Revelation chapters 21 & 22
A New Heaven and Earth
Revelation chapters 21 & 22
A New Heaven and Earth
Ladies and gentlemen, the 21st Chapter of Revelation.
The word "first" used here is the Greek word "protos" and is the same word translated "former" in verse 4. So the heaven and earth that pass away in this verse is the one prior to the "new" one which comes into existence "after" the lake of fire, i.e. the present earth age that we are in now, the 2nd earth age. We know from 2 Pet. 3 that there are three heaven and earth ages. It is the same earth but three different "ages" because the earth itself "abideth forever" (Eccles. 1:4). The "world that then was" (Gen 1:2), prior to the foundation of this earth age, was totally destroyed. It perished at the overthrow of Satan. This one will perish at his destruction!Rev. 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And so the 3rd earth age will be for all eternity. The planet itself will be set back on its proper axis and correct orbital path. The actual seas will be dried up and the water will return to the canopy from whence it came. The earth will once again be the most beautiful paradise in the universe (the wackos have it all wrong for this is the true greenhouse effect). And our Father will call it Home!
Note: We flesh human beings get all excited when the thought crosses our minds that we might not have boating and fishing, or golf courses, or have sex in the next dimension. Just remember that our Father doesn't take anything away that He doesn't replace ten fold. So did you know that the entire universe awaits for the perfection of the Sons of God? Talk about a fishing expedition! See commentary on verse 7.
There's nothing more beautiful to an husband than his adorned bride![2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
God promised to dwell with man as part of His everlasting, unbreakable covenant a long time ago. He purposed it even from the beginning, for the desire of His heart is to be with and among His children for ever and ever, world without end. Here is the promised fulfilled in Rev. 21:3, i.e. the tabernacle IS with men, promised by our Father to Israel in Ezekiel 37:[3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And do you know what? That glorious holy city, the New Jerusalem, from that day forth, from the day it comes down out of heaven throughout all eternity, will be known and recognized as the Headquarters of the Universe, also referred to as "Heaven", for it will bear the name of God Himself, Yahaveh Shamma, which interpreted means "The LORD is there". These are the very last words of the Book of Ezekiel concerning the new city:Ezekiel 37:26
Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.[27] My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
What will it be like living there with our Father?Ezekiel 48:35
It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
Can you even begin to imagine such a society? No more pain and suffering, no more disease and war and death and dying, no more pesky telemarketers interrupting your dinner trying to sell you something you don't want or need. Yes, heaven on earth!Rev. 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
All the former things, all the evil spirits, all the wicked people, all corruptible flesh are passed away, GONE! (I believe most telemarketers will eventually repent or change jobs and so will not be part of the second death.)
Guess who's talking to John now! "John, you tell My children that they can count on My Words coming to pass exactly as I have spoken them."[5] And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
So if it sounds too utopian for the skeptic, or it sounds too good to be true, it isn't. In fact the words of man cannot even begin to describe the beauty and wonder, and yes, even the excitement of all that our Father has planned for His children. Man's words cannot describe it because man's mind cannot imagine it. This we know for it also is written and is true and faithful:
Now here comes a great opportunity. Would you like to hear God speak to you? He just told John to write His true and faithful words down for you and me. Here's what He has to say to us. He is speaking to us:1 Cor. 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Here's how the N.E.B. translation has this verse: "Indeed', He said, 'they are already fulfilled. For I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end..."Rev. 21:6 And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Our Father tells us if we thirst for Him, (Amos 8:11 ...not a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:), He will provide us with all of the purest water of life that we could ever want.
And if we become DOERS and not just HEARERS, i.e. if we overcome, you won't believe the reward He has in store for us!
Living with our Father! Imagine that! Now imagine inheriting ALL things:[7] He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Our Father OWNS, lock, stock, and barrel as they say, the Entire Universe. And when He says we will inherit ALL THINGS, that's infinitely more than all the wealth on earth! So if you are an overcomer, next time you're outside at night standing next to someone, you can look up and point to the stars and say "You see this vast universe? My family owns it all!" (Just be very careful who you say that to. Use wisdom and common sense.)
