Revelation Finished
Jesus Revealed, Verse by Verse
Classic Edition
From It is Finished! by Corne Weideman
King James Version
“Worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
— Revelation 19:10
Contents
What This Book Will Work in You
The Keys for Reading Revelation
The Prophets’ Dictionary
The Structure of Revelation
Foundations: Sin, the Temple and the Door
Death Is Not the Door — Jesus Is
The Temple Rejected the Messiah!
Jesus, the Door into the Presence
Revelation 1
The Unveiling of Jesus Christ
The Record of an Eyewitness
The First Beatitude of the Unveiling
The Greeting of Grace
The Faithful Witness and His Cleansing Blood
A Royal Priesthood Now
Behold, He Cometh with Clouds
Alpha and Omega, the Almighty
Companion in Tribulation and in the Kingdom
The Lord’s Day and the Trumpet Voice
Seven Churches, One Story
Turning to See the Voice
One Like unto the Son of Man
White as Snow, Eyes as Flame
Feet of Brass, a Voice of Many Waters
Stars, Sword and Shining Face
Fear Not
The Living One Who Holds the Keys
The Plan of the Book
The Mystery of the Stars and the Candlesticks
Revelation 2
He That Walketh among the Candlesticks
I Know Thy Works
Four Pillars of Faithfulness
Thou Hast Left Thy First Love
Remember, Repent and Do the First Works
The Deeds of the Nicolaitans
The Tree of Life in the Paradise of God
To Smyrna: the First and the Last
Poor, yet Rich
Ten Days, and a Crown of Life
Not Hurt of the Second Death
The Sharp Sword with Two Edges
Where Satan’s Seat Is
The Doctrine of Balaam
Ruling over the People
The Sword of My Mouth
Hidden Manna, a White Stone and a New Name
Eyes like Fire, Feet like Fine Brass
The Last More than the First
That Woman Jezebel
Space to Repent
The Bed of Reckoning
He Which Searcheth the Reins and Hearts
None Other Burden
Hold Fast till I Come
Power over the Nations
A Rod of Iron
I Will Give Him the Morning Star
Let Him Hear
Revelation 3
A Name That Thou Livest, and Art Dead
Strengthen the Things Which Remain
As a Thief
They Shall Walk with Me in White
The Book of Life
What the Spirit Saith
The Key of David
No Man Can Shut It
To Know That I Have Loved Thee
Kept from the Hour of Temptation
That No Man Take Thy Crown
A Pillar in the Temple of My God
An Ear for the Things of God
The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness
Neither Cold nor Hot
I Will Spue Thee out of My Mouth
Rich, and Increased with Goods
Gold, White Raiment and Eyesalve
As Many as I Love
Behold, I Stand at the Door, and Knock
To Sit with Me in My Throne
The Seventh Call to Hear
Revelation 4
A Door Was Opened in Heaven
A Throne Was Set in Heaven
Like a Jasper and a Sardine Stone
Four and Twenty Elders
Lightnings, Thunderings and Voices
A Sea of Glass Like Unto Crystal
Like a Lion, a Calf, a Man and an Eagle
Holy, Holy, Holy
Glory and Honour and Thanks
They Cast Their Crowns Before the Throne
For Thy Pleasure They Are and Were Created
Revelation 5
A Book Sealed with Seven Seals
A Strong Angel Proclaiming
No Man in Heaven, Nor in Earth
And I Wept Much
Weep Not
A Lamb in the Midst of the Throne
He Came and Took the Book
The Prayers of Saints
Thou Wast Slain, and Hast Redeemed Us
We Shall Reign on the Earth
Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand
Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain
Every Creature Saying, Blessing
And the Four Beasts Said, Amen
Revelation 6
Come and See
Behold a White Horse
I Heard the Second Beast Say
Another Horse That Was Red
A Pair of Balances in His Hand
A Measure of Wheat for a Penny
The Voice of the Fourth Beast
His Name That Sat on Him Was Death
The Souls Under the Altar
Judge and Avenge Our Blood
Rest Yet for a Little Season
A Great Earthquake
As a Fig Tree Casteth Her Untimely Figs
The Heaven Departed as a Scroll
Hid Themselves in the Dens
Fall on Us, and Hide Us
The Great Day of His Wrath Is Come
Revelation 7
Holding the Four Winds of the Earth
Another Angel Ascending from the East
Till We Have Sealed the Servants of Our God
An Hundred and Forty and Four Thousand
Juda, Reuben and Gad
Aser, Nepthalim and Manasses
Simeon, Levi and Issachar
Zabulon, Joseph and Benjamin
Of All Nations, and Kindreds, and People, and Tongues
Salvation to Our God and Unto the Lamb
All the Angels Stood Round About the Throne
Amen: Blessing, and Glory, and Wisdom
What Are These Which Are Arrayed in White Robes?
These Are They Which Came Out of Great Tribulation
He That Sitteth on the Throne Shall Dwell Among Them
They Shall Hunger No More
Living Fountains of Waters
Revelation 8
Silence in Heaven About the Space of Half an Hour
Seven Trumpets Given to the Seven Angels
Another Angel Stood at the Altar
The Smoke of the Incense Ascended Up Before God
Voices, and Thunderings, and Lightnings, and an Earthquake
The Seven Angels Prepared Themselves
Hail and Fire Mingled with Blood
A Great Mountain Burning with Fire
The Third Part of the Creatures Which Were in the Sea
There Fell a Great Star from Heaven
The Name of the Star Is Called Wormwood
The Third Part of the Sun Was Smitten
Woe, Woe, Woe, to the Inhabiters of the Earth
Revelation 9
To Him Was Given the Key of the Bottomless Pit
Smoke as the Smoke of a Great Furnace
Locusts Upon the Earth
Only Those Men Which Have Not the Seal of God
They Should Not Kill Them
Men Shall Seek Death, and Shall Not Find It
Like Unto Horses Prepared Unto Battle
Hair as the Hair of Women, Teeth as of Lions
The Sound of Chariots of Many Horses
Stings in Their Tails
Abaddon and Apollyon
One Woe Is Past
The Four Horns of the Golden Altar
Loose the Four Angels Bound in the Great River Euphrates
Prepared for an Hour, and a Day, and a Month, and a Year
Two Hundred Thousand Thousand
Out of Their Mouths Issued Fire
By These Three Was the Third Part of Men Killed
Their Power Is in Their Mouth, and in Their Tails
Idols Which Neither Can See, Nor Hear, Nor Walk
Neither Repented They of Their Murders
Revelation 10
Another Mighty Angel Come Down from Heaven
A Little Book Open
As When a Lion Roareth
Seal Up Those Things Which the Seven Thunders Uttered
He Lifted Up His Hand to Heaven
That There Should Be Time No Longer
As He Hath Declared to His Servants the Prophets
Take the Little Book Which Is Open
Sweet as Honey, Bitter in the Belly
As Soon as I Had Eaten It, My Belly Was Bitter
Thou Must Prophesy Again
Revelation 11
Rise, and Measure the Temple of God
The Court Which Is Without
My Two Witnesses
The Two Olive Trees and the Two Candlesticks
Fire Proceedeth Out of Their Mouth
Power to Shut Heaven
When They Shall Have Finished Their Testimony
The Great City, Spiritually Called Sodom and Egypt
They Shall Not Suffer Their Dead Bodies to Be Put in Graves
They That Dwell Upon the Earth Shall Rejoice
They Stood Upon Their Feet
They Ascended Up to Heaven in a Cloud
The Remnant Gave Glory to the God of Heaven
The Third Woe Cometh Quickly
He Shall Reign for Ever and Ever
The Four and Twenty Elders Fell Upon Their Faces
Thou Hast Taken to Thee Thy Great Power
Thou Shouldest Give Reward Unto Thy Servants
There Was Seen in His Temple the Ark of His Testament
Revelation 12
A Great Wonder in Heaven
Travailing in Birth
A Great Red Dragon
Ready to Devour Her Child
Her Child Was Caught Up unto God
The Woman Fled into the Wilderness
Michael and His Angels Fought
Neither Was Their Place Found Any More in Heaven
That Old Serpent Was Cast Out
The Accuser of Our Brethren Is Cast Down
They Loved Not Their Lives unto the Death
He Hath but a Short Time
He Persecuted the Woman
Two Wings of a Great Eagle
The Serpent Cast Out of His Mouth Water as a Flood
The Earth Opened Her Mouth
Which Keep the Commandments of God
Revelation 13
A Beast Rise Up out of the Sea
The Dragon Gave Him His Power
His Deadly Wound Was Healed
They Worshipped the Dragon
Forty and Two Months
To Blaspheme His Name, and His Tabernacle
Power Was Given Him over All Kindreds
The Book of Life of the Lamb
If Any Man Have an Ear
He That Killeth with the Sword
Another Beast Coming Up out of the Earth
He Exerciseth All the Power of the First Beast
He Maketh Fire Come Down from Heaven
Which Had the Wound by a Sword, and Did Live
As Many as Would Not Worship the Image
Small and Great, Rich and Poor
No Man Buy or Sell, Save He That Had the Mark
It Is the Number of a Man
Revelation 14
His Father's Name Written in Their Foreheads
Harpers Harping with Their Harps
No Man Could Learn That Song
The Firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb
In Their Mouth Was Found No Guile
To Every Nation, and Kindred, and Tongue
Fear God, and Give Glory to Him
That Great City
If Any Man Worship the Beast
The Wine of the Wrath of God
The Smoke of Their Torment
They That Keep the Commandments of God
They Rest from Their Labours
Having on His Head a Golden Crown
Another Angel Came out of the Temple
He Thrust in His Sickle
He Also Having a Sharp Sickle
Another Angel Came out from the Altar
He Gathered the Vine of the Earth
Blood Came out of the Winepress
Revelation 15
In Them Is Filled Up the Wrath of God
Them That Had Gotten the Victory over the Beast
Great and Marvellous Are Thy Works
For Thou Only Art Holy
The Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven
Girded with Golden Girdles
Seven Golden Vials Full of the Wrath of God
No Man Was Able to Enter into the Temple
Revelation 16
Go Your Ways, and Pour Out the Vials
A Noisome and Grievous Sore
As the Blood of a Dead Man
The Rivers and Fountains Became Blood
Thou Art Righteous, O Lord
For They Are Worthy
True and Righteous Are Thy Judgments
Power Was Given unto Him to Scorch Men
They Repented Not to Give Him Glory
Upon the Seat of the Beast
Blasphemed the God of Heaven
The Way of the Kings of the East
Like Frogs out of the Mouth
The Battle of That Great Day
Blessed Is He That Watcheth
A Place Called in the Hebrew Tongue Armageddon
It Is Done
Such as Was Not Since Men Were upon the Earth
Great Babylon Came in Remembrance
The Mountains Were Not Found
Every Stone About the Weight of a Talent
Revelation 17
That Sitteth upon Many Waters
The Kings of the Earth Have Committed Fornication
Carried Away in the Spirit into the Wilderness
A Golden Cup in Her Hand
The Mother of Harlots
I Wondered with Great Admiration
Wherefore Didst Thou Marvel?
And Yet Is
Seven Heads Are Seven Mountains
Five Are Fallen, and One Is
Of the Seven, and Goeth into Perdition
Power as Kings One Hour with the Beast
The Ten Horns and the One Hour
Give Their Power and Strength unto the Beast
Lord of Lords, and King of Kings
The Waters Where the Whore Sitteth
Desolate and Naked
Until the Words of God Shall Be Fulfilled
Which Reigneth over the Kings of the Earth
Revelation 18
Another Angel Come Down from Heaven
He Cried Mightily with a Strong Voice
All Nations Have Drunk of the Wine
That Ye Be Not Partakers of Her Sins
God Hath Remembered Her Iniquities
Double unto Her Double
And Am No Widow
Strong Is the Lord God Who Judgeth Her
The Smoke of Her Burning
Standing Afar Off for the Fear of Her Torment
No Man Buyeth Their Merchandise Any More
Fine Linen, and Purple, and Scarlet
Cinnamon, and Odours, and Ointments
Departed from Thee
Weeping and Wailing
Alas, Alas, That Great City
Every Shipmaster Stood Afar Off
The Smoke of Her Burning
They Cast Dust on Their Heads
God Hath Avenged You on Her
Thus with Violence Shall That Great City Be Thrown Down
The Sound of a Millstone
The Voice of the Bridegroom and of the Bride
All That Were Slain upon the Earth
Revelation 19
Salvation, and Glory, and Honour, and Power
He Hath Judged the Great Whore
And Again They Said, Alleluia
The Elders and the Four Beasts Fell Down
All Ye His Servants, Both Small and Great
As the Voice of Many Waters
His Wife Hath Made Herself Ready
The Righteousness of Saints
These Are the True Sayings of God
The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy
Behold a White Horse
A Name Written, That No Man Knew
His Name Is Called The Word of God
Upon White Horses, Clothed in Fine Linen
He Treadeth the Winepress
On His Vesture and on His Thigh
The Supper of the Great God
Both Free and Bond, Both Small and Great
Against Him That Sat on the Horse
Cast Alive into a Lake of Fire
All the Fowls Were Filled
Revelation 20
An Angel Come Down from Heaven
A Thousand Years
Deceive the Nations No More
They Lived and Reigned with Christ
The Rest of the Dead
The Second Death Hath No Power
When the Thousand Years Are Expired
As the Sand of the Sea
Fire Came Down from God
For Ever and Ever
From Whose Face the Earth and the Heaven Fled Away
The Dead, Small and Great
The Sea Gave Up the Dead
Death and Hell Cast into the Lake of Fire
Whosoever
Revelation 21
A New Heaven and a New Earth
The Holy City, New Jerusalem
God Himself Shall Be with Them
The Former Things Are Passed Away
True and Faithful
The Water of Life Freely
He Shall Be My Son
The Fearful and Unbelieving
The Bride, the Lamb’s Wife
Descending out of Heaven from God
Clear as Crystal
The Names of the Twelve Tribes
East, North, South and West
The Twelve Apostles of the Lamb
To Measure the City
The Holy of Holies
The Measure of a Man
Like unto Clear Glass
The First Foundation Was Jasper
From Sardonyx to Amethyst
The Street of Pure Gold
The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb Are the Temple
The Lamb Is the Light Thereof
The Kings Bring Their Glory
No Night There
Brought into the City
Nothing That Defileth
Revelation 22
Proceeding out of the Throne
For the Healing of the Nations
His Servants Shall Serve Him
His Name in Their Foreheads
The Lord God Giveth Them Light
Things Which Must Shortly Be Done
Blessed Is He That Keepeth
Before the Feet of the Angel
Worship God
The Time Is at Hand
Unjust Still, Righteous Still
According as His Work Shall Be
The First and the Last
Enter In Through the Gates
Whosoever Loveth and Maketh a Lie
The Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star
Whosoever Will
The Words of This Prophecy
His Part out of the Book of Life
Even So, Come, Lord Jesus
Be with You All. Amen.
Walking in the Finished Work
Before You Begin
Revelation was given to bless the one who reads it. Read it with Jesus in view, and the Word will do in you what it declares.
I.
You will draw nearer to Jesus
Every vision unveils Him. Page by page He comes into clearer view, and the One you see you will love and follow more closely.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” James 4:8
II.
You will understand your authority
You will know that you are seated with Christ, and that His power over all the power of the enemy is given to you.
“I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” Luke 10:19
III.
You will be made hopeful of the future
The victory is already won. Your future rests in the hands of the Lamb who reigns, and it is a future of peace.
“thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
IV.
You will lay down all fear of Revelation
The beasts and trumpets will no longer alarm you, for the book is the testimony of Jesus, and He has overcome.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
V.
You will rest in a finished work
There is nothing left for you to add. What Jesus finished on the Cross is complete, and you enter into it today.
“It is finished” John 19:30
VI.
You will see Christ in all the Scriptures
The Law, the Prophets and the Psalms will open before you, for every picture in them finds its meaning in Him.
“he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27
VII.
You will live in the kingdom now
The kingdom is not a distant destination. It is within you, and you are its citizen today.
“behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21
VIII.
You will stand upon sure promises
Every promise of God is fulfilled in Christ. None is postponed, and none will fail you.
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen” 2 Corinthians 1:20
IX.
You will know who you are
Free from condemnation, complete in Him, a king and a priest unto God: this is your identity in Christ.
“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father” Revelation 1:6
X.
You will become His witness
The testimony John received becomes your own, and your life will declare what Jesus has done.
“ye shall be witnesses unto me” Acts 1:8
How to Read This Book
Seven keys open this book, and Scripture itself supplies every one of them. The clues are old. The Key is Jesus.
I.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy
True prophecy bears witness to Jesus. A prophecy that does not testify of Him is not of the same Spirit.
“worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10
II.
Jesus is the Word
Scripture is not a code book without a Person at its centre. It is speech that finds its meaning in Him.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” John 1:14
III.
Revelation is a vision of fulfilment
It is an unveiling, given in signs, of what is fulfilled in Christ. It is fulfilment seen, not a newspaper written in advance.
“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:” Revelation 1:1
IV.
God speaks in similitudes
Prophetic speech is figurative language, not wooden literalism. As “it rains cats and dogs” speaks truly through an unreal picture, so beasts, horns and lampstands carry real meaning in symbol.
“I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.” Hosea 12:10
V.
Visions and parables call for interpretation
Jesus taught in parables on purpose, and Joseph, Daniel and John received visions that required interpretation. The question is always what the picture is doing.
“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them” Matthew 13:34
VI.
The old visions explain the new
Revelation scarcely quotes the prophets, yet it reuses their pictures throughout. Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah and Zechariah are its dictionary, and Christ is the lens.
“he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27
VII.
Spirit and Truth, in Earth as in Heaven
God is Spirit, and the higher reading comes first; yet the ground level matters, for the higher must be pulled down into the natural. Heaven and earth are connected, as Jesus prayed: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Every vision is the prophetic fulfilment of Jesus’ words, lived out on earth.
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
The Old Testament Key
The Old Testament gives the vocabulary; Jesus gives the subject.
The picture in Revelation
The prophets
What it declares
One like the Son of man, coming with clouds
Daniel 7
The kingdom is given to the Son of man
Living creatures, throne, rainbow, sea of glass
Ezekiel 1; Isaiah 6
The same God upon the same throne
The beast from the sea
Daniel 7
The empires that oppose God, combined
The little book, sweet then bitter
Ezekiel 2–3
The prophet swallows the word before he speaks it
Measuring the temple and the city
Ezekiel 40–48; Zechariah 2
God marks what belongs to Him
Two witnesses, olive trees, candlesticks
Zechariah 4
The Spirit-empowered witness of God
The four horsemen
Zechariah 1 and 6
Patrol and judgment over the earth
Babylon the harlot, fallen in an hour
Isaiah 13–14, 47; Ezekiel 16, 26–27
The proud city judged
New Jerusalem, river, tree of life
Ezekiel 47–48; Genesis 2; Isaiah 65
Eden and temple brought to completion
They shall look upon Him whom they pierced
Zechariah 12:10
Fulfilled in Jesus, the pierced One (Revelation 1:7)
The Shape of the Book
The sevens of the book at a glance: churches, seals, trumpets, thunders and bowls, with their verse ranges.
The Seven Churches · Rev 2–3
Church
Verses
1
Ephesus
2:1–7
2
Smyrna
2:8–11
3
Pergamum
2:12–17
4
Thyatira
2:18–29
5
Sardis
3:1–6
6
Philadelphia
3:7–13
7
Laodicea
3:14–22
The Seven Seals · Rev 6–8
Seal
Verses
1
White horse
6:1–2
2
Red horse
6:3–4
3
Black horse
6:5–6
4
Pale horse
6:7–8
5
Souls under the altar
6:9–11
6
Cosmic upheaval
6:12–17
7
Silence in heaven
8:1
Chapter 7 is the interlude between the sixth and seventh seals.
The Seven Trumpets · Rev 8–11
Trumpet
Verses
1
First: Hail and fire — earth scorched
8:7
2
Second: Mountain of fire into the sea — waters poisoned
8:8–9
3
Third: Star Wormwood — rivers made bitter
8:10–11
4
Fourth: Sun, moon, stars struck — a third darkened
8:12
5
Fifth: First woe — locusts from the abyss, torment without death
9:1–11
6
Sixth: Second woe — four angels loosed at the Euphrates, a third of mankind killed
9:13–21
7
Seventh: Third woe — the kingdom announced, temple opened, ark seen
11:15–19
The three woe verses are Revelation 8:13, 9:12 and 11:14. 8:13 is the eagle’s triple cry announcing the woes. 9:12 marks the first woe as past, with two more coming. 11:14 marks the second woe as past and the third arriving quickly.
The Seven Thunders · Rev 10:3–4
The thunders appear only in Revelation 10. John hears them speak, but is told to seal it up and not write it down. Their content is the one thing in the whole book deliberately left blank.
The Seven Last Plagues · The Seven Bowls · Rev 15–16
Poured out by seven angels. The bowls are also called the seven last plagues: the same judgements, but full, not a third.
The plague
The bowl poured out
Verses
1
Sores — foul and painful ulcers on everyone bearing the beast’s mark.
Sores on those with the mark
16:2
2
Sea of blood — the whole sea turns to blood and everything in it dies.
Sea turned to blood
16:3
3
Rivers and springs to blood — all fresh water becomes blood.
Rivers and springs to blood
16:4–7
4
Scorching sun — the sun burns people with fierce heat, and they curse God instead of repenting.
Sun scorches with fire
16:8–9
5
Darkness — the beast’s throne goes dark, and people gnaw their tongues in pain.
Throne of the beast darkened
16:10–11
6
Euphrates dried — the river dries up to prepare the way for the kings from the east.
Euphrates dried for the kings of the east
16:12–16
7
It is done — a great earthquake, Babylon split into three, cities fall, islands and mountains vanish, hundred-pound hailstones, and the voice from the throne: “It is done.”
“It is done” — earthquake, Babylon falls, hail
16:17–21
Notice the pattern: the first four hit creation, the next two hit the beast’s power, and the seventh finishes everything.
The bowls are introduced in Revelation 15:1 and 15:7, but the actual pouring happens in chapter 16.
Part One
The Temple must be understood, and sin must be understood, to fully understand Revelation. “Death is not the door” is the part that explains the effect of sin and why atonement had to be made for sin. Jesus did it by taking sin on Himself, so that we can receive righteousness to approach a holy God. Jesus the Door to holiness; Jesus the Way; Jesus the Truth, access through believing His Word; and Jesus the Life: accept His life, and so enter into eternal life!
Foundations · I
Heaven and Earth, and God with Adam
Before the fall, God is present in the garden and speaks with the man.
Genesis 3:8
“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day.”
Dominion was given on the earth:
Genesis 1:28
“And God said… have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
Psalm 115:16
“The earth hath he given to the children of men.”
After sin, access to that nearness is cut off:
Genesis 3:24
“So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims… to keep the way of the tree of life.”
What changes in Christ is access. The full joining of heaven and earth is promised: “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1; 2 Peter 3:13).
What Was Cursed
The ground is cursed for Adam’s sake, and the serpent, Adam and Eve each receive a direct sentence.
Genesis 3:14
The serpent: “Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle.”
Genesis 3:16
The woman: “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
Genesis 3:17–19
Adam: “Cursed is the ground for thy sake… In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground… for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Christ bears that curse:
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.”
Creation itself still waits:
Romans 8:20–22
“The creature was made subject to vanity… the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”
So the curse is answered in Christ, and fully removed when the new earth comes.
Enmity, the Serpent, and Stolen Dominion
The enmity is God’s judgment:
Genesis 3:15
“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
Eve was deceived:
2 Corinthians 11:3
“The serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty.”
1 Timothy 2:14
“Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
Dominion was given, then lost to the usurper. Jesus calls him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30). The recovery is a gift, given in Christ:
Matthew 28:18
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Luke 10:19
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.”
Abel’s Blood and Jesus’ Blood
Abel’s blood cries from the ground. Christ’s blood is set against that cry as speaking better things. The debt paid is sin and the broken law.
Genesis 4:10
“The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Hebrews 12:22–24
“Ye are come… to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 2:14
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us… nailing it to his cross.”
The Accuser Cast Down; the Bride and Her Authority
Revelation 12:10–11
“The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”
The church is the bride:
Revelation 19:7
“The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”
Ephesians 5:25
Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
Glory and standing come from Him:
Colossians 1:27
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Ephesians 2:6
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
‘Without flaw’ is the standing He gives, and it is the church He presents:
Ephesians 5:27
“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.”
Access now is real and permanent in Him:
Hebrews 10:19–20
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way.”
The Fight That Remains
The authority is given; the adversary still lies. The fight is refusing the lie and standing in what was given.
John 8:44
“He was a murderer from the beginning… there is no truth in him… for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of faith.”
James 4:7
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Death, Enoch, Elijah, Lazarus
Enoch did not see death:
Genesis 5:24
“Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
Hebrews 11:5
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death.”
Elijah went up alive:
2 Kings 2:11
“Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
Moses died (Deuteronomy 34:5). On the mount both Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus (Matthew 17:2–3).
Death is not the portion of those who believe. Jesus declared it to Martha at the tomb of Lazarus:
John 11:25–26
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
Jesus did not speak of spiritual death, but of actual life in the flesh, and He showed it to be truth at that very tomb. Lazarus was four days dead:
John 11:39
“Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.”
Then Jesus called him, and the dead man came out of the tomb alive, in his body:
John 11:43–44
“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
The word to Martha was proved in flesh and blood. The life Jesus gives is real life, and the one who believes has passed from death into that life:
John 5:24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
John 8:51
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.”
2 Timothy 1:10
“Our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
When Jesus rose from the dead, He walked through walls and He ate fish:
John 20:19
“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”
John 20:26
“Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.”
Luke 24:39
“Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
Luke 24:42–43
“And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them.”
Matthew 27:51
“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”
The glorified body is still a body: flesh and bones that could be handled, a mouth that ate before witnesses, and yet no shut door could hold it out. The veil is removed. The natural realm can now enter the supernatural, and there is no limit or boundary any more.
Christ has abolished death. Death is not the door, and it is not the portion of the one who believes. Jesus is the Door, and His life is the believer’s portion.
The door is a Person, not the grave:
John 10:9
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.”
John 14:6
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
So access is now, through Jesus. Bodily death is not the price of entry.
Faith and the Breakthroughs
These are signs of God’s power received by faith.
Exodus 14:16
Red Sea: “Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it.”
Daniel 3:27
Fire: “Upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.”
The fourth figure in the fire is “like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25).
Matthew 14:29–30
Water: “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus… when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid.”
The common line is faith in what God has spoken.
Romans 1:17
“The just shall live by faith.”
Hebrews 11:6
“Without faith it is impossible to please him.”
The Scripture declares this: dominion was given and then lost under a curse that fell on serpent, woman, man and ground; the Seed bruises the serpent’s head; Christ’s blood speaks better things than Abel’s and opens the holiest now; the accuser is cast down and still rages; the bride’s glory and authority are from her Husband; the fight left is to stand, resist lies, and use the authority already given.
Heaven Is Here
The point is: the supernatural is the evidence that heaven is here. God’s kingdom is His domain, the earth the footstool of God’s throne. It is all connected. If you want to live in only what your eyes can see, you will never be able to live the unseen abilities or realities.
The connection is in the Word. Heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool, so the two are not rival kingdoms. What the eyes see is not the whole of what is real.
Throne and footstool: one domain
Isaiah 66:1
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?”
Acts 7:49
“Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool.”
Psalm 103:19
“The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
Throne and footstool are joined under one Ruler, and Jesus taught us to pray it:
Matthew 6:10
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
The unseen is the larger reality
Scripture treats sight as the smaller witness.
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 4:18
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:3
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
Living only by what the eyes report is the opposite of that faith. The unseen is not a mood. It is what the word of God has already declared.
The kingdom has drawn near, and signs attend it
Jesus locates the kingdom as present in His ministry.
Luke 10:9
“The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.”
Luke 11:20
“If I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.”
Luke 17:20–21
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation… the kingdom of God is within you.”
Signs are given as witnesses of that reign.
Hebrews 2:4
“God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost.”
Mark 16:17–18
“These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Water, fire and the sea in the earlier examples sit in this same class: the word spoken, then the visible yielding (Exodus 14:16; Daniel 3:25–27; Matthew 14:29). So the supernatural is biblical evidence that His kingdom is not locked behind the sky.
Living toward the unseen
You can live toward the unseen because God has already joined throne and footstool under one rule, given access by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19), and seated the believer with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Faith is the evidence of what the eyes have not finished seeing (Hebrews 11:1).
The unseen abilities are real where He has spoken. They are received by faith in that word.
Foundations · II
These scriptures explain how wicked the temple of God became, and why God had to become the temple layout Himself and unify us with it in Him. Revelation 11:1 measures the temple; Revelation 13:6 shows the beast blaspheming “his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.”
Revelation 13:6
“And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.”
They opened the mouth in slander / said He was of the devil
Matthew 12:24
“But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.”
Mark 3:22
“He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.”
John 8:48
“Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?”
John 10:20
“And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?”
They knew not the time of His visitation
Luke 19:44
“And shall lay thee even with the ground… because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.”
They called Him an impostor, not of God
John 9:16
“This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day.”
John 9:24
“We know that this man is a sinner.”
John 10:33
“For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.”
Matthew 27:63
“Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.”
Jesus is Emmanuel — God with us
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child… and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
John 1:1, 14
“the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”
Colossians 2:9
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
They rejected the temple of His body
John 2:19–21
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up… But he spake of the temple of his body.”
Matthew 26:61
“I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.”
Matthew 27:40
“Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself.”
The old dwelling was His, yet they refused the greater
Matthew 23:38
“Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”
Matthew 21:13
“My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
Hebrews 9:11
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands.”
Hebrews 10:19–20
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”
Reject the Son and you reject the Father who sent Him
John 5:23
“He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.”
John 15:23
“He that hateth me hateth my Father also.”
1 John 2:23
“Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father.”
Luke 10:16
“He that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.”
His people are now the dwelling / tabernacle
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
1 Corinthians 6:19
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you…?”
Ephesians 2:21–22
“In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 6:16
“Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them.”
Them that dwell in heaven — seated with Christ, walking by the Spirit
Ephesians 2:6
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:20
“For our conversation is in heaven.”
Colossians 3:1–3
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above… For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
Revelation 12:12
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.”
Any system that says you need more than Jesus’ finished work talks against that dwelling
John 19:30
“It is finished.”
Colossians 2:10
“And ye are complete in him.”
Hebrews 10:14
“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
Hebrews 10:18
“Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.”
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Foundations · III
Jesus the Door
to holiness
◆
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
John 10:9
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.”
Hebrews 10:19
Jesus the Way
the new and living way
◆
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6
“By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”
Hebrews 10:20
Jesus the Truth
access through believing His Word
◆
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31–32
“Thy word is truth.”
John 17:17
Jesus the Life
accept His life and enter into eternal life
◆
“I am the resurrection, and the life.”
John 11:25
“God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life.”
