REVELATION CHAPTER 1 (A.D. 96) INTRODUCTION 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him (the Revelation given here is of Jesus Christ, not John, as many think; John was only the instrument used to write the account), to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass (refers to the beginning of the events, which continue on unto this hour, and, in fact, will continue forever; it is the Church Age and beyond); and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant John (even though the Revelation came to Christ, it was delivered to John by “His Angel”): 2 Who bear record of the Word of God (regarded himself merely as a witness of what he had seen, and claimed only to make a fair and faithful record of it), and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ (John was merely a witness of the Testimony that Christ had borne), and of all things that he saw (refers to the visions and symbols given to John). 3 Blessed is he who reads, and they who hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein (all who obey these admonitions are promised a Blessing): for the time is at hand (refers to the beginning of the fulfillment of these things which begins with the Church, as recorded in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, and continues forever). SALUTATION 4 John to the seven Churches which are in Asia (these particular Churches were selected by the Holy Spirit to portray the entirety of the Church Age): Grace be unto you, and Peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come (refers to Sanctifying Grace and Sanctifying Peace, all made possible by the Cross); and from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne (is given to us in this manner to emphasize the sevenfold aspect of the Operations of the Holy Spirit [Isa. 11:2]); 5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful Witness (earthly life of perfect obedience), and the first begotten of the dead (refers to His Resurrection, which is the Firstfruits [Rom. 8:23]), and the prince of the kings of the earth. (This refers to His rulership of the world, which is a key theme of the Book of Revelation.) Unto Him Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood (the Cross proves the fact of His Love in no uncertain terms), 6 And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father (made possible by what Christ did at the Cross, and only by what Christ did at the Cross); to Him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Christ is the Redeemer, so He deserves the “Glory and Dominion,” which will be His forever and ever.) THE THEME 7 Behold, He comes with clouds (the Second Coming of Christ is the chief theme of this Book; the word “clouds” represents great numbers of Saints); and every eye shall see Him (refers to all who will be in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, and possibly even billions who may very well see Him by Television), and they also which pierced Him (the Jews, and they will then know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus is Messiah and Lord): and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (The “wailing” will take place because of the Judgment Christ will bring upon the world for its sin and shame.) 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending (the First, the Last, the only God), saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (The word “Almighty” guarantees He will be able to accomplish all that He says.) THE VISION 9 I John, who also am your Brother, and companion in tribulation (John was a fellow-partaker in the tribulation which was then coming to all the Churches), and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ (Christ will ultimately establish His Kingdom on this Earth, but we must use patience in waiting for it), was in the Isle that is called Patmos (an island about 37 miles west-southwest of Miletus in the Aegean Sea), for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ. (He was not in prison for crimes committed, for he had committed none, but because of his stand for our Lord.) 10 I was in the Spirit (he entered into a new kind of experience relative to the Spirit’s control over him) onthe Lord’s Day (Sunday), and heard behind me a great Voice, as of a trumpet (the Voice John heard is heard unto this hour all over the world, and, in fact, will ever be heard; it is the Voice of our Lord!), 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last (Christ is all in all): and, What you see, write in a Book (constitutes what we now have and refer to as the “Book of Revelation”), and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (This phrase presents these Churches that were all selected Personally by Christ.) 12 And I turned to see the Voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw Seven Golden Candlesticks (presents the symbolism for the seven Churches); 13 And in the midst of the Seven Candlesticks One like unto the Son of Man (Jesus is Head of the Church, the Centerpiece of its activity), clothed with a garment down to the foot (indicates His position as King-Priest), and girt about the paps with a Golden Girdle (presents kingly apparel; Christ is the King-Priest). 14 His Head and His Hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Majesty and Authority); and His Eyes were as a flame of fire (portrays penetrating scrutiny and fierce Judgment); 15 And His Feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace (“brass” signifies His Humanity, but superhuman); and His Voice as the sound of many waters (the Voice of Power). 