In contrast, just so you can SEE THE DIFFERENCE, here's the inheritance of the wicked:
But the faithless, and the non-believers, and the disgusting lowlifes, and murderers, and sexual perverts, and drug pushers, and lovers of everything other than that which is holy, and all liars (including unrepentant politicians and attorneys), they shall inherit the Lake of Fire. In other words, all the "wicked" will be consumed away, burned up in the lake of fire, which means they will DIE eternally, gone forever, PERISH.[8] But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
We spent considerable time on this in the last study, but we must understand that the lake of fire is the second death, the DESTRUCTION of the wicked souls! Remember we read of it in Rev. 20:14 "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." God is going to destroy the souls of the incorrigibly wicked along with everything evil. He can do it, and He will! His words are "true and faithful". Remember once again what Christ said:
So you say you understand? You've done well! It is now time for dessert, a special treat from the sweet hidden manna from the Book of Psalms.Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Note: You have seen us make reference to the Companion Bible many times in our studies. If ever there was a reason to obtain one it is to have access to the "gems" contained in the original manuscripts that are not brought forth (and therefore hidden) to the ordinary English reader. That which follows, along with all the richness contained in the Massorah, is found within its pages. It is the most comprehensive Bible available to the English reader. The Companion Bible is published by Kregel Publishers and can be ordered from most bookstores.The 37th Psalm is an "Acrostic" Psalm. An acrostic is where sets of letters taken in order form a word or a special sequence. For instance the word SUN is an acrostic found in the word reStaUraNt, or LOCUST is an acrostic found in the word hoLOCaUST.
In the 37th Psalm each of the 22 quatrains, i.e. sets of four lines, begin with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, except that the 4th, 11th, and 19th letters each have a triplet assigned to them, i.e. only three lines, instead of a quatrain. These three triplet verses occur in perfect order within the 37th Psalm and when taken together, as a separate set, they form an acrostic.
This acrostic will reveal the second death, the ultimate fate of the wicked who sometimes seem have it made with lots of money, big mansions and fancy cars, beautiful babes, etc., all derived from wicked devices like those we just read of in Revelation, i.e. drug pushing, prostitution, extortion, theft and deceptive business practices such as fixed markets and underhanded commodities trading.
The other amazing discovery is that these three verses parallel precisely the three verses we just finished reading in Revelation 21. Here is the acrostic of the 37th Psalm.
Be patient, thirst for righteousness, and don't be envious of the wicked who seem to prosper. Here's why:Psalm 37:7
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
The wicked shall PERISH, not fry "unconsumed" in Dante's Inferno for ever and ever! You just read it, they shall CONSUME AWAY! It will be like a dripping drop of fat that splatters onto the hot burning coals of fire and is vaporized into smoke! This is the second death and a great analogy of it! SEE it in your Mind's Eye!Psalm 37:20
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
So be patient and wait on the LORD and you shall be exalted, receive a crown and a throne, and INHERIT all that our Father has promised to those that keep His way and overcome. I know it boggles the minds of those who love our Father to think that anyone could choose not to follow Him. But the wicked shall not and as verse 34 says "they are cut off" (from all inheritance) and you shall witness their execution in the lake of fire and that will be the end of it!Psalm 37:34
Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
They are all gone, so let's get on with eternity!
Here comes one those angels from chapter 16 again. Do you think it was the same one who came and talked with John in verse 1 of chapter 17? Perhaps, but it could just as well be one of the other six who gives this magnificent tour. And so the angel told John, who as far I know hasn't taken a lunch break yet, to come and he will show him the beautiful bride, the Lamb's wife.Rev. 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Next we will read about the beauty and splendor of this great city, the holy Jerusalem. And since Almighty God dwells there, guess what? We will be reading about HEAVEN! It's coming here![10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
We are now in the eternity. The Millennium is over. All that which offends has been consumed away for ever and ever in the lake of fire, to be remembered no more. And our Father has prepared a great and beautiful city which He now brings to earth and places squarely on the spot He picked out to be the headquarters of the universe for all eternity, Jerusalem (read Ezek. 16).
Earlier we saw John being carried away in the spirit by one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues to be given a grand tour of the Eternal City, New Jerusalem.
Do you look forward to this great city? Our forefathers did! Yes, they were well aware of the Eternal City and the very vision of it increased their faith. Abraham looked forward to it:[10] And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
And not only Abraham, but Enoch and Noah and all the patriarchs desired that heavenly city.Hebrews 11:10
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
And now we are privileged to be given a first hand description of some of the beauty and details of that great city. Of course its number one attribute is that our Father will be there.Hebrews 11:16
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.
