Revelation: Vision 3.

[Marilyn C]

OVERVIEW: The Four Visions.

The predominant aim of Revelation is the setting forth the splendours of the Son of Man, & to reveal His glorious person. There are four visions of the Son of Man as He is known in the heavenly realm & each vision in turn carries through to completion one aspect of the fourfold ministry of Christ which He exercised when on earth. His Kinship was expressed in Matthew, His Heirship in Mark, His Mediatorship in Luke, & His Judgeship in John.


Vision 1. CHRIST - Head of the Body. (Rev. 1 – 3)

This reveals the empowered Son of Man as the Sovereign Administrator.

`in His right hand He held 7 stars.`



Vision 2. CHRIST - HEIR (Rev. 4 – 7)

This reveals the enthroned Son of Man as the Supreme Executor.

`in His right hand He held the 7 sealed book.`



Vision 3. CHRIST - MEDIATOR (Rev. 8 – 13)

This reveals the exalted Son of Man as the Stately Mediator.

`in His hand is a sacred censor.`


Vision 4. CHRIST - JUDGE (Rev. 14 – 22)

This reveals the entitled Son of Man as the Sublime Adjudicator.

`in His hand is a sharp sickle.`



To reveal Christ to us in Revelation, there are three hundred & thirty references to the figures, shadows, symbols, types, patterns, persons, & buildings of the Old Testament.


This unveiling is the culmination of all the truths expressed from Genesis to Revelation, for all scripture is centred on one purpose and that is to reveal Christ to us in all His Glory.

 

[civic]

Where are the “ 330 “ stated ? Is there a list somewhere that points them out ?

Thanks

 

[Marilyn C]

Christ the Minister of the Sanctuary.

We are now shown the third vision of the Lord in His High office as Mediator of the Covenant. A mediator not only brings reconciliation between two parties but also applies retribution on the guilty.

This is a solemn time and this is shown by the `silence in heaven.` The Judgment scroll has been opened and revealed what is to come and thus there is a silence before the actual judgments take place.

`When He (Christ) opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.` (Rev. 8: 1)

Angels are now prepared to sound the trumpet judgments to come, however they have to wait for the Lord to give them the authority to begin.

`And I saw the seven angels, who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.` (Rev. 8: 2)

God`s Mediator is now revealed as the High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary. He is shown in angelic form before the golden altar. This indicates the ceremony of the Day of Atonement for Israel.

`And another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel`s hand.` (Rev. 8: 3 & 4)


The High Priest would take the blood from the outside altar and bring it to the golden altar, mix it with incense and fire. Then he would take it into the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood and fire before the Ark of the Covenant.

This is a pictorial drama of what the Lord has already done and about to do. He has shed His blood as the sacrifice for the sins of the nation of Israel; He has offered His pure life as a fragrant offering, (incense); and now is about to cast the `blood and fire` to the ground in judgment upon the rebellious.


`And the angel took the incense, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thundering, lightnings, and an earthquake.` (Rev. 8: 5)

 

[Marilyn C]

Where are the “ 330 “ stated ? Is there a list somewhere that points them out ?

Thanks

Good to point that out. You would just need to count them.

 

[civic]

You would just need to count them.

Did you count them and come up with that number ?

 

[Marilyn C]

 

[Marilyn C]

Did you count them and come up with that number ?

No, that reference was from C.J. Rolls which I wrote on my first revelation thread.

 

[Marilyn C]

The 7 Trumpets: God`s Call to Repentance & Judgment.

`Then the angel took the censer; filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to earth. And there were noises, thundering, lightnings and an earthquake. So the 7 angels who had the 7 trumpets prepared themselves to sound.` (Rev. 8: 5 & 6)

The time for the purification of Israel and judgment upon the Nations has come.

Note the blowing of the trumpets was a priestly activity and thus we see Christ the High Priest controlling this from the heavenly sanctuary. It was only when Christ as the angel threw the fire to the earth that the 7 angels prepared to sound.

The first four trumpet calls are during the early part of the tribulation and affects a third of the earth, the sea, the water and the stars. This would bring about great hardship of famine, lack of fresh water, and great fear. Now we can see why the great multitude from the tribulation, died of hunger, thirst and heat. However we see that they heard `the trumpet call,` and repented before God. (Rev. 7: 16)



The Beginning of the Tribulation.

