4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. 7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth--Gog and Magog--to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the cap of God's people, the city he loves. But fire come down from heaven and devoured them. 10 And the devil, who deceived them was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
The thrones are for hose saints who will rule with Christ as priest and kings, look in Rev. chapter one verse 6 and chapter 2 verses 26 and 27. In addition Lk.22:30 and Rom 8:17
There will be 2 "classes" of Eternal persons
1. You have to realize that some of Gods people will actually live through the tribulation period into the New Earth. (if they do not take up with Satan)
2. The resurrected people (the first resurrection) They will be the eternal rulers with Christ. Mt 22:30 tells us they will not marry. However, the people who are alive at the 2nd advent can marry and have children.
The be headings, who are these people specifically?
They are those who:
1. Witnessed or gave testimony of Jesus and for the Word of God.
2. Didn't worship the beast or his image.
3. Those who refused the take the mark of the beast- forehead or hand.
Just like it says there. In addition, they will reign for 1,000 years with Christ.
Now here is an interesting verse in 5. In the Dake's Bible it tells that these are the wicked dead who were not holy and were not in the first resurrection. There will be a thousand years between the first and the second resurrections. However there is a different opinion here. Barclay says that those who have suffered for their faith will be resurrected first and reign with Christ for a thousand years and then there will be a "general" resurrection after that when the rest will be resurrected. Which is accurate? I like to believe the Dake's we will not really know until then. What we do know it the those who are in the first resurrection, are blessed and holy and will reign with Christ
Lets stop here for now.
Next Blog...Satan released
Blessings on all till next time,
Calabash
Friday, April 26, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Revelation 20:1-3
Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
Who is our Angel?
Remember from Revelation 1:18..... "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." That's right, Christ! He has the key!. We saw it again in Rev 9:1 and see in Isa 22:22.
What is the Abyss?
It is told that it is a cavern beneath the earth. A place where it is described that all dead go, or sometimes it is described as a place where the truly evil people go to wait for their punishment. The thing we do know about the abyss comes to us from Luke 8:31, And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. So here we are seeing demons begging Christ not to send them into the abyss. It must be one horrible place for demons to beg not to be sent there!
Apparently it has a lock and it is sealed. Lets see, where else have we seen a seal at a burial in the earth? Look at Matthew 27:66, it was with our Lord's burial. If the seal were broken, the person inside is gone.
For How long in the abyss?
Well, read, he is suppose to be there for 1000 years, chained and the door locked, the seal placed.
What happens when the years are up?
It says that Satan will be set free? Why? We know that Satan it the ultimate deceiver, the king of lies. So, if he is let free again, I can assume it will be to test the Christians again. Why? Well, if faith is a choice, then the strength of a faith has to be tested in order for a faith to be preserved.
Next we will discuss the 2 resurrections!
Blessings on all!
Calabash
Who is our Angel?
Remember from Revelation 1:18..... "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." That's right, Christ! He has the key!. We saw it again in Rev 9:1 and see in Isa 22:22.
What is the Abyss?
It is told that it is a cavern beneath the earth. A place where it is described that all dead go, or sometimes it is described as a place where the truly evil people go to wait for their punishment. The thing we do know about the abyss comes to us from Luke 8:31, And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. So here we are seeing demons begging Christ not to send them into the abyss. It must be one horrible place for demons to beg not to be sent there!
Apparently it has a lock and it is sealed. Lets see, where else have we seen a seal at a burial in the earth? Look at Matthew 27:66, it was with our Lord's burial. If the seal were broken, the person inside is gone.
For How long in the abyss?
Well, read, he is suppose to be there for 1000 years, chained and the door locked, the seal placed.
What happens when the years are up?
It says that Satan will be set free? Why? We know that Satan it the ultimate deceiver, the king of lies. So, if he is let free again, I can assume it will be to test the Christians again. Why? Well, if faith is a choice, then the strength of a faith has to be tested in order for a faith to be preserved.
Next we will discuss the 2 resurrections!
Blessings on all!
Calabash
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The Mellennium
Before we jump into scripture, lets discuss the Millennium.
millennialism, also called millenarianism or chiliasm , the belief, expressed in the book of Revelation to John, the last book of the New Testament, that Christ will establish a 1,000-year reign of the saints on earth (the millennium) before the Last Judgment. More broadly defined, it is a cross-cultural concept grounded in the expectation of a time of supernatural peace and abundance on earth. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/382720/millennialism
Before we go any farther, let me write that I am not concerned about theology of millennial ism or the aspects of a specific timing that the theorist discuss. If the Bible says is (as it does here in Revelation 20) then I believe it. In addition, I believe God has the timing of ALL things under his control and He will decide when things are going to occur and for how long.