1 John 5:11–12
Chapter 1
The Revelation of Jesus! · 20 verses
Revelation 1:1
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:
The Holy Spirit Sheweth the Salvation of Jesus
◆ ◆ ◆
The first word of the book in the Greek is apokalupsis, an unveiling, the drawing back of a curtain. Revelation is no cipher concealing the future; it is the open disclosure of a Person. What God gave, and what the angel signified unto John, is Jesus Christ Himself, and at the centre of that disclosure stands the victory of the Cross. There the work that sets humanity right with God was finished, and every vision in this book unfolds the cosmic weight of that one sacrifice. The prophets declared it for centuries: Isaiah beheld the Messiah wounded for our transgressions, by whose stripes we are healed.
The verse also fixes the time. These things “must shortly come to pass”: without delay, not in some distant age. Jesus ascended into glory, and ten days later He returned in glory, pouring out His Spirit at Pentecost. He had told His disciples, “a little while, and ye shall see me,” and they saw Him, for He came to dwell within them.
The new creation is therefore no hope deferred but a present reality. The old order of separation, of law, temple and a set-apart priesthood, has given way to the new order of access: God with us. Every believer is a priest who stands before the Father without a veil.
The veil drawn back: the Cross and the crown revealed
The Word Applied
New life in Christ takes effect the moment it is received. He withheld nothing; only our own flesh and will refuse to enter in. Salvation is complete, and the kingdom is ours today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 53:5 – The prophets declared the Cross.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Habakkuk 2:3 – The vision would not tarry.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Amos 3:7 – God revealeth His secret unto His servants.
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
Hebrews 10:37 – “Shortly”: He that shall come will not tarry.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
John 16:16 – A little while, and ye shall see Me.
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – The new creation is present now.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Hebrews 8:13 – The old order is vanished away.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
2 Corinthians 1:20 – Every promise is yea and Amen in Him.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Revelation 1:2
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Witness: Testify and Declare the Truth
◆ ◆ ◆
Before a single seal is opened, John declares what manner of book this is: not a riddle, but a testimony. He “bare record”, emarturēsen, from martureō, the language of the courtroom, to give evidence as one under oath. John repeats no hearsay. He walked with Jesus, stood by the Cross, looked into the empty tomb and beheld the risen Christ; what he saw, he wrote.
He bore record, first, of the word of God. In the Hebrew, dabar is word and deed together: when God speaks, it is done. In John the Word is the Logos, and the Logos is a Person. God did not merely send a message; He came Himself, to speak to all men, not to prophets and kings alone. The Law, the Prophets and the Psalms are completed in Him. Yet “he came unto his own, and his own received him not.”
He bore record, secondly, of the testimony of Jesus Christ, marturion, the evidence itself. Jesus bears witness of Himself, for the Father and the Spirit are one with Him and testify together: “Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true.” And he bore record, thirdly, of all things that he saw. This faith rests upon what God has truly done and shown.
The Word Applied
God has included you in this testimony. The witness is in you: a son or daughter of God, free from sin and death, a king and priest unto God. Believe His record, and declare it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 33:6 – When God speaks, it is done (dabar).
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Isaiah 43:10 – God’s people are His witnesses.
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Isaiah 53:3 – The Word was despised and rejected.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Witness of the New Testament · 6
John 1:14 – The Word was made flesh.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:11 – His own received Him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
1 John 1:1 – The apostle saw and handled the Word of life.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
John 8:14 – His record of Himself is true.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
Acts 2:32 – We are all witnesses of the risen Christ.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
1 John 5:10 – The witness abides in the believer.
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Revelation 1:3
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Hear, Keep and Be Blessed
◆ ◆ ◆
The first promise of this book is not a warning but a blessing. Before a single trumpet sounds, heaven pronounces the reader blessed, makarios: one who stands in the favour of God and is filled with His joy. The blessing appears seven times in Revelation, and seven is the number of completeness. The book that men have turned into a terror opens with a benediction.
Three things receive the blessing. He “that readeth” receives the revealed Word as present truth, not as a puzzle for a distant age. They “that hear” let the Word enter and change them, for faith comes by hearing. They that “keep those things which are written therein” guard them, tēreō, as a watchman guards the wall of a city. The higher truth is heard in the spirit and kept in daily life on earth.
The reason follows at once: “for the time is at hand.” The time is kairos, God’s appointed moment, and at hand is engus, near and present. Jesus opened His ministry with the same proclamation: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand”. That time was fulfilled at the Cross, and the kingdom stands open now.
The Word Applied
Revelation is good news. Jesus is not far off; He is near, and every promise of God is yea and Amen in Him. Read this book to be blessed, hear it to be changed, and keep it to live in His kingdom today. It is finished.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 1:1-2 – Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the LORD.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Deuteronomy 30:14 – The word is very nigh, in thy mouth and in thy heart.
But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
Joshua 1:8 – Meditate therein, and observe to do all that is written.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Mark 1:15 – The time is fulfilled; the kingdom is at hand.
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Luke 11:28 – Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
James 1:25 – The doer of the work shall be blessed in his deed.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Romans 10:17 – Faith cometh by hearing.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
Grace and Peace from the Triune God
◆ ◆ ◆
A book renowned for judgment opens with two gifts: grace and peace. Grace, charis, is favour no man earned; the kindness of God meets us in our weakness. We are earthen vessels, fragile and often cracked, and grace is the treasure within, so that the light which shines out is plainly of God. Peace, eirēnē, answers to the Hebrew shalom: wholeness, and rest with God.
These gifts come “from him which is, and which was, and which is to come”. The One who is speaks of the Father, the great I AM. The One who was speaks of the Son, the Word who was in the beginning. The One who is to come speaks of the Holy Spirit, the promised presence poured out upon the Church. The “seven Spirits which are before his throne” are the one Holy Spirit in His fullness, the sevenfold Spirit Isaiah saw resting upon the Messiah.
“Before his throne” sets the seal upon it: this is the covenant of grace, established in heaven and not in our effort. The old covenant was written on tables of stone; the new is written on the heart.
The Word Applied
Jesus shows Himself through His Church, and He chooses imperfect vessels on purpose. He set all things right at the Cross and restored what was stolen. Receive His grace, rest in His peace, and let His light shine through your weakness today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 11:2 – The sevenfold Spirit rests upon the Messiah.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Jeremiah 31:33 – The new covenant is written upon the heart.
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Numbers 6:24-26 – The LORD bless thee, and give thee peace.
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
2 Corinthians 4:7 – Treasure in earthen vessels, that the power be of God.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Hebrews 8:6 – Jesus is Mediator of a better covenant.
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Ephesians 2:8 – By grace are ye saved through faith.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
His Love Washed Us
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus is first “the faithful witness”. His whole life bore witness to the love and truth of God, all the way to the Cross. The Greek martus gives us the word martyr: a witness so certain of the truth that he lays down his life for it.
He is “the first begotten of the dead”, prōtotokos: the firstborn into resurrection life that does not end. He opened the way, and a multitude of sons and daughters follow Him into that same life. He is also “the prince of the kings of the earth”. The verse says earth, not heaven. His kings reign here: believers who exercise the faith and authority He gave them in daily life, in earth as it is in heaven.
Then comes the most personal declaration in the book: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood”. Under the old order the blood of bulls and goats was offered year after year and could never take sin away. Jesus offered Himself once, for all time, and the washing is complete.
The Word Applied
His love is proved by the Cross, not by the circumstances of your day. He held nothing back. Your past is forgiven, your conscience is clean, and your future is secure in Him. Trust what He has done, and walk today as one washed and loved.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 89:27 – The firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
Isaiah 53:5 – With His stripes we are healed.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Leviticus 17:11 – It is the blood that maketh an atonement.
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Colossians 1:18 – The firstborn from the dead.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Hebrews 10:10 – Sanctified through one offering, once for all.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
1 John 1:7 – His blood cleanseth us from all sin.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Philippians 2:8 – Obedient unto the death of the cross.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Kings and Priests
◆ ◆ ◆
He “hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father”. The verb is complete: not one day, but now. It is done.
Two offices are given at once. Kings, basileis, rule with real authority under the King of kings. Priests, hiereis, have access. Under the law only the high priest entered the most holy place, once a year, and not without blood. Now, through the blood of Jesus, every believer comes boldly to the throne of grace at any hour. God always desired a kingdom of priests; at Sinai He promised it, and at the Cross He accomplished it.
The order matters. First we are loved and washed, as verse 5 declares; then we are made kings and priests; then we reign with Christ and show forth His praises. Only God can make a man royal. Thomas beheld the risen Jesus and confessed, “My Lord and my God.” In Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
To Him belong “glory and dominion for ever and ever”: doxa, the shining weight of who He is, and kratos, power that He is exercising now and always.
The Word Applied
You carry royal authority and priestly access today. Only your own flesh and will hold you back. Choose to live as what He has made you, and bring His rule into your home and work.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 19:6 – A kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Isaiah 61:6 – Ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD.
But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
Psalm 110:4 – A priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Peter 2:9 – A royal priesthood.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Hebrews 4:16 – Come boldly unto the throne of grace.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 10:19-20 – Boldness to enter into the holiest.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Romans 5:17 – They shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Revelation 1:7
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
He Came in Divine Glory
◆ ◆ ◆
This verse points to the Cross. “Behold”, idou, commands attention, and “cometh” stands in the present tense: He is coming, and the coming is under way.
Clouds in Scripture are the garment of divine glory. Daniel saw one like the Son of man come with the clouds of heaven to receive an everlasting kingdom. When the tabernacle was finished, a cloud covered the tent and the glory of the LORD filled it. The Son comes with clouds because He comes in the glory of God.
“Every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him.” Zechariah foretold that Israel would look upon Him whom they pierced and mourn as one mourns for an only son. To see Him is to recognise Him. At the Cross the centurion saw and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” The wailing is not terror but the grief of those who know at last whom they crucified, and out of that grief came the repentance of Pentecost, when three thousand were pricked in their heart.
The Cross was not defeat; it was His glory. He said, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” When He cried, “It is finished,” sin was paid for, the power of the devil was broken and the veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom.
The Word Applied
Because of the Cross you stand in His glory, one of a royal priesthood seated with Christ. Reign in life now, for His strength is made perfect in weakness, and His glory rests upon those who behold Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:13 – The Son of man came with the clouds of heaven.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
Zechariah 12:10 – They shall look upon me whom they have pierced.
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Exodus 40:34 – The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 12:23-24 – The Cross is the hour of His glory.
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Mark 15:39 – Truly this man was the Son of God.
And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
Acts 2:37 – They were pricked in their heart.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Philippians 2:8-9 – God hath highly exalted Him.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Revelation 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Is, Was and Is to Come
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus declares His own name: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending”. He is the archē, the source from whom all things come, and the telos, the end toward which all things move.
“Which is”, ho ōn, is the name given to Moses at the bush: I AM. “Which was” declares that He never began; He always was. “Which is to come” names Him the Coming One, ever arriving and ever revealing Himself to His people. Past, present and future are not rooms into which He walks; they are held together in Him. Time does not define Jesus; Jesus defines time.
“The Almighty” is Pantokratōr, the One who holds all things. He is not struggling for control. He upholds all things by the word of His power.
Here also is a key for reading the whole of Scripture. Ask what was: what God did in history. Ask what is: what it means in the Spirit and in your life now. Ask what is to come: how He goes on fulfilling it, in earth as it is in heaven.
The Word Applied
Your past, present and future are held in His hands. Since He is the beginning and the ending, trust Him with every chapter of your story, and rest in the One who holds all things together.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 3:14 – I AM THAT I AM.
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Isaiah 44:6 – I am the first, and I am the last.
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah 41:4 – I the LORD, the first, and with the last.
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Colossians 1:17 – By Him all things consist.
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Hebrews 13:8 – The same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Hebrews 1:3 – Upholding all things by the word of His power.
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
John 8:58 – Before Abraham was, I am.
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Revelation 1:9
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Became One on the Cross
◆ ◆ ◆
John does not await a tribulation in a distant age. He calls himself already a “companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ”. Tribulation, thlipsis, is pressure, the crushing of a heavy weight; companion, koinōnos, is a partner who shares in it.
What pressure does John share? The Cross. Amos foretold that God would cause the sun to go down at noon, and at the crucifixion darkness covered the land from the sixth hour. The greatest tribulation in history fell upon the Son of God, and it is finished. John shares in His death so that the life of Jesus is made manifest in him.
Therefore he writes “and in the kingdom”. The kingdom is the fruit of sharing His death: He in us, and we in Him. “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him”. John was on Patmos “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ”, yet even in exile he stood in the kingdom.
Believers still meet pressure in this world, but they meet it from victory and not from fear.
The Word Applied
Do not scan the news in fear. The decisive battle is won, and His victory is yours. Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Live in His finished work today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Amos 8:9 – The sun shall go down at noon.
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:
Isaiah 53:3 – A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isaiah 43:2 – When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 16:33 – I have overcome the world.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
2 Timothy 2:11-12 – Dead with Him, we live and reign with Him.
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Matthew 27:45 – Darkness over all the land at the sixth hour.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Revelation 1:10
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
In the Spirit at the Cross: a Declaration
◆ ◆ ◆
John was “in the Spirit”. Like the prophets before him, he was lifted above the order of natural time to see from heaven’s vantage.
“The Lord’s day” here is more than the first day of the week. In the prophets the day of the LORD is the day God steps in with power, and it comes with darkness. Amos declared it “darkness, and not light”. At the crucifixion the sun was darkened for three hours, the earth quaked and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. Every sign of the day of the Lord gathered at the Cross. In the Spirit, John beholds the Cross.
Then he heard “a great voice, as of a trumpet”. Trumpets in Scripture proclaim. At Sinai the trumpet announced the presence of God. In the year of jubilee it proclaimed liberty to every captive. Trumpets sounded when a king was enthroned, and the last trumpet sounds when the dead are raised incorruptible.
This trumpet is no alarm of doom. It is the shout of victory: redemption is accomplished, and the King is on His throne.
The Word Applied
Revelation does not begin with fear. It begins with a victory already won at the Cross. Read it, and live it, with confidence, for the trumpet over your life proclaims liberty and not doom.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Amos 5:18 – The day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.
Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.
Leviticus 25:10 – Proclaim liberty throughout all the land.
And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.
Exodus 19:16 – The voice of the trumpet exceeding loud.
And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 23:44-45 – Darkness, and the veil rent in the midst.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
1 Corinthians 15:52 – The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Matthew 27:51 – The veil rent, the earth quaked.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Revelation 1:11
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, 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.
Direct from God: Go and Write
◆ ◆ ◆
The One who speaks declares, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last”. Because He is eternal and sovereign, His message is complete. First also means that others follow: He is first in death and first in resurrection, so that we follow Him.
John must write “in a book” and send it to seven churches, and their names, in order, tell one story. Ephesus means desired one, beloved: the love of God. Smyrna comes from myrrh, which yields its fragrance only when crushed: suffering and death. Pergamos means elevated union: new life together after resurrection. Thyatira means continual sacrifice: unceasing service and prayer. Sardis means those who escape: deliverance from judgment. Philadelphia means brotherly love: the family of God. Laodicea means the justice of the people: the final choice of who shall rule.
This is the priest’s path through the tabernacle, from the outer court to the mercy seat, the throne of God. Jesus made the pattern real, and the veil is rent.
The Word Applied
This is your story. God desires you; Jesus died so that you are one with Him; you escape judgment and belong to His family. Now choose: will the opinion of the people rule you, or will Christ reign in you?
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 44:6 – The first and the last is God.
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Exodus 25:8 – Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Exodus 25:22 – There I will meet with thee, from above the mercy seat.
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 10:19-20 – The rent veil opened the way.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Galatians 2:20 – Christ liveth in me.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Hebrews 9:24 – Christ entered into heaven itself, for us.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Revelation 1:12
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Perfected Light in the Church
◆ ◆ ◆
John “turned to see the voice that spake with me”. A voice cannot be seen with natural eyes; the words tell us that something spiritual is taking place. The voice comes first and the vision after. So it is with faith: hearing comes before seeing.
“And being turned” is more than the turning of a head. It is a turning of the whole man, from seeing after the natural mind to seeing as God sees. Moses turned aside to see the burning bush, and when the LORD saw that he turned aside, God called to him out of the midst of it. God draws our attention, we turn, and He reveals.
And the first glorious sight John beholds is not beasts or horsemen. He sees “seven golden candlesticks”. Seven is completeness; gold is the nature of God, pure and divine; a candlestick has one office, to hold up light. Within a few verses Jesus Himself interprets it: the candlesticks are the churches. Scripture explains Scripture. The first thing shown in the unveiling of Jesus is His Church, seen from heaven as pure, complete and shining.
The Word Applied
Heaven does not see the Church as a troubled institution but as a people made pure through Jesus, bearing His light. That is you. You are the light of the world; let it shine.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 3:3-4 – Moses turned aside, and God called unto him.
And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
Zechariah 4:2 – A candlestick all of gold.
And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
Exodus 25:31 – The candlestick of pure gold.
And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 10:17 – Faith cometh by hearing.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Matthew 5:14 – Ye are the light of the world.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Philippians 2:15 – Ye shine as lights in the world.
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Revelation 1:13
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Jesus, High Priest and Centre of the Church
◆ ◆ ◆
John sees Jesus “in the midst of the seven candlesticks”. He is not far off beyond the sky; He stands in the midst of His people. Under the old covenant the glory of God dwelt in a temple made with hands. Now the people of God are the temple, and His glory dwells in them. He promised it: where two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst.
He is “one like unto the Son of man”. The title comes from Daniel, where the Son of man receives an everlasting dominion. It declares Him fully one of us, and the divine King.
He is “clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle”: the robe and girdle of the high priest in Exodus. Gold speaks of divinity, and the girdle of priestly and royal power. The word periezōsmenon means girded and ready for service. He is at work. Hebrews calls Him our great High Priest, and here He tends the lamps of His Church, as Aaron ordered the lamps before the veil from evening to morning.
The Word Applied
Jesus is present, central and serving within His people today. You are never alone; He is working in you now, and through you His light reaches the earth.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of man receives an everlasting dominion.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Exodus 28:4 – The robe and the girdle of the high priest.
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
Leviticus 24:3-4 – Aaron shall order the lamps continually.
Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.
He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 18:20 – There am I in the midst of them.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Hebrews 4:14 – We have a great high priest.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Ye are the temple of God.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Revelation 1:14
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Pure and Sinless: His Eyes Reveal Truth
◆ ◆ ◆
John sees that “his head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow”. This is not the whiteness of age but of a nature sin never touched. Leukos is brilliant, shining white, the radiance of divine glory. Wool speaks of the purity required of a priest, snow of flawlessness. Daniel saw the Ancient of days with hair like pure wool, and here the same glory rests upon Jesus: He shares the eternal nature of God.
“His eyes were as a flame of fire.” Nothing deceives those eyes; they see straight through to the truth. Fire in Scripture speaks of judgment and of cleansing.
Yet His eyes of fire are not given to terrify His people. Malachi speaks of the One who sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. Refining fire does not destroy the gold; it consumes the dross and leaves the precious metal shining. Because the Head is pure, the Body is cleansed. He sees the heart and not the outward appearance.
The Word Applied
Do not fear the fire in His eyes. It is a fire of love that burns away falsehood, so that the true man He made shines forth. To be fully seen by Jesus is to be safe, and to be loved completely.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:9 – The hair of His head like the pure wool.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Malachi 3:3 – He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Isaiah 1:18 – Your sins shall be as white as snow.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 4:13 – All things are naked unto His eyes.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
1 John 1:7 – The blood of Jesus cleanseth us.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Hebrews 7:26 – Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners.
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Revelation 1:15
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Walking in the Furnace of Atonement: Authoritative and Commanding
◆ ◆ ◆
John sees “his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace”. The word chalkolibanon describes brass refined and proven by fire. In the Old Testament brass belongs to judgment and sacrifice. The offerings for sin were burned upon the brasen altar. Moses lifted up a serpent of brass, and every bitten man who looked upon it lived. Jesus said, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up”.
These are feet that walked through the furnace of God’s judgment at the Cross. He was made sin for us, who knew no sin, and was judged in our place. He bore the whole fire and came forth victorious and pure. In Babylon the furnace held a fourth man like the Son of God, and the fire had no power over the three; so Jesus walked the furnace of atonement, and it could not hold Him.
“His voice as the sound of many waters.” Ezekiel beheld the same glory: “the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.” The God who filled Ezekiel’s temple with His voice now speaks in the Son. The roar of the sea cannot be silenced, and neither can His Word, which gives life and raises the dead.
The feet and the voice belong together. Because He walked through the fire, He has the right to speak with that unstoppable voice. The judgment He endured is the authority with which He speaks.
The Word Applied
Jesus has already walked through judgment for you. You stand on His tested, unshakable righteousness. When He speaks over your life, nothing can silence Him. Hear His voice, and let His glory shine upon your earth.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Ezekiel 43:2 – His voice was like a noise of many waters.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Numbers 21:9 – The serpent of brass lifted up for life.
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Exodus 27:1-2 – The altar overlaid with brass.
And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
Daniel 3:25 – The form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 3:14 – The Son of man lifted up.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
2 Corinthians 5:21 – Made sin for us, who knew no sin.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Hebrews 1:1-2 – God hath spoken unto us by His Son.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
John 5:25 – The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Revelation 1:16
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Church Authority and Unity; the Word Cuts; Full of His Glory
◆ ◆ ◆
This verse holds three pictures. First, “in his right hand seven stars”. The right hand, dexia, is the place of power and control. The stars are His Church, its messengers and its witness, held safe in His grasp and sent forth to shine. They show the authority of the Church in Jesus.
Second, “out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword”. It proceeds from His mouth, not from a sheath: it is His spoken Word. Rhomphaia is the great broad sword, and distomos means two-mouthed, cutting both ways. His Word divides truth from falsehood and brings both salvation and judgment.
Third, “his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength”. Under the old covenant the LORD said to Moses, “there shall no man see me, and live.” Under the new covenant God has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ. What once meant death now brings life.
So we behold His authority, His truth and His glory, and beholding, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory.
The Word Applied
You are held safe in His hand. His Word is alive in you. As you behold His glory, you are being transformed into His likeness. Shine as a light in the world today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 49:2 – He made my mouth like a sharp sword.
And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
Exodus 33:20 – There shall no man see me, and live.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Judges 5:31 – As the sun when he goeth forth in his might.
So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Hebrews 4:12 – Sharper than any twoedged sword.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – Changed into the same image from glory to glory.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Matthew 17:2 – His face did shine as the sun.
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Overwhelming Glory; Reassurance and Comfort
◆ ◆ ◆
When John saw the glorified Jesus, he “fell at his feet as dead”. He did not faint from terror; he was overcome by majesty. Hōs nekros, as one dead: all his strength was gone. Pride melts in that presence, and the soul depends wholly on mercy.
Then “he laid his right hand upon me”. The same hand that holds the stars reaches down to lift His friend. Jesus is not distant. He touches those who fall before Him, as on the holy mount He came and touched His disciples and said, “Arise, and be not afraid.”
His word is “Fear not; I am the first and the last”. This is the name of God in Isaiah. Jesus rules over all time and all creation.
John is not the first to fall so. Isaiah cried, “Woe is me! for I am undone”. Ezekiel and Daniel fell upon their faces. But they saw the glory through a veil. For John the veil is gone. The glory has a face and a name: Jesus, who was dead and is alive for evermore.
The Word Applied
The glory that brings us low is the grace that lifts us up. The One who rules all things looks upon you and says, Fear not. That word is the gospel; let it settle every fear in your heart today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 6:5 – Woe is me! for I am undone.
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 41:13 – I the LORD will hold thy right hand: Fear not.
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Daniel 10:9-10 – A hand touched me, which set me upon my knees.
Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 17:6-7 – Jesus touched them: Arise, and be not afraid.
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.
Romans 8:1 – No condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
1 John 4:18 – Perfect love casteth out fear.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Revelation 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Risen Christ; the Tomb Conquered; Keys of Sin and Death
◆ ◆ ◆
This is a proclamation of victory. “I am he that liveth”: ho zōn, the Living One, the source of life itself, bearing the name I AM.
“And was dead.” The words egenomēn nekros mean I became dead. It was real. Jesus truly died on the Cross, in our place, so that we live.
“And, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen.” This is resurrection life that never ends, and the Amen seals it as true and unchangeable. Death could not hold Him, and it cannot hold those who are in Him. He said at the grave of Lazarus, “whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” Then He called a man four days dead out of the tomb, and he came forth alive.
“And have the keys of hell and of death.” To hold the keys is to own the house. Death was the jailer that held mankind captive through fear; now Jesus holds the keys, and they have changed hands for ever. God promised by Isaiah, “He will swallow up death in victory”, and by Hosea He declared, “O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction”. Through His death and resurrection Jesus did it. Through death He destroyed him that had the power of death, and delivered them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
The Word Applied
Death has lost. The keys have changed hands, and fear has no power over you. No one can threaten you with an enemy already defeated. Because He lives, you live, beginning now and without end. Death is not your portion; His life is.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Hosea 13:14 – O death, I will be thy plagues.
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Psalm 16:10 – Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Hebrews 2:14-15 – Through death He destroyed him that had the power of death.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 – O death, where is thy sting?
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 11:25-26 – Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Romans 6:9 – Death hath no more dominion over Him.
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Revelation 1:19
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
Jesus Is, Was and Is to Come
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus gives John the plan of the whole book. “Write”, graphō: record it faithfully, for the whole Church and for all time.
First, “the things which thou hast seen”: the vision of the glorified Jesus in this chapter. It rests upon the Cross, where redemption was finished, and upon His victory over death, which Isaiah promised long before.
Second, “the things which are”: the Church now, set forth in the seven letters of chapters 2 and 3. They search the heart, and they show Jesus walking among His people today.
Third, “the things which shall be hereafter”: from chapter 4 onward John beholds the victory of the Lamb and the new heaven and the new earth. The new creation is made in Jesus through the Cross, and it is here now. We share in His glory.
Jesus is Lord of past, present and future. It is finished, it is ongoing, and it is for ever.
The Word Applied
Like John, you are a witness. Consider your own life in the same threefold way: what Jesus has done in your past, how you know Him today, and what hope He has set before you. Then write it on the hearts of others by telling it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Habakkuk 2:2 – Write the vision, and make it plain.
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Isaiah 46:10 – Declaring the end from the beginning.
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Isaiah 26:19 – Thy dead men shall live.
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 6:9 – Christ being raised dieth no more.
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
Colossians 3:4 – Ye also shall appear with Him in glory.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – All things are become new.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Revelation 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Perfect Spirit, Perfect Light and Perfect Bride
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus now opens “the mystery”. In Scripture a mystery is a truth God kept hidden and now reveals to His saints. Seven is completeness and perfection.
“The seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches”: the visible light of God in the world, a city set on a hill. The seven stars are held in His right hand, the place of power and safety, and no man can pluck them out of it.
“The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” The word angelos means messenger; it does not always mean a winged being. The Messenger who carries the words of Jesus is the Holy Spirit, and the stars are the Church, the Bride of Christ, who receives His message and shines it forth. This Messenger is not another beside Jesus: “Now the Lord is that Spirit,” and “these three are one.” The seven letters are one message from Jesus to His people.
Peter wrote that judgment must begin at the house of God. Yet the Cross is finished. The courtroom judgment for sin fell wholly upon Jesus. What the Church receives is the refiner’s fire: the loving correction of a good Father, proof that we are sons.
The Word Applied
You are held safe in His hand. You belong to His perfect Bride and carry His light from Genesis to Revelation. Your identity is not fear; it is Jesus living among His people. Shine.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 12:3 – They shall shine as the stars for ever.
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Malachi 2:7 – The priest is the messenger of the LORD.
For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine; for thy light is come.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
John 10:28 – Neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Hebrews 12:6 – Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Colossians 1:26-27 – The mystery hid from ages: Christ in you.
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Matthew 5:14 – A city set on an hill.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is that Spirit.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Chapter 2
The Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos and Thyatira · 29 verses
Revelation 2:1
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
I Am with You Always
◆ ◆ ◆
To Ephesus Jesus reveals Himself as He “that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”. He is not a distant king upon a far throne. He walks among His people.
The Greek krateō, holdeth, means to grip firmly and with full authority. His right hand is the place of power. The stars are His light-bearers and witnesses, and seven is completeness. The golden candlesticks are the Church, a pure and precious vessel made for one office: to bear His light. Under the old covenant a priest tended one lampstand in a tent; now the High Priest Himself walks among them all, trimming every wick and filling every lamp with oil.
The angel is angelos, the messenger. The Messenger who carries the words of Jesus to His Church is the Holy Spirit, who takes what belongs to Jesus and shows it to us. One truth answers every need in all seven churches: a fresh revelation of Jesus walking in their midst.
He that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks
The Word Applied
Jesus is not watching you from far away. He is with you always, holding you in His strong right hand. His authority and His tender care belong to you now. Let His light shine through you today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 25:31 – The candlestick of pure gold in the tabernacle.
And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
Leviticus 24:2 – Pure oil, to cause the lamps to burn continually.
Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.
Isaiah 41:10 – I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 28:20 – Lo, I am with you alway.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 16:14 – The Spirit shall receive of mine, and shew it unto you.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
2 Corinthians 6:16 – I will dwell in them, and walk in them.
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Revelation 2:2
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
Faithful in Work, Discerning in Truth
◆ ◆ ◆
This is a report from Jesus to Ephesus, and it opens with commendation. “I know thy works”: He sees all that they do.
Labour, kopos, is not mere busyness. It is toil that costs something and leaves a man weary, yet it has a purpose. Their patience, hupomonē, is the strength that remains under a load, day after day.
They also had clear eyes. Men came calling themselves apostles, and the church “hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars”. Jesus warned of things beautiful without and dead within, like whited sepulchres. Ephesus looked past the shining surface. John himself taught the churches to try the spirits, whether they are of God.
Genuine faith holds both: faithful work and a love of the truth. Labour without truth runs off course; truth without labour is empty. The test of every voice is Jesus and His finished work. Whatever adds to the Cross or takes from it is found a liar.
The Word Applied
Jesus sees your faithful work, even the hidden things no one notices. Plant all you do in the soil of His truth. Test every voice against the finished work. Be warm-hearted and clear-eyed; love the truth, and live it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 1:6 – The LORD knoweth the way of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Jeremiah 17:10 – The LORD searcheth the heart.
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Isaiah 8:20 – To the law and to the testimony.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 John 4:1 – Try the spirits whether they are of God.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Matthew 23:27 – Whited sepulchres, beautiful outward, dead within.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
2 Corinthians 11:13 – False apostles, deceitful workers.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Revelation 2:3
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Faithful in Work
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus praises this church with four pillars. They “hast borne”: they carried a heavy load and kept moving. They had patience: they did not quit when the way grew hard. They laboured “for my name’s sake”: their work had a purpose, and the purpose was Jesus. And they “hast not fainted”: they did not give up.
Here is the glory of it. Every pillar mirrors Jesus Himself. He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. He endured the Cross for the joy that was set before Him. He finished the work the Father gave Him to do. Isaiah said of Him, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged”.
Their endurance, then, was His endurance flowing through them; their patience was a share in His patience. This is not the strength of the flesh straining harder. It is the life of the Vine running in the branches, the same strength that carried Him to Golgotha now carrying His people through every ordinary day.
The Word Applied
This is not a call to try harder. Your work is unto the Lord, not for the applause of men. Jesus sees every hidden act of faithfulness. When you feel like giving up, look to Him. His life flows through you, and His strength in you does not run out.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 53:4 – He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 42:4 – He shall not fail nor be discouraged.