The glory of God is that beautiful multicolored sparkling rainbow, the "shekinah" glory, that surrounds our Father. Do you remember we read of that glory and the jasper, etc. in the 4th chapter when John described God's throne and He that sat on it?Rev. 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
And so it is written that our Father will be with the beautiful new city descending out of heaven.Rev. 4:3
And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
We are reading the actual description of the eternal city. Think about it! It is so easy for us to read parts of the Bible such as this as if it was story, and miss the reality of what is written. This is for real. It shall descend from heaven and contain twelve gates, one for each of the 12 Tribes of Israel. And the rest of the nations will be there also as we shall see in verse 24.Rev. 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
All that Revelation tells us is that there will be twelve gates, three on each of the four sides, and they will contain the names of the tribes of Israel. If we want more details all we have to do is read the rest of the Bible, it's all there. Ezekiel, for example, tells us whose name is on which gate:[13] On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
And the name of the entire city for all of eternity is "The LORD is there", Yahveh Shamma.Ezekiel 48:31-35
And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi. [32] And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan. [33] And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun. [34] At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.
Let's continue with the description of the city.[35] It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
We just read of the 12 Patriarch's names being written on the twelve gates and now the 12 Apostle's names are written on the twelve foundations.Rev. 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Note: Do you remember in chapter 7 of Revelation that two of the tribes of Israel were left out of the sealing of the 144,000? Well, if you notice carefully in Ezekiel's description of the gates of the city that all 12 original tribes are represented, or shall we say restored. Does it not follow that the 12 Apostles written on the foundations will also be the original twelve, i.e. restored? It is written that Judas repented for that which he had done and was then murdered by the kenites so that he wouldn't expose them. Jesus said that the Father gave all 12 disciples to Him, including the one who would fulfill the role of betraying Christ, just as it was written. One thing is for certain, however, and that is that we are not the judge.
This golden reed, like a plant stem or yardstick, is to measure length, height and width for dimensional purposes only. It is not the same as the reed we read of in chapter 11 that was "like unto a rod", which means it was to measure for the purpose of destruction.Rev. 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
Amazing, isn't it? The city is foursquare and about 1500 miles wide and 1500 miles high. Of course if it were centered in Jerusalem, 750 miles west would be in the Mediterranean Sea, but you will recall in verse 1 of this chapter, there are no more seas at this time. The waters have returned to the canopy in the firmament above the earth.[16] And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
A cubit is the length from the elbow to the tip of the fingers, usually of the ruler at that time of history. Since this is a perfect city, then the cubit that this angel used would be of He who is perfect and rules that great city, even Christ.[17] And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
How else could John describe the materials of another dimension? Brilliant translucent stones and transparent glass-like gold really only give us a glimpse, for we see only darkly behind the veil.[18] And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
[19] And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
These twelve stones are the same stones that the Levitical priests wore in their breastplates, each one representing one of the 12 Tribes of Israel. We find them listed in Exodus 28:17-21 "And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. [18] And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. [19] And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. [20] And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. [21] And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.[20] The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Ah, the famous Pearly Gates of Heaven (now on earth), mentioned thousands of times each day in jokes about people who have died and are waiting at the Pearly Gates where they are greeted by St. Peter. Hmmm... we read earlier whose names were on these gates and guess what? St. Peter's name wasn't there. Now that's funny!Rev. 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
We knew that. Christ said He was the temple:[22] And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
That is correct, Jesus Christ is the light of the world. And when the brilliant "shekinah glory" emanating from God bounces off the water canopy 1500 miles above the earth, the entire earth will be illuminated from within.John 2:19-21
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. [20] Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? [21] But he spake of the temple of his body.Rev. 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
This thought always brings to mind the awesome experience of the "Aurora Borealis", the northern lights, also called the "northern dawn", which I was so privileged to witness some years ago while traveling north in Canada. As breathtakingly beautiful as they are, I can only imagine that they are but a dim view of the emanations of the "shekinah glory" to come.