Okay a Millennium is one thousand years. The actual term millennium does not occur in the book of Revelation. However, the"thousand years" is used 6 times in Chapter 20:1-7.
This will be the final time for man before the curse is actually removed.
Certain things are called to happen durning this 1000 years:
Okay a Millennium is one thousand years. The actual term millennium does not occur in the book of Revelation. However, the"thousand years" is used 6 times in Chapter 20:1-7.
This will be the final time for man before the curse is actually removed.
Certain things are called to happen durning this 1000 years:
a. Satan will be bound (not killed or destroyed, just bound)
b. There will be a kingdom...both literal and earthly.
c. Christ will rule, under God. (Dan 7:13-14 & Lk. 1:32-33.)
d. It will be a "theocratic" government. (ruled by religious beliefs) This happening has been mentioned in Isa. 2; Ez 43; Dan. 2; Mt 25; Lk 1 as well as chapter 11 and 20 in Revelation.
e. Jerusalem will be the world capitol an the kingdom will be world wide. (Isa. 2 Ez 48 and Zech 14)
f. "1 Cor 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders." tells us that not everyone will will inherit the kingdom.
g. Certain classes will not be allowed to enter the kingdom, see Matt. 5:20 "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven".
h. Matthew 25:31-46 tells us who will be Worthy to enter into the kingdom.
i. There will be universal peace and prosperity (read Isa....if you have not figured it by now, Isaiah was a prophet who lived in the 8th century BC and prophesied much about the end times.)
j. Salvation and Divine healing will be experienced by all. Love and righteousness will be the "thing" of the day....everyday!
k. The Holy Spirit will be poured out on all! (Isa and Joel 2:28-32)
There is sooooo much more that I have not even begun to touch. Just know it will be perfect!
What happens when the 1000 years is over?
One more period of rebellion!!
Blessings on all till next time!!
Calabash
millennialism, also called millenarianism or chiliasm , the belief, expressed in the book of Revelation to John, the last book of the New Testament, that Christ will establish a 1,000-year reign of the saints on earth (the millennium) before the Last Judgment. More broadly defined, it is a cross-cultural concept grounded in the expectation of a time of supernatural peace and abundance on earth. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/382720/millennialism
Before we go any farther, let me write that I am not concerned about theology of millennial ism or the aspects of a specific timing that the theorist discuss. If the Bible says is (as it does here in Revelation 20) then I believe it. In addition, I believe God has the timing of ALL things under his control and He will decide when things are going to occur and for how long.
Okay a Millennium is one thousand years. The actual term millennium does not occur in the book of Revelation. However, the"thousand years" is used 6 times in Chapter 20:1-7.
This will be the final time for man before the curse is actually removed.
Certain things are called to happen durning this 1000 years:
Okay a Millennium is one thousand years. The actual term millennium does not occur in the book of Revelation. However, the"thousand years" is used 6 times in Chapter 20:1-7.
This will be the final time for man before the curse is actually removed.
Certain things are called to happen durning this 1000 years:
a. Satan will be bound (not killed or destroyed, just bound)
b. There will be a kingdom...both literal and earthly.
c. Christ will rule, under God. (Dan 7:13-14 & Lk. 1:32-33.)
d. It will be a "theocratic" government. (ruled by religious beliefs) This happening has been mentioned in Isa. 2; Ez 43; Dan. 2; Mt 25; Lk 1 as well as chapter 11 and 20 in Revelation.
e. Jerusalem will be the world capitol an the kingdom will be world wide. (Isa. 2 Ez 48 and Zech 14)
f. "1 Cor 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders." tells us that not everyone will will inherit the kingdom.
g. Certain classes will not be allowed to enter the kingdom, see Matt. 5:20 "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven".
h. Matthew 25:31-46 tells us who will be Worthy to enter into the kingdom.
i. There will be universal peace and prosperity (read Isa....if you have not figured it by now, Isaiah was a prophet who lived in the 8th century BC and prophesied much about the end times.)
j. Salvation and Divine healing will be experienced by all. Love and righteousness will be the "thing" of the day....everyday!
k. The Holy Spirit will be poured out on all! (Isa and Joel 2:28-32)
There is sooooo much more that I have not even begun to touch. Just know it will be perfect!
