Revelation

The Unveiling: or Disclosure Endings Gods program of redemption Prophecy Human government Bible Beginnings New Jerusalem New Heaven and New Earth Revelation of Jesus Christ It came from Christ The author Unified style, symmetry and plan= One author John the Apostle (1:1,4,9; 22:8) Because addressed to 7 Churches Quickly circulated and accepted as written by Apostle John- Writer of the Gospel and Epistles Confirmed by earliest church fathers Justin Marty, Shepherd of Hermas, Melito, Irenaeus, Muratorion Canon, Tertulian, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and others Questioned by Dionysius mid 3rd Century Difference in style and thought, therefore must be different author

Differences 1. Grammar 2. Vocabulary and expressions 3. Theological content 4. Other writings avoid use of Johns name. Similarities 1. Distinctive terms: Word, lamb, true 2. Development of conflicting themes: Light and darkness Good and evil Love and hatred Compare/ Contrast Johns Writings Gospel of John Epistles Believe Be sure 20:31 1 john 5:13 Life received Life Revealed Salvation Sanctification The prophet The priest

Revelation Be ready 22:20 Life Rewarded Sovereignty The King

The author 1. Apocalyptic subject matter demands different treatment from Gospel 2. Received content by Visions not by reflection on what he had witnessed 3. John may have used a secretary in his other writings, who smoothed out his style 4. Author was known to 7 churches of Asia and using his name was appropriate to identify himself to them. 5. Early Church uniformly agreed was the Apostle John Time of writing 1.Johns exile to Isle of Patmos Roman penal Colony 2. Date Late in reign of Emperor Domination 81-96 3. John moved to Ephesus about 67 A.D. He had a ministry in Asia before writing Revelation. 4. Churches in Asia had existed for enough time to develop complacency and decline 5. Domitian was first to require emperor worship while alive Likely date: 95 or 96 A.D.

Key word: The revelation of the Coming of Christ Key verses: 1:9 write therefore the things Key verses: 19:11-15 Key chapters 19-22 Outline of Book based on 1:19 I the things you have seen 1 Introduction 1:1-8 The Blessing -read, hear, keep The Recipients 7 churches of Asia The Greeting From Him- Is, was, is to come 7 spirits before the throne- Isaiah 11:2 Jesus Christ Alpha and Omega Almighty Revelation of Christ 1:9-20 A Vision of the risen Christ One like the Son of Man Gold band about the chest Head and hair white like wool Eyes like a flame of fire Feet like fine brass Voice like sound of many waters

Right hand-7 stars Mouth- Sharp two-edged sword Caused John to fall at his feet as dead Christ identifies himself First and last Risen Christ Holder of Keys to Hades and Death Command to write- outline (1:19) Interpretation of the 7 stars and 7 lamps Summary of the basic Characteristics of the Book Christ centered- Magnifies the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ. Open Book- John told not to seal it people today need its message Filled with symbols- timelines Relevant- It will quickly come to pass the time is at hand Majestic- the book of the throne magnifies the sovereignty of God. Climatic- The climax of the bible 1.Local, to the churches addressed 2. Churches of all times, tests by which to discern the spiritual state of a church. 3. Personal, to individuals- He who has ear to hear, to him who overcomes. 4. Prophetic Christ: Holds 7 stars, walks in the midst of 7 golden lamps Action: Remember, repent, do first works Message to Smyrna Christ: First and Last , dead, came to life Commendation I know your works, tribulation, poverty Complaint: Synagogue of Satan Action: Prison, tribulation 10 days Be faithful unto death Promise: Receive crown of life Message to Pergamos Christ: Has sharp 2-edged sword Commendation I know works, where you dwell, hold fast to my name, did not deny My faith Complaint: Doctrine of Balaam, Nicolaitans. The things which are 2-3 Christ: Son of God, eyes-fire, feet-brass, Commendations I know your works, love, service, faith, patience

Complaint: Allow Jezebel to teach Action: Repent, Hold fast what you have The things which are 2-3. Message to Sardis Christ: Has the 7 spirits, 7 stars, Commendation : None Complaint: Name that you are alive, but you are dead Action: Repent, Hold fast what you have Promise: Clothed in white garments, name in Book of life, confess his name before My Father Message to Philadelphia Christ: Holy, True, Key of David Commendation: open door, a little strength, Kept My word, not denied my Name Complaint: None Action: Hold fast what you have Promise: I will keep you from the hour of trial upon the whole world, pillar in the temple, name of God, New Jerusalem, new name. The heavenly throne 4 The introduction 4:1 After these things same as 1:19 After Church age Suggested by Chronology of events Johns invitation to Come up here The throne 4:2-3,5 PersonLike a Jasper and Sardius stone Surrounded by a rainbow PurposeJudgment Mercy and Salvation Procession-Lightening, thunder, voices The elders 4:4 Indentity Church Jewish believers Sit on Thrones- authority, judging, ruling Crowns are victors crowns What is this scroll: 5:1 History of Church Future covenant with Israel The lion-lamb 5:5-7 The lion of Judah has qualified to open the scroll

The Lamb is the redeemer of all creation The Chronology 1. Why is this presented here, not at the end? Once the lamb has the scroll in hand, it is a sure thing The praise has already begun in heaven before Gods plan is worked out on earth Herman Hoyt, Exposition of Revelation. Gods purpose 1. Why permit sin? That His grace might bring universal praise 2.Why delay judgment? Full harvest of saved The six seals Three series of 7 judgments 9 insets The three series of 7 are progressive marking the movement of history through the tribulation. The 9 insets do not progress the history, and may look backward or forward. 3 Series of 7 mark growing intensity 1.Antichrist-Rider on the White Horse Bow Pacemaker Crown (victors crown Stephanos) Conquering 2-Rider on Red Horse Takes peace from earth Men slay one another A great 3- Famine-Rider on a Black Horse Scales in His Hand Liter of wheat= Denarius (days pay) Do not damage oil and wine 4- Death/Hades-Rider on a pale (Ashen) Horse. Rider is named Death; Hades follows Kills earths population Sword, famine, pestilence, wild beasts 5. Martyrs When the OT priest presented an animal sacrifice- Blood poured out at the altar Blood= Like (Lev. 17:11). Souls under altar=Martyrs 6. Seal Earthquake and great Changes Sun Black, moon blood, stars fall Mountains and Islands moved Everyone hides from the wrath of the Lamb

Chapter 7 Matthew 24 False Christ v.4-5 Famines v.7 Death v.7-8 Martyrs v.9 Worldwide chaos v.10-13 Preaching gospel of Kingdom v.14

Revelation 6 Red Horse-war Black Horse-Famine Pale horse- death Martyrs Worldwide chaos 144,000 of revelation

Things to come 4-22 144,000 and Trib. Saints 7 144.000 Sealed From every tribe of Israel 12,000 from each tribe Tribulation Saints Accepted-Standing before God Joyful-Praising God Rewarded-In heaven 4 Trumpets- 8 Silence Prayers-Incense 1st trumpet-Hail, fire, blood 1/3 trees and all green grass burned up 2nd trumped- Great burning mountain 3rd trumped- Falling star wormwood Falls on river and springs 1/3 waters become wormwood- many die from the water 4th trumpet- heavenly bodies struck 1/3 sun, 1/3 moon, 1/3 stars darkened 1/3 day and 1/3 night heavenly bodies will not shine 5th trumped- Locusts from bottomless pit Power- torment like a scorpion-5 months Harm only those without Gods mark Description King-Abaddon, Apollyon Destruction, Destroyer