http://www.americanwisdomseries.comThe American Wisdom Series http://www.americanwisdomseries.com
Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it? Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter is
come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John
16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he
will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever
he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He
shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto
you.
Let's continue now with reading the Book of Revelation (good name I'd say). John is, in the spirit, at the Headquarters of the Universe, and is seeing everything. Isn't this incredible?
God is holding a book (biblion in the Greek) in His right hand. It is a complete scroll, filled both front and back, and it is sealed with seven seals. The number seven, if you recall from our previous studies, is the number of spiritual perfection or spiritual completeness (reference appendix 10 if you have a Companion Bible).Rev. 5:1
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
By the way, the word Biblion should give you a clue as to what the book is.
John saw a mighty angel heralding with an exceedingly great voice and asking "Who is worthy"?[2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Well, that lets me out. How about you?
I suppose you could sadly say that misery loves company, because it sure looks like we're not alone in the "unworthy" department.[3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Note: Don't let the expression "neither under the earth" support any wild imaginary places such as Dante's Inferno. The whole phrase simply means "all inclusive", everywhere. It's an expression like the one we use: "over, under, around and through".
Yep, you have to admit it is pretty sad![4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Hold it! Stop crying! We've found One who is worthy! The Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the book and unseal the biblion. (Of course! He is the Living Word.)[5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
You've just got to "See" all this in your mind's eye. Read it and then close your eyes and see. (Sometimes your flesh eyes interfere with your spiritual vision. If you still see "clouds" then reformat and reboot and then reprogram your brain directly from the Word, bypassing the traditions of men.)[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
The Lamb slain is Jesus Christ, so the Lamb is obviously symbolic, right? So too are the seven horns and eyes. We are told what the are. They are the "seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth". Remember, we don't have to guess about ANY symbology in this Book of Revelation.
In a few verses we will learn what these seven spirits of God are.
Golden vials full of odours, i.e. incense? What are they? They are the prayers of the saints! He's got them ALL! They are bottled up, everyone of them. Yours are there too! Guaranteed![7] And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne.[8] And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Have you ever thought sometimes He didn't hear you? Wrong! He did!
If you look up the word "new" in Strong's Concordance, you'll find it means "new" as in "freshness", or even "refreshed", for that which is sung is already recorded. The "melody" may be different but the "song" is the same unchangeable Word. And the Song of Moses, recorded in Deut. 32, which we will now document is sung on this sea of glass before the throne, says it all. Let's just jump ahead a little in Revelation and peek in:[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Hey, we know where they are standing! (Don't you feel good having read this verse, because it's not so mysterious anymore? Sea of glass? It's so easy you can now explain it to others:Rev. 15:2-3
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
"Yes, Mrs. Jones, the 'sea of glass' is the beautiful crystalline floor before the throne of God".And we'll have learned who the beast, his image and his mark are by the time we get to this chapter. That's a "no brainer" too!"Wow", says Mrs. Jones, "how did you know?"
"I read the biblion, Mrs. Jones."
So what are these "overcomers" doing standing on the sea of glass?
They sing the "Victory Song", the Song of Moses. It's in Deut. 32. and so named in the last verse of Deut. 31. ("How did you know, Mr. Simplelayman?" "I know, because I read the book. You can too, you know.")[3] And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Let's continue now in Revelation 5.Deut. 31:30
And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended.
We're going to reign on earth? Who me? I wonder when that is going to be? (he quickly searches the scriptures with Pentium-like speed clocked at 450 mhz. Zooooon, I mean Zoooooom!)Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
And the answer is....