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Isaiah 40:31 – They shall run, and not be weary.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Hebrews 12:2 – He endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Galatians 6:9 – In due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
John 17:4 – I have finished the work.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
John 15:5 – I am the vine, ye are the branches.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Revelation 2:4
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
What Really Matters Is Me
◆ ◆ ◆
From without, Ephesus had everything in order. They laboured, endured and tried false teachers. Yet Jesus says, “thou hast left thy first love.” The work went on, but the nearness was gone. It is possible to be so busy serving Someone that we drift away from Him.
Martha and Mary show the difference. Martha was cumbered about much serving and careful about many things. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard His word. He said, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part”.
God has always longed for this. By Jeremiah He remembered the kindness of Israel’s youth, the love of her espousals, when she went after Him in the wilderness. By Isaiah He grieved over a people who drew near with their lips while their heart was far from Him. First love, prōtē agapē, is not only the earliest love; it is the foremost love, the love that rules all others.
This verse is not a threat. It is the cry of a Bridegroom who wants His Bride near again. He is not chiefly correcting sin; He is healing distance.
The Word Applied
Jesus wants you, not a list of your religious labours. In the midst of all your work, the one thing needful is to sit with Him. Come near again today; He waits with open arms.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 2:2 – The love of thine espousals.
Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.
Isaiah 29:13 – With their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me.
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:
Song of Solomon 2:10 – Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 10:41-42 – One thing is needful.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Mark 12:30 – Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
1 John 4:19 – We love him, because he first loved us.
We love him, because he first loved us.
Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Solomon Began Well: the Temple Light Almost Dead
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus gives a clear road back to first love: remember, repent and do the first works.
King Solomon shows the danger. He began with wisdom and devotion, and he built the house of the LORD. But small compromises slowly turned his heart, until in his old age it was not perfect with the LORD his God. Even the brightest flame grows dim when it is not tended.
“Remember” means look back to where you began. “Repent”, metanoeō, means change the mind and turn around. “Do the first works” means return to the love that was there at the beginning, and let the works flow from it again.
Then comes the warning: “will remove thy candlestick out of his place”. This is not the loss of salvation. It is the loss of light, of witness and of influence in the world. In the tabernacle the golden candlestick showed the presence of God among His people, and its lamp was to burn always. When Israel exchanged heartfelt love for empty ritual, the glory departed from the house. Yet even this warning is an urgent invitation to revival.
The Word Applied
The Cross was never a cold transaction; it was a fire of love. If that love is your source, your flame need not grow cold. Go back to the beginning and simply love Jesus again. His love keeps your lamp burning bright.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 11:4 – Solomon’s heart was turned away in his old age.
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Exodus 27:20 – The lamp to burn always.
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
Ezekiel 10:18 – The glory of the LORD departed from the house.
Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 15:4 – Abide in me, and I in you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Acts 3:19 – Repent, that times of refreshing shall come.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Revelation 2:6
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
At Least There Is Some Evil You Hate
◆ ◆ ◆
Before Jesus finishes correcting Ephesus, He praises them again. He always sees what is right in His Church. “But this thou hast”: echeis, a thing they possess now, a living part of who they are. They hated “the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate”.
The name explains the deeds. Nikaō is to conquer, and laos is the people: the Nicolaitans are those who rule over the people. It is a system of control, in which leaders use the flock instead of feeding and guarding it. Ezekiel heard God rebuke the shepherds that fed themselves and not the sheep. Jesus confronted the same spirit in His day: they bound heavy burdens and laid them on men’s shoulders, but would not move them with one of their fingers.
To see through a false system is a sign of spiritual life; it sets the heart in line with the heart of Jesus. Yet truth and love must walk together. Ephesus had keen discernment, and still they had left their first love.
The Word Applied
Hate the deeds, not the people. Stand firm against every system that controls and burdens God’s people, and never lose your warm love for God and for others. In Jesus, truth and love walk hand in hand.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 34:2 – Woe be to the shepherds that feed themselves.
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
Psalm 97:10 – Ye that love the LORD, hate evil.
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Amos 5:15 – Hate the evil, and love the good.
Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 23:4 – They bind heavy burdens.
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Matthew 20:25-26 – It shall not be so among you.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
1 Peter 5:3 – Not as being lords over God’s heritage.
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Revelation 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.
Die in Me, Live in Me, Eat of Me
◆ ◆ ◆
In Genesis, when man was driven out of the garden, cherubims and a flaming sword were set to keep the way of the tree of life. Access was shut. That is the story of separation.
Now Jesus opens the way again: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” The flaming sword fell upon Him at the Cross. The way that was kept is open, for He is the Way.
Paradise, paradeisos, is the garden of God, and before it is a place it is communion: God walking with man in the cool of the day. The tree of life is Jesus Himself. The Cross is called a tree, and from that tree came life for the world. To eat of it is to abide in Him and live by Him, as He said, “he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.”
Who is the overcomer? Not the man with the best performance. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me”. Overcoming is union with Jesus, a passage from striving to trusting. And eternal life, Jesus said, is to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. It is not chiefly going somewhere; it is knowing Someone, here and now, in earth as it is in heaven.
The Word Applied
Eternal life does not begin when the heart stops beating. It begins the moment you believe, and it does not end. The slain Lamb opened the way and held nothing back. Eat of Him, live in Him, and walk in paradise with Him from today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:24 – A flaming sword to keep the way of the tree of life.
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Genesis 2:9 – The tree of life in the midst of the garden.
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Proverbs 3:18 – She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her.
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Galatians 2:20 – Not I, but Christ liveth in me.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
John 17:3 – This is life eternal, that they know Thee.
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 6:57 – He that eateth me shall live by me.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
1 Peter 2:24 – He bare our sins in His own body on the tree.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Revelation 2:8
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
I Am the Word: Conqueror of the Cross and the Grave
◆ ◆ ◆
Smyrna was a church under pressure, and its name means myrrh, the spice of burial. Myrrh yields its fragrance only when it is crushed. Their very name spoke of suffering. The wise men brought myrrh to the infant Jesus, and Nicodemus brought it to His tomb: from the cradle His path ran to the Cross.
To such a church Jesus introduces Himself perfectly: “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive”. He is the beginning and the end, the living Word, and He has passed through death Himself. It is as though He says: I see your suffering; I have been there; I went down into death, and I am alive; My victory is now your identity.
The way to victory always runs through death to resurrection, and it is His death that counts. In union with Him we die to sin and to the old manner of life, and we are raised with Him to walk in newness of life. That life begins now, and death is not its end.
The Word Applied
There is one Victor over sin, deception and death, and His name is Jesus. When life feels like Smyrna, remember whom you follow. He went through the grave and came out alive. Because He lives, you live also.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 44:6 – I am the first, and I am the last.
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Hosea 13:14 – I will ransom them from the power of the grave.
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Song of Solomon 1:13 – A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me.
A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 6:4 – Raised to walk in newness of life.
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
John 19:39 – Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes.
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
John 14:19 – Because I live, ye shall live also.
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – He is a new creature.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Revelation 2:9
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Persecuted by the Old: Their Father the Devil
◆ ◆ ◆
Smyrna was poor and afflicted. Yet Jesus says, “but thou art rich”. The world counted them poor; in Him they were wealthy. He became poor, so that through His poverty they were made rich.
Who caused their pain? Those “which say they are Jews, and are not”. Paul explains that he is a Jew which is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart. If you belong to Christ, you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
What, then, is “the synagogue of Satan”? It is the old temple system that refused Jesus and clung to law, tradition and control. It wore God’s name and rejected His Son. To the leaders who sought to kill Him, Jesus said, “Ye are of your father the devil”. That system became the instrument that persecuted the very people God now calls His sons and daughters. The fiercest attacks upon true faith come from religion that rejects grace.
The Word Applied
In Jesus you are rich, whatever anyone says. A thing is not of God because it sounds religious. If it rejects Jesus or makes you earn His love, it is not the gospel. Stay with the truth, even when it costs, for the riches of Christ cannot be taken from you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 4:4 – Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart.
Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
Deuteronomy 30:6 – The LORD will circumcise thine heart.
And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Proverbs 13:7 – There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 2:28-29 – He is a Jew, which is one inwardly.
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Galatians 3:29 – Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
2 Corinthians 8:9 – Through His poverty ye are made rich.
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Revelation 2:10
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Persecution until Pentecost Come
◆ ◆ ◆
Prison, trial and ten days of tribulation sound fearful, but Jesus begins with “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer”. This verse is not about punishment. It is about stepping into power.
The key is “ten days”. They point to the ten days between the ascension of Jesus and the day of Pentecost. In those days the disciples waited in an upper room, held as in a prison of fear and uncertainty. Then the Holy Spirit came as a rushing mighty wind, and everything changed. Fearful men became bold witnesses, and Peter, who had denied Him before a servant girl, preached to thousands.
So the tribulation has an appointed end. It is measured and short, a proving that refines, not pointless pain. “Be thou faithful unto death” calls them to a faithfulness that holds fast whatever the cost, even to laying down the life for His name. Yet it is His death that is theirs: crucified with Christ, they live, and the life they have cannot be taken from them.
The reward is “a crown of life”: stephanos, the victor’s wreath. It is a share in His victory, His resurrection life and His authority, here and now.
The Word Applied
Your trial is not a prison. It is a countdown to your own Pentecost. Do not keep repeating the same test; pass it and go on. After the pressure comes the power, and the crown of life is yours to walk in today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 1:12 – Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days.
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Isaiah 43:2 – When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Joel 2:28 – I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 2:1-2 – A rushing mighty wind on the day of Pentecost.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Luke 24:49 – Tarry until ye be endued with power.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
James 1:12 – He shall receive the crown of life.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Revelation 2:11
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Die in Me, Live in Me, Live Eternal
◆ ◆ ◆
“He that hath an ear, let him hear”. The ear, ous, is the ear of the heart, and an open heart unlocks the whole promise.
Then: “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” The second death is final separation from God. Jesus took that separation upon Himself at the Cross, when He cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” He bore the forsaking, so that those in Him are never forsaken. The pattern is plain: we died with Him, we live in Him, and we live for ever. “For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him”.
Jesus has changed death itself. To Martha He said, “whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” The believer does not pass into death at all; he “is passed from death unto life” already. Enoch walked with God and was not, for God took him, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Neither died, and they stand as signs of what Jesus has opened for all who are in Him. The second death has no power over His people. None.
The Word Applied
Your victory is not something you fight for; it is something you live from. For all who are one with Jesus it is already done. Eternal life is your present reality, and death is not your portion. Let that truth wash away your fear.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Genesis 5:24 – Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2 Kings 2:11 – Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 11:25-26 – Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 5:24 – Is passed from death unto life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Revelation 20:6 – On such the second death hath no power.
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.
Romans 6:8 – Dead with Christ, we shall also live with Him.
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Revelation 2:12
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
The Word of Grace and Judgment
◆ ◆ ◆
To Pergamos Jesus comes as He “which hath the sharp sword with two edges”. A sword is power. Why two edges?
The sword is the Word of God, and the Word was made flesh in Jesus, “full of grace and truth”. These are the two edges, perfectly balanced in one Person. Grace without truth would flatter; truth without grace would crush. In Him they are one blade.
The Word of God is not a dusty book. It is quick and powerful, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Received, it brings grace and protection. Rejected, it brings conviction and judgment. It also guards the Church by drawing a clean line between truth and lies.
Think of a surgeon. He cuts in order to heal, to remove what is harmful and restore health. The Word works the same way. It is never cruel, and it is never there to flatter. It is there to transform. The Psalmist says, “He sent his word, and healed them”.
The Word Applied
Jesus is present in His Church, and His is the final word. Open your heart to His living Word. Let its grace heal you and its truth set you free. The sword in His mouth is for your healing, not your harm.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 49:2 – He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword.
And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
Psalm 107:20 – He sent his word, and healed them.
He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Jeremiah 23:29 – Is not my word like as a fire?
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 4:12 – Sharper than any twoedged sword.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
John 1:14 – Full of grace and truth.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Ephesians 6:17 – The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Revelation 2:13
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Satan in Your Synagogue
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus says Pergamos dwells “even where Satan’s seat is”. The seat, thronos, is a throne: a stronghold where an evil idea is given influence and rule. And it hides where men least expect it, within religion.
Hebrews says the new covenant has made the first old, and that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. To long for the old temple system is to walk backward into the shadows while the light is ahead. It insults the finished work of Jesus, as though His sacrifice were not enough. It sets aside His once-for-all offering, and it longs for the very system that rejected and crucified the Messiah. This is the stronghold of religion, and it is Satan’s seat.
Yet this church held fast His name: “thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith”. Antipas, whose name means against all, stood firm against the popular tide and was slain among them. Jesus saw him and called him “my faithful martyr”. Not one faithful witness is forgotten.
The Word Applied
Jesus sees His witnesses and gives them strength. Your faithfulness matters more than you know. The victory is already won at the Cross. Do not long for old systems Christ has fulfilled. Hold fast to His name; His finished work is all you need.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 31:31-32 – A new covenant, not according to the old.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jeremiah 7:4 – Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD.
Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these.
Isaiah 43:18-19 – Behold, I will do a new thing.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 8:13 – Ready to vanish away.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 10:12 – One sacrifice for sins for ever.
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Galatians 4:9 – How turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements?
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Baal in Your Synagogue
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus warns Pergamos of “the doctrine of Balaam”. The warning was not for outsiders; it was for believers within the church.
Balaam was a prophet who was not permitted to curse Israel, so he found a craftier road. He “taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel”, to lead them into idol feasts and fornication. The stumblingblock, skandalon, is the trigger of a trap, set in the path on purpose. It is no accident; it is a snare. What open cursing could not do, quiet seduction accomplished, and at Baal-peor the camp of Israel fell.
What are the stumblingblocks today? Not golden images, but whatever quietly claims our loyalty: pleasure, power, money, or systems we serve in place of Christ. The doctrine of Balaam says a man can serve these and God together. In truth they contend for the throne of the heart. No man can drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils.
A quiet compromise is more dangerous than an open attack. What enters the mind comes out in the life.
The Word Applied
Jesus wants your whole heart, not a share of it. Refuse every teaching that waters down holiness. You belong to Him completely. Do not blend in with the world; shine for Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Numbers 31:16 – Through the counsel of Balaam.
Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
Numbers 25:1-3 – Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor.
And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.
Exodus 20:3 – Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 18:6 – Whoso shall offend one of these little ones.
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
1 Corinthians 10:21 – Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
2 Peter 2:15 – The way of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Revelation 2:15
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Satanic Doctrine in the Synagogue
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus seldom uses the word hate, so when He says of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, “which thing I hate”, we do well to listen.
The name declares it. Nikaō means to conquer or dominate; laos means the people. Together they mean ruling over the people. This is a man-made ladder of power, built from the top down. It robs the people of their freedom and stands between them and God.
Jesus designed something entirely different: a royal priesthood in which every believer has direct access to the Father. Authority in His Church exists to serve, never to control. He said, “one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion, but among His people the greatest is the servant of all, as He Himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
Doctrine matters, for what we believe shapes how we live. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Yet Jesus hates the teaching, not the people caught within it.
The Word Applied
You are a king and a priest in His kingdom. No man needs to stand between you and God, for Jesus opened the way. Your loyalty belongs to a Person, not to a system. Stay rooted in Him alone, and serve others with love.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 19:6 – A kingdom of priests.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Ezekiel 34:4 – With force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
1 Samuel 8:7 – They have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 23:8 – One is your Master, even Christ.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Mark 10:42-45 – Whosoever will be chiefest, shall be servant of all.
But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
1 Timothy 2:5 – One mediator between God and men.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 Peter 2:9 – A royal priesthood.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Revelation 2:16
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
My Living Word Will Crush the Lie
◆ ◆ ◆
This verse sets a plain choice: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly”. The trouble in Pergamos was compromise. The church let false teaching pass unchallenged, like a small crack in a dam. So Jesus gives a merciful command: repent, metanoeō, change the mind and turn. The door stands wide open.
Mark the words closely: He will “fight against them”, against those spreading the corruption. His justice is precise, aimed at the source of the lie and not at the whole church. He separates the false from His people as a surgeon removes a disease and spares the body.
The weapon is “the sword of my mouth”: rhomphaia, the great sword, which is the Word of God and pure truth. With the breath of His lips He slays the wicked, as Isaiah foretold. His Word is like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces. It cuts through lies, exposes darkness and brings cleansing. This sword is a defender; it guards the truth and freedom of God’s people from within.
The Word Applied
What you believe matters. Small compromises grow into great troubles, so value the truth above all. Your first loyalty belongs to Jesus and His Word, not to any religious system. Love the truth, live it, and defend it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 11:4 – With the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
Jeremiah 23:29 – Like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces.
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Hosea 6:5 – I have slain them by the words of my mouth.
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 6:17 – The sword of the Spirit.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
2 Thessalonians 2:8 – Consumed with the spirit of His mouth.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
John 12:48 – The word that I have spoken shall judge him.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Revelation 2:17
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 hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Die in Me, Live in Me, Eat the Living Word, Be Mine
◆ ◆ ◆
“He that hath an ear, let him hear”: akouō, to hear with understanding, as a man tunes his ear until the voice of the Spirit comes through clear. Then Jesus gives the overcomer three gifts.
First, “the hidden manna”. In the wilderness God fed Israel with bread from heaven, and a golden pot of manna was laid up before the testimony in the ark, hidden within the veil. Jesus is the true bread from heaven: “I am the bread of life”. His Word is real food for the spirit, hidden from the world and given to those who hear.
Second, “a white stone”. In the courts of that age a white stone declared a man not guilty. It is God’s verdict over you: acquitted, accepted and welcomed. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
Third, “a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it”. Kainon onoma is a name of a new kind, a new nature. It is your true identity, written by God upon your heart, for we have the mind of Christ. This is a secret between you and Him, not earned but received by faith.
The Word Applied
Your victory comes by faith, not by effort. Jesus is your food, He has declared you not guilty, and He has given you a new identity. You belong to Him. Hear His voice and feed on His Word today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 16:15 – This is the bread which the LORD hath given you.
And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.
Exodus 16:33 – Lay it up before the LORD.
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.
Isaiah 62:2 – Thou shalt be called by a new name.
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:35 – I am the bread of life.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Romans 8:1 – No condemnation.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:16 – We have the mind of Christ.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Revelation 2:18
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
I Am Judge upon the Altar of Atonement
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus comes to Thyatira as “the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass”. Many hear of eyes of fire and imagine a fearful judge. But this fire is not there to destroy. It is refining fire.
A refiner heats gold to remove what is impure, not to ruin the gold. The eyes of Jesus see everything, and they see the precious thing He is making in you.
Now the feet. Fine brass is metal already refined and proven by fire. In Scripture brass belongs to judgment for sin. The altar where atonement was made was overlaid with brass, and the serpent of brass that brought healing was lifted up for the people to look upon and live. His feet of brass declare that judgment has already passed through the fire, at the Cross. His searching gaze stands upon His own tested and perfect righteousness.
Mark also the title. Only here in the letters does He name Himself “the Son of God”. To a city of trade guilds and their gods, He declares the one true Son, who alone has the right to judge, because He alone bore judgment.
The Word Applied
To be fully seen by Jesus is nothing to fear. He sees who you are becoming, and the work He began in you He will finish. Let His fire gently burn away what does not belong; it is making you truly yourself.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 27:1-2 – The altar overlaid with brass.
And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.
And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
Malachi 3:3 – A refiner and purifier of silver.
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Psalm 2:7 – Thou art my Son.
I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 4:13 – All things are naked and opened unto His eyes.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Philippians 1:6 – He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
John 5:22 – The Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Revelation 2:19
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Many Good Works
◆ ◆ ◆
This verse is warm and full of encouragement. Jesus names what is good in Thyatira: works, charity, service, faith and patience.
It is not another impossible standard. Mark the order. Charity, agapē, and faith are the roots; service and patience grow from them; works are the fruit. Faith works by love, and true works always flow from faith powered by love. Works are not the coin that purchases salvation. We are saved by grace through faith, and created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
Then Jesus adds, “and the last to be more than the first.” He celebrates their growth. It is as though He says: I see you growing; your love and your service are greater now than when you began. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Jesus knows you completely. Growth is not a flawless record. It is love, faith and service growing stronger with the years, as a tree planted by the rivers of water brings forth its fruit in its season.
The Word Applied
God celebrates your progress, not your perfection. You need not prove yourself, for His love toward you is settled at the Cross. Let your good works be the joyful overflow of a heart already loved.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Proverbs 4:18 – The path of the just shineth more and more.
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Psalm 92:12-14 – They shall still bring forth fruit in old age.
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
Psalm 1:3 – A tree planted by the rivers of water.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 5:6 – Faith which worketh by love.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ephesians 2:8-10 – Created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Philippians 1:9 – That your love abound yet more and more.
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Revelation 2:20
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Impurity and Idolatry
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus warns Thyatira of “that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess”. She seduced His servants into fornication and the eating of things sacrificed unto idols.
The key is the picture of marriage that runs through all Scripture. God is the Bridegroom and His people are the Bride. Fornication here is spiritual unfaithfulness: giving the heart to something other than Jesus. To eat idol food is to swallow deceptive teaching that looks good and leaves the soul weak and sick. The Jezebel of old stirred up Ahab to work wickedness and cut off the prophets of the LORD; her spirit still silences the true word.
Jezebel is not only a woman of long ago. She is any teaching or voice that claims to speak for God but pulls the heart away from Jesus and His finished work. That includes legalism, religious performance and worldly thinking. Paul says we are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, so that we are married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead.
The Word Applied
Your heart belongs to Jesus alone. Test every teaching against His truth. If a voice pulls you from His finished work, it is not from Him. When you slip, His patience calls you home. Stay near, and feed on Jesus, the true bread of life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 21:25 – Whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
1 Kings 18:4 – Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD.
For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
Hosea 2:19-20 – I will betroth thee unto me for ever.
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 7:4 – Married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead.
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
2 Corinthians 11:2 – A chaste virgin to Christ.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Galatians 5:4 – Whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Revelation 2:21
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Repent
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.” The words are short and direct. Space, chronos, is not mere time passing. It is a measured season, a window opened on purpose so that men turn around.
God gave the old religious system such a window. Jesus, the Lamb, the living Word and the Bridegroom, stood before them. Yet they chose their temple, their laws and their traditions above living fellowship with God. They chose religion over relationship. The heartbreak sounds in His words over Jerusalem: “how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”
The patience of God always has a purpose: His goodness leads to repentance. Grace calls for a response. To ignore grace is not to stand neutral; it is to resist it. God makes His truth clear, but the heart must be willing to see. Only our own flesh and will refuse Him.
The Word Applied
Jesus held nothing back. The door is open, and only our own will remains outside. Recognise the season of grace in your life now, and do not delay turning to Him. Today is your space to answer. Say yes to Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 65:2 – I have spread out my hands all the day.
I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
Ezekiel 18:32 – Turn yourselves, and live ye.
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Isaiah 55:6 – Seek ye the LORD while he is near.
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 23:37 – How often would I have gathered thy children.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Romans 2:4 – The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
John 5:40 – Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
2 Peter 3:9 – Not willing that any should perish.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Revelation 2:22
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Mix with the Old and Meet Crushing Affliction
◆ ◆ ◆
“Behold”, idou: a flashing sign that says, pay attention. Then Jesus speaks of a bed, but not a bed of rest. It is a bed of reckoning.
Here is the surprise: the “great tribulation” of this verse is avoidable. It comes “except they repent of their deeds”. It is no fixed disaster of a distant future. It is what befalls those who stay entangled with a corrupt and false system and lean on human strength without the Holy Spirit.
Jesus gave the perfect picture: new wine and old wineskins. New wine keeps working and expanding, so it needs a new and supple skin. Pour it into an old, stiff skin, and the skin bursts; the wine is spilled, and the bottles are marred. The old, rigid religious system is the old wineskin. The new life and grace in Jesus is the new wine. Try to force His life into old, dead structures, and the result is crushing pressure. That is tribulation. Jeremiah saw the same people walk in the imagination of their evil heart, and go backward, and not forward.
The Word Applied
Make a clean break with the old. Repentance is always the way out, and Jesus offers it freely. His new wine needs a new heart. Let Him make you new, and live free in His grace.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 7:24 – They went backward, and not forward.
But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
Ezekiel 36:26 – A new heart also will I give you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Isaiah 43:18-19 – Remember ye not the former things.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Mark 2:22 – New wine must be put into new bottles.
And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.
Galatians 5:1 – Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Acts 3:19 – Repent ye therefore, and be converted.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Their Children Will See Me as Truth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I will kill her children with death.” The line is startling, but it is not about bodily violence. It is a picture of decisive spiritual judgment: a complete and final separation from a corrupt and deceptive system. What is born of that system dies with it, so that what is born of the Spirit lives.
The judgment comes in three movements. First, exposure: hidden sin and false motives are brought into the light. Second, separation: truth is divided cleanly from lies. Third, for all who respond, renewal: a clean cut from the old way and a new beginning.
Jesus says, “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts”. The reins are the inmost affections. He sees far beneath the surface; He knows the true reason behind what we do. He is the very Word that is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
So He will give “unto every one of you according to your works”, and the worth of our works is not measured by how they look to others. It is measured by the heart behind them. The works that last flow from a heart joined to Him in love, truth and humility.
The Word Applied
Jesus is the Truth, and He sees your heart. Let Him bring everything into His light. He separates you from what is false and makes you new. Let love for Him be the reason behind all you do.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 17:10 – I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins.
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Psalm 139:23 – Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
1 Samuel 16:7 – The LORD looketh on the heart.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 4:12 – A discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
John 14:6 – I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
1 Corinthians 4:5 – He will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Revelation 2:24
But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Mercy for Those Who Knew Not
◆ ◆ ◆
This verse is full of mercy. Jesus speaks “unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan”, and He promises, “I will put upon you none other burden.” He draws a clear line between those who held to deception and those who stayed with the truth.
Scripture shows the patience of God again and again. At Athens Paul declared that the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commands all men every where to repent. Paul himself obtained mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbelief. And on the Cross Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Ignorance is no excuse, yet it moves the heart of God to mercy. God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world through Him should be saved. His aim is not to condemn the blind but to open their eyes. The so-called depths of Satan are shallow beside the depth of the riches of His grace.
The Word Applied
God is rich in mercy. He does not heap extra burdens upon you; His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In a world of many voices, listen for the One who points to Jesus, and rest in His grace.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 103:13-14 – He remembereth that we are dust.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
Isaiah 42:3 – A bruised reed shall he not break.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Isaiah 42:7 – To open the blind eyes.
To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 23:34 – Father, forgive them.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Acts 17:30 – The times of this ignorance God winked at.
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
1 Timothy 1:13 – I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly.
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Matthew 11:30 – My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Revelation 2:25
But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Stay with God: I Will Reveal Myself to You
◆ ◆ ◆
“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.” Mark the word already. You are not waiting to receive something new. You are called to guard a treasure that is already yours: the truth of Jesus and His finished work.
To hold fast, krateō, is to grip firmly, to guard and to keep going. It is an act of love, not of anxiety.
“Till I come” is not only the end of the age. Jesus promised, “he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” Holding fast invites Him to reveal Himself to you more and more. He came at the Cross, He came at Pentecost, and He comes to every heart that keeps His word.
God is not grading you on how much you understand today. He sees your heart and honours sincere love for Him. Your part is to stay true to what you know. His part is to bring deeper understanding in His time, and holding fast makes the heart ready for more.
The Word Applied
You already have the treasure: Jesus Himself. Do not chase the next new thing. Hold what He has given you, love Him, and He will go on revealing Himself to you, day by day.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Proverbs 4:13 – Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go.
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Jeremiah 29:13 – Ye shall seek me, and find me.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Psalm 25:14 – The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 14:21 – I will manifest myself to him.
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Hebrews 10:23 – Hold fast the profession of our faith.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Hold fast that which is good.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Revelation 2:26
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Die in Me, Live in Me, Believe Me, Be Victorious
◆ ◆ ◆
Here is a condition and a reward. The overcomer who “keepeth my works unto the end” receives “power over the nations”.
To overcome, nikaō, is to conquer and win. But it is not a matter of willpower. Overcoming is standing in the victory Jesus already won at the Cross. To keep “my works” is to guard and hold to His work. Mark it: His works, not ours. “Unto the end” means staying faithful until the task is done.
And “power over the nations”? Exousia is authority, the right to act with heaven’s backing. The nations are the peoples who have not yet heard the gospel. This is not political power. It is the authority to carry the good news of Jesus with all heaven behind you. The risen Lord said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations”. The Father promised the Son the heathen for His inheritance, and the Son shares that inheritance with His Church.
We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Our victory is wholly bound to His.
The Word Applied
You need not win every battle alone. Victory is a gift. Stand firm in the finished work of Jesus and carry the victory He already won. You have His authority to share His good news with the world around you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:8 – I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Zechariah 4:6 – By my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Daniel 7:27 – The kingdom given to the people of the saints.
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 8:37 – More than conquerors through Him that loved us.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Matthew 28:18-19 – All power is given unto me.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
1 John 5:4 – This is the victory, even our faith.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Revelation 2:27
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
As My Father Gave, I Shepherd and Judge
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he shall rule them with a rod of iron”. It sounds harsh, but beneath it lies a picture of firm, just and caring authority.
To rule is poimainō, to shepherd. The rod is the shepherd’s staff. It guides and protects the sheep and drives off the wolves. Iron means it is strong and cannot be broken. This is a Shepherd King, not a tyrant. David said, “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
What of the broken vessels? “As the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers”. A potter breaks the vessel that cannot be mended. The judgment of Jesus falls upon corrupt systems, not upon His sheep. Whatever is built upon lies cannot stand before His truth. In Daniel the stone cut out without hands struck the image and broke it in pieces, and that stone is Jesus.
Then He says, “even as I received of my Father.” Lambanō is to receive, to take upon oneself. Jesus did not seize power. He received it because He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. The Good Shepherd took our burdens and our sins upon Himself.
The Word Applied
Jesus rules your life as a loving Shepherd, firmly and faithfully. His kingdom stands upon unbreakable truth, and you share His authority and victory. Let Him guide you with His staff today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:9 – Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Psalm 23:4 – Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Daniel 2:34-35 – The stone became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Philippians 2:8-9 – Obedient unto death; highly exalted.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
John 10:11 – I am the good shepherd.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Matthew 21:44 – Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Revelation 2:28
And I will give him the morning star.
Jesus, the Morning Star
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I will give him the morning star.” This is not a trophy. Jesus gives Himself: His presence, His light and His life. The gift is the Giver.
Some link the morning star with Satan, but that rests on one passage in Isaiah. Revelation settles it: Jesus says, “I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Balaam himself foresaw it: “there shall come a Star out of Jacob”.
The morning star shines just before the dawn and announces a new day. When Jesus rises in your heart, His resurrection life becomes your life, and you are seated with Him in heavenly places now. Peter speaks of the day dawning and the day star arising in your hearts.
The goal of faith is not to escape earth for heaven one day. It is to bring heaven to earth, through you, now. How does this work in ordinary people? We have this treasure in earthen vessels. David was a shepherd boy; Peter and John were fishermen. The glory of God shines through ordinary lives.