What happens when the 1000 years is over?
One more period of rebellion!!
Blessings on all till next time!!
Calabash
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Revelation 19:17-21
Rev 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great."
Ezekiel 39:18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, Drink the blood of the princes of the earth, Of rams and lambs, Of goats and bulls, All of them fatlings of Bashan. 19 You shall eat fat till you are full, And drink blood till you are drunk, At My sacrificial meal Which I am sacrificing for you. 20 You shall be filled at My table With horses and riders, With mighty men And with all the men of war," says the Lord God. 21 "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them.
In Ezekiel it is from the slaughter of Gog and Magog. See the similarity?
All are to eat a feast of the remains.
Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
This is the Battle of Armageddon.
When is it suppose to happen???:
1 When the Antichrist conquers the countries north and east of the 10 kingdoms. (including Russia and Germany)
2 When these nations have been mobilized against Jerusalem.
3 Immediately following the tribulation
4 When the armies of the Antichrist have surrounded Jerusalem.
5 After the supper of the Lamb
6 When the first resurrection has been completed.
7 At the end of this age of grace.
8 When the two witnesses have finished their ministry.
There are many more signs to mark this "when" these are but a few.
Who is fighting?
Christ vs Satan
His heavenly armies his angels
Earthly Israel those under the Antichrist
Reason for the fight?
Satan wants the Earth, us and not to face his Doom!
As for God;
He promised to re-establish the kingdom of David. 2 Sam 7& Acts 15:13-18
To rid the earth of all evil and rebellious persons. Cor. 15:24-28
Eph 1:10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. (enough said there!)
Zech. 14:1-7 tells us the length of one day is the length of the battle.
Zech. 14:1 A day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided among you. 2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. 3 Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. 5 You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. 6 On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. 7 It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime--a day known to the LORD. When evening comes, there will be light.
You'll want to see this!....FROM HEAVEN!
And, we do know who is victorious!
Look in verse 20 where it talks of the two cast alive into the lake of fire. We know that the Antichrist and the false prophet are two mortal men and that they will be killed at the battle. (see Dan 7:11 ; 2 Thes. 2:8 & 9). So, how are they thrown alive into the lake of fire? Well, we can guess that the bodies will be resurrected and cast there.
There are suppose to be two resurrections, these will be the first resurrection. Mt 25:41 & 46 talk of the second resurrection.
First is the Antichrist and the false prophet. (Rev 19:20)
Rev 19:21 Second is the final judgment , the wicked dead and the fallen angels judged. All the evil men, angels and demons are to be brought back, defeated and judged....You DON'T want to be in that crowd!!
Next blog will start chapter 20 which will talk more about the expulsion of Satan from Earth.
Blessings and the wisdom of God on all who read this,
Calabash
Ezekiel 39:18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, Drink the blood of the princes of the earth, Of rams and lambs, Of goats and bulls, All of them fatlings of Bashan. 19 You shall eat fat till you are full, And drink blood till you are drunk, At My sacrificial meal Which I am sacrificing for you. 20 You shall be filled at My table With horses and riders, With mighty men And with all the men of war," says the Lord God. 21 "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them.
In Ezekiel it is from the slaughter of Gog and Magog. See the similarity?
All are to eat a feast of the remains.
Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
This is the Battle of Armageddon.
When is it suppose to happen???:
1 When the Antichrist conquers the countries north and east of the 10 kingdoms. (including Russia and Germany)
2 When these nations have been mobilized against Jerusalem.
3 Immediately following the tribulation
4 When the armies of the Antichrist have surrounded Jerusalem.
5 After the supper of the Lamb
6 When the first resurrection has been completed.
7 At the end of this age of grace.
8 When the two witnesses have finished their ministry.
There are many more signs to mark this "when" these are but a few.
Who is fighting?
Christ vs Satan
His heavenly armies his angels
Earthly Israel those under the Antichrist
Reason for the fight?
Satan wants the Earth, us and not to face his Doom!
As for God;
He promised to re-establish the kingdom of David. 2 Sam 7& Acts 15:13-18
To rid the earth of all evil and rebellious persons. Cor. 15:24-28
Eph 1:10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. (enough said there!)
