Revelation

The Book Of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is often seen as a difficult book as it is all symbolism, and seems to have little 'flow' that makes sense. There are many themes that seem to repeat, and bits that seem disjointed or 'awkwardly placed'. Many never actually read it except in bits - but the bits that make sense often cause fear or confusion as the readers try to fit the words with other parts of the bible. So, is there a way to grasp the flow and message of Revelation? Most assuredly there is and the following notes and diagram are to help you in the task of understanding the times.

As with all prophetic writings the focus is always on Jesus Christ - in fact the book is usually called 'The Book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ'. Revelation means unveiling, and this book is meant to show something not hide it! In Revelation we see Jesus enthroned three times. In chapter 5:6 we see Jesus the ascended one enthroned in Heaven, and in the place of supreme control. In chapter 20:4-6 we see the returned Jesus enthroned on Earth as King of Kings – He will now rule for the Millennium period. Then finally we see in chapter 22:3 that Jesus is enthroned in the Age to come and is in the highest place forever.

The substance of the book breaks down into three great 'movements' which guide us from the Apostolic Age through to the New Creation in the age to come. All of these are to show 'how' the three enthronements are effected, and what the realities are for those on earth. The three great 'movements' are as follows:

1. Things then Present (Rev 1:1 to Rev 5:14)

2. The end of this Age (Rev 6:1 to Rev 19:21)

3. The Millennium and the age to come (Rev 20:1 to Rev 22:21)

Things Present

This speaks of the time when John was alive, and shows the realities of things as they were then. Christ had ascended to Heaven and is fully enthroned in Heaven governing the churches on earth who operate for Him. It shows the heavenly government of the people of God, and the priestly nature of Jesus side by side. This is a dynamic relationship that is fully active to this day, and Christ is once again addressing His churches concerning their works and their lives.

The End of the Age

The last 7 years of history of this earth are sealed up by God. He has frustrated the plans of the wicked one, and enabled His own purpose of the redemption of man to fully operate and be completed. Many times in history Satan has tried to 'force' the end time plan to a conclusion, and people have often thought the end had come. The restraints cannot be broken by force - only the Lamb can remove them. This section shows the removal of restraint from the plans of the evil one (the breaking of the seals by the Lamb) and the allowing of those plans to come to full fruition - the seals are unveiled and Antichrist is released to reign. Although the restraint on the plans of the wicked one is removed, we must remember that God is always in control - Because the end must come He 'chose' which plans Satan may fulfill, and thus controls him fully. The response of God to these plans in judgement, the two witnesses who testify to God, the Feast of Trumpets is fulfilled, the attack on Jerusalem and the killing of the witnesses, the Day of Atonement and the restoration of Israel to God, the martyrdom of the Saints, the terrible cosmic disturbances, the frightening conditions on earth - all shown in this section. We also see the details of who the evil personages are, and what their end is.

The Millennium and Age to come

The future rule of Christ on earth from Jerusalem. The last 'test' of those who entered the earthly kingdom but who never experienced the redemption of the gospel and rapture. Satan is used to 'prove' there is no other way. The final confrontation, judgement, and the entering into the new age of Gods love where evil will never be known again.

A major 'key' to understanding this book is also that it is 'framed' by the two next feasts to be fulfilled by Jesus. These are the Feast of trumpets and the Day of Atonement. After the restraint is removed and the powers of Antichrist move to bring 'peace' there will come a treaty that will be signed by all nations concerned with the Middle East 'problem'. The trumpets will sound as in Revelation and bring in severe warnings in preparation for the return of Christ. The Feast of trumpets precedes the Day of Atonement where God sits in judgement on sin. Jesus says that when He returns He will separate the sheep and goats and reward each. There is clear guidance about how this will pan out found here. The two witnesses minister as the scenario builds and are killed in the midst of the week as Satan is expelled from heaven. The scene is then set for the end of the age. There is no 'magic formula' to pinpoint the exact day by day timings of events, or to lay out the main events in a rigid and cohesively timed 'plan' beyond the timing of the feasts. We know that the Feast of Trumpets will begin the week, and the Day of Atonement will end it. We know the main facts and need to remain alert to see how and when God will work the situations out. Those who try to lay out a 'known plan' beyond what God shows will find themselves embarrassed by the Lord for we will only know as we walk through this by faith - He has not supplied every detail for this very reason. Only He is wise, and our understanding the times involves walking with Him in faith and trust, and not just having a theory of how a book shows the truth. If you walk with Him you will know what is happening because He will show you the truth of current events and how they weave in with scripture to lead you safely through what is rapidly coming to pass.......

Charting the Book Of Revelation

Daniels 70^th Week (Dan 9:27)

Showing the 3 enthronements of Christ:

                                                                          1) In Heaven (Rev 5:6)
                                                                          2) On Earth (Rev 20:4-6)
                                                                          3) In the New Creation (Rev 22:3)

The

Church Age.

Christ

Enthroned

in Heaven.