The 1st Trumpet sounded - (great heat and famine)

`The first angel sounded: and hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.` (Rev.8: 7)


The 2nd Trumpet sounded - (Tsunami and sickness)

`Then the second angel sounded: and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.` (Rev. 8: 8 & 9)


The 3rd Trumpet sounded - (poison and thirst)

`Then the third angel sounded: and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters;
and the name of the star is Wormwood, and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter, ` (Rev. 8: 10 & 11)



The 4th Trumpet sounded - (darkness and cold)

`The fourth angel sounded; and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened;
and a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.` (Rev. 8: 12)

 

[Marilyn C]

The Middle of the Tribulation.

The next three trumpets take place from the middle of the tribulation to the end. They are the 5th, 6th and 7th trumpets. These are so terrible that they are referred to as `woes.`

`And I looked and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe, to those who dwell on the earth
because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels..` (Rev. 8: 13)


In the middle of the Tribulation Satan and His angels are cast out of the universal heavens, to the earth. Their power is becoming more and more confined. On earth the people have acclaimed a World leader to rule over them. Although he appears to be a great Mediator, he is in fact a ruthless dictator, possessed by Satan. (Rev. 12: 9 & 13: 5)

The effect of Satan and his demonic angels infesting the earth brings great terror upon the world. Not only is there more physical darkness as the luminaries wane, but now there is a great spiritual darkness overcoming mankind.

The 5th trumpet signals this first `woe,`

`Then the fifth angel sounded and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth. And to him was given the key to the bottomless pit.
And he opened the bottomless pit and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun & the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth.` (Rev. 9: 2 & 3)


These `locusts,` are actually the demons that have been loosed from the pit and then swarm as locusts over the earth tormenting those who are not sealed of God. They paralyse people with a sting like a scorpion, and the pain is so great, people would rather die but they are unable to, as they cannot move or call out. It is a taste of hell but still they do not repent.

The demon`s leader, Satan, is called Apollyon, meaning – destroyer, and his intent to destroy much of mankind and set himself as Ruler, King of the world.

`they had a king over them the angel of the bottomless pit whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.`
(Rev. 9: 11)


The symbolic description of the demon, `locusts,` show their war-like intent, deceptive character and horrendous torment.

`The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle: (war - like)

and on their heads, as it were, crowns like gold, (false authority)

..faces ...like... men, (evil intent) hair like women`s... (deceptive)

teeth like lion`s... (devouring) breastplates of iron, (seemingly invincible)

and the sound of their wings ... like ..many horses running into battle. (fearful)

and there were stings (like scorpions) in their tails.` (paralysing pain & torment)

(Rev. 9: 7 – 10)

 

[Marilyn C]

` One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.` (Rev. 9: 12)


The 6th trumpet also signals great destruction and woe upon mankind.

`The 6th angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God,....` (Rev. 9: 13)



The voice is the Lord who is officiating at the `golden altar.` The `horns of the golden altar` represent where people would flee to when persecuted. These are the martyrs that are killed by the anti-Christ and his great army.

`saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the 4 angels who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year,
were released to kill a third of mankind.” (Rev. 9: 14 & 15)



These demonic angels are situated in the Middle East at the river Euphrates. This is where the anti-Christ sets up his global government at Babylon on the river Euphrates.

`Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million, and I heard the number of them.` (Rev. 9: 16)

The angels are released to go forth throughout the four corners of the earth and gather a great army, numbering 200 million. They tread down, crush and annihilate one third of mankind. Here is a description of this great army.

`And thus I saw horse in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates the colour of fiery red, hyacinth blue and sulphur yellow: and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; (domination) and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. (chemical warfare)

By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads: and with them they do harm.` (Rev. 9: 17 – 19)

Even amid such horror, pain and torment the rest of mankind did not repent of their wickedness and worship of demons.

`But the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as to not worship demons...and they did not repent of their murders, or their sorceries, or their sexual immorality, or their thefts.` (Rev. 9: 20 & 21)

 

[Marilyn C]

 

[Marilyn C]

When the 7th trumpet sounds then the mystery of God is finished. (Rev. 10: 7)

It heralds a great earthquake, Armageddon, and the Lord`s return in power & glory.



Thus the 7 trumpets, God`s judgments upon the earth, give us the overview of that tribulation period. Then we are able to position the different details and events as we study further.