16 And He had in His Right Hand Seven Stars (represents the Pastors of these seven Churches): and out of His Mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword (represents the Word of God): and His Countenance was as the sun shines in His Strength (represents His Glory). 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead (the idea is that John thought he was going to die). And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not (in effect, Christ is telling John he will not die); I am the First and the Last (He Alone is God, the Absolute Lord of history and the Creator): 18 I am He Who lives (will never die again and has life in Himself; the Fountain and Source of Life to others; the One Who has immortality [Jn. 1:4; 14:6; 1 Tim. 6:16]), and was dead (represents the Living One entering into death, into our death, in His human nature so that as the great High Priest He might finish the Sacrifice for sins, which He did); and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen (He will never die again, and death is totally defeated); and have the keys of hell and of death. (He Alone determines who will enter death and hell, and who will not.) 19 Write the things which you have seen (this Verse is the key to the understanding of the Book of Revelation; it is broken up into three parts: 1. The Vision of Christ in the midst of the Candlesticks, Chapter 1), and the things which are (2. Concerns the Churches, Chapters 2-3), and the things which shall be hereafter (3. Concerns events after the Rapture of the Church, includes the Great Tribulation and Eternity ever-after, Chapters 4-22); 20 The mystery of the Seven Stars which you saw in My Right Hand (portrays the fact that these Pastors belonged to Christ), and the Seven Golden Candlesticks. The Seven Stars are the Angels (Pastors) of the Seven Churches: and the Seven Candlesticks which you saw are the Seven Churches. (This represents the entirety of the Church Age, even as we shall see.) REVELATION CHAPTER 1 (A.D. 96) INTRODUCTION 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him (the Revelation given here is of Jesus Christ, not John, as many think; John was only the instrument used to write the account), to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass (refers to the beginning of the events, which continue on unto this hour, and, in fact, will continue forever; it is the Church Age and beyond); and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant John (even though the Revelation came to Christ, it was delivered to John by “His Angel”): 2 Who bear record of the Word of God (regarded himself merely as a witness of what he had seen, and claimed only to make a fair and faithful record of it), and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ (John was merely a witness of the Testimony that Christ had borne), and of all things that he saw (refers to the visions and symbols given to John). 3 Blessed is he who reads, and they who hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein (all who obey these admonitions are promised a Blessing): for the time is at hand (refers to the beginning of the fulfillment of these things which begins with the Church, as recorded in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, and continues forever). SALUTATION 4 John to the seven Churches which are in Asia (these particular Churches were selected by the Holy Spirit to portray the entirety of the Church Age): Grace be unto you, and Peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come (refers to Sanctifying Grace and Sanctifying Peace, all made possible by the Cross); and from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne (is given to us in this manner to emphasize the sevenfold aspect of the Operations of the Holy Spirit [Isa. 11:2]); 5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful Witness (earthly life of perfect obedience), and the first begotten of the dead (refers to His Resurrection, which is the Firstfruits [Rom. 8:23]), and the prince of the kings of the earth. (This refers to His rulership of the world, which is a key theme of the Book of Revelation.) Unto Him Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood (the Cross proves the fact of His Love in no uncertain terms), 6 And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father (made possible by what Christ did at the Cross, and only by what Christ did at the Cross); to Him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Christ is the Redeemer, so He deserves the “Glory and Dominion,” which will be His forever and ever.) THE THEME 7 Behold, He comes with clouds (the Second Coming of Christ is the chief theme of this Book; the word “clouds” represents great numbers of Saints); and every eye shall see Him (refers to all who will be in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, and possibly even billions who may very well see Him by Television), and they also which pierced Him (the Jews, and they will then know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus is Messiah and Lord): and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (The “wailing” will take place because of the Judgment Christ will bring upon the world for its sin and shame.) 