schedule slide - abiding shepherd · 2012-07-21 · christian church (matthew 19:28) 6>...
TRANSCRIPT
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Schedule Slide
Review:
Last session we completed a study of the seven letters that, while containing
mainly literal messages and images, also relied heavily on picture language
and symbolism. The symbolic message of Jesus’ revelation to Saint John now
increases as John stands before the throne of holy God and the Holy Spirit
directs John to put into human language what is beyond human
understanding.
In this session we begin looking at symbols and compare them to other
sections of Scripture to help us interpret their meaning. As we do so please
keep in mind these pictures are given to offer comfort to Christians of all ages,
especially as they face challenges of and persecution for their faith.
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In this section people tend to focus on the negative (bad news sells better than
good news). But remember why Revelation was written – to offer comfort.
While we will look at the symbolism of the four horseman of this vision, please
keep in mind where this vision is headed…
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Clip.3 – the.7th.seal
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Phrases to note -
1> Revelation 4:1 After this… To understand this part of the vision we must be
careful to place it in its proper context. This is not the next chronological event
of a distant future. The immediate context clearly designates that John is
simply picking up where he left off after the introduction and vision of the
seven letters. From John’s perspective, and the context, the idea of “next” is
what now takes place at the end of the first century, that is, the next thing in
John’s time period. Remember, John saw this while on the island of Patmos on
a particular Sunday. What comes next is next for him, not us.
2> Revelation 4:2 The term “Spirit” in verse 2 is better rendered “spirit” (small
“s”) for two reasons: 1> The big “S” concept is used by millennialists to support
a false teaching concerning rapture (slide #28 of lesson one – point #5 – the
gathering of the saints on Judgment Day as opposed to a prejudgment and
removal of Christians before Judgment Day). 2> What happens to John is
parallel to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 - I know a man in Christ who fourteen
years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out
of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in
the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught
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up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted
to tell.
concept of the third heaven – Scripture speaks of the heavens with the
following division:
1st heaven – the atmosphere (Genesis 1:20)
2nd heaven – the universe (Genesis 1:14)
3rd heaven – dwelling place of God, angels and the saints (2 Corinthians 12)
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This is a pictorial rendition of what John saw. To grasp what God is saying in
this part of the vision, let us connect the symbolism with Scriptural
counterparts:
1> Revelation 4:2 the one sitting on the throne = God is ruling over and in
control of all thing
2> Revelation 4:3 jasper = white, diamond like stone representing that though
God is holy He still reaches out to sinful man (Exodus 28:15-21)
3> Revelation 4:3 carnelian = also known as “red sardine” – red typically
represents judgment (the color of blood – Acts 2:20)
4> Revelation 4:3 rainbow = representing God’s promises (Genesis 9:13)
5> Revelation 4:4 24 thrones/elders = the 12 patriarchs of the Old Testament
and the 12 apostles of the New Testament – representative of the whole
Christian Church (Matthew 19:28)
6> Revelation 4:5 lightning/thunder = God’s glory and power (Exodus 19:16)
7> Revelation 4:5 seven lamps = representative of the Holy Spirit (Exodus
37:17-24 & Zechariah 4:1-6) (see also session 1 – Isaiah 11:1-2)
8> Revelation 4:6 sea of glass = peace of God (Isaiah 57:20-21)
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Phrases to note –
1> Revelation 4:6b-7 four living creatures = four chief angels representing all
the good angels. There is much debate over exactly what these four living
creatures represent. Many feel that their number, four, indicates they must be
representative of everything that God has created. But references later on
create a problem for that interpretation. As with the other symbols Scripture
itself offers us the interpretation. In Ezekiel’s visions he comes across these
same four creatures and there they are described as angels, possibly angels
of a high rank (Ezekiel 1:4-28, Ezekiel 10:20 – identified as cherubim).
Since all of God’s good angels have been given charge by God to watch
over all of God’s creation (Psalm 91:11), then the number four here is better
understood in coordination with the faces of each of these angels. Each face
represents the role of angelic protection as they guard (represented by the
eyes) over specific parts of God’s creation:
face of an eagle = things of the air
face of a lion = the wild and untamed part of creation
face of an ox = the domesticated or tame part of creation
face of a man = mankind
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Further evidence that these four living creatures are angels comes in what
John sees and hears of them as they encircle the throne. It is identical to what
Isaiah saw in his vision when he was commissioned as the Lord as a prophet.