Zech. 14:1-7 tells us the length of one day is the length of the battle.
Zech. 14:1 A day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided among you. 2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. 3 Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. 5 You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. 6 On that day there will be no light, no cold or frost. 7 It will be a unique day, without daytime or nighttime--a day known to the LORD. When evening comes, there will be light.
You'll want to see this!....FROM HEAVEN!
And, we do know who is victorious!
Look in verse 20 where it talks of the two cast alive into the lake of fire. We know that the Antichrist and the false prophet are two mortal men and that they will be killed at the battle. (see Dan 7:11 ; 2 Thes. 2:8 & 9). So, how are they thrown alive into the lake of fire? Well, we can guess that the bodies will be resurrected and cast there.
There are suppose to be two resurrections, these will be the first resurrection. Mt 25:41 & 46 talk of the second resurrection.
First is the Antichrist and the false prophet. (Rev 19:20)
Rev 19:21 Second is the final judgment , the wicked dead and the fallen angels judged. All the evil men, angels and demons are to be brought back, defeated and judged....You DON'T want to be in that crowd!!
Next blog will start chapter 20 which will talk more about the expulsion of Satan from Earth.
Blessings and the wisdom of God on all who read this,
Calabash
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Revelation 19:10-16
Before we go on to verse 10, lets touch on the feast. Is it gonna be the full "come on in and grab a fork?" I would be surprised. I think it will be more in line of, all God's people will enjoy the FULL blessing and bounty of God. Another one of those things I hope to find out and enjoy with you right there with Christ beside us!
Rev 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
John fell into worship the Angel, a fellow servant. This is why the angel stopped him. God (the Holy Trinity) alone is to be worshiped, no one or nothing else. Not angels, not saints, not Mother Mary, not money, items, idols, Satan etc. The angel makes that very clear here.
The second part of verse 10: The testimony of Jesus;
1. That is the Holy Spirit, which proves that God will not be taken from the world. He is always with us!
2. It is also the testimony Jesus gives to us, the testimony of Him that died and was raised from the dead to prove He was the son of God! Praise God!
The Millennium has started. This is the last of the Seven dispensations.
Rev 19:11 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. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
There was rider on the white horse when the first seal was broken. This rider and that one are not one in the same. This one is our Lord and Savior! This is the second coming. Now it is time to be the Conqueror! The Roman generals rode the white horse in a celebration of triumph. (For us, the victory is already here!)
For those remaining, there will be judgement.
We have read that Christ has 3 names mentioned in this chapter of Revelation:
a. (v12) A name that no man knows. This could be a name that will not be revealed to us until we are together with Christ after it is all said and done.
b. (v13) The Word of God. Words have power, the spoken word is a powerful tool with many examples of this through out the Bible. We should do well to keep that close to our hearts in these final days.
c. (v16) King of Kings and Lord of Lords. ALWAYS !!
Dripped in blood?..Who's? His enemies!
Who are in the armies of heaven? Some literature says one thing, and a different one, another. Me personally, if I could go into battle with Christ, I wanna be there. But, then again, don't we go into battle daily with Christ by our side? You betch ya! Could not imagine a day without Him there!
I believe it will be a legion of Angels, as well as all those resurrected and redeemed saints! WHY NOT? The victory is ours too!
Verse 15 we have seen reference to in the Old Testament. See Isaiah 11:4 and Psalms 2:9. Reminder that words are powerful. Especially when the person who says them has the standing, courage, faith and God to back them!
May God's blessing fall on all!!!
Calabash
Rev 19:10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
John fell into worship the Angel, a fellow servant. This is why the angel stopped him. God (the Holy Trinity) alone is to be worshiped, no one or nothing else. Not angels, not saints, not Mother Mary, not money, items, idols, Satan etc. The angel makes that very clear here.
The second part of verse 10: The testimony of Jesus;
1. That is the Holy Spirit, which proves that God will not be taken from the world. He is always with us!
2. It is also the testimony Jesus gives to us, the testimony of Him that died and was raised from the dead to prove He was the son of God! Praise God!
The Millennium has started. This is the last of the Seven dispensations.
Rev 19:11 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. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
There was rider on the white horse when the first seal was broken. This rider and that one are not one in the same. This one is our Lord and Savior! This is the second coming. Now it is time to be the Conqueror! The Roman generals rode the white horse in a celebration of triumph. (For us, the victory is already here!)
