Search The Scriptures —Study 17 — Revelation 14

Study 17 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 14

This chapter, like chapters 7 and 10:1-11:13, is an interlude introduced for the comfort of believers.

1-     Verses 1-5 present a picture of the true followers of Christ. Although outwardly scattered, suffering and in danger of death, spiritually they are with the Lamb on the impregnable rock of Mount Zion, owned of God, not one missing (verse 1), and sharing in the worship of heaven (verses 2, 3). To what do they owe their position and what four characteristics mark their life? See verses 4 and 5 and cf. Mt. 5:3; Lk 14:27; Eph. 4:25; Phil. 2:15. How does your own life appear in the light of these standards?

2-     In verses 6-11 are shown three angels, each with a message for all who dwell upon the earth. Examine the contents of their threefold message. Verse 12 and 13 are addressed to believers. What encouragement do they give to those who may have to die for Christ’s sake?

3-     In the twofold vision of verses 14-20 what are the differences between the two parts of it (verses 14-16 and 17-20)? Cf. Ps. 1; Mal. 3:16-4:3; Mt. 13:39b-43.

Notes

1-     Verse 3b. The song is ‘from heaven’ (verse 2); the saints on Mt. Zion are learning to sing it.

2-     Verse 4. A symbol of purity of heart Cf. 2 Cor. 11:2.

3-     Verse 6. ‘An eternal gospel’: cf. Ec 12:13, 14; Acts 14:14-18; 17:24-31.

4-     Verse 9:11.  The very marks, which once ensured benefits (see 13:15-17), now single out individuals for judgment.

5-     Verse 13b. The weariness of labour will be over, the reward of their deeds awaits them. Cf. Mt.25:34-40. Contrast verse 11; ‘they have no rest’.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 16 — Revelation 13

Study 16 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 13

Satan in his war against the saints uses two chief instruments: (a) totalitarian world power, hostile, to the true God, subservient to Satan and claiming worship for itself (verses 1-10) and (b) established religion, supporting the claims of the world power, by false miracles and signs (verses 11-18). Such ‘beasts’ were found in John’s day in the Roman Empire and the cult of emperor worship. They have appeared also in later history, and may appear again.

1-     Note how the Christians are here distinguished from others (verse 8; cf. 17:8). What experience is inevitable for them in such a world situation as verses 1-10 depict? How is it appointed that they should show their faithfulness? Cf. Mk. 13:13

2-     In what respects does the second beast differ in outward appearance from the first? Cf. 1 Pet. 5:8 with 2 Cor. 11:14. How does its aims and methods bring Christians into direct conflict with it? Cf. Dn. 3:4-6; Jn. 15:18-21.

Notes

1-     Verse 2. Note a combination of the characteristics of the first three beasts in Daniel’s vision. Cf. Dn. 7:4-6

2-     Verse 3. This suggests a counterfeit to Christ’s death and resurrection, intended to lead men to faith and worship.

3-     Verse 4. The reason for worship is not moral greatness but brute force.

4-     Verse 10. Echoes words in Je. 15:2. In the face of such treatment Christians are not to try to resist or retaliate.

5-     Verse 12. This second beast completes the satanic trinity. It is called ‘the false prophet’ in 16:13; 19:20; 20:10. He is the Lie dressed up like the Truth. Cf. Mt. 7:15; Mk. 13:22; 2Thes. 2:9-12

6-     Verse 18. Many take the number 666 to refer to ‘Nero Caesar’. Others, because every digit falls short of the perfect number 7, regard 666 as a symbol of the Antichrist.

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Introductory Note to 12:1 – 19:10 and Search The Scriptures —Study 15 — Revelation 12

Introductory Note to 12:1 – 19:10

At this point a new division of the book begins, and a new series of prophecies (cf. 10:11). The earlier part of the book has been occupied mainly with outward events and acts of divine judgment, together with visions of the church and her sufferings; and it has been shown that behind all is God’s throne, and that all that is happening is under His control, and in the hand of Christ. The present section of the book reveals another and graver aspect in the situation, namely, the enmity of powerful spiritual foes, of Satan and the world. This has so far only been hinted at (2:9, 13, 24; 3:9; 9:11; 11:7),  but is now brought into full view, and it is shown that the sufferings of the church have their origin in the conflict between Satan and Christ.

Study 15 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 12

The chapter gives a symbolic picture of the birth of Christ, and of His return to the throne of God, but its main purpose is to show the power and malignity of Satan as the enemy of Christ and His people.

1-     Gather out what is said about Christ. Cf. Ps. 2:6-9; Lk. 10:18; Jn. 12:31; Eph. 1:19-21. What is the significance of verse 10? Cf. Rom. 8:33, 34.

2-     Why, according to this chapter, is the lot of the church on earth one of constant conflict? Cf. Eph. 6:10-13; 1 Pet. 5:8. How is the fearful power of Satan depicted? How do or may we share in Christ’s victory over him?

Notes

1-     Verses 1, 2, 4-6, 13-17. The woman represents the true Israel, which, after Christ’s ascension, forms the Christian church. For the imagery, see Gn.37:9; Ct. 6:4, 10; Is. 66:7-10.

2-     Verses 3, 4a. ‘Red’: the colour of blood. Cf. Jn. 8:44. The seven heads and diadems indicate far-reaching dominion, the ten horns, great power, and the tail, his vast size and strength. Note verse 9; and cf. Gn. 3:15.