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending (the First, the Last, the only God), saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (The word “Almighty” guarantees He will be able to accomplish all that He says.) THE VISION 9 I John, who also am your Brother, and companion in tribulation (John was a fellow-partaker in the tribulation which was then coming to all the Churches), and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ (Christ will ultimately establish His Kingdom on this Earth, but we must use patience in waiting for it), was in the Isle that is called Patmos (an island about 37 miles west-southwest of Miletus in the Aegean Sea), for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ. (He was not in prison for crimes committed, for he had committed none, but because of his stand for our Lord.) 10 I was in the Spirit (he entered into a new kind of experience relative to the Spirit’s control over him) onthe Lord’s Day (Sunday), and heard behind me a great Voice, as of a trumpet (the Voice John heard is heard unto this hour all over the world, and, in fact, will ever be heard; it is the Voice of our Lord!), 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last (Christ is all in all): and, What you see, write in a Book (constitutes what we now have and refer to as the “Book of Revelation”), and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (This phrase presents these Churches that were all selected Personally by Christ.) 12 And I turned to see the Voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw Seven Golden Candlesticks (presents the symbolism for the seven Churches); 13 And in the midst of the Seven Candlesticks One like unto the Son of Man (Jesus is Head of the Church, the Centerpiece of its activity), clothed with a garment down to the foot (indicates His position as King-Priest), and girt about the paps with a Golden Girdle (presents kingly apparel; Christ is the King-Priest). 14 His Head and His Hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Majesty and Authority); and His Eyes were as a flame of fire (portrays penetrating scrutiny and fierce Judgment); 15 And His Feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace (“brass” signifies His Humanity, but superhuman); and His Voice as the sound of many waters (the Voice of Power). 16 And He had in His Right Hand Seven Stars (represents the Pastors of these seven Churches): and out of His Mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword (represents the Word of God): and His Countenance was as the sun shines in His Strength (represents His Glory). 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead (the idea is that John thought he was going to die). And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not (in effect, Christ is telling John he will not die); I am the First and the Last (He Alone is God, the Absolute Lord of history and the Creator): 18 I am He Who lives (will never die again and has life in Himself; the Fountain and Source of Life to others; the One Who has immortality [Jn. 1:4; 14:6; 1 Tim. 6:16]), and was dead (represents the Living One entering into death, into our death, in His human nature so that as the great High Priest He might finish the Sacrifice for sins, which He did); and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen (He will never die again, and death is totally defeated); and have the keys of hell and of death. (He Alone determines who will enter death and hell, and who will not.) 19 Write the things which you have seen (this Verse is the key to the understanding of the Book of Revelation; it is broken up into three parts: 1. The Vision of Christ in the midst of the Candlesticks, Chapter 1), and the things which are (2. Concerns the Churches, Chapters 2-3), and the things which shall be hereafter (3. Concerns events after the Rapture of the Church, includes the Great Tribulation and Eternity ever-after, Chapters 4-22); 20 The mystery of the Seven Stars which you saw in My Right Hand (portrays the fact that these Pastors belonged to Christ), and the Seven Golden Candlesticks. The Seven Stars are the Angels (Pastors) of the Seven Churches: and the Seven Candlesticks which you saw are the Seven Churches. (This represents the entirety of the Church Age, even as we shall see.) REVELATION CHAPTER 1 (A.D. 96) INTRODUCTION 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him (the Revelation given here is of Jesus Christ, not John, as many think; John was only the instrument used to write the account), to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass (refers to the beginning of the events, which continue on unto this hour, and, in fact, will continue forever; it is the Church Age and beyond); and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant John (even though the Revelation came to Christ, it was delivered to John by “His Angel”): 2 Who bear record of the Word of God (regarded himself merely as a witness of what he had seen, and claimed only to make a fair and faithful record of it), and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ (John was merely a witness of the Testimony that Christ had borne), and of all things that he saw (refers to the visions and symbols given to John). 3 Blessed is he who reads, and they who hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein (all who obey these admonitions are promised a Blessing): for the time is at hand (refers to the beginning of the fulfillment of these things which begins with the Church, as recorded in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, and continues forever). SALUTATION 4 John to the seven Churches which are in Asia (these particular Churches were selected by the Holy Spirit to portray the entirety of the Church Age): Grace be unto you, and Peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come (refers to Sanctifying Grace and Sanctifying Peace, all made possible by the Cross); and from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne (is given to us in this manner to emphasize the sevenfold aspect of the Operations of the Holy Spirit [Isa. 11:2]); 5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful Witness (earthly life of perfect obedience), and