Yes, there are the different "races" present in the eternity and this verse documents that fact. The Greek word translated "nations" used here is "ethnos", meaning the ethnic peoples of the world, who are all those races who are not of the 12 tribed House of Israel.[24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
It is too bad that the Four Hidden Dynasties, especially those of both religion and education, have brought forth the humanist doctrine that there are no differences between the races. Of course there are and there always has been, and furthermore, there always will be even throughout eternity. But then of course the humanist also teaches that everyone is the end product of the evolution of organic slime. They are not too bright, are they?
However, if the truth of God's Word were taught, that we are all equally God's children, i.e. created by Him, and loved by Him, then the racial and cultural differences would be looked upon as gifts from God for the purposes of His plan for His children throughout all eternity. "Variety is the spice of life" we say, and yet God is declared a "racist" for instilling differences into His children.
So as it is written, the races shall be present throughout the eternity and praise God for that. Furthermore, they shall be blessed to have their own kings to represent them and to bring their glory and honor into the great eternal city. Those kings (and queens) are those of their race who have and even now love and follow Jesus Christ and His Word, and who for their faithful service to Him shall lead their people into the promised land for all eternity.
And so as it is written, all nations of them which are saved, shall walk in Christ, and share in the glory of that city to come, which is heaven on earth!
Not only shall the earth be illuminated 24 hours a day but the gates to the city will always be open to the nations of the earth to enter therein.[25] And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
[26] And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
The "abomination of desolation" and the "father of lies" and all who followed in his path are no more![27] And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
And as it is written, the rest lived happily ever after!
What an incredible source of information this picture Book of Revelation has been to those of us who have willingly taken the time to SEE the PICTURES and then read the simple explanations of the symbols and imagery used by the Holy Spirit to teach us.
We have now come to the 22nd and final chapter of this remarkable book where we continue, since chapter 21, verse 9, to read about the glorious new Holy City of Jerusalem which our Father will bring down out of heaven to this earth, wherein He shall dwell with His children for ever and ever. And since the entire Godhead will now be present on earth, heaven will be here also. So you see, the earth is our home for ever and ever, for Heaven and Earth shall be as one!
Let's continue now with the angel still giving John a grand tour of the City of God.
Remember, this is what it looked like to John. The only way he could describe that which emanated and proceeded forth out of the throne of God and of the Lamb was that it looked like a river of water of life, only it was pure and clear as crystal.Rev. 22:1
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Note: It is highly recommended for those who would like more insight into the river of water of life, that they read "Jacob's Pillar", A Biblical Historical Study, by E. Raymond Capt, M.A., A.I.A., F.S.A., Scot., published by Artisan Sales, Thousand Oaks, CA. www.artisanpublishers.com This book traces the rich history of the Stone which Jacob anointed and set up as the House of God. It was this same Rock that was carried in the wilderness which Moses struck and the "river of water proceeded forth" to quench the thirst of the people. It was this same Rock that Jeremiah took along with the daughters of the last king of Judah, king Zedekiah, to the shores of Ireland whereupon the marriage of Eochaidh and Tamar Tephi, the King and Queen of Ireland, took place. It is this Rock upon which virtually every king and queen of Ireland, Scotland and England has been coronated. Yes, even King James who decreed the English translation of the Bible was coronated on this Rock and it has resided under the English coronation throne in Westminster Abby from the 1300's until just recently when John Majors, the former Prime Minister of England, had it moved to Edinburgh Castle in Scotland at the request of the Scots who claim to be its rightful owner.
This is another PICTURE. Can you visualize it? See a crystalline river proceeding forth from God's throne with the tree of life standing on each bank. And each month the tree brings forth fruit to be eaten and leaves to maintain the wellness of the nations.Rev. 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Yes, I can SEE the PICTURE, but what does it mean?
Well, let's start with the "tree of life". If you have read all of God's Word then you encountered the "tree of life" in the very first book of the Bible, for He was in the midst of the garden of Eden.
The tree of life, when its fruit is eaten, grants eternal life. The tree of life is symbolic of Jesus Christ. And He "feeds" His people. He always has and He always will, even throughout the eternity as we just read in Rev. 22:2. He is the "bread of life" just as He is the "tree of life".Genesis 3:22
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
And we read in the messages to the churches that all those who overcome will be given to partake of the tree of life which is where? In the midst of the paradise of God!