Isaiah 6:1-3 – In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a
throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above
him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their
faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And
they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy , holy is the Lord Almighty; the
whole earth is full of his glory.”
2> Revelation 4:10 24 elders … fall down … worship … lay their crowns =
representative of the Church acknowledging true God and honoring Him as
deserving of all praise and glory, and that His authority is perfect and
complete.
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Chapter 5
Because this study session #3 is one of the longer visions, to save some time
you were asked to review the sermon from Easter 2012 on this chapter. The
detailed exegetical study of Chapter 5 offered in the sermon helps us to better
understand how this vision introduces us to the concept of the seven seals,
and Jesus as the Lamb of God who alone is worthy to open them.
Studying chapter 5 in this sermon review format also allows us some time to
do a little more application work – see next slide:
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1> Revelation 5:8 - And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the
twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they
were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Psalm 141:2 - May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting
up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
What is being symbolized in Revelation 5:8 in reference to the saints in
heaven presenting prayers to God?
Romans 1:7 - To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and
Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the
saints throughout Achaia: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:1-2 - Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the
saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
These three verses define for us who “saints” are. Who are they?
2> Revelation 5:10 - You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to
serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.
Hebrews 12:28 - Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be
shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and
awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Did you notice the present tense “are receiving”? What does that mean?
1 Peter 2:9-12 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a
people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain
from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among
the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your
good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
How are we ruling with Christ right now?
3> Hebrews 1:14 - Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those
who will inherit salvation?
Revelation 5:11 - Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels,
numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.
They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
Psalm 91:11-12 - For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you
in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike
your foot against a stone.
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Introduction to this section -
As we now enter into an even more symbolic (and often confusing) portion of
this vision we should again remind ourselves that the purpose for these visions
was to comfort hurting Christians. But as we read through these next sections
we may wonder “where is the comfort”? All of the things that Jesus describes
to John that will affect the world will also have an impact on His Christian
Church here on earth during the period of the New Testament times.
Unfortunately, there is the deep human desire to somehow find perfect
peace here on earth. Christians also wrestle with this desire since God
originally created man to live in an earthly paradise. But man’s disobedience
and sin makes a return to any kind of an earthly paradise or achieving world-
wide peace impossible. Therefore, we should be aware that many false
interpretations of Revelation, and of this next section specifically, often begin
with wrong theological concepts, such as: perfectionism (found in universal
Unitarianism), theology of glory (found in many Evangelical circles citing that
true Christians will always be blessed here on this earth), and social Gospel
(found in Liberation theology/Community salvation).
Before Jesus visibly departed from this world He told His followers that they
were to expect difficult and hard times in the coming ages of the New
Testament (Matthew 24:1-14 & Luke 21:5-36). Jesus tells His followers exactly
why God would allow difficult and dark days ahead: Luke 21:34-36 - “Be
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careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and
the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be
always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about
to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Jesus
makes it crystal clear that God would use these things to keep us from
searching for a paradise here on this earth, but rather long for an eternal
paradise with God in heaven.
Part of our appreciation, as well as a proper interpretation of this section,
requires us to drop some of the baggage we have picked up along the way.
For instance, the prophecies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke are usually
referenced as “End Times Prophecies”. This is a human description and title of
those sections. But no where in the verse does Jesus limit His prophecies to
the end. Rather, Jesus speaks about many events and then adds the phrase
“the end is yet to come”. The same is true of this section of Revelation. It often
bears the human description or title of “the four horsemen of the Apocalypse”.
While that could be properly understood (since we have already studied the
correct meaning of the term “apocalypse”), most people associate the four
horsemen as only pointing to the end of time. But each horsemen, each world-
wide influence, will happen, and then the “end is yet to come”. What we
actually have before us now is simply a fuller description of what Jesus had
personally and previously prophesied during His earthly ministry.
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1> Revelation 6:2 …before me was a white horse!
What, not who, is this first horseman? (Each horseman is often misidentified
as a person or entity. But the concept of “four’ reminds us each of these is
better understood as an influence on all of God’s creation.) Some believe this
first horseman represents a false christ or someone/something attempting to
impersonate Jesus. That idea is even reflected in the final phrase of the NIV
translation when it is rendered “bent on conquest”. Some of the NIV translators
hold to a millenialistic view of Revelation and therefore translated it
accordingly.