3-     Verses 6, 14-16.  The exact meaning of the symbolism is obscure, but the general sense is clear, that the church is under God’s protection, and although Satan will seek to destroy her, his plans will be thwarted.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 14 — Revelation 11

Study 14 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 11

1-     The question, ‘Who are the two witnesses?’ in 11:3-12 has received many answers.  Assuming that they represent the witness of the church throughout the present age, what lessons may we learn from this passage concerning true witness for Christ, the authority of His witnesses, their preservation, their suffering to death, and their final triumph? Cf. Lk. 10:19; Jn. 16:2; Acts 7:54-60.

2-     When God’s purposes are completely fulfilled by the sounding of the seventh trumpet (see 10:7), who is seen to be triumphant at the last?  What attributes and activities of God make certain His triumph over all opposition?  What ought this prospect to make us do?

Notes

1-     Verses 1, 2. The purpose of the measuring is to mark out what is to be preserved. If the Temple represents Christ’s people (1 Cor. 3:16), the outer court may represent the Jews in their unbelief (Lk. 21:24).

2-     Verses 2, 3. ‘Forty-two months’ is the same length of time as ‘one thousand two hundred and sixty days’ and as ‘a times, and half a time’ (31/2 years) of 12:14. Cf. 12:6. It appears here to be a conventional description of the duration of the present age. Note the contrast in verse 11—only ‘three and a half days’.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 13 — Revelation 10

Study 13 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 10

Rev. 10:1 – 11:13 is an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets. Corresponding to chapter 7. The seer first tells of his new commission (10:1-11) and then describes the church as God’s sanctuary (11:1, 2), and as bearing witness in the world (11:3-13).

1-     In what two ways does chapter 10 show that the revelation thus far given to John, though it extends to the end of the age (verses 6, 7), is by no means a complete disclosure of the hidden counsel of God? Cf. Dt. 29:29; Jb. 26:14. Of what was John now solemnly assured concerning truths which had been revealed?

2-     What made God’s Word sweet to taste, but bitter to digest? What responsibility did the reception of such revelation place upon John? Cf. Ezk. 2:8-3:4; 1 Sa. 3:15-18; 1 Cor. 9:16, 17. Have you any comparable privilege and responsibility?

Note. Verses 6, 7. The mysterious purpose of God, as revealed through the prophets and worked out in earthly history, is thus to be completed or finished.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 12 — Revelation 8 and 9

Study 12 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 8 and 9

We are brought back, after the interlude of chapter 7, to the opening of the seventh seal. Will it user in the final end? All heaven is silent, as if in suspense and expectancy cf. Mk. 13:32), but there follows a new series of judgments (cf. Mk. 13:7, 8).

1-     In 8:3-5 we see, in the heavenly sanctuary, what happens to the prayers of Christ’s people. What are we taught as to the efficacy of prayer when mingled with the incense of Christ’s intercession and fire from the altar of His sacrifice? In this case what kind of answer is granted? Cf. 6:9, 10; Rom 8:26; and see Note 5 below.

2-     Contrast the first four trumpet judgments with the fifth and sixth, (a) in the objects affected, and (b) in the severity of their character and result. What was the purpose of these trumpet Judgments?  See 8:13; 920, 21. Cf. Lk. 13:1-5

3-     What do we learn from these chapters concerning God’s control over all that happens? See especially 8:2; 9:1, 4, 13-15.

Notes

1-     8:3, 5. Two altars are to be distinguished, the ‘golden altar’ of incense, and the altar of sacrifice. See Ex. 37:25-38:7.

2-     8:6. ‘Trumpets’: indicating that these judgments were sent in warning. Cf. Am. 3:6; Ezk. 33:1-5. The destruction wrought is therefore only partial—‘a third’.

3-     9:1. ‘The bottomless pit’: better, ‘the abyss’ (rv), the abode of the powers of evil. Cf. 11:7; 17:8.

4-     9:11. ‘Abaddon’ and ‘Apollyon’: both means ‘destruction’.

5-     9:13. ‘The golden altar’: indicating that the prayers of the saints were being answered

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Search The Scriptures —Study 11 — Revelation 7

Study 11 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 7

Before the revelation of further judgments, tow visions are interposed for the comfort of believers. In all that has been shown so far, nothing has been said of the church, except with regard to those who have been martyred. This passage shows the church first in this life, on earth, and so always limited in numbers (verses 1-8), and then, numberless in heaven, having life for evermore.

      1-     What assurance is given in verses 1-8 concerning God’s watchful care over His people? Cf. Ezk. 9:3-6; Jn. 6:27; 10:27-29; Rev. 9:4.

2-     In verses 9-17, who compose the great multitude, and where are they standing? How came they to be there, and what is now their occupation? Make a list of the blessings that they enjoy, translating

Notes

1-     Verse 1.  It is a task given to angels to control forces of nature. Cf. 14:18; 16:5; Heb. 1:7.

2-     Verses 4-8. Some have thought that those who are ‘sealed’ represent believers from among the Jews, but in the light of 14:1-4 it is better to regard the vision as including the whole ‘Israel of God’ (Gal. 6:16).

3-     Verse 14. ‘The great tribulation’: cf. 3:10. Here both vision show that all who are the Lord’s will be brought safely through this earthly trial

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