Well what is the fruit that the tree bares each month? I know, it's very hard to get apples and oranges out of our heads, isn't it? Well we just read of the Holy Spirit proceeding forth from the throne of God as a river of the water of life! What are some of the fruits of the spirit?Rev. 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
There are other fruits of the spirit. Do a word search and seek, and ye shall find.Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Well, how about the leaves? Are people going to get sick and need medicine? Imagine after all the times we've discussed the incorruptible body, the spiritual body, which never hurts or pains, that we can come right back with a question like that?
The Greek word for "healing" is "therapeia" from which we get our word "therapy". Therapy is when you "do something" in order to maintain or improve a condition. The leaves therefore will be therapeutic for the nations, for they will bring forth exciting things for the nations to do throughout eternity and throughout this expansive universe that will "treat" their mental well-being, i.e. keep them from ever becoming idle minded or devoid of interest. Yes, it's in the leaves. How sweet it is.
Again, every cursed thing and all that offends have been completely consumed in the lake of fire. They are GONE, i.e. there shall be no more accursed thing!Rev. 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
When the bride gets married her last name changes to her husband's name.[4] And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.
So the grand tour and the true and faithful sayings weren't just for John, but for all the servants of the Lord God. And thank God, now we know. Imagine if we had listened to those who call themselves ministers of God and yet tell their people not to read the Book of Revelation. We would have been robbed![5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.[6] And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
And the very last words that John hears before he returns to his lot on the isle of Patmos are from the Lamb of God Himself. It is he or she that keeps and does the sayings of the prophecy of this book that shall be blessed! No other therapy will work!Rev. 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Next we will see John come back from the future to his time and return to planet earth from heaven. We will then conclude the incredible edible Book of Revelation. John has just return to the Isle of Patmos and the realization of what has just happened suddenly overcomes him.
We can only imagine the overwhelming impact it must have had on John when the reality of being taken to heaven, to the very throne of God, and witnessing the awesome events described in this book, finally "hit home". And so he fell down to worship before the feet of the angel. That's a "no no", and I'm sure but for the emotion of the moment that he knew better. "Welcome back to the flesh and humanity", John! However, we will learn and even gain a "revelation" from John's mistake as our Father once again turns a lemon into lemonade.Rev. 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
This is a very revealing verse. The angel makes it perfectly clear that he is "one of us" who has lived in the flesh, from among our brethren the prophets. He is a fellowservant and he lets us know that he is living testimony to keeping the sayings of this book, to being a "doer" of what Christ just said in verse 7, "...blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."[9] Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
However, the main point being emphasized by the angel is this: We are never to worship angels! And now that you know who they are, the angel is saying "We are never to worship each other", whether we are in our flesh bodies or whether we are in our spiritual bodies, i.e. angels. Worship only God.
Now wouldn't it be a "hoot", that's a slang expression used instead of dichotomous, if God had sealed the sayings of this book and then started it with verse one which reads: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: (Rev. 1:1)."[10] And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Of course if you listen to what many preachers and ministers tell their people, who blindly trust in them to show them the truth of God's Word, saying that they don't need to understand the Book of Revelation, then this is how they present Rev. 1:1 "The Secret and Sealed Sayings of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to hide from His servants things which must shortly come to pass;". A sealed revelation? I think not!
But as it is written, the "learned", the PhD's, the seminary graduates, the professors of theologies and philosophies, who should teach our people the visions and the words of the prophecies of this book do not understand it, and we shall learn why from great prophet Isaiah!
Ah, but the book is not sealed as we just learned, albeit they cannot understand it.Isaiah 29:11
And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:
And so feeling unsatisfied from the "spin" of the so-called "learned", one asks their fellow church member, who says "You'll have to ask one of the "learned" men. I'm not a Rev."[12] And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
Now here's the reason they cannot SEE and cannot HEAR the words of the prophecies of this book.
Yes, they go to church and they have a zeal for God, but they are never truly taught the depth of the love and the emotions and the rewards and the glory of our Father, which teaching causes the heart of the soul to draw ever so close to Him that He can draw ever so close to them. Why do they not know Him and why will He say "I never knew you" (Mat. 7:23)?[13] Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
The answer is given in the last phrase of verse 13. For all they are taught about Him is taught BY THE PRECEPT OF MEN, the traditions of men. They are not taught line by line and chapter by chapter the wonderful words and the wonderful works of God.