the first begotten of the dead (refers to His Resurrection, which is the Firstfruits [Rom. 8:23]), and the prince of the kings of the earth. (This refers to His rulership of the world, which is a key theme of the Book of Revelation.) Unto Him Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood (the Cross proves the fact of His Love in no uncertain terms), 6 And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father (made possible by what Christ did at the Cross, and only by what Christ did at the Cross); to Him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Christ is the Redeemer, so He deserves the “Glory and Dominion,” which will be His forever and ever.) THE THEME 7 Behold, He comes with clouds (the Second Coming of Christ is the chief theme of this Book; the word “clouds” represents great numbers of Saints); and every eye shall see Him (refers to all who will be in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, and possibly even billions who may very well see Him by Television), and they also which pierced Him (the Jews, and they will then know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus is Messiah and Lord): and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (The “wailing” will take place because of the Judgment Christ will bring upon the world for its sin and shame.) 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending (the First, the Last, the only God), saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (The word “Almighty” guarantees He will be able to accomplish all that He says.) THE VISION 9 I John, who also am your Brother, and companion in tribulation (John was a fellow-partaker in the tribulation which was then coming to all the Churches), and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ (Christ will ultimately establish His Kingdom on this Earth, but we must use patience in waiting for it), was in the Isle that is called Patmos (an island about 37 miles west-southwest of Miletus in the Aegean Sea), for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ. (He was not in prison for crimes committed, for he had committed none, but because of his stand for our Lord.) 10 I was in the Spirit (he entered into a new kind of experience relative to the Spirit’s control over him) onthe Lord’s Day (Sunday), and heard behind me a great Voice, as of a trumpet (the Voice John heard is heard unto this hour all over the world, and, in fact, will ever be heard; it is the Voice of our Lord!), 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last (Christ is all in all): and, What you see, write in a Book (constitutes what we now have and refer to as the “Book of Revelation”), and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (This phrase presents these Churches that were all selected Personally by Christ.) 12 And I turned to see the Voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw Seven Golden Candlesticks (presents the symbolism for the seven Churches); 13 And in the midst of the Seven Candlesticks One like unto the Son of Man (Jesus is Head of the Church, the Centerpiece of its activity), clothed with a garment down to the foot (indicates His position as King-Priest), and girt about the paps with a Golden Girdle (presents kingly apparel; Christ is the King-Priest). 14 His Head and His Hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Majesty and Authority); and His Eyes were as a flame of fire (portrays penetrating scrutiny and fierce Judgment); 15 And His Feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace (“brass” signifies His Humanity, but superhuman); and His Voice as the sound of many waters (the Voice of Power). 16 And He had in His Right Hand Seven Stars (represents the Pastors of these seven Churches): and out of His Mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword (represents the Word of God): and His Countenance was as the sun shines in His Strength (represents His Glory). 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead (the idea is that John thought he was going to die). And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not (in effect, Christ is telling John he will not die); I am the First and the Last (He Alone is God, the Absolute Lord of history and the Creator): 18 I am He Who lives (will never die again and has life in Himself; the Fountain and Source of Life to others; the One Who has immortality [Jn. 1:4; 14:6; 1 Tim. 6:16]), and was dead (represents the Living One entering into death, into our death, in His human nature so that as the great High Priest He might finish the Sacrifice for sins, which He did); and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen (He will never die again, and death is totally defeated); and have the keys of hell and of death. (He Alone determines who will enter death and hell, and who will not.) 19 Write the things which you have seen (this Verse is the key to the understanding of the Book of Revelation; it is broken up into three parts: 1. The Vision of Christ in the midst of the Candlesticks, Chapter 1), and the things which are (2. Concerns the Churches, Chapters 2-3), and the things which shall be hereafter (3. Concerns events after the Rapture of the Church, includes the Great Tribulation and Eternity ever-after, Chapters 4-22); 20 The mystery of the Seven Stars which you saw in My Right Hand (portrays the fact that these Pastors belonged to Christ), and the Seven Golden Candlesticks. The Seven Stars are the Angels (Pastors) of the Seven Churches: and the Seven Candlesticks which you saw are the Seven Churches. (This represents the entirety of the Church Age, even as we shall see.) REVELATION CHAPTER 1 (A.D. 96) INTRODUCTION 