The Word Applied
Jesus, the Morning Star, lives in you. His light has already dawned in your heart. You are a clay vessel carrying heaven’s treasure. Let His light shine through you today and bring a new day to the people around you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Numbers 24:17 – There shall come a Star out of Jacob.
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
Malachi 4:2 – The Sun of righteousness arise with healing.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine; for thy light is come.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Revelation 22:16 – The bright and morning star.
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.
2 Peter 1:19 – The day star arise in your hearts.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2 Corinthians 4:7 – This treasure in earthen vessels.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Ephesians 2:6 – Sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Revelation 2:29
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Pay Attention: It Is All Spiritual
◆ ◆ ◆
Men say, I will believe it when I see it. The kingdom of God works the other way: hearing comes first, and seeing follows.
This call is spoken to all seven churches: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It does not say, he that hath eyes, let him see. All the weight rests on hearing, for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. And it says saith, in the present tense. This keeps Revelation in the present, not an intricate chart of the end of time. The Spirit speaks today about the pressures, compromises and noise you face now.
What is He saying through these four letters? Tell truth from lies. Refuse compromise. Live from the power that is already yours in Christ, not from your own effort. Return to wholehearted love, as a bride to her bridegroom.
The overcoming life is not pushing a boulder up a hill. It is trusting the One who already stands at the top. Samuel learned to answer, “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”
The Word Applied
The Spirit speaks to you through His Word, through your life and in the quiet of your heart. Your victory is received, not achieved. Turn down the noise, and choose to hear Him today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:3 – Hear, and your soul shall live.
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
1 Samuel 3:10 – Speak; for thy servant heareth.
And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
Proverbs 8:34 – Blessed is the man that heareth me.
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 10:17 – Faith cometh by hearing.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 10:27 – My sheep hear my voice.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Hebrews 3:15 – To day if ye will hear his voice.
While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Chapter 3
The Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea · 22 verses
Revelation 3:1
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
God’s Seven Spirits and Seven Stars
◆ ◆ ◆
Picture a church with a great reputation and much activity. From without it looks alive. Then Jesus says, “thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”
Sardis was a wealthy city upon a high cliff, and its people thought it safe for ever. Yet it fell twice, because its watchmen slept. The church slept in the same way. The name Sardis speaks of those who escape; but a man asleep does not know that he needs to escape.
Jesus comes to them as He “that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars”. Seven is completeness: this is the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the true source of life, and the stars are His true Church held in His hand. So the trouble in Sardis was not a lack of programmes. It was a lack of the life of the Spirit. A form of godliness remained, but its power was denied. The letter kills; the Spirit gives life.
Yet even here some embers still glowed, and Jesus came to fan them into flame. The Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead quickens mortal bodies, and He quickens sleeping churches.
The Word Applied
God is not impressed by reputation. He looks for real life from His Spirit. Never mistake being busy for God with being alive in God. Jesus has given you the fullness of His Spirit. Let His life flow through everything you do.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 11:2 – The sevenfold Spirit rests upon the Messiah.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Zechariah 4:6 – By my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Ezekiel 37:5 – I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.
Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Timothy 3:5 – A form of godliness, denying the power.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Romans 8:11 – He shall also quicken your mortal bodies.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
2 Corinthians 3:6 – The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Revelation 3:2
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Keep the Good and Do Better
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus tells Sardis that what remains is “ready to die”. The words speak of something at the very edge. This is not a sentence of death. It is a loving summons to act before the last flicker goes out.
Isaiah said of the Messiah that a bruised reed He will not break, and the smoking flax He will not quench. God does not throw away what is weak. He strengthens it.
Jesus gives a twofold plan for revival. First, “Be watchful”: wake up, stop drifting, and attend to your faith. Second, “strengthen the things which remain”: find the little flame of life and fan it. Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift of God that was in him. Faith is like a fire on the hearth: neglected, it sinks to ashes; tended, it blazes.
“For I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Perfect, peplērōmena, means filled full, complete. Their works were begun but not finished. Jesus does not fill the gap with more of their effort; He fills it with Himself, for ye are complete in Him.
The Word Applied
You cannot live on last year’s blessing or on another man’s faith. Whatever little you have, bring it to Jesus now. He never breaks the weak; He makes it strong. Stir up the gift He has placed in you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 42:3 – A bruised reed shall he not break.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
Isaiah 40:29 – He giveth power to the faint.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Ezekiel 34:16 – I will strengthen that which was sick.
I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Timothy 1:6 – Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee.
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Colossians 2:10 – Ye are complete in him.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Romans 13:11 – High time to awake out of sleep.
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Revelation 3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Be Watchful: Know Me When I Come
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus tells Sardis to remember how they received and heard, to hold fast and to repent. Then He warns, “I will come on thee as a thief”.
That does not mean Jesus is like a thief. The word kleptēs points to surprise. His visitation is sudden only to those who sleep. To the watching it is no surprise at all: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”
Jesus wept over Jerusalem for this very reason. The religious leaders had the Scriptures and all the traditions, yet they missed their Messiah when He walked among them, because they knew not the time of their visitation. To know the right words without knowing Him leads to blindness.
The presence of God often comes quietly: a timely word from a friend, a line of a hymn, a still moment, a gentle prompting of the heart. The unwatchful let it pass. This warning is not meant to make you anxious. It is a loving call to live ready for Him, with open eyes and an eager heart.
The Word Applied
Jesus is near, and He comes into your everyday life. Stay awake to Him. To recognise Him comes from nearness, not from information alone. Study His Word, speak with Him and watch. When He visits, you will know Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Habakkuk 2:1 – I will stand upon my watch.
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
Isaiah 26:9 – With my spirit within me will I seek thee early.
With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Psalm 130:6 – More than they that watch for the morning.
My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 19:41-44 – Thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 – Let us watch and be sober.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Matthew 24:42 – Watch therefore.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Revelation 3:4
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Keep It Clean: Walk Pure
◆ ◆ ◆
Most of the church in Sardis had drifted into compromise. Yet Jesus says, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments”. Even in a sleeping church He saw a faithful few, and He knew them by name.
Defiled garments picture a life stained by compromise. These few had kept their raiment clean; they stayed true to Jesus when it was costly and lonely. God has always kept a remnant: seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal, when Elijah thought he stood alone. He notices the quiet faithfulness others overlook.
The reward is beautiful: “they shall walk with me in white”. To walk with Jesus is close friendship, as Enoch walked with God. White is victory and purity: His own righteousness covering them. Zechariah saw Joshua the high priest in filthy garments, and the LORD said, “Take away the filthy garments from him”, and clothed him with change of raiment.
“For they are worthy.” Their worth did not come from their own perfection. It came from the One who makes us worthy. Jesus clothes us in His righteousness, and we stay faithful to Him.
The Word Applied
Jesus sees you; He knows your name. Where compromise is easy and faithfulness is costly, stay true to Him. You are already clothed in His white robe of righteousness. Walk with Him in it today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 61:10 – He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Zechariah 3:4 – Take away the filthy garments from him.
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
1 Kings 19:18 – Seven thousand which have not bowed unto Baal.
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 3:27 – Ye have put on Christ.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Ephesians 4:24 – The new man, created in righteousness.
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
2 Timothy 2:19 – The Lord knoweth them that are his.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Be Remembered
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus makes three promises to the overcomer. He “shall be clothed in white raiment”. His name will not be blotted out of “the book of life”. And Jesus will “confess his name before my Father, and before his angels”.
The book of life is God’s record of those who belong to Him. Daniel was told that every one found written in the book shall be delivered, and Malachi saw a book of remembrance written before the LORD for them that feared Him.
Who is written there? Not those with the finest religious background, good deeds or titles. It is all about being found in Him: trusting Jesus, living a new life through Him and standing in the victory He has already won. For the overcomer, the one in union with Jesus, the promise is clear: his name will not be blotted out. Your security rests on your position in Him, and His promises are yea and Amen.
And Jesus is your advocate. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”. He speaks for you before the Father, the best of counsel in the highest court.
The Word Applied
The aim is not to make a great name for yourself. It is to have your identity found in Him. The book of life does not ask what you have done; it asks whether you are known. In Jesus you are fully known and safe for ever.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 12:1 – Every one that shall be found written in the book.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Malachi 3:16 – A book of remembrance was written.
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Isaiah 49:16 – I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Philippians 3:9 – Found in him, having His righteousness.
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
1 John 2:1 – An advocate with the Father.
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Luke 10:20 – Your names are written in heaven.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Matthew 10:32 – Him will I confess before my Father.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Revelation 3:6
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Listen and Live
◆ ◆ ◆
We are surrounded by noise all day, yet how much truly reaches us? “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” This is not about the ears of the body. It is about the willingness to truly listen.
James warns us not to deceive ourselves by being hearers only. The call to hear is always a call to do. Hearing without doing goes nowhere, like a man who beholds his natural face in a glass, goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was.
And who speaks? “The Spirit.” The Holy Spirit takes the truth of Jesus and delivers it to the heart. He is our teacher and our guide into all truth, and He searches the deep things of God. Here it all comes together. If the Spirit guides us into truth, and Jesus is the Truth, then to hear the Spirit is to hear the voice of Jesus. Isaiah promised that our ears would hear a word behind us, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.
The letter to Sardis does not close with a threat but with an open ear.
The Word Applied
Jesus is speaking to you now by His Spirit. It is a living invitation, not an old rule shut in a book. Open your heart, listen, and then act on what He shows you. His voice brings life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:3 – Hear, and your soul shall live.
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Isaiah 30:21 – This is the way, walk ye in it.
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Proverbs 20:12 – The hearing ear, the LORD hath made.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
James 1:22-24 – Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
John 16:13 – He will guide you into all truth.
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.
1 Corinthians 2:10 – The Spirit searcheth the deep things of God.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
Revelation 3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I Open and I Shut
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus comes to Philadelphia as “he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth”. That is total authority.
The key of David comes from Isaiah. Eliakim was set over the house of the king, and the key was laid upon his shoulder; he controlled who entered the palace. Jesus, the Son of David, holds that key now, and the government is upon His shoulder.
What has He shut? The old order: the old religious system and the old covenant, declared finished. What has He opened? A new and living way that gives every person direct access to God. No religious institution, no government and no human power can bar that access. The highest authority opened it, and it stays open. Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved”.
This truth is personal. Let go of the doors He has shut. Trust His authority, and walk boldly through the door He has opened for you.
The Word Applied
Stop trying to force doors that are already closed, such as old rules or your own effort. Access to God, salvation and true freedom come through Jesus alone. He has opened the door once and for all. Walk in.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 22:22 – The key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder.
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Isaiah 9:6 – The government shall be upon his shoulder.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Psalm 24:7 – Lift up your heads, O ye gates.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 10:9 – I am the door.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Hebrews 10:19-20 – A new and living way.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Matthew 16:19 – The keys of the kingdom of heaven.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Revelation 3:8
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
An Eternal Open Door
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus says, “behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it”.
The church in Philadelphia had “a little strength”. They were small and weak. But they “hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name”. A little strength does not disqualify you. When it makes you lean upon His great strength, Jesus honours it. His strength is made perfect in weakness.
Best of all, the door stays open. The access Jesus bought at the Cross is not temporary or on trial. It is permanent. The Greek says oudeis dunatai kleisai: no one is able to shut it. Not man-made religion, not corrupt leaders, not empires, not accusations and not the powers of hell can close what Jesus has opened. When He died, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, torn by God and never sewn again.
Paul says the same: neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Word Applied
Jesus sees you, even when you feel weak. He is the door, and the access He gives is wholly secure. Needing Him is your greatest strength. You do not earn your way in; you receive a Person standing in the doorway saying, Come in. Take your next step through.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 45:1 – To open before him the two leaved gates.
Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
Isaiah 40:29 – To them that have no might he increaseth strength.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Zechariah 4:10 – Who hath despised the day of small things?
For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. shall rejoice
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing shall separate us from the love of God.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – My strength is made perfect in weakness.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Matthew 27:51 – The veil was rent in twain.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Revelation 3:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Out with the Old, In with the New
◆ ◆ ◆
“Behold”, idou: look closely. Jesus speaks again of “the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie”.
They claimed to be God’s people by birth and by religion, yet they rejected Jesus and persecuted His Church. True identity in God is spiritual, not founded on bloodline, title or outward show. Paul says a true Jew is one inwardly, with a changed heart.
Then comes a stunning reversal: “I will make them to come and worship before thy feet”. Isaiah promised it: the sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee. God always vindicates the faithful. To worship here is to bow in honour, acknowledging that God is with this people of a truth.
And why? “To know that I have loved thee.” The word ginōskō is to know by experience, by seeing it with one’s own eyes. This is not revenge. It is the public proof of God’s love for His people, and an open door of mercy for their oppressors, that seeing, they too turn to Him.
The Word Applied
Your identity is not in religion; it is in Jesus. Old things are passed away; all things are become new. God loves you, and He will make that love plain for all to see. Stay humble, and hope that your opponents turn to Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 60:14 – They shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet.
The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 43:4 – Thou wast precious in my sight, and I have loved thee.
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
Isaiah 49:23 – They shall bow down to thee.
And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 2:28-29 – He is a Jew, which is one inwardly.
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – All things are become new.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 Corinthians 14:25 – God is in you of a truth.
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.
Revelation 3:10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Prophecy Believed: I Came to Deliver
◆ ◆ ◆
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation”. It begins with what the believers had already done. They kept the word of His patience, the steady endurance of Jesus Himself. They believed the prophets and held on.
The word for hour is hōra. It does not mean sixty minutes; it means a decisive season. The hour of Jesus was the Cross, where He triumphed: “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son”. The world faces its hour of testing, and each of us meets personal hours in which faith is tried.
Temptation, peirasmos, is a proving: a test that shows what is truly in the heart and where its loyalty lies.
God’s keeping, then, is a shield in the fire and not always an escape from it. Three young men walked in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, and the form of the fourth was like the Son of God. The fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was a hair of their head singed. So He keeps His own in the midst of the trial. He refines them like gold, and He never leaves them alone.
The Word Applied
Jesus came to deliver you, and He has already won His hour at the Cross. Your endurance will be rewarded. Keep your eyes on Him and hold to His Word. Whatever hour of testing comes, He is your keeper.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 3:25 – The form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Daniel 3:27 – Nor was an hair of their head singed.
And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
Psalm 121:7 – The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 17:1 – Father, the hour is come.
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
John 17:15 – Keep them from the evil.
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
1 Peter 1:7 – The trial of your faith, more precious than gold.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Revelation 3:11
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
I Came, I Conquered: Stay Focused
◆ ◆ ◆
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” The word tachu means without delay. Jesus came quickly, conquered at the Cross and poured out His Spirit. His kingdom is here now.
Mark the words “which thou hast”. No one can hold fast what he does not already have. This is not about earning a future prize. It is about guarding the victory that is already yours in Christ.
Your crown is not a trophy waiting at the finish line. It is the royal identity you wear while you run. He crowns thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Hold your ground against fear, doubt and every voice that says you are not who God says you are. No man can wrest the crown from you, but a man can lay it down through unbelief; so hold it fast.
The whole creation waits with earnest expectation for the manifestation of the sons of God: for believers to walk in who they already are, bringing His kingdom into the earth.
The Word Applied
Victory is here. You are a king and a priest in His kingdom now. Stay focused, guard your crown and bring His kingdom into your everyday life. Do not only wait for the kingdom; live in it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 62:3 – A crown of glory in the hand of the LORD.
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
Psalm 103:4 – Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness.
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Psalm 8:5 – Crowned him with glory and honour.
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 8:19 – The manifestation of the sons of God.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Luke 17:21 – The kingdom of God is within you.
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – A crown of righteousness.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Revelation 3:12
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Your New Name: in the Holy of Holies for Ever
◆ ◆ ◆
This promise is for the overcomer, ho nikōn. But the victory is not won by gritting the teeth. John writes, “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” It is received, not achieved.
Jesus says, “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out”. A pillar is strong and fixed. Solomon set up two pillars of brass in the porch of the temple and named them Jachin, he shall establish, and Boaz, in it is strength. You are not a visitor in God’s house. You have a home for ever in His presence, in the holy of holies, for you are the temple of the living God.
Then He writes three names upon you. The name of God: you belong to Him. The name of the city of God, “which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God”: you are a citizen of His kingdom and part of His Bride. And His own new name: the seal of nearness, Jesus saying, You are Mine.
Mark that the city comes down. Heaven does not wait far off for us to climb to it; it comes down to earth, in earth as it is in heaven. This is not only for a distant future. It is who you are today, through faith.
The Word Applied
Your victory is His, received by faith. You are an unshakable pillar in God’s house, marked with His name. Leave behind the old labels of fear, failure and shame. Your true name has been written by God Himself.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 56:5 – An everlasting name within mine house.
Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
Psalm 23:6 – I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
1 Kings 7:21 – The pillars Jachin and Boaz.
And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 John 5:4 – The victory that overcometh the world.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Ephesians 2:19-22 – An holy temple in the Lord.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 6:16 – Ye are the temple of the living God.
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Galatians 4:26 – Jerusalem which is above is free.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Revelation 3:13
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Listen in the Spirit
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus says again, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” What is it to have an ear for spiritual things?
Hearing comes first; seeing follows. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. To grow in faith we first hear the Word and the Truth, who is Jesus, and then the revelation of Jesus is seen. True hearing needs humility: an open heart, ready to learn. Isaiah said, “he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.”
The Spirit is the voice of God, and He always points to Jesus. Later in this book we read that “his name is called The Word of God.” The Word is not a thing but a Person. When the Spirit speaks, He reveals the truth and the life of Jesus.
The message is for “the churches”. Ekklēsia means the called-out ones. It is for you personally, and for the whole family of believers together.
The Word Applied
Be humble and open to learn. Listen first, and Jesus will be revealed to you. The Spirit is speaking now, and listening is the engine of spiritual growth. What is He showing you about Jesus today? He is the Word, and He loves to be heard.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 50:4 – He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Proverbs 1:5 – A wise man will hear, and will increase learning.
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
Deuteronomy 6:4 – Hear, O Israel.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 10:17 – Faith cometh by hearing.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Revelation 19:13 – His name is called The Word of God.
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Matthew 13:16 – Blessed are your ears, for they hear.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Revelation 3:14
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Thus Saith the Amen
◆ ◆ ◆
Laodicea was a rich banking city, famed for black wool and for eye ointment. The church felt it needed nothing. Jesus introduces Himself with three titles, and each is a key.
“The Amen.” Amēn means certain, final and true. Jesus is the last word. Isaiah speaks of the God of truth, in the Hebrew the God of Amen, and every promise of God is yea and Amen in Him.
“The faithful and true witness.” He tells the honest truth, even when it wounds, because He loves. Laodicea trusted its own eyes, but its sight was flawed. Jesus sees clearly.
“The beginning of the creation of God.” Archē does not mean Jesus was created. It means He is the source and origin of everything, for all things were made by Him. That includes the new life this church needed, for in Him the new creation began.
Their water came by aqueduct and arrived lukewarm, neither healing like hot springs nor refreshing like cold. It was a picture of their faith. Yet Jesus does not end with a rebuke; He ends standing at their door and knocking.
The Word Applied
Jesus is the Amen. His Word is final, and His promises are yes. Do not rely on your own wealth or your own sight. Rely on Him, the true source of life. He wants to come in.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 65:16 – He shall bless himself in the God of truth.
That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
Proverbs 8:22-23 – I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning.
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 1:20 – In him yea, and in him Amen.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Colossians 1:16-18 – He is the beginning.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
John 1:3 – All things were made by him.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Revelation 3:15
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
The Old Temple Stood for Nothing Pure
◆ ◆ ◆
“I would thou wert cold or hot.” Why would cold be better than lukewarm?
The word for cold is psuchros. Here it does not mean hostile to God. Cold water was pure and refreshing; it stands for honest, sincere reverence rooted in truth. Hot stands for faith on fire with the Spirit. Both are real. Lukewarm is a mixture: a little true faith mingled with much worldly compromise, the old way of the law blended with the new life of grace.
Ezekiel gives the picture. When silver is melted in a furnace, dross rises to the top, a worthless scum skimmed off and cast away. God said His people had become dross. A mixed faith cannot be shaped for His holy purpose. Jeremiah heard the LORD say, “if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth”. Real value is always found in purity, never in compromise.
God values sincerity above display. The half-heart in the middle He will not receive.
The Word Applied
Jesus wants all of you, not a mixture. Choose Him with your whole heart, in quiet reverence or in burning zeal. Let Him refine you like pure silver. In Him you are made pure and set apart for His purpose.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 22:18 – The house of Israel is to me become dross.
Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.
Jeremiah 15:19 – Take forth the precious from the vile.
Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
Proverbs 25:25 – As cold waters to a thirsty soul.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
James 1:8 – A double minded man is unstable.
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Romans 12:11 – Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Luke 24:32 – Did not our heart burn within us?
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Revelation 3:16
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
I Reject the Mixture
◆ ◆ ◆
“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Why so strong a reaction?
A lukewarm heart wears the look of godliness while hiding compromise within. Paul calls it “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof”. It ticks the boxes without, but within it is hollow and powerless.
The word for spue, emeō, literally means to vomit: the body’s instant rejection of something mixed and impure. Lukewarm faith tries to have it both ways. It mingles true devotion with what contradicts it, the old ways of law and religious show with the new life of grace. Elijah asked Israel on Carmel, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” That mixture is what Jesus rejects.
There is no grey ground and no comfortable middle. The call is to full surrender, whether in quiet reverence or loud passion. Jesus rejects the mixture so that He can receive the man.
The Word Applied
Jesus held nothing back for you; He gave His whole self at the Cross. So give Him your whole heart in return. Let go of the old mixture and live fully in His new life. Wholehearted devotion is your answer to His wholehearted love.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 18:21 – How long halt ye between two opinions?
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
Deuteronomy 6:5 – With all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Joshua 24:15 – Choose you this day whom ye will serve.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Timothy 3:5 – A form of godliness.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Matthew 6:24 – No man can serve two masters.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Galatians 3:3 – Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Revelation 3:17
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Your Mammon Will Be the End of You
◆ ◆ ◆
Laodicea boasted, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing”. This was total self-sufficiency. Mammon is money and possessions, and they trusted it completely. Hosea heard Ephraim say the same: “I am become rich, I have found me out substance”.
But Jesus gave the true diagnosis in five words. Wretched: in deep distress. Miserable: to be pitied. Poor: spiritually bankrupt. Blind: unable to see their own condition. Naked: like Adam and Eve, exposed and ashamed. They wore the finest garments money could buy, yet before God they were uncovered. They lacked the only covering that counts, the righteousness of Christ.
Wealth and comfort numb the soul to its true condition. Every success is empty if it is not rooted in Jesus. But a diagnosis from God always comes with a cure. The cure is not more goods or more effort. It is a Person. The answer was never a better account at the bank; it was a change of Lord.
The Word Applied
Your true wealth is Jesus. Come to Him just as you are: poor, blind and naked. He has already paid for everything you need. In Him you are rich, you see, and you are fully covered.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Proverbs 11:28 – He that trusteth in his riches shall fall.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Hosea 12:8 – I am become rich.
And Ephraim said, Yet I am become rich, I have found me out substance: in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin.
Genesis 3:7 – They knew that they were naked.
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 6:24 – Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
2 Corinthians 8:9 – Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor.
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
1 Timothy 6:17 – Nor trust in uncertain riches.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Be Purified: Christ Is Your Wealth
◆ ◆ ◆
Jesus gives a threefold cure.
“Buy of me gold tried in the fire”. They were proud of their money. Jesus offers true riches, a faith refined by fire. Fire burns away the false and leaves the pure. Christ Himself is your wealth.
“White raiment, that thou mayest be clothed”. They were famed for black wool. Jesus offers white raiment, His own righteousness, to cover the shame of nakedness. It cannot be earned; it is a gift of grace and victory.
“Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see”. They made a celebrated eye ointment. Jesus offers His own eyesalve: the power to see as God sees. Elisha prayed that the LORD would open his servant’s eyes, and the young man saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire.
But how does one buy from Him? Isaiah answers: “come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” It is the great exchange. We hand over our pride, our shame and our blindness. He gives us refined faith, His righteousness and true sight.
The Word Applied
This is not a threat; it is an invitation to be restored. Everything you need is already paid for. Trade the temporary for the eternal. Christ is your gold, your raiment and your sight. Come and receive from Him today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:1 – Buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Zechariah 13:9 – I will refine them as silver is refined.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
2 Kings 6:17 – The LORD opened the eyes of the young man.
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Peter 1:7 – Gold tried with fire.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Romans 13:14 – Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Ephesians 1:18 – The eyes of your understanding being enlightened.
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Revelation 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Correction from Love
◆ ◆ ◆
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten”. The words sound severe, but they come from love.
To rebuke, elenchō, is to bring a thing into the light so that it is seen clearly. To chasten, paideuō, is to train a child. A loving father corrects his son not to wound him but to help him grow. “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD”, said Solomon, “for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth”.
Then Jesus gives two answers. “Be zealous”: let the heart burn with love for God again. “And repent”: metanoeō, change the mind and turn around, not merely feel sorry. Zeal fuels repentance, and repentance deepens zeal. Love leads to correction, correction leads us home, and the end is restored friendship.
Remember that this was spoken to lukewarm Laodicea. Yet the message does not end in judgment. It flows straight into the most tender invitation in Scripture: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock”.
The Word Applied
Jesus loves you enough to correct you, and He corrects you because you are His child. His correction is never rejection. It is a gentle knock upon your heart. He is here, and He offers you life. Open the door.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Proverbs 3:11-12 – Whom the LORD loveth he correcteth.
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 94:12 – Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest.
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 12:6 – Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Acts 3:19 – Times of refreshing.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
2 Corinthians 7:10 – Godly sorrow worketh repentance.
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
I Am Here if You Want Life
◆ ◆ ◆
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock”. It is one of the tenderest pictures ever written.
The visitor is Jesus, the King of all creation. He has all authority, yet He does not break the door down. He stands; He knocks; He waits. The Beloved in the Song knocked in the night and said, “Open to me, my sister, my love”. The Bridegroom seeks His Bride.
The door is the heart, and it has no latch on the outside. It opens only from within. Jesus held nothing back, and the choice to open belongs to you alone. Only our own flesh and will refuse Him. “If any man hear my voice, and open the door”: the hearing comes first, and the opening follows.
Then the promise: “I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” In the East to share a meal meant acceptance, friendship and covenant. Abraham set bread and meat before the LORD under the tree at Mamre, and they did eat. At Emmaus Jesus was known of the disciples in the breaking of bread. And after He rose He ate broiled fish before them, real food in a real body: the life He brings is not a shadow but life in earth as it is in heaven.
“I will come in”, eiserchomai, means to enter fully and make one’s home there. Jesus said, “we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” This is His presence living in you, changing everything from within. The moment the door opens, it is done: new life takes immediate effect.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock
The Word Applied
Jesus is here, and He wants to share life with you now. He is gentle, patient and full of love. Hear His voice, open the door of your heart and let Him come in. The moment you open, His fellowship begins, and it never ends.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Song of Solomon 5:2 – Open to me, my sister, my love.
I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
Genesis 18:8 – He stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
Psalm 24:7 – The King of glory shall come in.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 24:30-31 – Their eyes were opened, and they knew him.
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
Luke 24:42-43 – He took the broiled fish, and did eat before them.
And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
And he took it, and did eat before them.
John 14:23 – We will make our abode with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the day of salvation.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Revelation 3:21
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Die in Me, Live in Me, Reign with Me
◆ ◆ ◆
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” How do ordinary people share the throne of the King? Look at how Jesus overcame.
The word is nikaō, to win. But His victory came through the Cross. He laid down His life, rose again, and sat down with His Father on His throne. We overcome the same way: by dying to self and being raised into new life with Him.
This truth runs through the whole Bible. David heard the LORD say unto his Lord, “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Daniel saw the kingdom given to the people of the saints of the most High. Paul says God has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
The way of the world to victory is striving and self-reliance, and it ends in pride and exhaustion. The way of God is trust in the finished work of Jesus, and it brings true rest. He sat down because the work was done. Sharing His throne is not only a future reward; it is authority and rest you have now.
The Word Applied
Die to self, live in Him and reign with Him. You are seated with Jesus today as a king and a priest. What do you need to lay down, so that you step into it?
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 110:1 – Sit thou at my right hand.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Daniel 7:27 – The kingdom given to the saints of the most High.
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Psalm 2:6 – Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill.
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Ephesians 2:6 – Made us sit together in heavenly places.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
2 Timothy 2:12 – We shall also reign with him.
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Hebrews 10:12 – He sat down on the right hand of God.
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Romans 6:6 – Our old man is crucified with him.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Revelation 3:22
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Listen
◆ ◆ ◆
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” The call sounds seven times in these letters, and seven is completeness. It bids us stop and truly listen.
Jeremiah lamented a people whose ear was uncircumcised, so that they could not hearken. Isaiah gives the opposite promise: “hear, and your soul shall live”.
Hearing God grows in four steps. First, attention: we listen with the heart, not only the ears. Second, recognition: the message is for me and for the whole Church. Third, understanding: we grasp what He is saying. Fourth, response: truly to hear is to act.
The Holy Spirit is the One speaking. He guides us, corrects us when we drift and reveals the truth of Jesus. And the seven letters, read together, tell one story: the love that desires us, the Cross that unites us, the life that raises us, the service that never ceases, the deliverance that sets us free, the family that receives us, and the King who comes in and reigns. It all returns to the picture of verse 20: Jesus standing at the door and knocking. He does not force His way in.
The Word Applied
The Spirit is speaking to you now. Open your ears and your heart. Let Jesus in, and your soul shall live.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:3 – Incline your ear, and come unto me.
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Jeremiah 6:10 – Their ear is uncircumcised.
To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – Choose life.
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:
That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 13:16 – Blessed are your ears.
But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
John 10:27 – My sheep hear my voice.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Hebrews 4:7 – To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Chapter 4
The Throne Set in Heaven · 11 verses
Revelation 4:1
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
The Door Is Open
◆ ◆ ◆
“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven.” The letters to the churches are finished, and now heaven itself is thrown open. This is the torn veil seen from above. When Jesus cried, It is finished, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, and the way into the holiest was laid open for ever.
Adam was driven out of the garden, and a flaming sword kept the way of the tree of life. Jesus came back through that sword. He said, “I am the door”, and He is. The door John sees is not a wooden thing in the sky; it is the Son Himself, opened at the Cross for every man who will enter.
Then the trumpet voice: “Come up hither.” This is the call of the Holy Spirit to every believer, not a summons to escape the earth but an invitation to see from where Jesus sits. God “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” What John is shown “hereafter” is the finished work unfolded, the Cross and the crown.
The Word Applied
The door is open, and no man can shut it. You do not climb to God by effort; you are called up by grace. Answer the voice, come up hither, and look at your life from the throne where Jesus has set you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:24 – The way of the tree of life was kept.
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Psalm 24:7 – Be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Isaiah 22:22 – He shall open, and none shall shut.
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 10:9 – I am the door.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Matthew 27:51 – The veil of the temple was rent.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Hebrews 10:19-20 – A new and living way, through the veil.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Ephesians 2:6 – Made us sit together in heavenly places.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Revelation 4:2
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
The Throne Is Set
◆ ◆ ◆
“And immediately I was in the spirit.” The call came first, and the moment John answered he was lifted. There was no delay and no ladder of works. So it is with every believer: when you answer His voice, the change is immediate.