For those remaining, there will be judgement.
We have read that Christ has 3 names mentioned in this chapter of Revelation:
a. (v12) A name that no man knows. This could be a name that will not be revealed to us until we are together with Christ after it is all said and done.
b. (v13) The Word of God. Words have power, the spoken word is a powerful tool with many examples of this through out the Bible. We should do well to keep that close to our hearts in these final days.
c. (v16) King of Kings and Lord of Lords. ALWAYS !!
Dripped in blood?..Who's? His enemies!
Who are in the armies of heaven? Some literature says one thing, and a different one, another. Me personally, if I could go into battle with Christ, I wanna be there. But, then again, don't we go into battle daily with Christ by our side? You betch ya! Could not imagine a day without Him there!
I believe it will be a legion of Angels, as well as all those resurrected and redeemed saints! WHY NOT? The victory is ours too!
Verse 15 we have seen reference to in the Old Testament. See Isaiah 11:4 and Psalms 2:9. Reminder that words are powerful. Especially when the person who says them has the standing, courage, faith and God to back them!
May God's blessing fall on all!!!
Calabash
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Revelation 19 1-9
1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! 2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." 3 Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!" 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!" 5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."
We have seen a great multitude in Heaven shouting before in Revelation, one in Chapter 5, the angels and then in chapter 7, the martyrs. The word Hallelujah or Alleluia means Praise God. The original version of the Bible, Hallelujah only appears here in the Book of Revelation. The multitude are praising God because the woman has been defeated, the religious system, and the city have been judged and destroyed. Judged because she corrupted the world and sins will be judged, all sin will be judged.
The mentioning of the smoke rising up for ever and ever is interesting. For it to continually to produce smoke, would mean it will never have a chance to recuperate. Thus, it will never heal and rebuild, it will never rise up again.
"For ever and ever" is mentioned in Revelation 6 times:
1. The saints reigning.
2. Torment of the wicked! (YIKES)
3. The smoke as mentioned here
4. God and Christ reigning.
5. God living. (We know this)
6. Worship of God and the Lamb.
Notice we have yet not heard about the wedding or the wedding supper of the Lamb until now. This mentioning of the wedding negates the theory that the wedding supper will take place in the air after Christ raptures the saints. Which means the saints will spend the 7 years, during the tribulation, in heaven with Christ immediately after the rapture and before the wedding supper of the Lamb.
The twenty-four elders we had talked about in past blogs as well as the four living creatures. Their singing represents the entire Church and the whole of nature worshiping God. A beautiful picture!
Then there is a call to the servants to praise God. Who are the servants? In Revelation there were two kinds of people who are called servants, the prophets seen in Chapter 10:7 Chapter 11:18 and Chapter 22:6, and the martyrs, seen in Chapter 7:3, and Chapter 19:2. The prophets and the martyrs are those who have witnessed for God. The prophets with their voices, the martyrs with their lives. The small and the great is probably those Christians who are not prophets and/or martyrs, and yet, we are still called.
Then, there is the final shout of praise in verse 6.
Following is the marriage of the Lamb to his bride. The actual union of Jesus Christ and his Church. Why a "marriage"? It has always seemed strange to me to be "married" to Christ but, Barclay in his book, The Revelation of John; volume 2, brings out 5 points and the basis of a marriage which brings better understand to the word.
1. It is a relationship between the Christian and Christ.
2. There is love.
3. There is an intimate communion.
4. There is joy
5. There is fidelity.
Verse 7 mentions the "bride or wife" has made herself ready. Who or what is the bride? The bride is the Holy city or the New Jerusalem. so, if this is the bride then, all who go to New Jerusalem will be the bride.
Specifically:
1. The Old Testiment saints. See Heb 11:10-16
2. The early church. See Heb 13:14
3. All Christians See Rev. 3:12 and Heb. 12:23
4. The 144,000 See Rev chs 7, 12, 14
5. The tribulation saints See Rev chs 6,7,15,20
(these all have been mentioned in the blogs)
It will include all of these to make the bride, not just one group of people. So, by this definition, "the Church" is not the bride completely, it includes all those mentioned in the New Jerusalem, all 5 of those mentioned above. Amen and Hallelujah!