God's elect will reign AFTER the first resurrection, after Christ returns, i.e. during the Millennium. Jesus will soon be leaving that place we've been reading of in heaven and coming here, to earth. Eventually the New Headquarters, the New Jerusalem, throne and all, will be moved to Jerusalem here on earth for the remainder of all eternity. We'll read about that in the closing chapters of this book.Rev. 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
This was obviously not a "closed door" session with just the Father, the Son, the cherubs, and the elders. There was an innumerable multitude in the gallery. Guess who they are? Aliens? No, they are our friends and loved ones and brothers and sisters, etc. They are the saints.[11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Let's see now. This is the Lamb with the seven spirits of God which are sent forth into all the earth. Let's count these spirits:[12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Well I'll be! The Seven Spirits which are sent forth into all the earth. How many have come your way? He blesses those who love and serve Him, don't you know?1.) Power
2.) Riches
3.) Wisdom
4.) Strength
5.) Honour
6.) Glory
7.) Blessing
Hmmm, I don't know about you, but I'm joining with them![13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.[14] And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
AMEN, PRAISE GOD!
This Bible Study was originally written by Roger
Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/
Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.
Now here is our revised study ofREVELATION
Chapter 5
"John's First Vision in Heaven [Continued]"
In chapters two and three we have been instructed as to which two churches, out of the seven churches, in our generation, we are to pattern ourselves after. These two churches are Smyrna and Philadelphia; because they could identify the "Kenites", and see through their false doctrine, and avoid the confusion that they bring. These Kenites are the ones who are of "the synagogue of Satan", who claimed to be Jews, when in fact they lie, and are not Jews (of Judah) at all. They are of the actual offspring and of the bloodline of Cain, and came through the beguiling of Eve by Satan. These Kenites exist today, and are infiltrating into the churches, bringing their false doctrine and confusion. Jesus told us to learn of them, but to not follow their false doctrine, nor submit to their confusion.
We then we went with John, when Jesus took him "in his spirit", from a vision of the churches on earth, to seeing a door in heaven open. Then John, and not the church on earth, entered through that door. John went through that door and came into the presence and before the throne of God. The time of John's entering through the door was projected ahead in time to "The day of the Lord". While John was there in heaven, and in the Spirit, he observed and wrote the events that were taking place on, and around the "throne of God". Keep in mind, that "The day of the Lord", in other chapters, and the "Lord's Day" in chapter five, are one in the same.
Jesus gave to John a view of some of the inner emotions of God, and why He created all things. We saw that the whole reason for our existence is for God's pleasure, and for us to show our Lord how much we love Him. When we please Him, He blesses us. Have you told our Heavenly Father you love Him lately?
Now to continue.
Revelation 5:1 "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals."
We are going to learn about this book, and the seven seals.
Revelation 5:2 "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"
This powerful angel spoke with the voice of authority. This is the subject of the entire book of Revelation; The unveiling, and the opening of this book. Who has the authority and can do it? This book that is written both within and without is plum full of things you and I ought to know. It is directed to this generation that you and I are now living in; the last generation.
It is for this fact that it was written for us to understand the events of our day; that knowledge has kept the Christian world confused through many centuries and afraid to interpret the meanings. Down through the years this book of Revelation has been considered to be too big of a puzzle, by many in our so-called Christian churches.
The number seven, given of the seals or spirits in Bible prophecy, indicates a spiritual completeness.
Revelation 5:3 "And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon."
Word References:
"neither" - 3761 oude (oo-deh'); from 3756 and 1161; not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even: KJV-- neither (indeed), never, no (more, nor, not), nor (yet), (also, even, then) not (even, so much as), + nothing, so much as.
"under" - 5270
hupokato (hoop-ok-at'-o); from 5259 and 2736; down under, i.e.
beneath:
KJV-- under.
"earth" - G1093 γῆ gē ghay Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): - country, earth (-ly), ground, land, world.
Some may say; "I didn't know there were men in heaven?" Oh yes. Anytime you have a soul, you have a man. There is no gender to this "man", for men in their soul body all are the same. "Under the world"; is in the neither world, or also called the spirit realm.
No being in any realm, human, soul, or spirit, could open this book, or even look upon it with understanding. It is no wonder it has been confusing until our generation; for until it is the right time for the right person to open it, and only then is it possible. It needs the perfect man to open the book.
Ever since the creation of mankind there has only been one perfect person on the face of this earth to do this. That person is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Revelation 5:4 "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and read the book, neither to look thereon."