To be in the spirit is to stand where God's truth is seen as it is. Jesus said, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John does not lose the earth; he sees the earth from heaven, and that is the only true way to see it.
“And, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” The word is thronos, the seat of a King and the bench of a Judge. Set means placed, fixed and established. This is not a throne waiting for a future King. It is Jesus, risen and ascended, seated because the work is finished. “When he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
The word set also belongs to the harvest, when sheaves are stacked together. Jesus is the corn of wheat that fell into the ground and died, and now He has brought forth much fruit. His throne is set in His people. Zion is His dwelling, and the Church is a city set on an hill, with the King in the midst of her.
Daniel saw it before John: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit.” What Daniel saw from afar, John sees fulfilled. The seat of all authority is occupied, and the One who sits there is the Lamb who bled.
Here is the centre of the whole book. Every seal, trumpet and vial that follows proceeds from this throne, and this throne is held by the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. Nothing in Revelation happens outside His hand.
The Word Applied
The throne is not empty, and it is not far away. Jesus reigns now, and He reigns in you. When the world shakes, look up: the One who sits on the throne is your Saviour, and He has already won.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:9 – The Ancient of days did sit.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Psalm 103:19 – His kingdom ruleth over all.
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Isaiah 6:1 – I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne.
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Hebrews 1:3 – Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
John 12:24 – If it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Matthew 5:14 – A city that is set on an hill.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Colossians 3:1 – Where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Revelation 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.
His Pure Judgment in Love and Mercy
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.” John describes the King with jewels. The jasper is clear and shining, the stone of glory: the holy city has “her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” The sardine is deep red, the colour of blood.
Together they show Jesus whole. The jasper is His holiness and glory; the sardine is His sacrifice. Holy and slain, glorious and wounded, He is both at once. Both stones were set in the breastplate of the high priest, over his heart, and our High Priest carries His people upon His heart for ever.
“And there was a rainbow round about the throne.” After the flood God said, I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant. The throne of the Judge is encircled by the promise of mercy. Every judgment from this throne passes through the covenant, sealed in the blood of Jesus. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
The bow is “in sight like unto an emerald”: green, the colour of life. The throne gives life. The garden has returned, and the King of it sits in the midst.
The Word Applied
Do not be afraid of the throne. It is surrounded by a promise, and the promise is green with life. Come boldly; the One who judges you is the One who bled for you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 9:13 – I do set my bow in the cloud.
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
Exodus 28:17 – The first row shall be a sardius.
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.
Ezekiel 1:28 – As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud.
As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 21:11 – Like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone.
Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
James 2:13 – Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Revelation 4:4
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
Redeemed and Overcoming: One Church
◆ ◆ ◆
“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting.” Count them: twelve and twelve. Twelve tribes of the old covenant and twelve apostles of the new, made one in Jesus. The holy city carries the same numbers, with the names of the twelve tribes on her gates and the names of the twelve apostles on her foundations.
These elders are the Church, the whole redeemed people of God, seated around their King. David divided the priests into twenty-four courses to serve the house of the LORD; here the whole priesthood stands complete. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.”
Notice what they do: they sit. To sit is to rest from labour and to reign. The Bride does not strive to earn her place; she has been given it. They are “clothed in white raiment”, not their own goodness but His righteousness, and they wear “crowns of gold”. The word is stephanos, the victor's crown, the crown of the overcomer.
They sit round about the throne, inside the circle of the rainbow. The Church dwells within the covenant. What is set in heaven is lived on earth by every believer who rests in Him.
The Word Applied
You have a seat. You did not earn it; Jesus won it for you and placed you in it. Stop striving and sit down in the place He has prepared. Wear the white and the gold with joy.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Chronicles 24:18 – The four and twentieth to Maaziah.
The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the four and twentieth to Maaziah.
Exodus 19:6 – A kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Isaiah 61:10 – He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Peter 2:9 – A royal priesthood.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Revelation 21:12-14 – Twelve gates and twelve foundations.
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:
On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Ephesians 2:20 – Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Hebrews 4:10 – He also hath ceased from his own works.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Revelation 4:5
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Decree, Judgment and Restoration
◆ ◆ ◆
“And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices.” At Sinai there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the people trembled afar off. Now the same signs proceed from the throne, but the throne is set in the midst of the Bride. The voice of God no longer thunders from a distant mountain; it goes forth from His people.
Lightning comes first: the flash of a decree, light breaking into darkness, as on the first day when God said, Let there be light. Thunder follows: the weight of the decree and the judgment of all that stands against it. Then come the voices: God speaking again to man, as He walked in the garden in the cool of the day. Decree, judgment and restoration: that is the gospel in three words.
“And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” Not seven separate spirits, but the one Holy Spirit in His perfect fullness, as Isaiah numbered Him: wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and the fear of the LORD. These are the same lamps that stood among the golden candlesticks. The Spirit burns in the Church, giving light to all that are in the house.
The Word Applied
The fire of God is not far from you; it burns in you. Let His Word flash, let His truth settle every matter, and let His voice speak through you to restore what was lost.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 19:16 – Thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud.
And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
Isaiah 11:2 – The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Zechariah 4:2 – A candlestick all of gold... and his seven lamps thereon.
And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 2:3 – Cloven tongues like as of fire.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Matthew 5:15 – It giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 4:6
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
The Living Word Round About Him
◆ ◆ ◆
“And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal.” In the tabernacle of Moses the priests washed at the brasen laver before they ministered. In Solomon's temple it became a great molten sea. Here the sea is still and clear as crystal. The washing is finished. The Church before the throne has been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and the washing of water by the word, and nothing in her is cloudy or troubled.
“And in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.” The word beast here means a living one. They are the living Word: the fourfold witness of the Gospels, which surround Jesus because every word of them is about Him. They stand in the midst of the throne and round about it, for the Word is one with the King and goes out from Him in every direction.
They are full of eyes before and behind. The gospel sees the whole story: behind it the law and the prophets, before it the kingdom that has come. Nothing is hidden from its sight. And the Church that carries this Word looks out from the throne with the same eyes, discerning all things by the Spirit.
The Word Applied
Before Him you are washed and clear. Read the Gospels as the living creatures of the throne: they are alive, they see, and they will open your eyes to see Jesus in everything.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 30:18 – A laver of brass... to wash withal.
Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
1 Kings 7:23 – He made a molten sea.
And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
Ezekiel 1:18 – Their rings were full of eyes.
As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 5:26 – With the washing of water by the word.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Hebrews 4:12 – The word of God is quick, and powerful.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Luke 24:27 – He expounded unto them in all the scriptures.
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Revelation 4:7
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
The Four Faces of the Gospel
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.” Ezekiel saw the same four faces by the river Chebar. The Church has long read them as the four Gospels, each a face of Jesus.
Matthew is the lion: he opens with the son of David, the King, and the Lion of the tribe of Juda. Mark is the calf, the ox of service and sacrifice: he shows Jesus working and giving His life a ransom for many. Luke is the man: he traces Jesus back to Adam and shows His compassion and His tears. John is the flying eagle: he begins above the clouds, In the beginning was the Word, and reveals the Son of God.
Look closely at the words. The lion, the calf and the eagle are each described “like a”. Only the man is described as one that “had a face as a man”. The likenesses are pictures, but the manhood of Jesus is not a picture. He came in the flesh, truly man and truly God. Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
The Word Applied
Whichever face of Jesus you need today, the King, the Servant, the Man or the Son of God, the Gospels set Him before you. He is all four at once, and He is yours.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 1:10 – The face of a man, and the face of a lion.
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Genesis 49:9 – Judah is a lion's whelp.
Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
Isaiah 40:31 – They shall mount up with wings as eagles.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
Matthew 1:1 – The son of David.
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Mark 10:45 – To give his life a ransom for many.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Luke 3:38 – Which was the son of Adam.
Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1 John 4:2 – Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
Revelation 4:8
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
The Gospel Never Rests
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him.” Each of them, plural: the four Gospels. About him, singular: Jesus. The Word flies with Him at the centre. Isaiah saw the seraphim with six wings crying, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts. Wings speak of swift movement and of shelter. The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings, and under His wings His people find refuge.
“And they were full of eyes within.” The gospel is not only outward history; it sees into the heart of God and into the heart of man. It is full of wisdom, breathed by the Spirit.
“And they rest not day and night.” The Word is never tired. It goes out and does not return void. It works day and night, convicting, healing and forming Jesus in His people. The tree of life planted in the garden now bears its fruit every month in the hearts of believers.
Their song never changes: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” He was, the Creator. He is, God in the flesh, risen and reigning. He is to come, revealed in His people by the Spirit and in the fullness of His kingdom.
The Word Applied
The Word in you never sleeps. When you rest, it keeps working; when you are weak, it flies. Let its song be yours: holy is the Lord, who was, and is, and is to come.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 6:2-3 – Each one had six wings... Holy, holy, holy.
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
Malachi 4:2 – With healing in his wings.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Isaiah 55:11 – It shall not return unto me void.
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:8 – Which is, and which was, and which is to come.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Galatians 4:19 – Until Christ be formed in you.
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Revelation 4:9
And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
The Gospels Exalt Jesus
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever.” The fourfold Gospel gives glory to the One on the throne. Every true preaching of Jesus ends in worship.
Why does the Word give thanks? Because the Son was faithful. In the garden He prayed, nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done, and He drank the cup to the bottom. The Living Word honoured the Father by finishing the work He was given. “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” What Adam lost by disobedience, Jesus restored by obedience, and the glory stolen in Eden returned to God.
“To him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever.” Here is rest restored. On the seventh day God rested from all His work. Sin broke that rest in the garden, and death came in. But the Son tasted death for every man and destroyed it, so that the Father can rest again in a finished creation. The Gospels proclaim Him not only as the One who walked in Galilee, but as the One who liveth for ever and ever, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.”
The Word Applied
Whenever you share the gospel, you join the song of the throne. Give glory and thanks to Jesus, who finished the work, and rest in what He has restored.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 2:2 – He rested on the seventh day.
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Psalm 29:2 – Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 40:8 – I delight to do thy will, O my God.
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 17:4 – I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Revelation 1:18 – I am he that liveth, and was dead.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Hebrews 2:9 – Taste death for every man.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Hebrews 4:9-10 – There remaineth therefore a rest.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Revelation 4:10
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
The Bride Bows to Her King
◆ ◆ ◆
“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne.” When the Word gives glory, the Church responds. The elders are the redeemed of both covenants, kings and priests unto God, and they fall down before Him.
This is not forced submission but love. A bride does not bow to her husband in fear; she gives herself freely to the one who gave himself for her. The Church falls in adoration before the Lamb who loved her.
“And cast their crowns before the throne.” Why would kings throw down their crowns? Because they know where the crowns came from. They wear gold because He wore thorns. They reign because He bled. Every crown in heaven is a gift of grace, and the only fitting answer to a gift is to lay it at the feet of the Giver. Paul said, by the grace of God I am what I am. The elders say the same with their crowns.
This is the Bride in perfect union. She shares His name, His life and His glory, and yet she never forgets that all of it is His. Her beauty is the reflection of His face. Her authority is His authority. Her crown is His crown, given and returned in love.
The Word Applied
Whatever you have received, a gift, a victory or a place of honour, lay it at His feet. It does not make you smaller; it makes you His. The crown is safest at the foot of the throne.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 95:6 – Let us worship and bow down.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
Ruth 2:12 – Under whose wings thou art come to trust.
The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
Isaiah 62:3 – A crown of glory in the hand of the LORD.
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 15:10 – By the grace of God I am what I am.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient for thee.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Ephesians 5:25 – Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
The Bride Is His Delight
◆ ◆ ◆
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power.” The song of the elders is the confession of the Church. Jesus is worthy, not by force or fear, but because of who He is and what He has done.
“For thou hast created all things.” The One on the throne is the Creator. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. The Child of Bethlehem is the Maker of the stars. Redemption is not a new idea added to creation; it is the Creator coming to restore His own work.
“And for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Here is the reason for everything. We were not made for God's entertainment but for His delight, His fellowship and His love. They were created: that is Eden, man made in His image and after His likeness. They are: that is the new creation in Christ, alive now. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
So the throne scene closes where the Bible began, with God delighting in what He made. The fall could not cancel His pleasure; the Cross restored it. The Bride is not a project to be fixed but a delight to be loved.
The Word Applied
You were made on purpose and for His pleasure. You are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. Live as one who delights the King, and let your life be your song of worship.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 1:26 – Let us make man in our image.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:31 – Behold, it was very good.
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Zephaniah 3:17 – He will rejoice over thee with joy.
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 1:3 – All things were made by him.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Colossians 1:16 – All things were created by him, and for him.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
2 Corinthians 5:17 – He is a new creature.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Chapter 5
The Book and the Lamb · 14 verses
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.
Jesus, the Living Book
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.” This book is not a list of disasters. It is Jesus Himself, the Word made flesh, the living scroll in whom the whole counsel of God is written. “Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me.”
It is written within: the hidden mystery of redemption, kept secret since the world began and now made manifest in Him. And it is written on the backside: the visible marks of His passion. “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair.” The stripes on His back, the bruises, the thorns, the nails, the spitting, the mockery and the spear: these are the seals pressed into the scroll of His body.
“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” No one could open the fullness of salvation until those seals were broken, and they were broken at the Cross. His resurrection is the opening of the book.
The Word Applied
Jesus is the book, and His wounds are the proof that it is open to you. Read Him, receive Him, and know that by His stripes you are healed.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 40:7 – In the volume of the book it is written of me.
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Isaiah 50:6 – I gave my back to the smiters.
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Isaiah 53:5 – With his stripes we are healed.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 1:14 – The Word was made flesh.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Colossians 1:26 – The mystery which hath been hid from ages.
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
1 Peter 2:24 – By whose stripes ye were healed.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
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?
Who Is Worthy to Atone?
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” The voice is strong, firm and sure. It proclaims with authority to be heard and obeyed.
Isaiah heard the same question in the temple: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Isaiah answered, Here am I; send me, but first his lips had to be touched with a live coal, for he was a man of unclean lips. The question in heaven waited for an answer from One who needed no cleansing.
The word worthy means of full weight, fit and deserving. In the ancient market a coin was weighed and found sufficient or wanting. Who has weight enough to pay for the sin of the world? Who is fit to loose the seals, to release the plan of God, to break the bonds that hold creation captive?
Heaven asks so that heaven can answer. The question is the setting for the jewel. Only One is found, the Son who said, “Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.” The worthiness is not in strength of arm but in the perfect love and obedience of the Lamb, who weighed enough to redeem us all.
The Word Applied
You were never asked to be worthy enough to save yourself. Heaven asked the question so that Jesus could answer it. Rest in His worth, and let His answer be your peace.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 6:8 – Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Psalm 40:7 – Lo, I come.
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Daniel 5:27 – Thou art weighed in the balances.
TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 10:9 – Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
1 Peter 1:18-19 – With the precious blood of Christ.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Acts 3:14 – The Holy One and the Just.
But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
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.
Only the Son Could Atone
◆ ◆ ◆
“And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” Every realm was searched. Heaven, the spiritual realm of God's dwelling; earth, the natural world of men; and under the earth, the place of the dead, Sheol and Hades. In all three there was no one able.
This is man's total inability to redeem himself. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. No angel, prophet or saint could carry the weight of the sin of the world and still look upon the glory of God. To look thereon means more than seeing: it is to face, discern and bear the full measure of human ruin and divine justice. Only One could withstand that gaze.
Jesus alone has passed through all three realms. He came down from heaven; He lived and was crucified on earth; He descended into the lower parts of the earth; and He rose and ascended far above all heavens. That is why He alone holds authority in every realm.
What no man could do, the Son of man did. And what we could never be, He has made us to be: holy and without blame before Him in love.
The Word Applied
Stop trying to open the book yourself. Your efforts were never the answer, and they do not need to be. Jesus has gone through every realm for you, and He holds the key.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 14:3 – There is none that doeth good, no, not one.
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Psalm 139:8 – If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Psalm 24:3-4 – He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 3:23 – All have sinned.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Ephesians 4:9-10 – He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Philippians 2:10 – Of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
John 3:13 – He that came down from heaven.
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
Revelation 5:4
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Sinful Man Cannot Atone
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” John weeps, and his tears are the tears of every generation that longed for redemption and could not find it in man.
Three things were beyond fallen man. He could not open the book: he could not accomplish the atonement. There is none righteous, no, not one. He could not read the book: he could not understand it, for the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. He could not even look thereon: he was not pure enough to behold the holiness of the plan.
The prophets searched diligently what the Spirit of Christ in them did signify, and they did not see it opened. Abraham, Moses and David saw the promise afar off and embraced it, but they could not open it. Even the angels desired to look into it. John stands in the place of all of them and weeps.
But heaven does not leave him weeping. The scroll cannot be opened by human effort; Jesus must reveal Himself. That is what this whole book is, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, given by God to show His servants. The very tears of John prepare him to see the Lamb.
The Word Applied
If you have wept because you could not change yourself, your tears are not wasted. They prepare your eyes to see Jesus. What you could not open, He opens for you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 6:6 – I am weary with my groaning.
I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
Isaiah 64:6 – All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Psalm 30:5 – Joy cometh in the morning.
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Peter 1:10-12 – Which things the angels desire to look into.
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Hebrews 11:13 – Having seen them afar off.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Revelation 5:5
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.
The Lion Has Prevailed
◆ ◆ ◆
“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not.” It is one of the elders, the Church, who comforts John. The redeemed are the ones who know the answer, and they speak it.
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book.” Jacob prophesied it: Judah is a lion's whelp... The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come. Shiloh means the one to whom it belongs. The sceptre belongs to Jesus.
He is also the Root of David. Isaiah saw a rod out of the stem of Jesse and a Branch out of his roots, and said there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people. Jesus is both the shoot that grew from David and the root from which David grew: David's son and David's Lord, truly man and truly God.
“Hath prevailed” is a word of victory, nikaō, the word for overcoming. The Lion has conquered, and He did it at the Cross. He holds the key of the house of David: he shall open, and none shall shut. What no man could open, the Lion has opened, and the seven seals are loosed.
The Word Applied
Weep not. The Lion of Judah has already prevailed in your life. Whatever is sealed against you, He holds the key, and when He opens, no man can shut.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Genesis 49:9-10 – Judah is a lion's whelp... until Shiloh come.
Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
Isaiah 11:1 – A rod out of the stem of Jesse.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Isaiah 11:10 – A root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign.
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Isaiah 22:22 – So he shall open, and none shall shut.
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 22:16 – I am the root and the offspring of David.
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.
Matthew 22:42-45 – If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
John 16:33 – I have overcome the world.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Revelation 5:6
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 as It Had Been Slain
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I beheld, and, lo.” John was told to look for a Lion. He turns, and he sees a Lamb. This is the great surprise of the Bible. The Lion conquers as a Lamb; the victory is won by sacrifice.
“In the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb.” He is at the centre of everything: of the throne, the seat of all authority; of the four living ones, the Word that bears witness to Him; and of the elders, His Church. Jesus is not apart from His people. He is enthroned in their midst, and they are seated in council with Him.
“As it had been slain.” The word means slaughtered, put to death by violence. The wounds are still there. Isaiah saw Him brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and Moses commanded a lamb without blemish for the Passover. John the Baptist pointed and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.
Yet He stands. The Lamb who was slain is alive. He does not lie on the altar; He stands in the midst of the throne. Death has been swallowed up, and the marks of it have become the marks of His authority.
“Having seven horns and seven eyes.” Horns in Scripture are power and kingship; seven horns are complete authority. All judgment is committed unto the Son. Seven eyes are perfect sight, seeing every heart and every need for judgment and for grace.
“Which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” Zechariah saw these eyes of the LORD which run to and fro through the whole earth. Isaiah numbered the sevenfold Spirit that rests on the Branch. Because the Lamb was slain, the Spirit is sent forth. Pentecost flows from Calvary. The same Spirit that rested on Jesus now goes out into all the earth, and the earth that was cursed is visited with life. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, and His Spirit carries both to every nation.
The Word Applied
Look at the Lamb. His wounds are your healing and His strength is your covering. The Spirit He sent is in all the earth, and He is in you. Stand where He stands: alive, in the midst of the throne.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Isaiah 53:7 – He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Exodus 12:5 – Your lamb shall be without blemish.
Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
Zechariah 4:10 – The eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro.
For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. shall rejoice
Isaiah 11:2 – The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 1:29 – Behold the Lamb of God.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
1 Corinthians 5:7 – Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
John 5:22 – Hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Acts 2:33 – He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Revelation 5:7
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Lo, I Come
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.” This is the most decisive act in all of heaven.
He came. The eternal Word came forth and was made flesh. He took. The word means to take up, to carry and to take upon oneself. Jesus took the book as He took the cross: He took our sin upon Himself, took our flesh, and took our place.
Here the Psalm is fulfilled. “Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God.” And Hebrews explains it: A body hast thou prepared me... By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. He takes the book not by force but by right of sacrifice.
The scroll was also the deed of the old covenant. By taking it Jesus fulfilled the old and established the new, signed in His own blood.
And He takes it out of the Father's right hand. The Son receives what the Father gives, and in the Son the Father and His people are made one.
The Word Applied
Jesus took the book so that you would never have to carry it. Every page of the will of God for your life is in His hands. Let Him take it, and delight in His will with Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 40:7-8 – I delight to do thy will, O my God.
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Isaiah 6:8 – Here am I; send me.
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 53:11 – By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 10:5-10 – A body hast thou prepared me.
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
John 17:21 – That they all may be one.
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Colossians 1:20 – Having made peace through the blood of his cross.
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Revelation 5:8
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.
Harps and Golden Vials
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb.” The moment the Lamb takes the book, the Word and the Church fall down together. Heaven worships the One who was slain.
“Having every one of them harps.” The harp is the instrument of joy. The Church has a song again.
“And golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” In the tabernacle the golden altar of incense stood before the veil, and the incense rose before the LORD continually. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense, sang David. Now the veil is torn and the incense rises from the whole Church.
The vial is phialē, a broad, shallow bowl. It is made not for storing but for pouring. Nothing is held back; all is poured out in fullness, as Jesus poured out His soul unto death.
And prayer itself is proseuchē, a word the Jews used for the place of prayer by the water, where hands were washed. Prayer is the place where guilt is washed away and living water is received. Because the Lamb has taken the book, prayer is no longer a distant cry but living communion with the One in the midst.
The Word Applied
Your prayers are precious in heaven. They are kept in golden bowls and rise as sweet incense. Pray with joy, for the veil is torn and the Lamb is listening.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 141:2 – Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense.
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Exodus 30:8 – A perpetual incense before the LORD.
And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.
1 Samuel 16:23 – David took an harp, and played with his hand.
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 1:10 – The whole multitude of the people were praying without.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
Hebrews 10:19 – Boldness to enter into the holiest.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Philippians 4:6 – Let your requests be made known unto God.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
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 God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
The New Song of Redemption
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they sung a new song.” The word for song is ōdē, a poem that tells a story and praises a person for his deeds. The word for new is kainos: new in kind, never heard before. No such song had ever been sung, because no such deed had ever been done.
The old song was the song of Moses at the sea. The new song is the song of the Lamb, and it is sung because He has made all things new: a new covenant, a new creation, a new heaven and a new earth, all established in one moment at the Cross. He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.
“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain.” The worthiness is in the wounds. His worth is measured by the perfection of His life and the price of His blood. He was of full weight, and the price agreed in heaven was paid in full.
“And hast redeemed us to God by thy blood.” To redeem is to go into the marketplace and buy. Jesus went into the market of slavery where we were sold under sin, and He paid. Not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. He bought us to God: He gave the Father what was due, and He gave us back to the Father.
“Out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” The kindreds are the tribes of Israel; the tongues, peoples and nations are the Gentiles. In Jesus they are one new man. The middle wall of partition is broken down, and the children of Abraham are all who believe.
This is not only a song in heaven; it is the life of the redeemed on earth. Every believer who is set free sings it with his life.
The Word Applied
Your redemption is a new song, and nobody can sing your verse but you. You were bought with a price, the blood of the Lamb. Sing it today, and let every nation hear.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 40:3 – He hath put a new song in my mouth.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Exodus 15:1 – Then sang Moses and the children of Israel.
Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Isaiah 42:10 – Sing unto the LORD a new song.
Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Peter 1:18-19 – Not with corruptible things, as silver and gold.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Ephesians 2:14-15 – To make in himself of twain one new man.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Galatians 3:28-29 – Ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
1 Corinthians 6:20 – Ye are bought with a price.
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Revelation 5:10
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Kings and Priests on the Earth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests.” What God promised Israel at Sinai, ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, is fulfilled in the Church. Peter says it plainly: ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.
As priests, believers minister in the Spirit. They enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, intercede for the world, and offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. As kings, they walk in authority and victory, not by worldly rule but by grace. They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
“And we shall reign on the earth.” Notice where: on the earth. This is spirit and truth pulled down into the ground. The kingdom is not only above the clouds; it is in the home, the street and the workplace. As in heaven, so in earth.
This reign is not a distant political rule waiting for a future age. It began when the Lamb took the book. The redeemed are not passive spectators but active partners, ruling by grace, serving in love and shining as lights in a dark world. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
The Word Applied
You are a king and a priest today. Pray as a priest; walk as a king. Bring heaven's rule into your little corner of the earth, and let His light shine through you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 19:6 – A kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Isaiah 61:6 – Ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD.
But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
Daniel 7:27 – The kingdom... shall be given to the people of the saints.
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Peter 2:5 – To offer up spiritual sacrifices.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17 – Shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Romans 8:37 – More than conquerors through him that loved us.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Matthew 5:14-16 – Ye are the light of the world.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
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;
The Multitude of Heaven
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders.” The circle widens. Around the Word and the Church stand the messengers of God in number past counting.
“And the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.” Daniel saw the same multitude before the Ancient of days: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. Hebrews speaks of an innumerable company of angels, and of the general assembly and church of the firstborn.
This number is not a count but a picture of fullness. It speaks of the completeness of the redemption Jesus has won. His kingdom is not small. It began as a grain of mustard seed and it grows until it fills the earth.
And all of them are gathered round about. The angels, the living Word and the redeemed are not three separate worlds but one assembly in one worship. Heaven and earth are united in awe, testifying that the Lamb's work is perfect.
Elisha's servant saw the enemy's army and was afraid, until his eyes were opened and he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. Open your eyes: they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
The Word Applied
You are never alone and never outnumbered. You belong to an assembly beyond counting, and the whole of heaven worships the same Jesus you love.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:10 – Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
2 Kings 6:16-17 – They that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Psalm 68:17 – The chariots of God are twenty thousand.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 12:22-23 – An innumerable company of angels.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Matthew 13:31-32 – Like to a grain of mustard seed.
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Luke 2:13 – A multitude of the heavenly host.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
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.
Sevenfold Praise to the King
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.” Seven gifts are laid before the King, for seven is completeness. Nothing is held back.
Power: all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Riches: in Him are all spiritual blessings, the unsearchable riches of Christ. Wisdom: Christ is the wisdom of God. Strength: He is the conqueror of sin, death and hell. Honour: God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. Glory: He is the brightness of the Father's glory. Blessing: every blessing flows from Him and returns to Him.
Notice the title: the Lamb that was slain. Heaven does not praise Him in spite of the Cross but because of it. The wounds are the reason for the worship. He earned this inheritance by sacrifice, and now He receives it in full.
And what He receives, He shares. The riches are given to His Bride, the wisdom is made unto us, the strength is made perfect in our weakness. The King receives every gift and pours it back on His people, for we are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
The Word Applied
Give Jesus your praise in all seven ways: your strength, your goods, your mind, your honour. He is worthy of all of it, and He will pour it back into your life a hundredfold.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 24:8 – The LORD strong and mighty.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
1 Chronicles 29:11 – Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power.
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Isaiah 9:6 – Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
Matthew 28:18 – All power is given unto me.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Ephesians 3:8 – The unsearchable riches of Christ.
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
1 Corinthians 1:24 – Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Philippians 2:9 – A name which is above every name.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Romans 8:17 – Joint-heirs with Christ.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
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.
Heaven and Earth United
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.” In verse 3 no one in all these realms was able to open the book. Now every one of them sings. The same realms that could not redeem are now filled with praise for the One who did.
“Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” The Father on the throne and the Lamb receive the same worship. The Lamb is divine. I and my Father are one. The One on the throne and the Lamb share one glory and one reign.
This is the cosmic confession that Jesus is Lord. Paul saw it: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. The whole creation that groaned and travailed together in pain now lifts its voice.
Here heaven and earth are joined. The prayer Jesus taught, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, is answered in a single song. There is no realm left out of His victory.
The Word Applied
All creation is singing to Jesus. Join your voice to it. There is no place in your life, high or low, that is outside His praise or beyond His reach.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 148:7-13 – Praise the LORD from the earth.
Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
Psalm 150:6 – Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Isaiah 9:6 – His name shall be called... The mighty God.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Philippians 2:10-11 – Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John 10:30 – I and my Father are one.
I and my Father are one.
Romans 8:22 – The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Matthew 6:10 – Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Revelation 5:14
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
The Word and the Church Say Amen
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the four beasts said, Amen.” The living Word sets its seal on all that has been sung. Amen means so be it, firm, true, settled. It is the final word of confirmation.
Jesus Himself is called the Amen, the faithful and true witness. All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen. When the Word says Amen, nothing can be added and nothing taken away.
“And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” The Church answers the Word with worship. To fall is to fall down in astonishment and surrender. To worship, proskuneō, is to bow and kiss the hand in deep reverence. The elders give their King the highest honour, recognising Him as the Living One.
He liveth for ever and ever. His life is zōē, the life of God, full, strong and unbroken. He is the fountain of living water for His Church, and His reign has no end, no interruption and no defeat.
So the chapter closes with the Word and the Church in perfect agreement. The truth says Amen, and faith bows down. A multitude joins in, all creation confesses, and the Lamb is both sacrifice and sovereign. In Him the redemptive plan of God is complete.
The Word Applied
Let the Word say Amen over your life, and answer it with worship. What He has said is settled. Bow down, rise up, and live in His life for ever and ever.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 27:15 – And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Psalm 106:48 – Let all the people say, Amen.
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Nehemiah 8:6 – And all the people answered, Amen, Amen.
And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 3:14 – The Amen, the faithful and true witness.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
2 Corinthians 1:20 – All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
John 4:14 – A well of water springing up into everlasting life.
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Chapter 6
The Seals Opened by the Lamb · 17 verses
Revelation 6:1
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
The Lamb Opens the First Seal
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals.” Only the Lamb opens. Nothing in this chapter is let loose by chance or by the devil; every seal is broken by the hand that was pierced. The seals are the marks of His passion, and as each is opened a new face of His finished work is revealed.
“And I heard, as it were the noise of thunder.” When the Father spoke from heaven before the Cross, the people that stood by said that it thundered. Thunder is the voice of God making a proclamation.
“One of the four beasts saying, Come and see.” The four living ones are the four Gospels, and each seal is announced by one of them. The first is the lion, Matthew, the Gospel of the King. So the first horseman will show Jesus as King. The second is the calf, Mark, the Servant. The third is the man, Luke, the Son of man. The fourth is the eagle, John, the Son of God.