Verse 8 the mention of the fine linen, white as contrasted to the red and gold of the whore. The mention of the righteousness of the saints leads credit to the fact that the bride is made up of the saints of ALL ages from Abel to the very last one in the first resurrection or all who will live in New Jerusalem.
In verse 9, we are all called to the marriage supper, all who are a part of New Jerusalem are to partake. We do not know much about the feast, it is only mentioned here in verse 7 and verse 9.
Matthew 22 and 25 are parables of a marriage feast and is not connected to the feast mentioned in Revelation. These parables are used to teach, using a common event that people can associate with to understand the concept. There is some question concerning Psalms 45 and the queen mentioned there being the bride. But, it is clear that it is an earthly king which is being married there. In addition, the church is never called a queen.
Blessing and Peace be on you all,
Calabash
References:
The Dake's Annotated Reference Bible
The Revelation of John Vol 1&2; Wm Barclay
Lectures on Revelation; Ironside
We have seen a great multitude in Heaven shouting before in Revelation, one in Chapter 5, the angels and then in chapter 7, the martyrs. The word Hallelujah or Alleluia means Praise God. The original version of the Bible, Hallelujah only appears here in the Book of Revelation. The multitude are praising God because the woman has been defeated, the religious system, and the city have been judged and destroyed. Judged because she corrupted the world and sins will be judged, all sin will be judged.
The mentioning of the smoke rising up for ever and ever is interesting. For it to continually to produce smoke, would mean it will never have a chance to recuperate. Thus, it will never heal and rebuild, it will never rise up again.
"For ever and ever" is mentioned in Revelation 6 times:
1. The saints reigning.
2. Torment of the wicked! (YIKES)
3. The smoke as mentioned here
4. God and Christ reigning.
5. God living. (We know this)
6. Worship of God and the Lamb.
Notice we have yet not heard about the wedding or the wedding supper of the Lamb until now. This mentioning of the wedding negates the theory that the wedding supper will take place in the air after Christ raptures the saints. Which means the saints will spend the 7 years, during the tribulation, in heaven with Christ immediately after the rapture and before the wedding supper of the Lamb.
The twenty-four elders we had talked about in past blogs as well as the four living creatures. Their singing represents the entire Church and the whole of nature worshiping God. A beautiful picture!
Then there is a call to the servants to praise God. Who are the servants? In Revelation there were two kinds of people who are called servants, the prophets seen in Chapter 10:7 Chapter 11:18 and Chapter 22:6, and the martyrs, seen in Chapter 7:3, and Chapter 19:2. The prophets and the martyrs are those who have witnessed for God. The prophets with their voices, the martyrs with their lives. The small and the great is probably those Christians who are not prophets and/or martyrs, and yet, we are still called.
Then, there is the final shout of praise in verse 6.
Following is the marriage of the Lamb to his bride. The actual union of Jesus Christ and his Church. Why a "marriage"? It has always seemed strange to me to be "married" to Christ but, Barclay in his book, The Revelation of John; volume 2, brings out 5 points and the basis of a marriage which brings better understand to the word.
1. It is a relationship between the Christian and Christ.
2. There is love.
3. There is an intimate communion.
4. There is joy
5. There is fidelity.
Verse 7 mentions the "bride or wife" has made herself ready. Who or what is the bride? The bride is the Holy city or the New Jerusalem. so, if this is the bride then, all who go to New Jerusalem will be the bride.
Specifically:
1. The Old Testiment saints. See Heb 11:10-16
2. The early church. See Heb 13:14
3. All Christians See Rev. 3:12 and Heb. 12:23
4. The 144,000 See Rev chs 7, 12, 14
5. The tribulation saints See Rev chs 6,7,15,20
(these all have been mentioned in the blogs)
It will include all of these to make the bride, not just one group of people. So, by this definition, "the Church" is not the bride completely, it includes all those mentioned in the New Jerusalem, all 5 of those mentioned above. Amen and Hallelujah!
Verse 8 the mention of the fine linen, white as contrasted to the red and gold of the whore. The mention of the righteousness of the saints leads credit to the fact that the bride is made up of the saints of ALL ages from Abel to the very last one in the first resurrection or all who will live in New Jerusalem.
In verse 9, we are all called to the marriage supper, all who are a part of New Jerusalem are to partake. We do not know much about the feast, it is only mentioned here in verse 7 and verse 9.