And so contrary to the traditions of men, the Book of Revelation is OPEN and UNSEALED for all who will seek Him. And so we are all without excuse. And so will "action" be taken, or will the "status quo" remain just that?
Yes, the sayings of the prophecy of this book are UNSEALED, available for ALL to understand, and so your time and my time is at hand. And since we must all give account for our own actions, what you do about what is written is completely up to you. If you want to remain unjust, have at it! If you want to remain spiritually filthy, go for it. Just remember that our Father has given all of us a choice and He so desires that we choose to love Him. The following verse from Deuteronomy says it all:Rev. 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Therefore know this: Jesus Christ is returning soon and everyone will get what they deserve and be rewarded according to that which they have earned, i.e. according to their works. (No, we're not talking about salvation which is a free gift from God. But if a person wants some rewards they better have some righteous works.) Here are Christ's own words which we remember from verse 6 are "true and faithful", which means there's no doubt whatsoever that they are going to come to pass.Deut. 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Rev. 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
"I am Alpha and Omega". We read these very words in the 8th verse of the beginning chapter of this book. Now with only 8 verses to go we read them again. And in between them we have been given the special and honored privilege of SEEING behind the veil the "things which must shortly come to pass" as revealed by Jesus Christ Himself. But even so we are now reminded in this verse that He is still the same as from the beginning and that His message is still the same and knowledge alone isn't enough. We must take action and be "doers", not just hearers. How fitting the next verse spoken by He who the apostle Paul tells us in Hebrews 13:8 never changes: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever", the Alpha and Omega.[13] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Blessed means happy beyond measure. Such are "they that do His commandments", for they have the right to the tree of life and may enter in through the pearly gates into that glorious and holy city which is so breathtakingly beautiful that words cannot describe it. But what about those who choose Plan B?[14] Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Dogs means "idolaters", lovers everything else except the true God, and sorcerers are "drug" pushers, dealers and users. Remember, we are back in 96 A.D., not in the eternity where the fate of those listed in verse 15 will have been fulfilled. Do you remember from chapter 21 verse 8 what their fate is?[15] For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Knowing this, you would think that the choice of Deut. 30:19 would not be a tough one, wouldn't you! Let's see:Rev. 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Jesus has a few more final words for us.Deut. 30:19. Choose one of the following:Plan A: Life and Blessings
Plan B: Death and Cursings
So has your church brought forth the testimony of the Revelation that Jesus Christ specifically sent to them? Or are they teaching you that you will fly away when these events occur? Or are they busy teaching you how to be a good Christian by giving to this charity and that missionary?Rev. 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
And speaking about the churches, Jesus reminds us that He is the One who holds the Key of David that the Church of Philadelphia uses to unlock and bring forth the testimony of which He just spoke. Remember, there are only two out the seven churches that Jesus found no fault with, Smyrna and Philadelphia. The are rest are busy with their traditions!
And remember He also said while addressing those churches that He has something special for those who overcome: Rev. 2:28 "And I will give him the morning star." Jesus is that bright and morning star.
Or, you can choose to follow Plan B and fall with the anti-star, the son of the morning. Isaiah 14:12 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!.."
And so the Holy Spirit and the bride say "Come", which is "take action". And if you have "ears to hear" then you are also to say "Come", take action. And if you thirst for the hearing of the Word of God during this time of the great famine (Amos 8:11), then come and hear what saith the Spirit and the bride and those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. And anyone who is willing, anyone at all, of any race, of any gender, of any sect or creed, may take freely of the water of life. The choice is yours. There is neither fee nor tax.Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Christ continues in summation:
Go ahead, teach "Rapture" fly away doctrines and traditions of men that are not to be found in the Word of God. You'll be sure to get your reward. Jesus promised![18] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Go ahead, tell people that they don't need to read the Book of Revelation or that it's just a matter of interpretation, so why bother! You'll be sure to get your reward. Jesus promised![19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Now for the Revelation of the 7th and final solemn warning by our Lord and Savior that He shall return:
Even so Lord Jesus, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth."[20] He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
[21] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.
We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.
This "American Wisdom Series" pamphletis
Published by:
Rhine Publishing Co.