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him (the Revelation given here is of Jesus Christ, not John, as many think; John was only the instrument used to write the account), to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass (refers to the beginning of the events, which continue on unto this hour, and, in fact, will continue forever; it is the Church Age and beyond); and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant John (even though the Revelation came to Christ, it was delivered to John by “His Angel”): 2 Who bear record of the Word of God (regarded himself merely as a witness of what he had seen, and claimed only to make a fair and faithful record of it), and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ (John was merely a witness of the Testimony that Christ had borne), and of all things that he saw (refers to the visions and symbols given to John). 3 Blessed is he who reads, and they who hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein (all who obey these admonitions are promised a Blessing): for the time is at hand (refers to the beginning of the fulfillment of these things which begins with the Church, as recorded in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, and continues forever). SALUTATION 4 John to the seven Churches which are in Asia (these particular Churches were selected by the Holy Spirit to portray the entirety of the Church Age): Grace be unto you, and Peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come (refers to Sanctifying Grace and Sanctifying Peace, all made possible by the Cross); and from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne (is given to us in this manner to emphasize the sevenfold aspect of the Operations of the Holy Spirit [Isa. 11:2]); 5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful Witness (earthly life of perfect obedience), and the first begotten of the dead (refers to His Resurrection, which is the Firstfruits [Rom. 8:23]), and the prince of the kings of the earth. (This refers to His rulership of the world, which is a key theme of the Book of Revelation.) Unto Him Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood (the Cross proves the fact of His Love in no uncertain terms), 6 And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father (made possible by what Christ did at the Cross, and only by what Christ did at the Cross); to Him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Christ is the Redeemer, so He deserves the “Glory and Dominion,” which will be His forever and ever.) THE THEME 7 Behold, He comes with clouds (the Second Coming of Christ is the chief theme of this Book; the word “clouds” represents great numbers of Saints); and every eye shall see Him (refers to all who will be in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, and possibly even billions who may very well see Him by Television), and they also which pierced Him (the Jews, and they will then know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus is Messiah and Lord): and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (The “wailing” will take place because of the Judgment Christ will bring upon the world for its sin and shame.) 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending (the First, the Last, the only God), saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (The word “Almighty” guarantees He will be able to accomplish all that He says.) THE VISION 9 I John, who also am your Brother, and companion in tribulation (John was a fellow-partaker in the tribulation which was then coming to all the Churches), and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ (Christ will ultimately establish His Kingdom on this Earth, but we must use patience in waiting for it), was in the Isle that is called Patmos (an island about 37 miles west-southwest of Miletus in the Aegean Sea), for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ. (He was not in prison for crimes committed, for he had committed none, but because of his stand for our Lord.) 10 I was in the Spirit (he entered into a new kind of experience relative to the Spirit’s control over him) onthe Lord’s Day (Sunday), and heard behind me a great Voice, as of a trumpet (the Voice John heard is heard unto this hour all over the world, and, in fact, will ever be heard; it is the Voice of our Lord!), 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last (Christ is all in all): and, What you see, write in a Book (constitutes what we now have and refer to as the “Book of Revelation”), and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (This phrase presents these Churches that were all selected Personally by Christ.) 12 And I turned to see the Voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw Seven Golden Candlesticks (presents the symbolism for the seven Churches); 13 And in the midst of the Seven Candlesticks One like unto the Son of Man (Jesus is Head of the Church, the Centerpiece of its activity), clothed with a garment down to the foot (indicates His position as King-Priest), and girt about the paps with a Golden Girdle (presents kingly apparel; Christ is the King-Priest). 14 His Head and His Hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Majesty and Authority); and His Eyes were as a flame of fire (portrays penetrating scrutiny and fierce Judgment); 15 And His Feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace (“brass” signifies His Humanity, but superhuman); and His Voice as the sound of many waters (the Voice of Power). 16 And He had in His Right Hand Seven Stars (represents the Pastors of these seven Churches): and out of His Mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword (represents the Word of God): and His Countenance was as the sun shines in His Strength (represents His Glory). 