 

[Marilyn C]

CHRIST THE MEDIATOR (Rev. 10)

Christ`s Mediatorship is now revealed to us in more detail. To accomplish His great work He needs to be free of all prejudice and partiality. His character must be perfect.

Then He needs to be accessible to everyone everywhere at all times. (Omnipresence) This function cannot be discharged without a full knowledge of all languages and tongues of every race and tribe. (Omniscience) Finally to be in a position to undertake the needs of mankind universally, Omnipotence is essential.

`I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun,
and his feet were pillars of fire. (Rev. 10: 1)

What a truly awesome picture of the Lord. God gives us great detail and picturesque language so we can understand spiritual things. The `rainbow on his head,` clearly shows that this is Christ the one on the throne with the rainbow overhead, to fulfil the Covenant.

His `face, like the sun,` shows that Christ reflects the glory of God in doing this wonderful work of Mediation. Then His feet were ` as pillars of fire,` representing the refining and judging work Christ is about to do in relation to the Covenant.


Christ`s Omnipresence. (everywhere)

This is revealed to us as the Lord, represented as this mighty angel, astride the sea and land. It gives perspective to Christ`s great universal authority in relation to the earth.

`And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,` (Rev. 10: 2)


Christ`s Omnipotence. (all Power)

Then we hear Him cry with a loud voice, and `seven thunders` respond. This is the complete (7) judgment of God (thunders). They were to be sealed up until the appointed time for its release when Christ returns in power and great glory at the end of the tribulation.

`and he cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices. Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, do not write them.` (Rev. 10: 3 & 4)

 

[Marilyn C]

Christ`s Omniscience. (all knowing)

Then the Lord, as the mighty angel, shows that it is He who is the Mediator between God and man. Only He who is God could raise His hand and swear by Himself.

`The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised His hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer.` (Rev. 10: 5 & 6)

Then God told Daniel the exact length of time till the final judgments would be completed; `time, times and half a time.` (3 ½ years) (Dan. 12: 7)

`in the days of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared it to His servants the prophets.`
(Rev. 10: 7)


Thus, we read that when the seventh angel is about to sound then the full revelation of what God declared to the prophets would be finished – that the kingdoms of the world would become the Lord`s.

Before this wonderful climax to the ages takes place certain events need to happen. Israel needs to turn back to God and the nations need to come under judgment. Thus the Lord gives the Apostle John the words of the prophecies declaring what is to come. This is represented by John having to `eat,` the little book.

`Go take the little book .....Take it and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.` (Rev. 10: 8 – 9)


The words were sweet like honey bringing a good message that the Messiah was coming to set up His kingdom. However the words were `bitter in his stomach` for if people did not repent there would be `lamentations, mournings and woes.`

`Then I took the little book out of the angel`s hand & ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.` (Rev. 10: 10)


As we study the book of Revelation further we will see the details of these prophecies that John received from Christ, the Angel of the Covenant. The prophecies will show how Christ draws His people Israel back to God and how He protects them from their enemies.

`You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues & kings.` (Rev. 10: 11)

 

[Marilyn C]

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[Marilyn C]

THE 2 WITNESSES (Rev. 11: 1 - 14)

The Lord Jesus Christ tells the Apostle John to prophecy again, to speak forth what is about to happen.

`You must prophecy again about many peoples, nations, tongues & kings.` (Rev. 10: 11)

Israel.

In Ch. 11 we are shown the details of this prophecy to `many peoples, nations, tongues & kings.` The first people that Christ deals with are those in Israel who are looking for their Messiah to come. They are the ones who worship in the temple.

` The angel (Christ) stood saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar and those who worship there.” (Rev. 11: 1)


Gentiles.

Then Christ allocates the Gentile nations of the world a specific time for them to rule over Jerusalem. They are given 42 months which is the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation before He comes and judges them as to how they have treated His people.

“ But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for 42 months.” (Rev. 11: 2)



Moses and Elijah.

Then Christ declares that He will give power to 2 men who will witness of Him to Israel and to the world of His coming kingdom rule through Israel. Their time is 1260 days.