The Introduction: Things then present (Rev 1:1) to (Rev 5:14)

1. Vision of Christ (Rev 1:1-20) Christ is in heaven overseeing things for the churches on earth - a dynamic priestly ministry.
2. Letters to the Churches (Rev 2:1 to Rev 3:22) Churches on earth are operating for Christ who is in heaven - a living relationship.
3. Throne room in heaven (Rev 4:1) to (Rev 5:14) The throne room – Christ in place of supreme control of all things ("all power is given unto me in Heaven and Earth..... Mt 28:18), and a look into the heavenly Divine Council with the Elders and Cherubim. From here God governs His entire creation.

The

Tribulation

Week.

The allowing of seeming Satanic 'triumph' followed by the removal of Satan's control of this world, and the establishment and enthronement of Christ as King on earth.

Whole

Week in view -

Emphasis is on first half

The end of the Age (Rev 6:1 to Rev 19:21)

First series of visions (Rev 6:1) to(Rev 11:19)

1. Seals (Rev 6:1-17) The sealed scroll contains the final years of history for this world. It is sealed and cannot occur until God allows. The seals are broken by the coming King and restraint of the Spirit is removed from world systems that they may fulfill their appointed destiny. The deliverance begins and comes out of judgment of rebellious world powers. The powers of this world must produce their harvest ready for judgment. Each of the first six seals is a dimension of life given over to judgment, and what is portrayed is those things that are to come. The whole week is in view (all 7 years)
2. Sealing of Israel and the Gentile harvest (Rev 7:1-17). The chaos to come as Antichrist rises brings a harvest, and Israel is secured. Restraint is removed, but God is still in control and has His eye on His desire. First half of the week in view.

3. Trumpet judgments 1 to 6 (Rev 8:1 to Rev 10:7) Feast of Trumpets begins the 7yr period that ends this age. Judgments are announced on unrestrained world systems, and sinful mankind to warn, and encourage repentance before the final judgment of the world. Satan's plans are allowed to 'flower' ready for judgement. All these events lead to The Day of Atonement at the end of the 7 yrs. First half of week is in view.
4. Witnesses/7th trumpet (Rev 10:8 to Rev 11:19) First half of week is in view. The picture of the Witnesses in the midst of the trumpets shows that God warns of the true events that are happening and testifies to the truth - these two are slain at end of first half of the week as Israel is invaded by Antichrist who breaks his covenant. The 7th trumpet moves us back to heaven and heralds the transfer of power in heaven– Satan, who has been permitted a role for this age in the direction of the nations, is now formally dethroned as prince of this world, and Christ is now the official and only ruler. This leads to Satan losing his position in heaven, and being cast down to earth from the heavenlies and confined to the realm of earth for a short period (v12)

Whole week in view – emphasis second half

Second series of visions (Rev 12:1 to Rev 16:21)
1. Israel’s conversion/persecution (Rev 12:1-17) Israel the nation converted as she gives birth spiritually to Christ, but their King is in heaven. Israel persecuted by the dethroned Satan, and protected by God. The Church is then targeted. From mid-point of the week through the second half of the week the church is targeted - Martyrdom common.
2. Rise of Antichrist (Rev 13:1-18) The whole week is briefly in view as he rises, but the emphasis of detail is on the second half of the week after the covenant is broken - he is imposing his evil will.
3. Israeli Saints/Martyrs/Rapture of church/Armageddon (Rev 14:1-20) Speaks of the security of Israel despite the problems, the martyrdom of saints, the coming rapture of the believers as Jesus comes on the clouds, and the preparation for Armageddon. End of second half of the week
4. Bowls of wrath (Rev 15:1 to Rev 16:21) The trumpets went unheeded, and no repentance came. The Day of Atonement looms where all on earth will be held accountable and will be judged. Antichrist's kingdom is judged just prior to Armageddon as a Divine display of displeasure

Special details

Third series of visions (Rev 17:1 to Rev 19:21)
1. Babylon (Rev 17:1-18) The Whore explained - a corrupt spirituality is what is behind the events of this perverse society
2. Babylon’s fall (Rev 18:1-24) The Whore judged - how God will reward those who follow the perverse system and refuse to repent
3. The Marriage (Rev 19:1-10) Heaven exults about the victory of God prior to His return as Conqueror - the surety of the salvation of the church is seen.
4. Armageddon (Rev 19:11-21) The return of King Jesus and the last battle of this age as His rule is established.

The

Future.

The rule of the

King of Kings in

the Millenium

and the future age.

Millennium and the Age To Come (Rev 20:1 to Rev 22:21)
1. Millennial reign of Christ (Rev 20:1–6) Rule of Christ established. The enemy is bound, and the saints enter into their life in the Kingdom
2. Final Rebellion and judgment (Rev 20:7–15) The test of the nations and the final judgment to remove all evil, and justly reward all men
3. The New Age to come (Rev 21:1 to Rev 22:21) The New Creation.