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead (the idea is that John thought he was going to die). And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not (in effect, Christ is telling John he will not die); I am the First and the Last (He Alone is God, the Absolute Lord of history and the Creator): 18 I am He Who lives (will never die again and has life in Himself; the Fountain and Source of Life to others; the One Who has immortality [Jn. 1:4; 14:6; 1 Tim. 6:16]), and was dead (represents the Living One entering into death, into our death, in His human nature so that as the great High Priest He might finish the Sacrifice for sins, which He did); and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen (He will never die again, and death is totally defeated); and have the keys of hell and of death. (He Alone determines who will enter death and hell, and who will not.) 19 Write the things which you have seen (this Verse is the key to the understanding of the Book of Revelation; it is broken up into three parts: 1. The Vision of Christ in the midst of the Candlesticks, Chapter 1), and the things which are (2. Concerns the Churches, Chapters 2-3), and the things which shall be hereafter (3. Concerns events after the Rapture of the Church, includes the Great Tribulation and Eternity ever-after, Chapters 4-22); 20 The mystery of the Seven Stars which you saw in My Right Hand (portrays the fact that these Pastors belonged to Christ), and the Seven Golden Candlesticks. The Seven Stars are the Angels (Pastors) of the Seven Churches: and the Seven Candlesticks which you saw are the Seven Churches. (This represents the entirety of the Church Age, even as we shall see.) REVELATION CHAPTER 1 (A.D. 96) INTRODUCTION 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him (the Revelation given here is of Jesus Christ, not John, as many think; John was only the instrument used to write the account), to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass (refers to the beginning of the events, which continue on unto this hour, and, in fact, will continue forever; it is the Church Age and beyond); and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant John (even though the Revelation came to Christ, it was delivered to John by “His Angel”): 2 Who bear record of the Word of God (regarded himself merely as a witness of what he had seen, and claimed only to make a fair and faithful record of it), and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ (John was merely a witness of the Testimony that Christ had borne), and of all things that he saw (refers to the visions and symbols given to John). 3 Blessed is he who reads, and they who hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein (all who obey these admonitions are promised a Blessing): for the time is at hand (refers to the beginning of the fulfillment of these things which begins with the Church, as recorded in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, and continues forever). SALUTATION 4 John to the seven Churches which are in Asia (these particular Churches were selected by the Holy Spirit to portray the entirety of the Church Age): Grace be unto you, and Peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come (refers to Sanctifying Grace and Sanctifying Peace, all made possible by the Cross); and from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne (is given to us in this manner to emphasize the sevenfold aspect of the Operations of the Holy Spirit [Isa. 11:2]); 5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful Witness (earthly life of perfect obedience), and the first begotten of the dead (refers to His Resurrection, which is the Firstfruits [Rom. 8:23]), and the prince of the kings of the earth. (This refers to His rulership of the world, which is a key theme of the Book of Revelation.) Unto Him Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood (the Cross proves the fact of His Love in no uncertain terms), 6 And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father (made possible by what Christ did at the Cross, and only by what Christ did at the Cross); to Him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Christ is the Redeemer, so He deserves the “Glory and Dominion,” which will be His forever and ever.) THE THEME 7 Behold, He comes with clouds (the Second Coming of Christ is the chief theme of this Book; the word “clouds” represents great numbers of Saints); and every eye shall see Him (refers to all who will be in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, and possibly even billions who may very well see Him by Television), and they also which pierced Him (the Jews, and they will then know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus is Messiah and Lord): and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (The “wailing” will take place because of the Judgment Christ will bring upon the world for its sin and shame.) 