Matthew 22 and 25 are parables of a marriage feast and is not connected to the feast mentioned in Revelation. These parables are used to teach, using a common event that people can associate with to understand the concept. There is some question concerning Psalms 45 and the queen mentioned there being the bride. But, it is clear that it is an earthly king which is being married there. In addition, the church is never called a queen.
Blessing and Peace be on you all,
Calabash
References:
The Dake's Annotated Reference Bible
The Revelation of John Vol 1&2; Wm Barclay
Lectures on Revelation; Ironside
Friday, March 22, 2013
Revelation 18: 8-24
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. 9 "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: " 'Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!' 11 "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more-- 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men. 14 "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.' 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out: " 'Woe! Woe, O great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls! 17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!' "Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' 19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: " 'Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she has been brought to ruin! 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.' " 21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. 22 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. 23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth."
Look what has happened. Here is more proof that there are 2 Babylon, literal and a religious. This is the mystery Babylon they are taking about. What has happened is the religious system as been destroyed by the kings and now, civilization is falling apart. We have seen this before (and will see it again!). Think of the French Revolution. When the church is destructed, the social orders are also affected leaving no social boundaries, violence ensues, and a nation will lie in ruin. What happens then? Well, a new "re-establishing" of a religious order will follow.
The mentioning of all the articles of commerce just proves that this city was a center of great wealth and commercial items.
Why the mention of the ships and the sea? It justifies that they are referring to a falling of a city as well. Sailors do not obtain wealth from a religious system, but from a commercial city that is now falling and they are basically just standing and watching as they too lose a place to trade and become wealthy.
The rest of the chapter is how it reads. Verses 22 and 23 speak to the utter destruction and the great abdomen it will suffer.
There are mentioned through out Revelation so far, 8 reasons Babylon has suffered this.
1. Pride 18:7-8
2. Oppression of Israel: 18:24
3. Sins and luxury 18:3-19
4. Idol worshipping 9:20; 13:14; 14:9&10; 16:2
5. Sexual immorality & fornication 14:8; 18:3-9
6. Spiritual beliefs other than God 18:2
7. Sorcery practice 18:23
8. Martyring of saints 18:6 and now again in 24
Look as verse 24: "and of all who have been killed on the earth" are we blaming all murder that has occurred on Earth on Babylon? Yes, it does appear so. Why? Well, if Babylon is a Religious system other that what God has commanded, it must not be of God. That means it is from Satan, and yes, I can say that murder is of Satan. Any religious system or teaching that does not match up with the word of God is not from Him. If is is not from God, then whom?
This finishes up chapter 18.
Blessings and Grace on all!!!
Calabash
Look what has happened. Here is more proof that there are 2 Babylon, literal and a religious. This is the mystery Babylon they are taking about. What has happened is the religious system as been destroyed by the kings and now, civilization is falling apart. We have seen this before (and will see it again!). Think of the French Revolution. When the church is destructed, the social orders are also affected leaving no social boundaries, violence ensues, and a nation will lie in ruin. What happens then? Well, a new "re-establishing" of a religious order will follow.
The mentioning of all the articles of commerce just proves that this city was a center of great wealth and commercial items.
Why the mention of the ships and the sea? It justifies that they are referring to a falling of a city as well. Sailors do not obtain wealth from a religious system, but from a commercial city that is now falling and they are basically just standing and watching as they too lose a place to trade and become wealthy.
The rest of the chapter is how it reads. Verses 22 and 23 speak to the utter destruction and the great abdomen it will suffer.
There are mentioned through out Revelation so far, 8 reasons Babylon has suffered this.
1. Pride 18:7-8
2. Oppression of Israel: 18:24
3. Sins and luxury 18:3-19
4. Idol worshipping 9:20; 13:14; 14:9&10; 16:2
5. Sexual immorality & fornication 14:8; 18:3-9
6. Spiritual beliefs other than God 18:2
7. Sorcery practice 18:23
8. Martyring of saints 18:6 and now again in 24
Look as verse 24: "and of all who have been killed on the earth" are we blaming all murder that has occurred on Earth on Babylon? Yes, it does appear so. Why? Well, if Babylon is a Religious system other that what God has commanded, it must not be of God. That means it is from Satan, and yes, I can say that murder is of Satan. Any religious system or teaching that does not match up with the word of God is not from Him. If is is not from God, then whom?
This finishes up chapter 18.
Blessings and Grace on all!!!
Calabash
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