`I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.
These are the 2 olive trees and the 2 lampstands standing before the God of the earth.` (Rev. 11: 3 & 4)


These 2 men, Christ`s Witnesses, are represented by olive trees and lampstands. (Zech. 4: 6) They are Moses and Elijah. They witnessed Christ`s transfiguration where He told them of His soon departure from the earth. They were also at the tomb and witnessed Christ`s resurrection, and later ascension into glory. (Luke 9: 30. 24: 4, Acts 1: 10)


Thus, we see these same 2 men now appearing to Israel during the second half of the tribulation witnessing of Christ, not only as their soon coming King but also as their High Priest, the one who gave His life for them, and arose victorious over sin and death.

 

[Marilyn C]

God gives the 2 men, God`s Witnesses, Moses and Elijah great power. This is the same power He gave them when they were on earth previously.


` If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy, and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues.....` (Rev. 11: 3 – 6)


Just before the 1260 days, (3 ½ years) the 2 witnesses are overcome by Satan and their dead bodies lie in Jerusalem for 3 ½ days.

`When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.
And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.`
(Rev. 11: 7 & 8)


People from all over the world will be able to see their dead bodies (through the use of technology). They will rejoice because the 2 prophets tormented them.

`Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues & nations will see their dead bodies three and a half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.`(Rev. 11: 9 & 10)


However, after 3 ½ days the 2 Witnesses come alive and ascend into heaven, in the presence of their enemies.

`Now after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud & their enemies saw them.`
(Rev. 11: 11 & 12)


In that very hour God caused a great earthquake and a tenth of Jerusalem fell, killing seven thousand people. People were afraid and realised that they were under God`s judgment.

`In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past. Behold the third woe is coming quickly.` (Rev. 11: 13 & 14)

 

[Marilyn C]

The 7th Trumpet.


The 7th trumpet sounds declaring that it is time for the kingdom of this world to become the kingdom of Christ.

`And the seventh angel sounded..... `The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.` (Rev. 11: 15)



The 24 Elders give thanks to God because He has taken His great power and reigned.

`And the 24 Elders who sat before God on their thrones, fell on their faces and worshipped God, saying, “We give thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned.” (Rev. 11: 16 & 17)


They declare that God`s wrath in the tribulation has come, and then enumerate the other judgments that will eventuate over time.

`the nations were angry and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, that you should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.` (Rev. 11: 18)


The `Ark of the Covenant` is then seen opened in heaven. This is a symbolic picture of Christ, the Voice of God, speaking forth the judgments and making war against His enemies.

`Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thundering, an earthquake and great hail.` (Rev. 11: 19)

 

[Marilyn C]

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[Marilyn C]

Christ the Mighty Victor.


Man is vividly conscience that he is unable to meet the demands of a just God. Thus the need for the Mediator, an advocate with the Father, One who is a faithful friend and who fully knows our cause. He needs to be able to protect our highest interests, and deliver us from the enemy.


It is Christ who has secured the supreme victory over the greatest foe. He has decisively triumphed in the age-long battle of good and evil, truth and error, light and darkness, life and death.


Christ the Mighty Victor has never suffered defeat; at Golgotha He gained a mighty triumph, an unprecedented conquest, and an incomparable victory.


Christ`s Scriptural Identity.

`Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.`
(Rev. 12: 1)


We are now shown from where the deliverer would come. In Genesis 3: 15 God foretold that the `seed,` of woman would crush the serpent, (Satan). The deliverer would come as a seed, not a tree, meaning not fully grown. He would also come through God`s special nation of Israel. This is shown by the symbols `sun, moon and stars,` representing Jacob, Rachael and their 12 sons, the tribes of Israel. (Gen. 37: 9)



Satan`s Scriptural Identity.

Next we see read of Satan`s origins. He came from the heavens to the area of the earth. He had aspired to be as God but was cast down and with him a third of the angelic hosts.

`And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a fiery red dragon having 7 heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his head. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.` (Rev. 12: 3 & 4)


This description of Satan reveals him as one who masquerades as an angel of light and then shows his authority over the kingdoms of this world. Note the word `seven,` in Heb. means to be complete. He has complete control over the kingdoms of the world. (John 5: 16)

Red – fire like – flame coloured, fig. lightning. (2 Cor. 11: 14 Luke 10: 18)

Dragon – a fabulous kind of serpent , to fascinate. (2 Thess. 2: 9)

7 heads – Complete authority. (1 John 5: 19)

7 diadems – Complete rulership. (Matt. 4: 8 & 9)

10 horns - Lawlessness, power. (Eph. 2: 2. 2 Thess. 2: 8 & 9)