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending (the First, the Last, the only God), saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (The word “Almighty” guarantees He will be able to accomplish all that He says.) THE VISION 9 I John, who also am your Brother, and companion in tribulation (John was a fellow-partaker in the tribulation which was then coming to all the Churches), and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ (Christ will ultimately establish His Kingdom on this Earth, but we must use patience in waiting for it), was in the Isle that is called Patmos (an island about 37 miles west-southwest of Miletus in the Aegean Sea), for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ. (He was not in prison for crimes committed, for he had committed none, but because of his stand for our Lord.) 10 I was in the Spirit (he entered into a new kind of experience relative to the Spirit’s control over him) onthe Lord’s Day (Sunday), and heard behind me a great Voice, as of a trumpet (the Voice John heard is heard unto this hour all over the world, and, in fact, will ever be heard; it is the Voice of our Lord!), 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last (Christ is all in all): and, What you see, write in a Book (constitutes what we now have and refer to as the “Book of Revelation”), and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (This phrase presents these Churches that were all selected Personally by Christ.) 12 And I turned to see the Voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw Seven Golden Candlesticks (presents the symbolism for the seven Churches); 13 And in the midst of the Seven Candlesticks One like unto the Son of Man (Jesus is Head of the Church, the Centerpiece of its activity), clothed with a garment down to the foot (indicates His position as King-Priest), and girt about the paps with a Golden Girdle (presents kingly apparel; Christ is the King-Priest). 14 His Head and His Hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Majesty and Authority); and His Eyes were as a flame of fire (portrays penetrating scrutiny and fierce Judgment); 15 And His Feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace (“brass” signifies His Humanity, but superhuman); and His Voice as the sound of many waters (the Voice of Power). 16 And He had in His Right Hand Seven Stars (represents the Pastors of these seven Churches): and out of His Mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword (represents the Word of God): and His Countenance was as the sun shines in His Strength (represents His Glory). 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead (the idea is that John thought he was going to die). And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not (in effect, Christ is telling John he will not die); I am the First and the Last (He Alone is God, the Absolute Lord of history and the Creator): 18 I am He Who lives (will never die again and has life in Himself; the Fountain and Source of Life to others; the One Who has immortality [Jn. 1:4; 14:6; 1 Tim. 6:16]), and was dead (represents the Living One entering into death, into our death, in His human nature so that as the great High Priest He might finish the Sacrifice for sins, which He did); and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen (He will never die again, and death is totally defeated); and have the keys of hell and of death. (He Alone determines who will enter death and hell, and who will not.) 19 Write the things which you have seen (this Verse is the key to the understanding of the Book of Revelation; it is broken up into three parts: 1. The Vision of Christ in the midst of the Candlesticks, Chapter 1), and the things which are (2. Concerns the Churches, Chapters 2-3), and the things which shall be hereafter (3. Concerns events after the Rapture of the Church, includes the Great Tribulation and Eternity ever-after, Chapters 4-22); 20 The mystery of the Seven Stars which you saw in My Right Hand (portrays the fact that these Pastors belonged to Christ), and the Seven Golden Candlesticks. The Seven Stars are the Angels (Pastors) of the Seven Churches: and the Seven Candlesticks which you saw are the Seven Churches. (This represents the entirety of the Church Age, even as we shall see.) REVELATION CHAPTER 1 (A.D. 96) INTRODUCTION 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him (the Revelation given here is of Jesus Christ, not John, as many think; John was only the instrument used to write the account), to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass (refers to the beginning of the events, which continue on unto this hour, and, in fact, will continue forever; it is the Church Age and beyond); and He sent and signified it by His Angel unto His servant John (even though the Revelation came to Christ, it was delivered to John by “His Angel”): 2 Who bear record of the Word of God (regarded himself merely as a witness of what he had seen, and claimed only to make a fair and faithful record of it), and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ (John was merely a witness of the Testimony that Christ had borne), and of all things that he saw (refers to the visions and symbols given to John). 3 Blessed is he who reads, and they who hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein (all who obey these admonitions are promised a Blessing): for the time is at hand (refers to the beginning of the fulfillment of these things which begins with the Church, as recorded in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, and continues forever). SALUTATION 4 John to the seven Churches which are in Asia (these particular Churches were selected by the Holy Spirit to portray the entirety of the Church Age): Grace be unto you, and Peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come (refers to Sanctifying Grace and Sanctifying Peace, all made possible by the Cross); and from the seven Spirits which are before His Throne (is given to us in this manner to emphasize the sevenfold aspect of the Operations of the Holy Spirit [Isa. 11:2]); 5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful Witness (earthly life of perfect obedience), and the first begotten of the dead (refers to His