“Come and see” is not a call to watch the world burn. It is the call Philip gave to Nathanael, the call to behold Jesus. The Revelation is spiritual sight, an unveiling of how He rules from the Cross onward.
The Word Applied
The seals are in the hands of the Lamb who loves you. Do not read this chapter in fear. Hear the Gospel say, come and see, and look for Jesus in every seal.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 29:3 – The God of glory thundereth.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
Ezekiel 1:10 – The face of a lion... the face of an ox... the face of an eagle.
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Isaiah 52:10 – All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 12:28-29 – The people... said that it thundered.
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
John 1:46 – Come and see.
And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
Revelation 5:9 – Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals.
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;
Revelation 6:2
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Jesus Rides Forth Conquering
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” The rider on the white horse is Jesus. The lion of the Gospels announces Him, and He rides out as King.
The white horse is purity, victory and divine mission. Later John sees the same horse again: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True.” The rider of chapter 19 and the rider of chapter 6 are one and the same. This is no counterfeit and no antichrist. It is the Son of God going forth in the power of the Spirit.
“He that sat on him had a bow.” David saw this bow long before John: “If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.” The bow of God is bent and ready, and it is in the hands of Jesus. Habakkuk saw it too: “Thy bow was made quite naked”, even thy word. The bow is the Word of God. The sons of Korah sang of the King riding in majesty: “And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness.”
No arrows are named. Elisha called the arrow shot from the king's bow the arrow of the LORD's deliverance: the victory belongs to the LORD.
“And a crown was given unto him.” The word is stephanos, the crown of the victor. He wore a crown of thorns for us, and now He wears the crown of life. Crowned with glory and honour, He rides out from the Cross.
“And he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” Conquering: He has already won at Calvary, where He spoiled principalities and powers and made a shew of them openly. And to conquer: He keeps winning, heart by heart and nation by nation, until the kingdoms of this world become His. This is the gospel going out. The stone cut out without hands has struck, and it is growing into a great mountain that fills the whole earth.
His Church rides with Him in the Spirit, carrying His Word. The war is not against flesh and blood, and every heart He wins is set free.
Behold a white horse… and he went forth conquering, and to conquer
The Word Applied
Jesus is riding today, and He has already won. His bow is bent toward every chain in your life. Let Him conquer you first, then ride with Him and carry His Word where He sends you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 5
Psalm 7:12 – He hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
Psalm 45:4-5 – In thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth.
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
Habakkuk 3:9 – Thy bow was made quite naked.
Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.
2 Kings 13:17 – The arrow of the LORD's deliverance.
And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD’s deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.
Zechariah 9:13 – When I have bent Judah for me.
When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Revelation 19:11 – Behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True.
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Colossians 2:15 – He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
John 16:33 – I have overcome the world.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Hebrews 2:9 – Crowned with glory and honour.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Revelation 6:3
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
The Servant Face of the Gospel
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.” The Lamb opens again, and the second of the living ones speaks. The second beast was like a calf, the ox of service and sacrifice. This is the Gospel of Mark.
Mark begins without a birth story and without a genealogy. He goes straight to work: straightway, immediately, again and again. He shows Jesus as the Servant who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. The ox is the animal of the plough and the animal of the altar. Jesus laboured and Jesus was offered.
So the order of the seals follows the order of the faces. The lion showed the King riding out to conquer. The calf now shows the Servant who conquers by sacrifice. Lion and calf belong together: the King wins His kingdom by laying down His life.
Ezekiel saw the living creatures go every one straight forward; they turned not when they went. That is the Servant: He set His face like a flint to go to Jerusalem, and nothing turned Him aside. What the second rider brings in the next verse must be read through this face, the face of the One who served unto the Cross.
The Word Applied
Come and see the Servant. He has served you to the uttermost. Follow Him in the same spirit: serve without turning back, and let your sacrifice be joined to His.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 42:1 – Behold my servant, whom I uphold.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Isaiah 50:7 – Therefore have I set my face like a flint.
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.
Ezekiel 1:12 – They went every one straight forward.
And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Mark 10:45 – Not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Philippians 2:7 – Took upon him the form of a servant.
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Luke 9:51 – He stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.
And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
Revelation 6:4
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
The Sword That Divides
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there went out another horse that was red.” Red is the colour of blood, and this horse rides out under the seal of the Servant who shed His blood. The rider is Jesus, revealed as the One whose Word divides.
“And power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth.” Jesus said it Himself: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” The gospel takes away the false peace of a world asleep in sin.
“And that they should kill one another.” Where the Word comes, a war begins, and it is a war inside man. The Word slays the old man so that the new man lives. This is the sword that divides asunder soul and spirit and judges the thoughts and intents of the heart.
“And there was given unto him a great sword.” Not the little sword Peter drew in the garden to cut off a servant's ear. Jesus told him to put it up, and He drank the cup instead. The great sword is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and the Word is Jesus Himself, given the Spirit without measure.
The Word Applied
If the Word has disturbed your peace, rejoice. Jesus is taking away a false peace to give you His own. Let His sword cut away the old and set the new free.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 49:2 – He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword.
And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
Jeremiah 23:29 – Is not my word like as a fire?
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Psalm 149:6 – A twoedged sword in their hand.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 10:34-36 – I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
Hebrews 4:12 – Sharper than any twoedged sword.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ephesians 6:17 – The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
John 18:11 – Put up thy sword into the sheath.
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Revelation 6:5
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
The Son of Man Weighs the Scales
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see.” The third face is the man, the Gospel of Luke, who traces Jesus back to Adam and shows the Son of man in all His compassion.
“And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.” Zechariah saw black horses too, and straight after them the Man whose name is The BRANCH. The horses lead to the Messiah.
The balances are the scales of justice. Belshazzar heard the word Tekel: thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Every man placed on the scale alone is found wanting.
But see who holds the scales: the Son of man. He came down into our judgment and laid Himself on the heavy side. He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him. Black is the colour of the darkness that covered the land when He bore the weight of sin.
There is a pair, two pans. On one side is judgment, weighed down; on the other, grace, lifted up by His blood. At the Cross mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
The Word Applied
You have been weighed, and Jesus took the weight. The scale is settled in your favour. Stop measuring yourself against the law and rest in the balance He has made.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Proverbs 16:11 – A just weight and balance are the LORD's.
A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
Daniel 5:27 – Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
Zechariah 6:12 – Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH.
And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
Psalm 85:10 – Mercy and truth are met together.
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 17:31 – By that man whom he hath ordained.
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Luke 23:44 – There was a darkness over all the earth.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
James 2:13 – Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Revelation 6:6
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Jesus, Our Daily Bread
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say.” It comes from the centre of the Gospels, where the Lamb stands: the voice of Jesus.
“A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny.” The penny was a labourer's wage for a whole day. A measure of wheat was bread for one man for one day. Here is a famine: a whole day's labour for a single day's bread. Amos foretold this hunger: not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.
But the voice is speaking of a better bread. Jesus is the corn of wheat that fell into the ground. He said, I am the bread of life. The barley is the bread of the poor, and with five barley loaves He fed five thousand. What men could only buy with a day's wage, He gives without money and without price.
“And see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” The oil is the Holy Spirit, the anointing that rests on the King and on His people. The wine is His blood, the cup of the new testament. Nothing can touch the Spirit and the blood.
The Word Applied
Is your soul hungry? Do not labour for bread that does not satisfy. Jesus is your daily bread, and His Spirit and His blood are kept safe for you. Come and eat freely.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Amos 8:11 – A famine... of hearing the words of the LORD.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
Isaiah 55:1-2 – Come, buy wine and milk without money.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Psalm 104:15 – Wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil.
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 6:35 – I am the bread of life.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6:9 – Five barley loaves, and two small fishes.
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
Luke 22:20 – This cup is the new testament in my blood.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
1 John 2:27 – The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you.
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Revelation 6:7
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
The Son of God Reveals the Mystery
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.” The fourth face is the flying eagle, the Gospel of John. John soars from his first word: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This is Jesus revealed as the Son of God.
The eagle sees from the heights what others cannot see. And what the fourth seal opens is the deepest mystery of all: the Son of God going down into death and coming up again. John alone records Jesus saying, I am the resurrection, and the life. John alone records the soldier's spear, and the blood and water.
The prophets foretold this hidden mystery. Jeremiah promised a new covenant; Isaiah declared new things before they spring forth. Paul calls it the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest. All of it is opened in Jesus.
So the four voices are complete. The lion has shown the King, the calf the Servant, the man the Son of man, and now the eagle the Son of God. Four faces of one Jesus, and four horsemen who ride out of His finished work. Come and see: the mystery is open.
The Word Applied
The eagle calls you higher. Come and see what the natural eye cannot see: Jesus, the Son of God, who went down into death for you and rose to give you His life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 31:31 – I will make a new covenant.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Isaiah 42:9 – New things do I declare.
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
Deuteronomy 32:11 – As an eagle stirreth up her nest.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 1:1 – The Word was God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 11:25 – I am the resurrection, and the life.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 19:34 – Forthwith came there out blood and water.
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
Romans 16:25-26 – The mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Revelation 6:8
And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
Jesus Rides as Death to the Old Nature
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.” The colour is chlōros, a sickly green, the colour of the flesh as it withers. The eagle, the Gospel of the Son of God, announces this seal, and the rider is the Son of God.
Jesus rides as Death. He is not death to you; He is death to the old nature that held you. On the Cross He took our flesh into His own body and put it to death, and the rider goes out to apply that death in every heart that believes. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him.” “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” God said it through Hosea: “O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.” He became death to death itself.
“And Hell followed with him.” Hell follows behind the rider, and it receives only what He has put to death: the old man. The grave holds the old nature, and the keys are in His hand. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” What He buries is never let out again.
“To kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” Ezekiel's four sore judgments are turned against the flesh: the sword of the Word, the hunger of fasting, the death of the old man, and the living ones, the Gospel.
The Word Applied
Let Jesus ride over your old nature. What He puts to death He buries under His keys; what He raises is you, alive in Him. Death is not your master; it is His servant against your flesh.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 13:14 – O death, I will be thy plagues.
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Ezekiel 14:21 – My four sore judgments upon Jerusalem.
For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?
Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 6:6 – Our old man is crucified with him.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Revelation 1:18 – I have the keys of hell and of death.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Hebrews 2:14 – Him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Revelation 6:9
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
Lives Poured Out at the Altar
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.” This is one of the most precious pictures in the Revelation, and it must be read with spiritual eyes.
Where is this altar? It is the altar of burnt offering. Under the law, the priest poured all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar. And the law says why: the life of the flesh is in the blood. The word for soul here is psuchē, the life itself. What John sees beneath the altar is life poured out as an offering to God.
Who are they? The faithful of the old covenant, from Abel to the prophets, whose lives were laid down for the word of God before the Cross. Jesus spoke of them: the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple. They held the testimony of the Messiah who was to come, and they held it to the end.
And see where they are: not in the grave, not lost, but under the altar, before the face of God, gathered at the place of sacrifice. They are not dead. Jesus said of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that God “is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” And again, “for all live unto him.” These souls are alive, they speak, they cry out, and they are heard. What men took from them, God received as an offering.
Their lives were poured out at the foot of the altar, and soon the Lamb would be laid upon the altar itself. Their offering pointed to His. Paul knew the same joy: if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Here the ground level is pulled up into heaven. On earth men saw only the stone and the sword. Heaven saw an offering, and kept every life safe beneath the altar of God.
The Word Applied
Nothing you lay down for Jesus is lost. Every life poured out for Him is caught beneath His altar and held alive before His face. Whosoever liveth and believeth in Him shall never die.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Leviticus 4:7 – Pour all the blood... at the bottom of the altar.
And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Leviticus 17:11 – The life of the flesh is in the blood.
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Genesis 4:10 – The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me.
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Psalm 116:15 – Precious in the sight of the LORD.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 11:50-51 – From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias.
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
Luke 20:38 – For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living.
For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Philippians 2:17 – If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
John 11:26 – Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Revelation 6:10
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
How Long, O Lord?
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” They are alive, and they cry out.
Their cry is the oldest cry in the Bible. When Cain slew his brother, God said, the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. Zechariah the priest said, The LORD look upon it, and require it. From Abel to Zacharias the righteous cried, How long?
And Jesus answered that cry. He said their blood would be required of this generation, His generation, and it was. Their cry was answered at the Cross. There the Judge of all the earth took judgment upon Himself, and there the blood of Jesus spoke better things than that of Abel. Abel's blood cried for vengeance; the blood of Jesus cries for mercy, and both are answered in one act. Sin was judged and sinners were redeemed.
“Holy and true” is how they address Him. They do not doubt His justice; they wait for it. The faithful of old saw the promise afar off and longed for the day of the Messiah. Abraham rejoiced to see my day, said Jesus: and he saw it, and was glad.
The Word Applied
If you have cried, How long? you are in good company, and you are heard. The answer has already come at the Cross. Let the blood of Jesus speak over your situation; it speaks better things.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 4:10 – Thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
2 Chronicles 24:22 – The LORD look upon it, and require it.
Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon it, and require it.
Psalm 13:1 – How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD?
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 11:51 – It shall be required of this generation.
From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
Hebrews 12:24 – Speaketh better things than that of Abel.
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
John 8:56 – Abraham rejoiced to see my day.
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
Revelation 6:11
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
White Robes and a Little Season
◆ ◆ ◆
“And white robes were given unto every one of them.” The robe is given, not earned. It is the righteousness of Jesus, the garment of salvation of which Isaiah sang: he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Hebrews says of them, these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
“That they should rest yet for a little season.” Rest, not death. It is the rest of those who have ceased from their labours. The little season is short: from the Cross to the resurrection and the pouring out of the Spirit, when the Groom and the Bride are made one.
“Until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” The apostles and the early Church would also lay down their lives as an offering. Yet Jesus had already said, he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. What the world calls killing, heaven calls fulfilling. Not one of them is lost; each one is clothed, alive, and made perfect together with the whole Bride.
The Word Applied
You are clothed in white, given freely by the Bridegroom. Rest in Him. Whatever you lay down for His sake, you will find again, for in Him you live and shall never die.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 61:10 – He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Zechariah 3:4 – I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Genesis 3:21 – Coats of skins, and clothed them.
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Hebrews 11:39-40 – That they without us should not be made perfect.
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Matthew 10:39 – He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Revelation 19:8 – Fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Revelation 7:14 – Made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 6:12
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
The Earth Shook When He Was Lifted Up
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake.” Verses 9 to 11 showed the unseen side of the Cross. Verses 12 to 17 show the seen side. They are not two events but two angles of one hour.
When Jesus yielded up the ghost, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. The earth trembled at the death of its Maker, and the hard rocks, like hard hearts, were broken open.
“And the sun became black as sackcloth of hair.” From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. The Sun of righteousness was covered in darkness as He was made sin for us. Creation itself put on mourning for its Creator.
“And the moon became as blood.” The moon has no light of its own; it shines with the light of the sun. So the Church shines only with the light of Jesus, and in this hour she is washed in His blood. Joel foretold it: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, and Peter said at Pentecost that this was that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.
The Word Applied
The earth shook to open your heart. The darkness fell on Him so that the light could shine on you. You are the moon washed in His blood; reflect His light today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Joel 2:31 – The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
Amos 8:9 – I will cause the sun to go down at noon.
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:
Malachi 4:2 – The Sun of righteousness.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:51 – The earth did quake, and the rocks rent.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Luke 23:44-45 – The sun was darkened.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Acts 2:16 – This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Revelation 6:13
And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
The Old Order Falls
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth.” Stars are rulers and lights. In Joseph's dream the sun, moon and eleven stars were his family, the heads of Israel. Here the stars of the old order fall from their place: the priests and rulers who rejected the Messiah lose their seat.
“Even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” The fig tree is Israel's religious system under the old covenant. Jesus told of a fig tree in a vineyard: for three years the owner came seeking fruit and found none. Later Jesus found a fig tree with nothing thereon but leaves only, and it withered away.
Mark sets the fig tree and the temple side by side. Jesus cursed the tree, cleansed the temple, and the next morning the tree was dried up from the roots. He said of the temple, your house is left unto you desolate.
The mighty wind is the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and the old tree was shaken. Its untimely figs fell, and a new tree began to bear: the Church rooted in Jesus, bearing the fruit of the Spirit in every season.
The Word Applied
Anything in your life that has leaves but no fruit, the wind of the Spirit will shake. Do not hold on to it. Let it fall, and let the new life of Jesus bear real fruit in you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 37:9 – The sun and the moon and the eleven stars.
And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
Jeremiah 24:2 – One basket had very good figs.
One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.
Isaiah 34:4 – As a falling fig from the fig tree.
And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 13:6-7 – He came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
Mark 11:20 – They saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
Acts 2:2 – A rushing mighty wind.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Matthew 23:38 – Your house is left unto you desolate.
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Revelation 6:14
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Heaven Opened, Kingdoms Moved
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together.” When the veil was torn, the separation between heaven and earth was rolled up like an old scroll that has been read to the end. The old covenant was finished. Isaiah used the same words: the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll.
This is not the end of the sky but the end of the barrier. Hebrews says the way into the holiest is opened through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. Heaven departed from its distance and came near. Heaven and earth merged in one new reality in Jesus.
“And every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” Mountains and islands are kingdoms and powers, the strongholds of this world. At the Cross the strong man was bound. Principalities and powers were spoiled. The governments of darkness, and the religious systems built without God, were moved out of their places.
Haggai prophesied it: yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth. Only what cannot be shaken remains. One kingdom alone remains, the kingdom of the Lamb. The stone cut out without hands became a great mountain, and it does not move.
The Word Applied
The barrier is gone and heaven is near. What can be shaken will be shaken, but you have received a kingdom that cannot be moved. Stand on it with confidence.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 34:4 – The heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll.
And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
Haggai 2:6 – I will shake the heavens, and the earth.
For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
Daniel 2:35 – The stone... became a great mountain.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Hebrews 10:20 – Through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Hebrews 12:26-28 – A kingdom which cannot be moved.
Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Mark 3:27 – Except he will first bind the strong man.
No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
Colossians 2:15 – Having spoiled principalities and powers.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Revelation 6:15
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
The World Knows Who He Is
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.” Seven kinds of men are named, from the throne to the slave. No rank is excluded. The Cross reaches all.
Why do they hide? Because sin has been revealed. The first thing Adam did after he sinned was hide. And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. Guilt runs from the light. The light came into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
At the Cross the world knew. The centurion said, Truly this was the Son of God. The people that came together to that sight smote their breasts and returned. The rulers who had condemned Him were troubled, and the devils themselves knew they had lost.
But hiding is not the end of the story. The Lord God called unto Adam, Where art thou? He still calls. The same light that exposes is the light that heals, and every bondman and every free man who stops hiding finds a Saviour waiting.
The Word Applied
Do not hide from Jesus. He already knows everything, and He has already paid for it. Step out of the rocks and into His light, and hear Him call your name in love.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:8 – Adam and his wife hid themselves.
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:9 – Where art thou?
And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Isaiah 2:19 – They shall go into the holes of the rocks.
And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 3:19 – Men loved darkness rather than light.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Mark 15:39 – Truly this man was the Son of God.
And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
Luke 23:48 – Smote their breasts, and returned.
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
Revelation 6:16
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
The Face of Him on the Throne
◆ ◆ ◆
“And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” On the way to Golgotha Jesus told the daughters of Jerusalem that this very cry would be heard: then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ. The result was fear, guilt and the instinct to hide from the face of God, just like Adam, and just like these kings. Israel was afraid to come nigh Moses, and he veiled his face.
Now the face is unveiled. Those who cling to sin cry for the rocks to cover them. But there is a Rock that was cleft for us. The true Bride does not hide in caves; she hides in Christ. We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.
The wrath of the Lamb is a strange phrase. Lambs are gentle. His wrath is the holy refusal of love to leave sin alive. It burns against everything that destroys His Bride, and it fell first on Himself.
The Word Applied
You do not need the mountains to cover you. The Lamb has covered you with His own blood. Lift up your face and behold Him; what was once terror is now transformation.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 10:8 – They shall say to the mountains, Cover us.
The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.
Exodus 34:30 – They were afraid to come nigh him.
And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
Exodus 33:22 – I will put thee in a clift of the rock.
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 23:30 – Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us.
Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
Galatians 3:24 – The law was our schoolmaster.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
2 Corinthians 3:18 – We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Colossians 3:3 – Your life is hid with Christ in God.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Revelation 6:17
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
The Great Day Was the Cross
◆ ◆ ◆
“For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Many push this day far into the future. But Jesus said before the Cross, Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. Now, not later. The great day of wrath came at Calvary.
On that day the wrath of God against sin was poured out in full, and it fell on the Lamb. He was made a curse for us. The Judge took the judgment. At the same moment He executed judgment on sin, on death and on the powers of darkness, and spoiled them openly. Atonement and kingship happened in one act. The Cross is both salvation and judgment, depending on how a man receives it.
It is the hour that split history in two. Since that day the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. The judgment now runs through the gospel, and it is a judgment of hearts.
“Who shall be able to stand?” Only those in Him. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. The answer to this question is the next chapter: a people sealed, robed in white and standing before the throne.
The Word Applied
The day of wrath is behind you; Jesus bore it. You can stand, not in your own strength but in His finished work. Stand up in Him, and walk without fear.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 53:10 – It pleased the LORD to bruise him.
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Malachi 3:2 – Who shall stand when he appeareth?
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
Psalm 130:3 – O Lord, who shall stand?
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 12:31 – Now is the judgment of this world.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Galatians 3:13 – Being made a curse for us.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
John 16:8-11 – The prince of this world is judged.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Chapter 7
The Sealed and the Great Multitude · 17 verses
Revelation 7:1
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
The Winds Held Back
◆ ◆ ◆
“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.” The sixth seal ended with a question: who shall be able to stand? Before the answer comes, heaven holds its breath.
The wind in Scripture is the Spirit. Jesus said, The wind bloweth where it listeth... so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Ezekiel cried, Come from the four winds, O breath. Here the four winds are held, and nothing stirs.
This stillness has two faces. The first is the silence between the testaments: after Malachi there was no fresh word from heaven for four hundred years, a famine of hearing the words of the LORD, until the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
The second is the short silence of the Cross. Jesus cried with a loud voice and gave up the ghost. For three days the Breath of God lay in the tomb. After His rising He said, tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. The winds were held until the appointed day.
The Word Applied
If heaven seems silent in your life, it is not absent. The winds are held for a purpose, and they are held in His hand. The day of the rushing mighty wind is coming to you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 37:9 – Come from the four winds, O breath.
Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
Amos 8:11 – A famine... of hearing the words of the LORD.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
Malachi 4:5 – I will send you Elijah the prophet.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 3:8 – The wind bloweth where it listeth.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Luke 3:2 – The word of God came unto John.
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Luke 24:49 – Until ye be endued with power from on high.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Luke 23:46 – He gave up the ghost.
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Revelation 7:2
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
The Glory Rises from the East
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God.” The word angel is angelos, a messenger. And this Messenger comes from the east, ascending like the sunrise. Who rises from the east carrying the seal of God? Jesus, risen from the grave, the dayspring from on high that hath visited us.
Ezekiel saw Him long before John: “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.” The glory had departed from the temple in Ezekiel's day. Now it returns, from the east, and fills the house. That glory is Jesus. We beheld his glory, says John, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
The east is the place of the sunrise and of new beginnings. The wise men saw His star in the east. On the first day of the week, very early, at the rising of the sun, the women came to the tomb and found it empty. The Sun of righteousness arose with healing in His wings.
He is ascending. He rises from the grave and goes up to the Father, and from there He pours out the Spirit.
“Having the seal of the living God.” Jesus was Himself sealed by the Father: him hath God the Father sealed. Now He carries that seal to His people, and the seal is the Holy Spirit of promise. Only the risen and ascended Son could give it. The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
“And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea.” It is the voice that cried on the Cross. The Word that was silent in the tomb speaks again, and the first thing He commands is protection for His people. Before any wind of judgment blows, the Bride must be sealed.
Is this Messenger Jesus or the Spirit? He is One. “I and my Father are one.” “Now the Lord is that Spirit.” “There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” The Messenger of the churches and the Messenger from the east are the same Lord.
The Word Applied
The glory of God has risen over your life from the east, and it carries a seal with your name on it. Jesus has come to mark you as His own. Let the earth around you shine with His glory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Ezekiel 43:2 – The glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Isaiah 9:6 – The mighty God, The everlasting Father.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Malachi 4:2 – The Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine; for thy light is come.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 7
Luke 1:78 – The dayspring from on high hath visited us.
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
John 10:30 – I and my Father are one.
I and my Father are one.
1 John 5:7 – These three are one.
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
John 6:27 – Him hath God the Father sealed.
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
John 7:39 – Because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Ephesians 1:13 – Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
John 1:14 – We beheld his glory.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Revelation 7:3
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
The Seal of the Spirit
◆ ◆ ◆
“Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Nothing moves until God's people are secure. The earth, the sea and the trees are men: the land of the living, the sea of the nations, and the trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.
This sealing is Pentecost. When Jesus had ascended, the Holy Spirit was poured out, and that day the servants of God were sealed. In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance.
A seal in the ancient world did three things. It proved a thing genuine; it marked it as the owner's property; and it protected it from tampering. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.
The seal is in the forehead, the seat of the mind. It is the mind of Christ, the Father's name written within. Ezekiel saw a man with a writer's inkhorn set a mark upon the foreheads of those who sighed for the abominations of Jerusalem, and they were spared. The sealed ones belong to God, and nothing can harm what He has marked.
The Word Applied
You are sealed. The Spirit in you is God's mark of ownership, His proof that you are genuine, and His protection over your life. Think with the mind of Christ, for His name is written there.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 9:4 – Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh.
And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
Isaiah 61:3 – Trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Song of Solomon 8:6 – Set me as a seal upon thine heart.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Ephesians 1:13-14 – Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
2 Timothy 2:19 – The Lord knoweth them that are his.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Corinthians 1:22 – Who hath also sealed us.
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
1 Corinthians 2:16 – We have the mind of Christ.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
The Whole Israel of God
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” John hears a number. In the next verses he will turn and see a multitude no man could number. What he hears and what he sees are the same people.
The number is not a headcount. It is twelve times twelve times a thousand. Twelve is the number of God's people, the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. A thousand is fullness. This is the complete, sealed people of God.
Who is the Israel of God? Paul answers: they are not all Israel, which are of Israel. He is a Jew, which is one inwardly. If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. The wild branches of the nations are grafted into the one olive tree.
So the 144,000 is the representation of all nations, of every kind and every people, in Him: the same company John sees in verse 9, “of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” The tribes are the frame; Jesus is the true Israel in whom every nation is counted, and He calleth his own sheep by name.
The Word Applied
You are counted, whatever your nation. You are part of His complete Israel, grafted in by grace and sealed by the Spirit, and He knows you by name.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 22:17 – I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven.
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Isaiah 56:8 – Yet will I gather others to him.
The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
Jeremiah 31:33 – I will put my law in their inward parts.
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 9:6 – They are not all Israel, which are of Israel.
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Galatians 3:29 – Then are ye Abraham's seed.
And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Romans 11:17 – Wert graffed in among them.
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Galatians 6:16 – Upon the Israel of God.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Revelation 7:5
Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
Praise, a Son, a Troop
◆ ◆ ◆
“Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.” A list of names in the Bible is never empty. Every name was given with a meaning, and read in this order the twelve names tell the gospel.
Juda comes first, not Reuben the firstborn. Leah said at his birth, “Now will I praise the LORD.” Judah means praise. The list begins with praise because the Lion of the tribe of Juda has prevailed, and every sealed life begins and ends in praise.
Reuben means behold, a son. Leah said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction. God looked on the affliction of the world and gave a Son. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.
Gad means a troop cometh, or good fortune comes. Jesus did not come alone; He came with the host of heaven and gathers a great company behind Him. Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
Put together, the first three names say: Praise, for behold a Son is given, and He comes with His troop to overcome.
The Word Applied
Begin with praise. God has looked on your affliction and given you His Son, and you belong to His troop. With Him you will overcome at the last.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Genesis 29:35 – Now will I praise the LORD.
And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
Genesis 29:32 – The LORD hath looked upon my affliction.
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
Genesis 30:11 – A troop cometh.
And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.
Genesis 49:19 – He shall overcome at the last.
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 5:5 – The Lion of the tribe of Juda.
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.
Luke 2:11 – Unto you is born this day... a Saviour.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Hebrews 2:10 – In bringing many sons unto glory.
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Revelation 7:6
Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
Happy, Wrestling, Forgetting
◆ ◆ ◆
“Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.” The gospel story continues in the names.
Aser, or Asher, means happy or blessed. Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed.” This is what the Son brings: blessedness. The first word of His first sermon was Blessed. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Nepthalim, or Naphtali, means my wrestling. Rachel said, “With great wrestlings have I wrestled.” Before we knew the Son we wrestled in the depths of sin, as Jacob wrestled through the night. But the wrestling ended in a blessing and a new name. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, and the fight is already won.
Manasses, or Manasseh, means forgetting. Joseph named his firstborn so, “For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil.” This is the wonder of forgiveness. God says, their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. He forgets, and He makes us forget the pain of the past.
So the second three names say: blessed and happy are we, though we once wrestled in the dark, for God has made us forget all our toil.
The Word Applied
You were made for happiness in Jesus. Your wrestling has ended in a blessing. God has forgotten your sins; let Him heal the memory of your toil, and walk on blessed.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Genesis 30:13 – Happy am I.
And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.
Genesis 30:8 – With great wrestlings have I wrestled.
And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
Genesis 41:51 – God... hath made me forget all my toil.
And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.
Genesis 32:28 – Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel.
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Hebrews 8:12 – Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Philippians 3:13 – Forgetting those things which are behind.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Revelation 7:7
Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
Heard, Joined, Rewarded
◆ ◆ ◆
“Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.” The names go deeper into the life of grace.
Simeon means heard. Leah said, “Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also.” God hears the cry of the unloved. This is the confidence that we have in him, that he heareth us.
Levi means joined. Leah said, “Now this time will my husband be joined unto me.” Here is the heart of the gospel: union. He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Levi was the priestly tribe, and in Christ every believer is joined to Him as a priest. Levi is often left out of the tribal lists, because he had no land; here he is sealed, for the Lord is his inheritance.
Issachar means hire, or reward. Leah said, “God hath given me my hire.” Jesus paid the wages of sin in full, and now He Himself is our reward. I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
So the third three names say: God has heard us, joined us to Himself, and paid the wages, giving us Himself as our reward.
The Word Applied
God has heard you. He has joined Himself to you and will never let go. The wages of your sin are paid, and Jesus Himself is your exceeding great reward.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Genesis 29:33 – Because the LORD hath heard.
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
Genesis 29:34 – Now this time will my husband be joined unto me.
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
Genesis 30:18 – God hath given me my hire.
And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
Genesis 15:1 – I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 John 5:14 – He heareth us.
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
1 Corinthians 6:17 – He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 7:8
Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
Dwelling, Increase, the Right Hand
◆ ◆ ◆
“Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” The story reaches its end.
Zabulon, or Zebulun, means dwelling. Leah said, “Now will my husband dwell with me.” God dwells with His people. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and now He makes His abode in every believer.