John stood there, and wanted so badly to understand what was in the book, but, It was impossible for him. Have you ever wanted to understand part of the Bible that was so confusing that you needed help so you could overcome a problem for that time? The key in understanding this is in the "Key of David"; Which the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia had.
Revelation 5:5 "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Ju-da, the Root of Da'-vid, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
The "Son of David"; The offspring, which is the "root of David" now opens the book. If you don't have that key to understand, that you have, to be in that root [Jesus Christ], you will never understand this book. You will never have eyes to see; nor ears to hear what is in the book. No matter how many times you read the Bible, without that key, you will not understand.
That key is your being in Christ, and now that you are in Jesus Christ; Who is the "Lion of Judah", and the "root of David"? It is through Him and by the Holy Spirit that these seals can, and will be revealed to you.
He was tempted by Satan and withstood the
temptation; He conquered death and came out of the tomb,
and He lived the
perfect life in every way.
Jesus Christ, and only Jesus can open your mind to the Book.
The seven spirits will reveal to us the love that God has towards us, as He opens the seals on this book.
Revelation 5:6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts [living creatures], and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."
"beasts" - 2226
zoon (dzo'-on); neuter of a derivative of 2198; a live thing, i.e. an
animal:
KJV-- beast.
Here, around the
throne of God stood these four beasts [zoon], all of the elders, and in the
middle of them stood our Lord Jesus Christ.
After the Lamb was slain, and then and only then were the Seven Spirits of God sent to all the earth. The Ruach", the Holy Spirit was on the earth prior, but not with the power to overcome spiritual death. After the crucifixion, Jesus Christ went to these prisoners and preached to them, and released many that had died long before. This is recorded in I Peter 3:18, and those prisoners were from all the way back to the time of Noah (which is a "figure of speech" meaning, back to the beginning). In chapter four it stated that Jesus released many. Why? Because the price for sin had been paid.
Jesus preached to them and gave them the privilege to believe upon Him, and they were given salvation, even as it is offered to you and me today. Each of them were already back in their spiritual bodies when Jesus gave them their freedom.
Revelation 5:7 "And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him sat upon the throne."
"He came and took the book",
means
"He became the Word of God"
Word References:
"came" - 2064 erchomai (er'-khom-ahee); middle
voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the
others being supplied by a kindred [middle voice] eleuthomai
(el-yoo'-thom-ahee); or [active] eltho (el'-tho); which do not otherwise occur);
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and
figuratively):
KJV-- accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go,
grow, X light, X next, pass, resort, be set.
"took" - 2983 lambano (lam-ban'-o); a
prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain
tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [properly
objective or active, to get hold of; whereas 1209 is rather subjective or
passive, to have offered to one; while 138 is more violent, to seize or
remove]):
KJV-- accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I
call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after),
take (away, up).
"book" - 975 biblion (bib-lee'-on); a diminutive of 976; a roll: KJV-- bill, book, scroll, writing.
"right" - 1188 dexios (dex-ee-os'); from 1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes): KJV-- right (hand, side).
Revelation 5:8 "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts [living creatures] and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials [bowls] full of odours [incense], which are the prayers of the saints."
The saints are "ones set aside". They are all those who love God, and want to please Him. All those prayers you pray and think God has not heard you; they are all stored up by God, and God will remember, and act on each one. Maybe not when you think He should, but according to His perfect plan. The result of our doing it God's way, and for His glory and pleasure, we will be rewarded when and where it counts. When we pray, we must ask ourselves, is our prayer one of selfishness, or do we give God pleasure through them.
The time for vengeance is not for you and me to decide, we are His children and when one harms one of God's children, God reserves the right of revenge to Himself. In Romans Chapter 12 we read:
Romans 12:19, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourself, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written [Deut. 32:35], vengeance is mine [God's]; I will repay, saith the Lord".
That is what is in those golden vials of your prayers. When you do it God's way, it gives Him the pleasure of carrying out His the vengeance on your behalf.
Revelation 5:9 "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to [did purchase unto] God by the blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;"
Jesus Christ was worthy, and He paid an awesome price.