But the literal translation gives us insight that this first horseman is a true
conqueror (present tense – he went forth conquering). The color of the horse
gives us further identification – white. White is the color of holiness and
perfection. The placement of the white horse and its rider in the first position
also goes to the purpose of Revelation – comfort. Before the Lord speaks
about the effects of sin on this earth through the New Testament era, He offers
comfort by speaking about a positive influence. The first horseman is the
power of the Gospel and its influence in this world until Judgment Day. This
corresponds to Jesus’ prophecy of Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the
kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and
then the end will come.
Reasons why some interpreters are uncomfortable with seeing the first
horseman as the influence of the Gospel is twofold:
1> The rider only has one crown. Later in Revelation 19:11-12a Jesus is
clearly identified as wearing many crowns (19:11-12a - I saw heaven standing
open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful
and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing
fire, and on his head are many crowns.) But when we remember these visions
are seven pictures of the same thing – the New Testament period – and that in
the visions we recognize the progression of time through the New Testament
period, over time Jesus gains many victories, many crowns, by the power of
His Word. So here we begin with one crown, one victory – the cross, and as
time progresses many other “victories” are gained by the power of the first
crown.
2> Many interpreters are uncomfortable recognizing this as the influence of
the Gospel because of the choice of weapon – a bow. Often Scripture
identifies the Word and its power with a sword. It will do so in chapter 19:15 -
Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.
But be careful with such ideas. Symbolism, especially in Revelation is not so
confining. Since these are seven different visions of the same thing, it would
be very redundant to always use the same symbol over and over. While doing
so might help us understand better, we could run the risk of becoming “bored”.
Each vision keeps the words of encouragement refreshing for us.
To that end please be aware of the fact that the Word of God is sometimes
referenced with a bow and arrow symbol. In fact, sometimes the Bible will use
multiple symbols even in the same passage. Psalm 45:3-5 –
Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;
let your right hand display awesome deeds. 5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet. 6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
Another good example of God’s Word being symbolized with various weapons
is in Ephesians 6:10-18. As the true Conqueror Jesus has every weapon
available for our comfort.
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What is this second horseman?
1> Revelation 6:4 red – besides the color of red symbolizing judgment in
Scripture it is also used to represent evil, such as in Revelation 12:23 where
“the dragon” is described as red. Red can also represent sin and its wicked
and evil effects, as it is in Isaiah 1:18 - Though your sins are like scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like
wool.
Here the second horseman symbolizes the concept of war (NOT one specific
war). Because of sin there is no worldly peace but rather constant dissention
and strife between nations and peoples. This corresponds to Jesus’ prophecy
of Matthew 24:6a-7 - You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it
that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to
come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
2> Revelation 6:4 a large sword With this second horseman we also have the
opportunity to recognize just how careful we must be interpreting symbols, and
to recognize how the context must determine meanings. Often the sword is
representative of the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is
living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.) But in these verse
the sword is clearly not symbolizing the Word of God.
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What is this third horseman?
1> Revelation 6:5b black – doom, evil, calamity (Joel 2:1-2a - Blow the trumpet
in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for
the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand — 2 a day of darkness and
gloom, a day of clouds and blackness.)
2> Revelation 6:5b pair of scales – often scales are symbolic of judgment and
justice, and ordinarily that might make sense here. But be sure to consider the
immediate context and what the third living creature cries out. Remember that
balance scales were used in ancient times to weigh out and determine the
price for food. That is what is described here and as that process takes place,
famine and pestilence are represented by the high cost of the food.
3> Revelation 6:6 a quart of wheat for a day’s wage – to put this in modern
terms what the third angel is saying is that after working hard all day you would
be paid only one loaf of bread.
4> Revelation 6:6 damage (literally “adulterate”) the oil and wine – this refers
to the temptation of making daily staples last longer by adding water to them.
Their purity and value would be compromised and their nutritional value would
become worthless.
The third horseman is famines, droughts and other earthly afflictions that make
life difficult. This corresponds to Jesus’ prophecy of Matthew 24:7b - 8 - There
will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the
beginning of birth pains.
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What is this fourth horseman?
1> Revelation 6:8 pale – green. The Greek word for this color is CHLOROS.
We get our word chlorophyll from it. In ancient times physicians described ill
patience with this term. It is where we get the express “green around the gills”.
2> Revelation 6:8 Death – this term, of course, is self-explanatory. But here it
describes many facets of death. The rider himself represents death that comes
by illness as is seen in the color. But then with the phrase “given power over a
fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts
of the earth” this fourth horseman incorporates other ways of death described
by the previous two. Each term describes the unnatural act of death, that is to
say, we do not hear mention of those who simply pass away due to old age.