Joseph means He shall add. Rachel said, “The LORD shall add to me another son.” Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well. The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Benjamin means son of the right hand. His mother called him Benoni, son of my sorrow. The Man of sorrows was set at the Father's right hand. In Him we are sons of the right hand too, seated with Him in heavenly places.
Two names are missing. Ephraim is included within Joseph. Dan, whose name means judge, is not named, for Dan fell first into idolatry. And all judgment is now committed to the Son.
The whole list is one sentence: praise, a Son is given; we are blessed, heard, joined and rewarded, and He dwells with us and seats us at the right hand.
The Word Applied
The journey ends at the right hand of the Father. God dwells with you, adds to you, and has seated you with the Son of His right hand. That is where you live now.
Witness of the Old Testament · 5
Genesis 30:20 – Now will my husband dwell with me.
And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
Genesis 30:24 – The LORD shall add to me another son.
And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.
Genesis 35:18 – His father called him Benjamin.
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Genesis 49:22 – Joseph is a fruitful bough.
Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:
Judges 18:30 – The children of Dan set up the graven image.
And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 1:14 – And dwelt among us.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Acts 2:47 – The Lord added to the church daily.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Ephesians 1:20 – Set him at his own right hand.
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
John 5:22 – Hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Revelation 7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
A Great Multitude No Man Could Number
◆ ◆ ◆
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number.” John heard the number of the sealed; now he turns and sees them. The 144,000 of Israel is a great multitude from every nation.
This is the promise to Abraham fulfilled. God brought him forth abroad and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them... So shall thy seed be. And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
“Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” At Babel the tongues were confused and the nations scattered. At Pentecost the tongues were given and the nations gathered. Jesus said, I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. The door is open to all.
“Stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” They stand: this is the answer to the question, who shall be able to stand? They stand because they are clothed in His righteousness. The palms are the palms of victory and of the feast of tabernacles. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem the people took branches of palm trees and cried, Hosanna. Now the whole earth holds the palms.
The Word Applied
You are part of a multitude no man can number. Whatever your nation or tongue, you stand before the Lamb clothed in white. Lift your palm and rejoice; the victory is His and yours.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 15:5 – Tell the stars, if thou be able to number them.
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Genesis 12:3 – In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Leviticus 23:40 – Branches of palm trees.
And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 12:13 – Took branches of palm trees.
Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
John 12:32 – Will draw all men unto me.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Acts 2:8 – How hear we every man in our own tongue?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Galatians 3:8 – In thee shall all nations be blessed.
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Revelation 7:10
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Salvation Belongs to Our God
◆ ◆ ◆
“And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” The multitude does not cry, We saved ourselves. They cry that salvation belongs to God and to the Lamb.
This is the oldest confession of the redeemed. Jonah cried it from the belly of the fish: Salvation is of the LORD. David sang it: Salvation belongeth unto the LORD. Every one of the multitude knows that he was not saved by works, by birth or by nation, but by grace.
Notice that the throne and the Lamb are named together. Salvation belongs to God, and it belongs to the Lamb. The Lamb is God. He shall save His people from their sins. The name Jesus means the LORD is salvation. There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The loud voice of the multitude answers the loud voice of the Messenger from the east. He cried to seal them; now they cry to praise Him.
This cry is not only heard in heaven. It is heard every time a sinner on earth believes, every time a church gathers, every time a heart says, Jesus saved me.
The Word Applied
Say it out loud: salvation belongs to my God and to the Lamb. You did not earn it and you cannot lose it by trying harder. Give Him all the glory, and rest.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jonah 2:9 – Salvation is of the LORD.
But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Psalm 3:8 – Salvation belongeth unto the LORD.
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Isaiah 45:22 – Look unto me, and be ye saved.
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 1:21 – He shall save his people from their sins.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Acts 4:12 – None other name under heaven.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 2:8 – By grace are ye saved through faith.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Revelation 7:11
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Heaven, the Church and the Word Worship
◆ ◆ ◆
“And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts.” The circles of chapter 4 appear again. In the centre is the throne. Around it are the four living ones, the Word. Around them are the elders, the Church. And around all of them stand the messengers of heaven.
Everything faces the centre: heaven, the Church and the Word united around one throne.
“And fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God.” The angels fall on their faces. They have watched the whole story of redemption from the beginning. They desired to look into these things, and now they see them fulfilled. The angels who sang Glory to God in the highest now bow before the finished work.
Notice that even the angels worship because of the redeemed. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. How much more over a multitude no man can number?
This is not a picture of a distant future. It is the reality of every true worship gathering. Ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. When the Church worships, heaven joins her.
The Word Applied
When you worship, you are not alone in a room. You stand with angels, with the whole Church and with the living Word, around the same throne. Fall on your face and worship with them.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Nehemiah 9:6 – The host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Psalm 103:20 – Bless the LORD, ye his angels.
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Isaiah 6:3 – The whole earth is full of his glory.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 2:13-14 – Glory to God in the highest.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 15:10 – Joy in the presence of the angels of God.
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
1 Peter 1:12 – Which things the angels desire to look into.
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Hebrews 12:22 – An innumerable company of angels.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Revelation 7:12
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
So Be It for Ever
◆ ◆ ◆
“Saying, Amen.” The angels begin with Amen. Before they add a word, they agree with everything that has been sung. Amen means so be it, it is firm, it is true. Heaven says Amen to salvation by grace.
“Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power.” Seven words of praise, the number of completeness, are given to God. In chapter 5 the angels gave seven words to the Lamb; here they give seven to God. The same worship belongs to both, for the Lamb and the One on the throne are one.
There is one new word here: thanksgiving. The redeemed and the angels give thanks. Thanks unto God for his unspeakable gift.
These seven gifts are also the portion God gives His Bride. He blesses her, glorifies her, gives her wisdom and a thankful heart, honours her and clothes her with power from on high. What heaven gives to God, God shares with His people, for we are partakers of the divine nature.
“Be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” The song begins with Amen and ends with Amen. All of it is enclosed in the faithfulness of God. Jesus is the Amen, and every promise of God in Him is yea, and in Him Amen.
The Word Applied
Say Amen to what God has done for you. Give Him thanks, and receive from Him the blessing, wisdom and power He pours on His Bride. Let your whole life be an Amen.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Chronicles 29:11 – Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory.
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Psalm 72:19 – Let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Psalm 106:48 – Let all the people say, Amen.
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
2 Corinthians 9:15 – Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 1:20 – In him Amen.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
2 Peter 1:4 – Partakers of the divine nature.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Revelation 5:12 – Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.
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.
Revelation 7:13
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
The Church Declares
◆ ◆ ◆
“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?” Notice the word: answered. No one has asked a question, yet the elder answers. He knows. He is setting up a declaration.
The elder is the Church, and the Church is about to testify. God often teaches this way. He asked Adam, Where art thou? He asked Elijah, What doest thou here? He asked Ezekiel, Son of man, can these bones live? Each question was not for God's information but for man's revelation.
“What are these?” The elder wants John to look closely at the white robes. White is the colour of righteousness, purity and victory. These robes are not homespun; they are given. As the father said of the prodigal, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him.
“And whence came they?” This is the real question. Where did these people come from? Not from a better nation, a holier family or a stronger will. The answer in the next verse will point to one place only: the blood of the Lamb.
So the Church in heaven testifies about the Church on earth. The redeemed know their own story, and they are eager to tell it.
The Word Applied
God asks you questions so that you can discover the answer. Where did you come from, and what are you wearing? Let the Church in you declare it: I am clothed in His righteousness.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:9 – Where art thou?
And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
1 Kings 19:9 – What doest thou here, Elijah?
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
Ezekiel 37:3 – Son of man, can these bones live?
And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 15:22 – Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Revelation 3:5 – He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready always to give an answer.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Revelation 7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.” John hands the answer back to the elder, and the elder declares it.
“These are they which came out of great tribulation.” What is the great tribulation? The greatest tribulation the world has ever known was the day Jesus hung on the Cross. There He bore the full weight of sin, judgment and wrath. The sun was darkened, the earth shook, and the Son cried, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? No tribulation before or since compares with that hour.
And how did they come out of it? By going into it with Him. Every believer was there. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him. When you believe, you hang on the Cross with Him, and you come out of it with Him on the other side, alive in His resurrection life. The old man was crucified; the new man came out.
So our great tribulation began and ended at the Cross. We still meet hardship in this world, but not judgment. Jesus said, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Our trials now are the trials of overcomers, not the punishment of sinners.
“And have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Here is a wonder: blood that makes white. Isaiah said, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Nothing else can wash a robe white. Not tears, not works, not religion; only the blood of Jesus.
Washed is the work of the blood: once for all, finished. Made white is the result: they are clothed in His righteousness and stand without spot. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Here heaven reaches down to every ordinary believer. The great multitude is not a company of the extraordinary but of the washed.
The Word Applied
You came out of the great tribulation with Jesus. Your old man was crucified with Him, and you live by His life. Whatever trouble you meet, you meet it as an overcomer, washed white in His blood.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Isaiah 1:18 – Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Psalm 51:7 – Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 22:1 – My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Zechariah 13:1 – A fountain opened... for sin and for uncleanness.
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Romans 6:6 – Our old man is crucified with him.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
John 16:33 – In the world ye shall have tribulation.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1 John 1:7 – The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Revelation 7:15
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
God Dwelling Among His People
◆ ◆ ◆
“Therefore are they before the throne of God.” Therefore: because of the blood. The washed have access. They stand before the throne as sons and daughters, not as strangers.
“And serve him day and night in his temple.” The word serve is the word for priestly service. In the old covenant only the priests served in the temple, and only the high priest entered the holiest once a year. Now every washed believer serves day and night. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? The temple is the Church.
“And he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” The word dwell is to spread a tent over them, to tabernacle. It is the same word John used in his Gospel: the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. God pitched His tent in human flesh in Jesus, and now He pitches it over His people for ever.
This is the promise of the whole Bible fulfilled. I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Heaven is not far from the believer; the One who sits on the throne lives among His people now.
The Word Applied
You are the temple of God, and He has spread His tent over you. Serve Him day and night, not as a burden but as a priest who lives in His presence.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 25:8 – That I may dwell among them.
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Ezekiel 37:27 – My tabernacle also shall be with them.
My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Psalm 84:4 – Blessed are they that dwell in thy house.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Ye are the temple of God.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
2 Corinthians 6:16 – I will dwell in them, and walk in them.
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Revelation 21:3 – The tabernacle of God is with men.
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.
1 Peter 2:5 – An holy priesthood.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Revelation 7:16
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
Life in the Spirit Now
◆ ◆ ◆
“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more.” Isaiah prophesied it: They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them. Jesus fulfilled it: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
This is not only about the age to come. At the Cross heaven and earth were joined. The believer is a new creation, a spiritual being living by the principles of the kingdom. The deep hunger of the soul for God is filled now, and the thirst of the spirit is quenched now. The body still eats bread, but the man no longer lives by bread alone.
“Neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.” But the redeemed have a shade. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day.
And they need no outward light to live by, for Jesus is their light within. I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. We no longer live by outward systems and rules. He lives within, sustaining and guiding.
The Word Applied
In Jesus every deep hunger is satisfied and every thirst is quenched. Come to Him today and be filled. He is your shade in the heat and your light within.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 49:10 – They shall not hunger nor thirst.
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
Psalm 121:5-6 – The LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
Deuteronomy 8:3 – Man doth not live by bread only.
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:35 – He that cometh to me shall never hunger.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 8:12 – I am the light of the world.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – He is a new creature.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Jesus, Our Bread and Living Water
◆ ◆ ◆
“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them.” Here is the most tender word in the chapter. The Lamb becomes the Shepherd. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The One who was led as a lamb to the slaughter now leads His flock, and He feeds them with Himself, the bread of life.
“And shall lead them unto living fountains of waters.” Living water is the Holy Spirit. Jesus stood on the last day of the feast and cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me... out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit.) The fountains are not far away; they spring up within.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” This is the hand of a Father. Isaiah saw it: the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces. It is the present comfort of the Comforter Jesus promised.
So chapter 7 ends where it began, in perfect security. Before the winds blow, the people are sealed. And before the judgments of the trumpets, the Lamb feeds, leads and comforts His own. Nothing that follows can touch what He has done here.
The Lamb… shall lead them unto living fountains of waters
The Word Applied
Let the Lamb shepherd you. He feeds you with Himself, leads you to the living water of His Spirit, and wipes away every tear with His own hand. Drink deeply today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 23:1-2 – The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Isaiah 25:8 – The Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Jeremiah 2:13 – The fountain of living waters.
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 10:11 – I am the good shepherd.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 7:37-39 – Rivers of living water... this spake he of the Spirit.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
John 4:14 – A well of water springing up into everlasting life.
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 14:16 – He shall give you another Comforter.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Chapter 8
The Silence and the Trumpets · 13 verses
Revelation 8:1
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
Heaven Holds Its Breath at the Cross
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.” The seventh seal is the last and the fullest. Six seals have shown the Lamb conquering, the Word dividing, the old order shaken. Now the seventh is opened, and heaven does not shout. Heaven falls silent.
Why silence? Because this is the hour of the Cross. Every song in chapters 4 and 5 was sung to the Lamb that was slain, and here the slaying itself is in view. The Son of God bows His head under the sin of the world, and all of heaven stands still. The prophets saw this hour: “Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice.” The day of the LORD is the day of the sacrifice, and before it every voice is hushed.
Isaiah saw the Lamb in His silence: “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” Jesus was silent before Caiaphas and silent before Pilate, and heaven answers His silence with its own. “But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”
The silence lasts half an hour, a short and measured time. An hour in the Gospels is the hour of His passion: “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son.” Half an hour is the hour cut short: the darkness and the suffering were real, but they were measured, and they ended. On the third day the silence broke into the loudest sound in all creation, the shout of resurrection.
Notice too that this silence is not emptiness. It is the stillness of worship, the hush of a temple when the high priest goes in behind the veil. Every eye in heaven is fixed on one place, the altar, and the next verses will show what is offered there.
Then the silence is pulled down to earth. At the Cross the earth also stood still: there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. The sun hid its face, the crowd went home smiting their breasts, and the women stood afar off, beholding. Heaven and earth kept the same silence over the same sacrifice.
The Word Applied
Learn the silence of heaven. Before you speak, before you pray, be still before the Cross and behold the Lamb. In that stillness your striving ends, because everything was settled in that half hour.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Zephaniah 1:7 – Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD.
Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.
Habakkuk 2:20 – Let all the earth keep silence before him.
But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
Isaiah 53:7 – So he openeth not his mouth.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 17:1 – Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son.
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Luke 23:44 – There was a darkness over all the earth.
And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
Matthew 26:63 – But Jesus held his peace.
But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Luke 23:48 – Smote their breasts, and returned.
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
Revelation 8:2
And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
The Sevenfold Spirit Proclaims
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.” After the silence comes the sound. The seals revealed what the Lamb did; the trumpets proclaim it.
Who are the seven angels which stood before God? John has already shown us “the seven Spirits which are before his throne.” These are the perfect Spirit of God going forth as messengers, the one Lord in His sevenfold working. The Spirit does not speak of Himself: “he shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” Every trumpet will sound Jesus.
A trumpet in Scripture is a proclamation. “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion.” “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet.” The Jubilee trumpet proclaimed liberty throughout all the land, and debts were cancelled and slaves set free.
So these are not trumpets of random disaster. They are the Spirit's announcement of the finished work into every part of creation. At Jericho seven priests blew seven trumpets, and on the seventh day the walls fell flat. The walls of the old order are about to fall the same way: not by the sword of man, but by the sound of the message.
The Word Applied
The Holy Spirit is still sounding the trumpet of the finished work over your life. Listen to the proclamation, not to the noise of fear. The walls fall, the debts are cancelled, and liberty is announced.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Joel 2:1 – Blow ye the trumpet in Zion.
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
Isaiah 58:1 – Lift up thy voice like a trumpet.
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
Leviticus 25:9-10 – Proclaim liberty throughout all the land.
Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land.
And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.
Joshua 6:20 – The wall fell down flat.
So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:4 – The seven Spirits which are before his throne.
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
John 16:14 – He shall glorify me.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
1 Corinthians 15:52 – For the trumpet shall sound.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Revelation 8:3
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Our High Priest at the Golden Altar
◆ ◆ ◆
“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer.” Who stands at the altar of heaven with the golden censer? Only the High Priest. On the day of atonement Aaron alone took the censer within the veil. This Angel is Jesus, the Messenger of the covenant, our great High Priest who is passed into the heavens.
“And there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” The incense is His own offering. Christ “hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” His obedience and love rise before the Father as the sweetest fragrance.
And with it go “the prayers of all saints.” Our prayers do not rise alone. They are lifted on His incense and carried in His hand. “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense.” He ever liveth to make intercession for us, and every prayer of every saint is offered through Him and accepted in Him.
The altar is golden, the altar before the throne, the place where the Cross and the throne meet. What Jesus offered on earth on the wooden Cross He presents in heaven at the golden altar.
The Word Applied
Your prayers are not lost in the air. Jesus takes them into His own hand, mixes them with His perfect offering and lays them before the Father. Pray boldly; you are heard in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Leviticus 16:12-13 – A censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar.
And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
Psalm 141:2 – Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense.
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Malachi 3:1 – Even the messenger of the covenant.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 5:2 – An offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Hebrews 7:25 – He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 4:14 – A great high priest, that is passed into the heavens.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Revelation 8:4
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
The Offering Accepted
◆ ◆ ◆
The smoke of the incense ascends before God with the prayers of the saints, and the offering is received. The smoke goes up, and nothing is sent back.
In the old covenant the cloud of incense covered the mercy seat, that the high priest die not. The smoke was a covering. Here the covering is complete: the incense of Christ's offering covers His people, and they stand before God accepted in the beloved.
Whenever God accepted an offering, the smoke and the glory filled His house. When Solomon finished praying, “the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.” When Isaiah saw the Lord, “the house was filled with smoke.” The ascending smoke here is the same sign. The sacrifice of the Lamb is accepted, and the spiritual temple is filled with glory.
Notice that the smoke rises out of the Angel's hand, not ours. Our prayers ascend because they are in His hand, the hand that was pierced. The Father receives what the Son presents.
And the prayers of the saints rise together with His sacrifice. In one moment relationship is restored, the way into the holiest is opened, and the children of God are welcome in their Father's presence.
The Word Applied
Your life and your prayers are covered by His offering and accepted in Him. You are not trying to be received; you have been received. Live under the cloud of His glory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Leviticus 16:13 – That the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat.
And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
2 Chronicles 7:1 – The glory of the LORD filled the house.
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.
Isaiah 6:4 – The house was filled with smoke.
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 1:6 – He hath made us accepted in the beloved.
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Hebrews 10:19 – Boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
John 10:29 – No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Revelation 8:5
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
Fire from the Altar Cast to the Earth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth.” The same censer that carried the prayers up now carries fire down. As in heaven, so on earth.
This fire is from the altar, the place of the sacrifice. It is not the strange fire of man's religion. It is the fire of the Cross, where judgment and grace met in one body. Jesus said, “I am come to send fire on the earth.” At the Cross the fire of judgment fell on sin in His flesh; at Pentecost the fire fell on His people as cloven tongues. One fire, two faces: judgment on sin, and the Spirit on the believer.
“And there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” These are the signs of Sinai, where the law was given. Now they announce the new covenant. When Jesus yielded up the ghost, the earth did quake, and the rocks rent, and the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. At Pentecost the place was shaken.
Earth here is humanity. The fire of the altar is cast into the hearts of men: it burns away the dross and sets the new life ablaze.
The Word Applied
The fire from the altar has been cast into your heart. Let it burn away what is not of God and set you ablaze with His Spirit. What heaven offered for you, earth now receives in you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 6:6-7 – A live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar.
Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Exodus 19:16 – Thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud.
And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
Leviticus 10:1 – Offered strange fire before the LORD.
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 12:49 – I am come to send fire on the earth.
I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
Matthew 27:51 – The earth did quake, and the rocks rent.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Acts 2:2-3 – Cloven tongues like as of fire.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 4:31 – The place was shaken.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Revelation 8:6
And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
Prepared to Sound
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.” The fire is cast down, the earth is shaken, and now the proclamation is made ready.
The trumpets are the voice of the Spirit announcing what the Lamb has done. Jesus said of the Comforter, “he shall testify of me.” The sevenfold Spirit prepares to tell creation the whole story of the Cross in seven blasts, each one a part of the finished work.
Preparation is the language of the feasts. The priests made ready the silver trumpets for the solemn days and the beginnings of the months. The feast of trumpets came before the day of atonement and the feast of tabernacles. So these trumpets lead to atonement applied and to God tabernacling with His people.
“Prepared themselves” also tells us that nothing here is hasty or random. God's proclamation is ordered and exact.
And the sound goes out through human voices. “How shall they hear without a preacher?” Paul answers his own question: “their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” The trumpets of heaven sound through the mouths of the Church on earth.
The Word Applied
Be ready to sound. The Spirit who prepared these trumpets prepares you to carry the message of the finished work. Your voice is one of His trumpets in the earth.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Numbers 10:10 – In your solemn days... ye shall blow with the trumpets.
Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God.
Psalm 81:3 – Blow up the trumpet in the new moon.
Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
Genesis 1:2 – The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 15:26 – He shall testify of me.
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:
Romans 10:14 – How shall they hear without a preacher?
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Romans 10:18 – Their sound went into all the earth.
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Revelation 8:7
The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
All Flesh Is Grass
◆ ◆ ◆
“The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth.” Hail and fire were the seventh plague on Egypt: “the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground.” Now the same judgment falls, but with something added: blood.
Fire mingled with blood is judgment mingled with atonement. This is the Cross. The hail and fire of God's judgment against sin fell, and the blood of the Lamb was mingled with it. “Without shedding of blood is no remission.” The judgment destroys the sin, not the sinner.
“And the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.” What is the grass? Isaiah answers: “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.” The green grass is the glory of the flesh, man's self-righteousness and pride. All of it is burnt up.
Why a third part? The prophet Zechariah saw it: “I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined.” The third is the portion that passes through the fire and comes out pure. The fire takes the old and leaves the gold.
The Word Applied
Let the fire of the Cross burn up the grass of your own righteousness. You lose nothing of value; you lose only the flesh. What comes out of the fire is refined, and it belongs to Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 9:23 – The fire ran along upon the ground.
And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 40:6 – All flesh is grass.
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
Zechariah 13:9 – I will bring the third part through the fire.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 9:22 – Without shedding of blood is no remission.
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
1 Peter 1:24 – For all flesh is as grass.
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
1 Corinthians 3:13 – The fire shall try every man's work.
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
Revelation 8:8
And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
The Kingdom Cast into the Nations
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea.” In prophetic language a mountain is a kingdom, and the sea is the nations.
What mountain is this? Daniel saw a stone cut out without hands. It struck the image of the kingdoms of men, “and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” That stone is Jesus. The great mountain is His Kingdom, and it is burning with fire, the fire of the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost the Kingdom was cast into the sea of the nations, Parthians and Medes and Elamites and every tongue under heaven.
Jesus said of faith: “Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.”
“And the third part of the sea became blood.” The nations are touched by the blood of the Lamb. Moses turned the river to blood in judgment; Jesus makes the sea of the nations His own by His blood. They are bought, redeemed out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.
The Word Applied
The Kingdom of God, burning with the Spirit, has been cast into your world. It does not need your permission to grow. Let it fill you, and carry it into the sea of people around you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 2:35 – The stone that smote the image became a great mountain.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Isaiah 2:2 – All nations shall flow unto it.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Exodus 7:20 – All the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 21:21 – Be thou cast into the sea.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
Acts 2:9 – Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites.
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Revelation 5:9 – Hast redeemed us to God by thy blood.
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;
Revelation 8:9
And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
The Old Life in the Sea Ends
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.” The blood has entered the sea, and now the life in the sea is changed.
Who are the creatures in the sea? Jesus told Peter, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The creatures of the sea are men in the nations, caught in the net of the Gospel. When the blood of the Lamb reaches them, the old life they had comes to its end. Their old man is crucified; their old way of living cannot survive the blood. What dies here is not the person but the life without God. They are drawn into new life, like Israel through the Red Sea.
Again it is the third part, the portion refined.
“And the third part of the ships were destroyed.” Ships are the commerce and systems of men. When the Kingdom enters, the old structures of trade, power and false security break apart. God breaks the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
This is grace, not loss. The ship that sinks is the vessel of self-reliance; the life that ends is the life that was already lost.
The Word Applied
Let the old life go down into the waters and stay there. The ships you trusted in cannot carry you; Jesus can. Come up out of the sea into His life, and never go back to the wreck.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 48:7 – Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
Psalm 107:23 – They that go down to the sea in ships.
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
Exodus 14:29 – The children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea.
But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 4:19 – I will make you fishers of men.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 13:47 – A net, that was cast into the sea.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Old things are passed away.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Revelation 8:10
And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
The Light of the World Comes Down
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp.” A great star, burning like a lamp. Balaam prophesied it: “there shall come a Star out of Jacob.” Jesus names Himself: “I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
This star does not fall in failure. It descends. The Son of God came down from heaven, humbled Himself and became obedient unto death. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens.
“Burning as it were a lamp.” In the temple the golden lampstand burned before the veil, the only light in the holy place. Jesus is that lamp: “I am the light of the world.” The light of the temple has come down to give light to every man.
“And it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters.” Rivers and fountains are the sources of life and teaching. When Jesus came, He fell upon the fountains of Israel's religion, the teachers, the schools, the traditions. Everything men drank from was touched by His light. Some found living water; others found their wells exposed as broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
The Word Applied
The Star came down for you. Let His light fall on the fountains you drink from, on your thoughts, your teachers and your traditions. Drink only from what His light has touched.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Numbers 24:17 – There shall come a Star out of Jacob.
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
Exodus 27:20 – To cause the lamp to burn always.
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
Jeremiah 2:13 – Broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Revelation 22:16 – The bright and morning star.
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.
John 8:12 – I am the light of the world.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Ephesians 4:10 – He that descended is the same also that ascended.
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Philippians 2:8 – Became obedient unto death.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Revelation 8:11
And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
Wormwood: The Word That Is Bitter to the Flesh
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood.” The star of verse 10 is now named, and its name is bitter. Wormwood is a plant of bitter taste.
Because the Word of God is bitter to the flesh. Simeon said over the child Jesus, “this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.” To the believer the Word is sweet; to the old nature it is wormwood. It convicts, exposes and cuts.
“And many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.” What dies is the flesh. The Word is bitter to the old man, and the old man cannot live on it. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit.”
Remember Marah. Israel came to bitter waters, and the LORD showed Moses a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet. That tree is the Cross. The same Word that is bitter to the flesh becomes sweet to the spirit when the Cross is cast into it.
The Word Applied
When the Word tastes bitter, do not run from it. It is putting your flesh to death. Let the Cross be cast into those waters, and they will turn sweet in your spirit.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 9:15 – I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood.
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.
Exodus 15:25 – The waters were made sweet.
And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
Lamentations 3:19 – The wormwood and the gall.
Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 2:34 – This child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Hebrews 4:12 – Sharper than any twoedged sword.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Galatians 5:24 – Have crucified the flesh.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Revelation 8:12
And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
The Sun Smitten at the Cross
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened.” This is the darkness of the Cross. From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. Amos foretold it: “I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.”
The word smitten is the word of the Cross. Isaiah said, “we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” Zechariah said, “smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.” Jesus is the Sun of righteousness, and He was smitten. When the Sun was struck, all the lesser lights darkened with Him.
“And the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.” A third of the day and a third of the night: the hours in which the Light of the world lay under the judgment of sin and then in the grave.
Yet the darkness was not the end. The same God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness raised the smitten Sun on the third day, and now He shines in our hearts.
The Word Applied
The Sun was smitten so that you would never be left in darkness. Whatever night you pass through, it is measured and it ends. The Light rose, and He shines in your heart today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Amos 8:9 – I will cause the sun to go down at noon.
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:
Isaiah 53:4 – Smitten of God, and afflicted.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Zechariah 13:7 – Smite the shepherd.
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:45 – From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – Commanded the light to shine out of darkness.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Luke 23:45 – The sun was darkened.
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Revelation 8:13
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
Woe to Those Who Mind Earthly Things
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth.” Three trumpets remain, and each is called a woe.
Who are the inhabiters of the earth? Not those who walk on the ground, for the Church also walks there. They are those whose home and mind are earthly. Paul wrote of those “who mind earthly things,” and set against them the believer: “For our conversation is in heaven.” The believer lives on earth but dwells in heaven, raised up together and made to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Jesus spoke woes too. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men.” His woes were warnings to a system that refused His grace. A woe is a cry of grief from a heart that longs to save.
So the three woes are the last three trumpets, the deep unveiling of the Cross against everything earthly-minded that resists it. To the earthly-minded they are woe; to the heavenly-minded they are victory, for the same trumpet that grieves the one gathers the other.
The Word Applied
You are not an inhabiter of the earth; your citizenship is in heaven. Hear the woes as warnings to the old way of thinking, and set your mind on things above, where you are seated with Christ.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 6:5 – Woe is me! for I am undone.
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Ezekiel 3:17 – Hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Psalm 49:11 – Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever.
Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Philippians 3:19-20 – Who mind earthly things.
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Matthew 23:13 – Ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men.
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Ephesians 2:6 – Made us sit together in heavenly places.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Colossians 3:2 – Set your affection on things above.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Chapter 9
The Pit Opened and the Army Sent Out · 21 verses
Revelation 9:1
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
The Star Who Holds the Key
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” The star is not a fallen enemy. The text says “to him was given the key,” and only One holds that key.
Jesus came down from heaven to earth, and lower still. “Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?” He went into death itself, the deepest pit, and took its keys. He says, “I am he that liveth, and was dead,” and He has “the keys of hell and of death.” He paid for that key with His own blood.
The bottomless pit is the realm of death and judgment, the prison house where man was held by sin. David cried, “Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave.” Zechariah heard the promise: “by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.”
This is the fifth trumpet, the first woe. The woe is not for the believer; it is for the powers that held mankind captive. Their prison now has a new Keeper, and He has come to open it.
I saw a star fall from heaven… and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit
The Word Applied
The key to your darkest place is in the hand of Jesus. No pit is too deep for Him; He has already been there and come out with the keys. Let Him open what has held you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Zechariah 9:11 – I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit.
As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Psalm 30:3 – Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave.
O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Isaiah 61:1 – The opening of the prison to them that are bound.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 4:9 – He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.
(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Revelation 1:18 – I have the keys of hell and of death.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Philippians 2:7 – Took upon him the form of a servant.
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Revelation 9:2
And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
The Pit Opened
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace.” The Keeper uses His key. What was sealed is opened.
Where else did smoke rise as a furnace? When God judged Sodom, Abraham saw “the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.” And at Sinai, “the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace,” because the LORD descended upon it in fire. The furnace is the place of judgment and the place of God's presence. At the Cross both met.
“And the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.” The darkness of the Cross covered the land. The prince of the power of the air, who had ruled the atmosphere of this world, found his air filled with the smoke of his own defeat.
The furnace is also the place of deliverance. The three Hebrew young men were cast into the burning fiery furnace, and a fourth walked with them, like the Son of God. Jesus walks into the furnace of judgment so that we walk out free.