Resurrection, which is the Firstfruits [Rom. 8:23]), and the prince of the kings of the earth. (This refers to His rulership of the world, which is a key theme of the Book of Revelation.) Unto Him Who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood (the Cross proves the fact of His Love in no uncertain terms), 6 And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father (made possible by what Christ did at the Cross, and only by what Christ did at the Cross); to Him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Christ is the Redeemer, so He deserves the “Glory and Dominion,” which will be His forever and ever.) THE THEME 7 Behold, He comes with clouds (the Second Coming of Christ is the chief theme of this Book; the word “clouds” represents great numbers of Saints); and every eye shall see Him (refers to all who will be in the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, and possibly even billions who may very well see Him by Television), and they also which pierced Him (the Jews, and they will then know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus is Messiah and Lord): and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (The “wailing” will take place because of the Judgment Christ will bring upon the world for its sin and shame.) 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending (the First, the Last, the only God), saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (The word “Almighty” guarantees He will be able to accomplish all that He says.) THE VISION 9 I John, who also am your Brother, and companion in tribulation (John was a fellow-partaker in the tribulation which was then coming to all the Churches), and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ (Christ will ultimately establish His Kingdom on this Earth, but we must use patience in waiting for it), was in the Isle that is called Patmos (an island about 37 miles west-southwest of Miletus in the Aegean Sea), for the Word of God, and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ. (He was not in prison for crimes committed, for he had committed none, but because of his stand for our Lord.) 10 I was in the Spirit (he entered into a new kind of experience relative to the Spirit’s control over him) onthe Lord’s Day (Sunday), and heard behind me a great Voice, as of a trumpet (the Voice John heard is heard unto this hour all over the world, and, in fact, will ever be heard; it is the Voice of our Lord!), 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last (Christ is all in all): and, What you see, write in a Book (constitutes what we now have and refer to as the “Book of Revelation”), and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (This phrase presents these Churches that were all selected Personally by Christ.) 12 And I turned to see the Voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw Seven Golden Candlesticks (presents the symbolism for the seven Churches); 13 And in the midst of the Seven Candlesticks One like unto the Son of Man (Jesus is Head of the Church, the Centerpiece of its activity), clothed with a garment down to the foot (indicates His position as King-Priest), and girt about the paps with a Golden Girdle (presents kingly apparel; Christ is the King-Priest). 14 His Head and His Hairs were white like wool, as white as snow (Majesty and Authority); and His Eyes were as a flame of fire (portrays penetrating scrutiny and fierce Judgment); 15 And His Feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace (“brass” signifies His Humanity, but superhuman); and His Voice as the sound of many waters (the Voice of Power). 16 And He had in His Right Hand Seven Stars (represents the Pastors of these seven Churches): and out of His Mouth went a sharp twoedged Sword (represents the Word of God): and His Countenance was as the sun shines in His Strength (represents His Glory). 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead (the idea is that John thought he was going to die). And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not (in effect, Christ is telling John he will not die); I am the First and the Last (He Alone is God, the Absolute Lord of history and the Creator): 18 I am He Who lives (will never die again and has life in Himself; the Fountain and Source of Life to others; the One Who has immortality [Jn. 1:4; 14:6; 1 Tim. 6:16]), and was dead (represents the Living One entering into death, into our death, in His human nature so that as the great High Priest He might finish the Sacrifice for sins, which He did); and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen (He will never die again, and death is totally defeated); and have the keys of hell and of death. (He Alone determines who will enter death and hell, and who will not.) 19 Write the things which you have seen (this Verse is the key to the understanding of the Book of Revelation; it is broken up into three parts: 1. The Vision of Christ in the midst of the Candlesticks, Chapter 1), and the things which are (2. Concerns the Churches, Chapters 2-3), and the things which shall be hereafter (3. Concerns events after the Rapture of the Church, includes the Great Tribulation and Eternity ever-after, Chapters 4-22); 20 The mystery of the Seven Stars which you saw in My Right Hand (portrays the fact that these Pastors belonged to Christ), and the Seven Golden Candlesticks. The Seven Stars are the Angels (Pastors) of the Seven Churches: and the Seven Candlesticks which you saw are the Seven Churches. (This represents the entirety of the Church Age, even as we shall see.)
Posted on: Sat, 31 Aug 2013 23:08:00 +0000
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