The fact that this horseman, Death, is then followed closely by Hades, also
represents the concept of physical death being followed by eternal death, that
is, damnation in hell.
3> Revelation 6:8 one fourth of the earth – don’t start taking this literally!
Remember the number four, and its derivatives, are representative of earthly
things. This is NOT saying something so bad will happen that one fourth of the
world’s population will be killed all at once. It is speaking symbolically. Over the
age of the New Testament a set number of people will die, some naturally,
many unnaturally. A set number will remain alive until Judgment Day. And a set
number of people died previous to the New Testament era.
The fourth horseman is the concept of all violent and painful death that will
take place through New Testament times. This corresponds to Jesus’ prophecy
of Luke 21:11b - … pestilences in various places, and fearful events.
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Phrases to note -
Now we shift from the effects on the earth of all mankind to one specific group,
Christians. Now we shift from unnatural death of anyone and everyone to
those who have died for their faith (please note that this does not account for
all the saints in heaven, only a portion of them from persecutions of the New
Testament era).
1> Revelation 6:9 under the altar – one of the descriptive features of
Revelation is the comparison of heaven to the Tabernacle Israel used to
worship God before the time of the temple. It makes sense, both are the house
of God. Here we have insight into this phrase (which has not been previously
used but is identified with the definite article meaning this alar was known).
The best reference we have is in the book of Hebrews where the symbolism of
the Tabernacle is apparent. (cf. Hebrews 8:1-5 - The point of what we are
saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand
of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the
true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was
necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he
would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed
by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in
heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the
tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown
you on the mountain.”)
The souls of the persecuted and slain correspond to Jesus’ prophecy of
Matthew 24:9-13 - “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to
death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many
will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many
false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the
increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands
firm to the end will be saved.”
2> Revelation 6:10 how long … avenge our blood – many have trouble
understanding how saints in heaven could call for vengeance, especially
considering all of Jesus’ lessons about forgiving the sins of others. But
remember, this is a picture of heaven. These souls are on the other side of
judgment, not still existing temporally on earth. What these saints are asking
for is exactly what Jesus prophesied, that then “the end would come”. This is a
cry for not only God’s just judgment, but also an end to pain and suffering of
Christians still suffering on earth.
3> Revelation 6:11 white robe – symbol of purity and holiness
4> Revelation 6:11b until the number … was completed – even in heaven we
see that the minds of believers, while now perfect in nature, still are not equal
to God. Human existence, even in heaven, is still subservient to God, His ways
and His wisdom – Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are
higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts
than your thoughts.” What a comfort to know, that while even Christians suffer
on earth, God is in control, has a plan and has a perfect time for everything.
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Phrases to note -
1> Revelation 6:12-13 the signs/fig tree - These correspond to Jesus’
prophecy of Matthew 24:7 – 8 - There will be … and earthquakes in various
places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
and Luke 21:25-31 – “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the
earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the
sea. 26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world,
for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of
Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin
to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is
drawing near.”
29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When
they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom
of God is near.”
2> Revelation 6:15-16 hide … fall on us – These correspond to Jesus’
prophecy of Luke 21:21-24 - “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by
armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in
Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the
country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of
all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant
women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath
against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners
to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times
of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
3> Revelation 6:17 great day of their wrath – this is the reference to the “end is
near”. We have now seen a snapshot of the New Testament era and what is
left is Judgment Day. For the unbeliever it will be a day of wrath. This is a
common reference for Judgment Day in Scriptures:
Romans 2:5 - But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart,
you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath , when his
righteous judgment will be revealed.
Ezekiel 7:19b - Their silver and gold will not be able to save them in the day of
the LORD’s wrath.
Zephaniah 1:14 – 15 - “The great day of the LORD is near — near and coming
quickly. Listen! The cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter, the shouting of the
warrior there. 15 That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish,
a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and
blackness.”
So far we have seen the judgment for unbelievers – a day of wrath. Now we
go on to see the other side of the sixth seal - a day of joy for the believer.
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Phrases to note -
1> Revelation 7:1 after this – time context is what John was seeing – not a
chronological sequence as in earthly time (false notion of epochs)
2> Revelation 7:1-3 four angels … do not harm – cf. Matthew 13:47-50 -
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the
lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up
on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but
threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels
will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into
the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The
angels are part of the “harvesting” process (Judgment Day) and part of their
work is to insure that no believer is grouped with those who will suffer God’s
wrath.
