? Well, God does, but what is fact is that God’s patience is finally at an end. We will begin to see God’s judgment fall on all those that reject Christ and choose to continue to live on in their own strength, refusing to submit to God’s solution for sin by accepting the saving work of Jesus Christ.

The first four seals that are opened usher in the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The order of the horsemen and the woes they bring echo Matthew chapter 24, better known as the Olivet discourse, and the Old Testament book of Daniel.

The horse in ancient times was a war machine. A reader listening to the book of revelation in the first century would have understood these four horses and their riders as an offensive war front, bent on destroying as much of planet earth as possible. The first rider’s horse is white and has a bow with no arrows. Most scholars believe this rider is the anti-christ, who will lead many to destruction by a bloodless war or through peaceful means. In the book of Daniel, the anti-christ helps broker a deal with the nation of Israel and their enemies, promising lasting peace for Israel and the world at large. However, this peace proves to be a false peace, ushering in the abomination of desolation that Christ specifically mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. The abomination of desolation is a point when the anti-christ will proclaim himself to be God and will seek to destroy all Jewish and Christian ideas and beliefs about God as set forth in the Old and New Testaments.

The second rider’s horse is red, representing war. When the anti-christ proclaims himself to be God, the next cataclysm to follow is world-war.

The third rider’s horse is black, representing famine. Due to the world-war, food and drink will be scarce. Those who have survived war will now have to face the threat of starvation. It goes from bad to worse for all those that remain.

The fourth rider’s horse is gray, or pale, representing death. The toll that war and famine have on earth at this time results in unimaginable death. The numbers will be staggering. No generation before this has ever experienced anything close to this world-wide annihilation.

The fifth seal points to the fact that some going through this time period on earth do find Christ. These martyrs suffer death for refusing to believe in the anti-christ, putting their faith instead in the true savior of the world: Jesus Christ. Another interesting thing about the fifth seal is that, in Heaven, these martyrs have not forgotten what they went through. When we think about Heaven, most picture clouds and harps and inhabitants who don’t really retain their humanity. Yet the fifth seal reaffirms that we will not only remember, but we too will thirst even in Heaven for God to restore His creation to Himself.

The wrath of the Lamb seems to be an oxymoron. Lambs are typically docile, gentle…which is how most picture Christ. Yet, as we read Revelation we come back to the fact that God is the ‘same yesterday, today and forever.’ He is still the lamb that takes away the sin of the world, but also is the One who, through His might, will restore all of creation to Himself. The sixth seal is by the far the most frightening to read about. Those remaining on the earth are desperate to hide from His wrath. Destruction will be total.