He was our kinsman redeemer who paid the exact price necessary to save us from our sins, when we repent. That salvation is extended even to the "Kenite", if he will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and repent. Then, even he will become a child of God, and no longer of Satan.
That song, He, and all the rest of the children of God, will sing in the Millennium is recorded in the fifteenth chapter of Revelation, it's called the "song of Moses".
Revelation 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God kings [a kingdom] and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."
If you are one of God's elect, then God is preparing you to be one of His kings or a priest in His kingdom. Remember, this vision was given to John, and not the church. The time of the vision, again, was the "Day of the Lord". This day is the final day of this earth age, and the first day of the Millennium kingdom age. This is the day that Jesus Christ returns to set up His kingdom, and that is why each of us in Christ will serve the Lord, "And we shall reign on the earth." Got it?
The tribulation will be over, and Satan will be in the pit at this time.
If you're of the "ethnos", the races [in the Greek, not of Israel], you will reign with Christ in the Millennium over your own people. There is no rainbow society in God's kingdom. This will be discussed in the last four chapters.
Revelation 5:11 "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;"
Word References:
"Ten Thousand" - 3461 murias (moo-ree'-as); from 3463; a ten-thousand; by extension, a
"myriad" or indefinite number: KJV-- ten
thousand.
The number of all those around
the throne is countless. It included the souls of men, angels, the beasts, and
so forth. All mankind that ever lived and passed on were there. Remember that
the instant in time this is talking about is on the "Day of the Lord", the final
day of this earth age of the flesh. John was taken there in the Spirit, as
recorded in Revelation 4:1 and all those that had died in the flesh in
this earth age are numbered with this vast number of souls standing before the
Lord's throne in heaven. The judgment of God has not happened here. Yes, it even
includes those souls that rejected Christ while on earth, being there at that time. Why do I say this?
Because Ecclesiastes 12:7 tells us that upon death; to be absent from the body [physical body], that soul goes instantly to be present with the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 12:7-8 "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.[7] Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.[8]
Revelation 5:12 "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
All these souls present in heaven were happy and shouting praise to Jesus Christ. The Seven Spirits of God are given to our Lord, who is the Lamb of God that was slain.
Here in verse 12 are the Seven Spirits of God: They are:
1. Power
2. Riches
3. Wisdom
4.
Strength
5. Honor
6. Glory
7. Blessing.
These are the seven powers God gave His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ has these powers and can bestow them on anyone He chooses. What about the spirit of forgiveness? That is a blessing of God also, but not one of these powers. All things are wrapped in those Seven Spirits of God. They are placed in one crown, and that crown is worn by Jesus Christ.
It is Christ who chooses who gets each individual spirit, or a combination of these spirits placed upon them. What ever spirit and gift you possess is placed upon you for one purpose, and that is for God's pleasure and Glory.
What have you done with what God has given you?
Each of those gifts you have been given, you will be held accountable for, and that includes all your gifts. When you stand before Him face to face, will His response be "Well done my faithful servant, _________, " [place your name there in the blank], will He smile and be pleased with you?
Or will Jesus say, "Get away from me, you worker of iniquity."
God sets up governments and all kings and men and women of authority, and He takes them down.
He makes some rich, and others poor, and whatever the gifts that you have are all to fit His plan and and for God's pleasure.
All knowledge and all wisdom is from God.
Revelation 5:13 "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
On that Day in the near future when all souls will be in their incorruptible bodies, and this flesh age is over; all souls will bow down and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is worthy to receive all the blessing, honor, glory and power, and He will.
Revelation 5:14 "And the four beasts [living creatures] said A'-men. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."
God is eternal, just as you are, if you are under the blood of the Lamb that was slain for each of our sins.
All sins are covered when we repent and believe on Jesus name, and follow Him as He has instructed us.
In Christ and Christ alone, can we have the power and wisdom of God, as well as everything else that is part of God's eternal kingdom
But Satan comes to earth first and he (Satan) will claim he is God.
Published by:
Rhine
Publishing Co.
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