3> Revelation 7:3b seal – it is here (and when we get to the “mark of the
beast”) that all of a sudden people forget we are working with symbols and
they want to go to a literal seal. All kinds of ideas have been presented as to a
sign or actual mark on people to identify them as God’s children. Scripture
offers a different explanation: 1 Peter 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may
declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful
light. Colossians 3:3-4 - For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in
God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with
him in glory. God’s seal and the “mark” of a Christian is the faith God gifts to us
through the Holy Spirit.
4> Revelation 7:4 144,000 – for a time some churches held to the belief that
there would only be this many people in heaven (Jehovah Witnesses still do
have a similar teaching). Here is where our previous work with numbers will
begin to pay off. How do we get to this number? (12x12x10x10x10) What did
12 stand for? (The product of God’s number (3) and man’s number (4). God’s
gracious interaction among men, often portrayed in the visible and invisible
Christian Churches. Also, a number of completeness and perfection as the
outcome is based on God, not man.) What did 10 stand for? (The number of
completion and perfection, an amount designated and limited by God.)
So the product of this equation is a perfect group of people designated by
God. This is to say that at the judgment no believer will be overlooked or
missed. God knows exactly how many of us are going to heaven without
predetermining anyone must go to hell.
5> Revelation 7:4 from the tribe of – it is interesting to note that many false
interpreters, who just a few words before want to make the numbers literal, in
these next few words have no problem with a figurative or symbolic meaning.
There is no religion that claims only Israelites will be in heaven. So why would
God use this symbol? Besides the perfectly designated sub-number of 12,000
God often uses the concept of the nation of Israel in a spiritually figurative way.
Consider Romans 11:26 where Paul describes the elect of God as… And so all
Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will
turn godlessness away from Jacob. Also consider the opposite. Being born
with Israelite blood does not automatically place one in heaven - John 8:39-40
- “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,”
said Jesus, “then you would do the things Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are
determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.
Abraham did not do such things. We’ve also had insight into this concept
already in Revelation 2:9 - I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you
are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but
are a synagogue of Satan.
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Phrases to note -
1> Revelation 7:9 after this – are you beginning to see how John uses this
phrase to simply relate a series of events that he sees in his visions?
Understanding this helps so much not to mix up John’s time with our time (his
future).
2> Revelation 7:9 great multitude – not that we needed confirmation, but John
goes on to tell us the 144,000 was not a literal number. This group of believers
was uncountable to John, but not to God. John also confirms the symbolism of
spiritual “Israel” as he sees people from every nation and race.
3> Revelation 7:9 holding palm branches – a symbol of celebration and victory.
We are familiar with this as well as the victory chant of the people – John
12:12-13 - The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard
that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went
out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”
4> Revelation 7:12 praise and … - did you notice how many characteristics of
God the angels celebrate? Why that number?
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Phrases to note -
1> Revelation 7:13 one of the elders – remember, John was facing the throne
of God which was surrounded by the 24 elders, the Old and New Testament
representatives of the Christian Church. To help John understand what he is
seeing one of them now turns to John and inquires if he knows these people.
John is not able to identify them, at least not in as accurate a way that
someone already in heaven would be able to do so. Remember, this is a
vision. This is not John’s abode. He is only visiting this place. So whether or
not faces and names would have been familiar to him is not the question. The
question was whom does this massive group represent?
2> Revelation 7:14 who have come out of the great tribulation – here is where
context is vital. Millenialists want to affix some strange meaning to and time
reference for the tribulation. But it is a general term. Also, since we have just
come through the previous 5 seals which clearly show us this is a vision of the
entire New Testament period of time, then “the tribulation” is referencing what
John has just observed = all the events leading up to Judgment Day and not
just some preconceived period of suffering.
3> Revelation 7:15 before the throne of God - ah, now we see the comfort.
Now we understand better the purpose of the previous seals. What good are
these words if we had not been shown what the days and years leading up to
them looked like? How can we know true joy if we have not first known
sadness? That is what Jesus has done for John. Now he would be able to
write and encourage from a very first-hand point of view to comfort the
Christians of his day as they suffered.
As a side note on these specific verses – there may be few words as
comforting as these in all of the Bible. Not only do they “undo” all the pain and
suffering of the previous seals, but they incorporate bits and pieces of the most
supportive sections of previous Scriptures, such as Psalm 23 and John 10
where Jesus describes Himself as the “Good Shepherd”.
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