The Word Applied
The smoke of judgment has already risen over your sin at the Cross. You do not need to fear the furnace; the Son of God is in it with you, and you will come out with no smell of fire on you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 19:28 – The smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
Exodus 19:18 – The smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace.
And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
Daniel 3:25 – The form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 2:2 – The prince of the power of the air.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Colossians 2:15 – Having spoiled principalities and powers.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Matthew 27:45 – There was darkness over all the land.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Revelation 9:3
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
The Army of the Lord Goes Forth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.” Out of the smoke of the opened pit comes a multitude. Who comes out of the place of death? Those whom Jesus set free.
Joel saw this army and called it the LORD's own: “my great army which I sent among you.” They run like mighty men, they climb the wall like men of war, they march every one on his ways. Joel ends his vision with the promise of Pentecost: “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.” The locusts are the Church, born from the altar, filled with the Spirit and sent into the great harvest.
Locusts devour everything green in their path. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” This army does not lack labourers; it covers the earth.
“And unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.” Jesus Himself gave this power: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” The power of the scorpion is turned against the kingdom it came from. What once stung man now serves the Church against darkness.
The Word Applied
You are part of the Lord's great army, brought out of darkness and filled with His Spirit. You have been given power over all the power of the enemy. Go into the harvest.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Joel 2:25 – My great army which I sent among you.
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Joel 2:28 – I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Joel 2:7 – They shall march every one on his ways.
They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 10:19 – Power to tread on serpents and scorpions.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Matthew 9:37 – The harvest truly is plenteous.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Acts 1:8 – Ye shall receive power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Revelation 9:4
And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
The Sealed Are Not Hurt
◆ ◆ ◆
“And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” The army moves under command. It does not strike at random.
The green things and the trees are those alive in God. “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” “I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.” To these the Word comes as nourishment, gentle rain on tender grass. The sealed of chapter 7 are safe. The Spirit in their foreheads marks them, and the army of the Lord passes over them as the destroyer passed over the houses marked with blood.
But to those without the seal, the same Word is a torment. The truth that heals the believer exposes the unbeliever. The Gospel is “the savour of life unto life” to one and “the savour of death unto death” to another, though it is the same Gospel.
Notice that the hurt is aimed at men, not at creation. The Word is not sent against the earth but against the false life in the hearts of those who refuse Him.
The Word Applied
If you are sealed by the Spirit, the Word comes to you as life and growth. Let it water you. And pray for those around you who still feel it as a sting; that sting is the beginning of their deliverance.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 1:3 – Like a tree planted by the rivers of water.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalm 52:8 – Like a green olive tree in the house of God.
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
Exodus 12:13 – When I see the blood, I will pass over you.
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 2:16 – The savour of life unto life.
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
Ephesians 4:30 – Whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
2 Timothy 2:19 – The Lord knoweth them that are his.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Revelation 9:5
And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
Conviction, Not Destruction
◆ ◆ ◆
“And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months.” The mission of the Spirit-filled Church is not to destroy. Jesus rebuked James and John when they wanted fire from heaven: “the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”
The torment is conviction. Jesus said of the Spirit, “when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” When Peter preached at Pentecost, “they were pricked in their heart.” That prick is the scorpion's sting. The pain drives the soul to repentance. “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.”
“And their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.” The sting is sharp, but it does not kill. It awakens.
Why five months? It is the season of the locust, a limited time. Five is also the number of grace: five loaves fed the multitude. Even the torment of conviction is measured by grace and has an end. God does not torment for ever those He is calling; He wounds to heal. He hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
The Word Applied
If the Word has pricked your heart, do not resent it. It is the sting of love. Conviction is grace knocking; answer it, and the pain will turn into the joy of salvation.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 6:1 – He hath torn, and he will heal us.
Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
Job 5:18 – He maketh sore, and bindeth up.
For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
Psalm 119:71 – It is good for me that I have been afflicted.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 9:56 – The Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives.
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
John 16:8 – He will reprove the world of sin.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Acts 2:37 – They were pricked in their heart.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
2 Corinthians 7:10 – Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Revelation 9:6
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Only the Cross Can End the Old Man
◆ ◆ ◆
“And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” Under the sting of conviction, men long for relief. They want the burden of the old life to end, but they cannot end it themselves.
Paul knew this torment: “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Man under conviction tries to kill his sin by religion, by willpower, by self-punishment. He seeks death to the old self, and he cannot find it, because the old man does not die by man's effort. Death flees from every attempt of the flesh to crucify itself.
There is only one place where the old man truly dies: the Cross. Paul answers his own cry: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” And again: “I am crucified with Christ.” What man cannot do by seeking, God has already done in His Son. The death that fled from the seeker is found in the One who died for him.
For those who reject Jesus, this verse is a picture of a restless soul. They seek an escape and find none, because peace is found only in Him.
The Word Applied
Stop trying to put your old self to death by your own strength. You will never find it that way. Look to the Cross: your old man was crucified with Him, and you are free.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 57:21 – There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Job 3:21 – Which long for death, but it cometh not.
Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;
Psalm 55:6 – Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away.
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 7:24-25 – Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Matthew 11:28 – Come unto me, all ye that labour.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Revelation 9:7
And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
Ready for Battle, Crowned with Gold
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle.” The army of the Lord is ready. Joel saw it: “The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.” A horse is strength in battle, and these are prepared, trained and equipped.
The Church fights, but not with flesh and blood. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” Her battle is against darkness, lies and the bondage of sin.
“And on their heads were as it were crowns like gold.” The crown is on the head, and the Head of the Church is Christ. The believer's authority comes from Him. He hath made us kings and priests unto God. Gold is divinity; the crown is not earned by the locust but given by the King.
“And their faces were as the faces of men.” This army is human. God's power moves through ordinary men and women. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.” The faces are human, the crowns are divine. That is the Church: men and women carrying the authority of heaven.
The Word Applied
You are prepared for battle and crowned by your King. Your face is human, but the crown on your head is His. Stand in His authority; the fight is His, and the victory is already won.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Joel 2:4 – The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses.
The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
Zechariah 10:3 – As his goodly horse in the battle.
Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
Psalm 21:3 – Thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 10:4 – The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Revelation 1:6 – Hath made us kings and priests unto God.
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:7 – We have this treasure in earthen vessels.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Revelation 9:8
And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
Glory and Boldness
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they had hair as the hair of women.” Paul wrote that “if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her.” The hair of women is the sign of glory and of the Bride's submission to her Husband. The army of the Lord is the Bride. She fights in the beauty of holiness, under her Head, and the glory of God rests upon her.
There is strength in this hair too. Samson's strength lay in his uncut hair, the sign of his consecration as a Nazarite. The Church's strength lies in her consecration to Christ.
“And their teeth were as the teeth of lions.” Joel said the same of the LORD's army: “whose teeth are the teeth of a lion.” Teeth break down what is eaten. The lion's teeth are the Word in the mouth of the Church, breaking down strongholds and arguments. “The righteous are bold as a lion.” The Church has the roar of the Lion of the tribe of Juda.
Glory and boldness belong together. Without glory, boldness becomes harshness; without boldness, glory becomes weakness. The Bride carries both: the beauty of the Bridegroom's love and the authority of the Bridegroom's Word.
Here the locust becomes a picture of the whole Church: beautiful, submitted, consecrated and fearless.
The Word Applied
Carry the glory of the Bride and the boldness of the Lion. Let your life be beautiful in His holiness, and let your words carry the authority of His Word.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Proverbs 28:1 – The righteous are bold as a lion.
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Joel 1:6 – Whose teeth are the teeth of a lion.
For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.
Judges 16:17 – There hath not come a razor upon mine head.
That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 11:15 – If a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her.
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Revelation 5:5 – The Lion of the tribe of Juda.
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.
Ephesians 5:27 – A glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 9:9
And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
The Breastplate of His Righteousness
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron.” The breastplate covers the heart. Paul names it: “having on the breastplate of righteousness.” Isaiah saw the LORD Himself put it on: “he put on righteousness as a breastplate.” The Church wears the righteousness of Christ, not her own. It is iron, unbreakable, because it was forged at the Cross. No accusation can pierce it.
“And the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.” Wings are the movement of the Spirit. Ezekiel heard the wings of the living creatures “like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty.” The Church does not crawl; she is carried by the wind of the Spirit.
Chariots in Scripture are the hosts of heaven. When Elisha's servant was afraid, the LORD opened his eyes, “and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” The sound of the Church's advance is the sound of heaven's chariots.
At Pentecost there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. That was the sound of this army taking flight.
The Word Applied
You wear a breastplate of iron: His righteousness, not yours. Nothing the accuser says can get through it. And you move by the wind of the Spirit with the chariots of heaven around you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 59:17 – He put on righteousness as a breastplate.
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
Ezekiel 1:24 – The noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters.
And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
2 Kings 6:17 – The mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire.
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 6:14 – Having on the breastplate of righteousness.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Acts 2:2 – A sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – The righteousness of God in him.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Revelation 9:10
And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
The Word Leaves Its Sting
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails.” The mouth of the army is the lion; the tail is the scorpion. The Word goes before, and its effect follows after. When the preacher has finished and gone, the sting remains.
This is how the Word works. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void.” A man walks away from a sermon, but the Word goes with him and stings his conscience in the night. The tail reaches where the face no longer looks.
After Stephen spoke, his hearers “were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.” Among them stood a young man named Saul, and the sting stayed in him. On the road to Damascus Jesus said to him, “it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” The sting of Stephen's words did its work, and Saul became Paul.
“And their power was to hurt men five months.” Again five months: limited, measured, a season of grace. The sting is not eternal torment for the one being called; it is the season in which God presses until the heart yields.
The Word Applied
If you have shared the Word and seen no result, do not be discouraged. The sting is in the tail. The Word you spoke is still working after you have gone.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:11 – It shall not return unto me void.
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Ecclesiastes 12:11 – The words of the wise are as goads.
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
Jeremiah 23:29 – Is not my word like as a fire?
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 26:14 – It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 7:54 – They were cut to the heart.
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
Hebrews 4:12 – The word of God is quick, and powerful.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Revelation 9:11
And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
Jesus, King Over the Pit
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” The army has a King. Who rules over this army and over the pit itself? The One who holds the key of the pit, given to Him in verse 1.
Abaddon and Apollyon both mean Destroyer. Jesus is the Destroyer of destruction. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested: to destroy the works of the devil. Through death He destroyed him that had the power of death. God spoke it through Hosea: “O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.” The grave met its Destroyer at the empty tomb.
His name is given in Hebrew and in Greek, the tongue of Israel and the tongue of the nations, just as the title over the Cross was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. He is King over both.
This King is not a figure of terror for His people. He leads His army against the destroyer of men and destroys the destroyer. Death and Hell are under Him.
The Word Applied
The King over the deepest pit is Jesus, and He is your King. He has destroyed the destroyer. Whatever has tried to ruin your life now stands under His feet.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 13:14 – O grave, I will be thy destruction.
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Psalm 24:8 – The LORD mighty in battle.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 John 3:8 – That he might destroy the works of the devil.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Hebrews 2:14 – Him that had the power of death.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
John 19:20 – Written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
Revelation 9:12
One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
The First Woe Is Past
◆ ◆ ◆
“One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.” John pauses to mark the time. The first woe, the opening of the pit and the release of the Spirit-filled army, is complete.
At first glance the fifth trumpet looked like a chapter of doom. But the Spirit reveals the heart of God in it. The pit was opened by Jesus, not by the devil. The army that came out was the Church, filled with power. The torment was conviction, measured and limited. The King was the Destroyer of destruction. Judgment in this chapter is love working to set men free.
A woe is past. Woes do not last for ever. The grief of conviction passes, and what remains is the work it did. Weeping ends, and “joy cometh in the morning.”
“There come two woes more hereafter.” The proclamation of the Cross is not finished. Two more trumpets will sound, and each will unveil more of the finished work and more of the resistance of the earthly-minded. God is patient and thorough. He leaves no corner of the old order untouched.
The Word Applied
Whatever woe you have walked through, it passes. God does not leave you in it. Look back and see what He did in it, and look forward with faith to what He will yet reveal.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 30:5 – Joy cometh in the morning.
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Isaiah 54:7 – For a small moment have I forsaken thee.
For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.
Lamentations 3:32 – Though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion.
But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Peter 3:9 – Not willing that any should perish.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Romans 2:4 – The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Hebrews 12:11 – No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Revelation 9:13
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
The Voice from the Four Horns
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God.” The voice comes from the altar, the place of sacrifice and intercession. The altar has a voice because the blood upon it speaks: “the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
The horns of the altar were where the blood was put on the day of atonement. Horns in Scripture are strength. Zacharias sang that God “hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” Habakkuk saw the LORD with “horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.” The hiding of His power is in His pierced hands.
Four horns, one at each corner, facing north, south, east and west. These are the four Gospels, the four living voices of the finished work, sounding to every corner of the earth from the one altar of the Cross.
A man in danger ran to the altar and took hold of its horns, and he was safe. The four horns are the refuge of every sinner who flees to the Cross.
The Word Applied
Run to the altar and take hold of its horns. The four Gospels call you from every direction to the safety of the Cross, and the blood speaks for you there.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Habakkuk 3:4 – Horns coming out of his hand.
And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.
Leviticus 16:18 – Put it upon the horns of the altar round about.
And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.
1 Kings 1:50 – Caught hold on the horns of the altar.
And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 1:69 – An horn of salvation for us.
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
Hebrews 12:24 – The blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things.
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Mark 16:15 – Go ye into all the world.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Revelation 9:14
Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
The Gospel Loosed to the Nations
◆ ◆ ◆
“Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.” The angels are messengers, and four messengers are the four Gospels, the good news of Jesus held back until the Cross.
Why bound? The religious system of the old temple tried to keep the message of Jesus quiet. Jesus said to the lawyers, “ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” They commanded the apostles not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But the Word of God is not bound.
The Euphrates is the great river that flowed out of Eden, and it marked the border of the land promised to Abraham: “from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.” It was the boundary of Israel. Now the messengers are loosed at the border, and the Gospel crosses over to the nations.
The voice comes from the altar. Because of the Cross the message can no longer be held within one nation. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”
The Word Applied
The Gospel has been loosed and nothing can bind it again. Whatever borders have been drawn around your life, the good news crosses them. Let it go out through you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 15:18 – Unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:
Genesis 2:14 – The fourth river is Euphrates.
And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
Isaiah 49:6 – A light to the Gentiles.
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Luke 11:52 – Ye have taken away the key of knowledge.
Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
2 Timothy 2:9 – The word of God is not bound.
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Matthew 28:19 – Teach all nations.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Acts 4:18 – Not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Revelation 9:15
And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
Ready in Every Season
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.” The four Gospels are loosed and ready at every measure of time. They are prepared for the hour, for the day, for the month and for the year.
The Word of God is not limited by time. Paul charged Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.” The Gospel works in a single hour, as it did at Pentecost when three thousand were added; it works through days and months and years, as it has through all the ages. Whatever the time, it is the right time.
“For to slay the third part of men.” What does the Gospel slay? Hosea answers: “I have slain them by the words of my mouth.” The Word slays the old man in those who hear it. The third part is the portion brought through the refining fire, the old nature put to death so that the new man lives.
The Gospel does not slay to destroy but to raise. What dies under the Word is the flesh; what rises is a new creation.
The Word Applied
The Word is prepared for your hour, your day, your month and your year. Whatever season you are in, it is ready to put your old self to death and raise you up in newness of life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 6:5 – I have slain them by the words of my mouth.
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every thing there is a season.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Jeremiah 23:29 – Like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces.
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Timothy 4:2 – Be instant in season, out of season.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Acts 2:41 – About three thousand souls.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Romans 6:4 – We also should walk in newness of life.
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Revelation 9:16
And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
An Army No Man Can Count
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.” Two hundred million: a number beyond any army men had ever seen. It is not a headcount but a picture of the innumerable host of God's people.
David sang, “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.” Daniel saw “thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.” This is the same vision: the countless company of the redeemed, moving under the command of Christ.
As in chapter 7, John hears a number. And as in chapter 7, the number points to a multitude from every nation. This is the Church in her full, victorious form, the army of horsemen who carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Elijah thought he was alone, but God had reserved seven thousand. The believer who feels alone has never seen the number. “Ye are come unto mount Sion,” “to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn.”
The Word Applied
You are not alone. You belong to an army no man can number, and the Lord is among them. Take courage from the company you keep.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 68:17 – The chariots of God are twenty thousand.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.
Daniel 7:10 – Thousand thousands ministered unto him.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
1 Kings 19:18 – Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel.
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 12:22-23 – An innumerable company of angels.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Revelation 7:9 – A great multitude, which no man could number.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Romans 11:4 – I have reserved to myself seven thousand men.
But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Revelation 9:17
And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
Breastplates of Fire, Jacinth and Brimstone
◆ ◆ ◆
“And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone.” In verse 9 the breastplates were iron, the righteousness of Christ. Now they burn. The righteous Church is also the Spirit-filled Church.
Fire is the Holy Spirit, who came at Pentecost as cloven tongues of fire. Jacinth is a deep blue, the colour of heaven; the blue thread ran through the tabernacle and the high priest's robe. Brimstone is the judgment of God on sin. The breastplate carries all three: the Spirit, heavenly authority and judgment against darkness.
“And the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions.” The army carries the Lion's boldness.
“And out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.” The weapon is in the mouth. The LORD said to Jeremiah, “I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.” What comes out of the mouth of the Church is the Word of the Cross: the fire of the Spirit, the smoke of the altar, and judgment against sin. Isaiah saw the Messiah “smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”
The Word Applied
Your words carry fire when they carry His Word. Speak the Gospel with the boldness of the Lion and the fire of the Spirit, and it will burn up what darkness has built.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 5:14 – I will make my words in thy mouth fire.
Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.
Isaiah 11:4 – With the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
Exodus 28:31 – The robe of the ephod all of blue.
And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 2:3 – Cloven tongues like as of fire.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Matthew 3:11 – He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
2 Thessalonians 2:8 – The spirit of his mouth.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Revelation 9:18
By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
The Word Slays the Old Man
◆ ◆ ◆
“By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.” The weapon is not a sword in the hand but a word in the mouth. These three come out of the mouths of the Spirit-filled army, and what they kill is the old man.
The fire purifies: the Spirit burns away the chaff. “He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” The smoke is the smoke of the altar, the presence of God and the testimony of the sacrifice. The brimstone is judgment on sin, the sentence that fell on the flesh at the Cross.
Again it is the third part, the portion brought through the refining fire. This is the same work as in verse 15. God slays by the words of His mouth, and those who hear the Word find their old nature put to death.
Paul described this killing: “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth.” And again: “if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” The Word kills so that the man lives.
The Word Applied
Let the fire, the smoke and the brimstone of the Word do their work in you. What dies is the flesh; what lives is you, alive by the Spirit. Do not fear the Word that slays; it is the Word that saves.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Malachi 3:2 – He is like a refiner's fire.
But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
Isaiah 4:4 – By the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
Hosea 6:5 – I have slain them by the words of my mouth.
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 3:12 – He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Colossians 3:5 – Mortify therefore your members.
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Romans 8:13 – If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Revelation 9:19
For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
Power in the Mouth and in the Tail
◆ ◆ ◆
“For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.” The power of this army is the Word, and it works in two directions: forward from the mouth, and behind in the tail.
In the mouth the Word is bold and open, like a lion's roar. In the tail it is wise and searching. Jesus told His disciples, “be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” The serpent heads in the tails are the wisdom of the Word, which follows the hearer and finds him where he hides.
Remember the rod of Moses. When it was cast down it became a serpent, and when Aaron's rod became a serpent before Pharaoh, “Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.” God's serpent swallows the serpents of the magicians. And remember the serpent of brass: “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” The serpent on the pole was the picture of sin judged on the Cross, and whoever looked to it lived.
So the serpent heads do hurt, but they hurt the works of darkness.
The Word Applied
Let the Word work in you both ways: bold in your mouth and wise in your walk. Look to the One lifted up on the Cross, and every serpent of sin loses its power over you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 7:12 – Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
Numbers 21:9 – When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Exodus 4:3 – It became a serpent.
And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 10:16 – Wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
John 3:14 – Even so must the Son of man be lifted up.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Hebrews 4:13 – All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Revelation 9:20
And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
They Repented Not
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands.” Here is the tragedy. The fire of the Word went out, and some refused to let their old life die. They were not killed by the plagues; that is, their old nature was never put to death, because they would not receive the Word.
God did not refuse them. They refused Him. Jesus said, “And ye will not come to me.” Nothing in heaven withholds the finished work; only the flesh and will of man choose not to accept it.
“That they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood.” These are the works of their hands. The old temple system clung to its gold, its treasury and its traditions, the idols of a religion that had rejected its Messiah. The Psalmist mocked such idols: “They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not.”
“Which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.” The worshippers become like what they worship. “They that make them are like unto them.” A religion that cannot see Jesus leaves its people blind and deaf.
The Word Applied
Do not cling to anything your own hands have made in place of Jesus. He is the living God who sees, hears and walks with you. Turn to Him, and let Him put the old life to death.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 115:4-5 – They have mouths, but they speak not.
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Psalm 115:8 – They that make them are like unto them.
They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
Isaiah 44:17 – He maketh a god, even his graven image.
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 5:40 – Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
1 Corinthians 10:20 – They sacrifice to devils, and not to God.
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
1 John 5:21 – Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Revelation 9:21
Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
The Sins of a System That Rejected Him
◆ ◆ ◆
“Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” These four sins describe the old religious system that rejected Jesus, and every system like it.
Murders: Jesus said to the leaders of Jerusalem, “ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” From Abel to Zacharias the system shed righteous blood, and finally it crucified the Lord of glory.
Sorceries: the word is pharmakeia, manipulation and enchantment. Religion that controls people by fear and spectacle instead of truth is sorcery. Paul asked the Galatians, “who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth”?
Fornication: spiritual adultery, the unfaithfulness of a people married to God who gave themselves to other lovers. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?”
Thefts: they robbed God and robbed the poor. Jesus overturned the tables and said, “My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
These are not only ancient sins. Any system that says you need more than Jesus' finished work does the same.
The Word Applied
Examine what you trust in. If any system controls you by fear, draws you away from your first love, or takes what belongs to God, leave it. Jesus has made you free; stay free in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Malachi 3:8 – Will a man rob God?
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Jeremiah 3:20 – As a wife treacherously departeth from her husband.
Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 1:21 – How is the faithful city become an harlot!
How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 23:31 – Ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Galatians 3:1 – Who hath bewitched you?
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
James 4:4 – The friendship of the world is enmity with God.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Matthew 21:13 – Ye have made it a den of thieves.
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Chapter 10
The Mighty Angel and the Little Book · 11 verses
Revelation 10:1
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
Jesus Clothed in Glory and Mercy
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.” Every feature of this Messenger is a feature of Jesus. John has already seen this face and these feet in chapter 1.
He is called an angel, angelos, a messenger. Malachi named Him “the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in.” The Lord is One: the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost are one, and the Messenger who comes down is the Lord Himself, revealing Himself to His people.
“Clothed with a cloud.” The cloud is the glory of God's presence. Daniel saw “one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven.” The cloud led Israel by day and filled the tabernacle. At His ascension “a cloud received him out of their sight.” Now He comes clothed in it.
“And a rainbow was upon his head.” The rainbow is the sign of the covenant of mercy. After the flood God said, “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant.” Ezekiel saw the rainbow round about the throne. Here the rainbow is His crown. Jesus rules with mercy; His kingship is the covenant of grace.
“And his face was as it were the sun.” On the mount of transfiguration “his face did shine as the sun.” He is the Sun of righteousness, risen with healing in His wings. No darkness remains where His face shines.
“And his feet as pillars of fire.” The pillar of fire led Israel through the night in the wilderness; now Jesus stands as that pillar. His feet are steadfast, purified by the fire of the Cross, and they lead His people safely home. In chapter 1 His feet were like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace.
Glory, mercy, light and steadfastness: this is how Jesus comes to the believer. He does not come as a stranger in terror but as the Lord of the covenant, with the bow of mercy on His head.
Clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head
The Word Applied
Jesus comes to you clothed in glory and crowned with mercy. His face shines on you, and His feet of fire lead you through every night. Follow the pillar; it will bring you home.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Malachi 3:1 – The messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Daniel 7:13 – One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
Genesis 9:13 – I do set my bow in the cloud.
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
Exodus 13:21 – By night in a pillar of fire.
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 17:2 – His face did shine as the sun.
And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Acts 1:9 – A cloud received him out of their sight.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Revelation 1:15 – His feet like unto fine brass.
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
John 10:30 – I and my Father are one.
I and my Father are one.
Revelation 10:2
And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
The Open Book and the Feet of Authority
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he had in his hand a little book open.” In chapter 5 the book was sealed with seven seals, and no man was found worthy to open it. The Lamb took it and broke every seal. Now the book is open. The mystery hidden from ages is revealed: the Gospel of Christ crucified and risen, available to all.
It is a little book. The whole counsel of God is wrapped up in a simple message: Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and He was buried, and He rose again the third day.
“And he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth.” The sea is the nations; the earth is the land of Israel and of men. With one foot on each, Jesus claims both. “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The Psalmist foresaw it: “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”
He stands as a bridge between Israel and the nations. He has made both one, and broken down the middle wall of partition.
The Word Applied
The book is open to you. You do not need a special class of men to unlock it for you; Jesus has opened it. Read it, and know that He has set His feet over every part of your life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 8:6 – Thou hast put all things under his feet.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
Joshua 1:3 – Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon.
Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
Isaiah 29:18 – In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book.
And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 28:18 – All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Ephesians 2:14 – Hath broken down the middle wall of partition.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Revelation 10:3
And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
The Lion Roars from the Cross
◆ ◆ ◆
“And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.” This is the loud cry of the Cross. “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.” His last cry was not the whimper of a defeated man; it was the roar of the Lion of the tribe of Juda. It is finished.
Amos heard this roar: “The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?” And Hosea: “He shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.” When the Lion roared at Calvary the earth shook and the rocks rent.
“Seven thunders uttered their voices.” Thunder is the voice of God. Psalm 29 speaks seven times of “the voice of the LORD”: upon the waters, full of majesty, breaking the cedars, dividing the flames of fire, shaking the wilderness. The seven thunders are the full, perfect answer of heaven to the cry of the Cross. The Father answered the Son with sevenfold thunder.
At that roar the dividing line between grace and judgment was drawn for ever.
The Word Applied
Hear the roar of the Lion who finished your salvation. It was a cry of victory, and heaven answered it in full. Nothing that tries to undo the finished work can stand against that voice.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Amos 3:8 – The lion hath roared, who will not fear?
The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
Hosea 11:10 – He shall roar like a lion.
They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
Psalm 29:3 – The voice of the LORD is upon the waters.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:50 – When he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Revelation 5:5 – The Lion of the tribe of Juda.
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.
John 19:30 – It is finished.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Revelation 10:4
And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
What the Natural Mind Cannot Read
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” John was ready to write, and heaven stopped him. Some things are heard, not written.
Why seal them? Because what the thunders spoke is spiritual, and the natural mind cannot receive it. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him.” Paul was caught up into paradise “and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”
The thunders followed the cry of the Cross while the Lord lay in the grave. In that hour He descended, took the keys of death and hell, and made a show of principalities and powers. What passed in the unseen realm in those three days is sealed to the eyes of flesh. It is revealed only by the Spirit, to those who walk with Him.
This sealing is not a closed door. Daniel was told to shut up the words until the time of the end; John at the close of this book is told, Seal not.
The Word Applied
Some things God speaks to your spirit are not for the page or for the crowd. Treasure them. The Spirit who sealed the thunders opens them to those who walk with Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 29:29 – The secret things belong unto the LORD our God.
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Daniel 12:4 – Shut up the words, and seal the book.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Psalm 25:14 – The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
2 Corinthians 12:4 – Heard unspeakable words.
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Revelation 22:10 – Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Revelation 10:5
And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
The Hand Lifted to Heaven
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven.” This is the posture of an oath. God said in the song of Moses, “For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.” Daniel saw the Man clothed in linen hold up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swear by him that liveth for ever.
Before the Cross God's dominion over earth and sea was declared but not yet executed, because sin still held its claim on man. Now the claim is broken. The One whose feet stand on sea and land lifts His hand and swears, because the work that gives Him the right is complete.
His lifted hand also recalls the hands lifted on the Cross. With hands stretched out between heaven and earth He made peace through the blood of His Cross. The hand that was pierced is the hand that now swears.
Jesus once prayed in the garden, “not my will, but thine, be done.” That was His oath of surrender. Here, standing on both sea and land, the surrendered Son lifts His hand in victory. What He swore in Gethsemane He fulfilled at Golgotha.
The Word Applied
The hand that swears over your life is the hand that was pierced for you. Every promise He has made is backed by His blood. Lift your hands to Him in return, in worship and in trust.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 32:40 – I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.
Daniel 12:7 – Held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven.
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Isaiah 65:2 – I have spread out my hands all the day.
I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 22:42 – Not my will, but thine, be done.
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Colossians 1:20 – Having made peace through the blood of his cross.
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Hebrews 6:13 – He sware by himself.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Revelation 10:6
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
No More Delay
◆ ◆ ◆
“And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein.” He swears by the Creator, the One who made all things. Because He could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself.
“That there should be time no longer.” The meaning is: no more delay. The ages of waiting are over. The prophets searched and longed; the fathers saw the promises afar off; Israel waited four hundred silent years. Now the waiting ends. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son.”
This is the moment of the Cross. The price is paid, and nothing remains to be done. Jesus knew His purpose: “for this cause came I unto this hour.” Once He had drunk the cup, there was no more waiting for salvation.
And so it is now for every person who hears. The new life takes effect the moment a man believes. It does not wait for a later age or a better season. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
The Word Applied
Do not wait for a better season to receive what Jesus has done. There is no more delay. Today is the day of salvation, and the new life is yours the moment you believe.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Habakkuk 2:3 – It will surely come, it will not tarry.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Isaiah 49:8 – In a day of salvation have I helped thee.
Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
Psalm 102:13 – The set time, is come.
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Galatians 4:4 – When the fulness of the time was come.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
John 12:27 – For this cause came I unto this hour.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the day of salvation.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Hebrews 6:13 – He sware by himself.
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Revelation 10:7
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
The Mystery of God Finished
◆ ◆ ◆
“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” The mystery is about to be finished. What is the mystery of God?
Paul tells us plainly. It is “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints,” “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” It is “that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” It is the great mystery of Christ and the Church, the Bridegroom and the Bride made one.
This mystery is not new. God “declared to his servants the prophets.” “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Abraham saw it and rejoiced; Isaiah saw the Servant who would justify many; Jeremiah saw the new covenant written on the heart. The faithful of every age longed for it and saw it afar off.
And on the Cross the mystery was finished. Jesus said, “It is finished.” The veil was rent, the middle wall broken down, and God and man were united in one body. No more Jew or Gentile, no more separation; one new man, one Bride, one nation under God.
The seventh trumpet in chapter 11 will sound this very thing: the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. The mystery declared by the prophets is the Kingdom of God dwelling in His people.
The Word Applied
The mystery of the ages is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is finished, and it is yours. You are not waiting to be united with God; in Jesus you already are.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Amos 3:7 – He revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Jeremiah 31:33 – I will put my law in their inward parts.
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Isaiah 53:11 – Shall my righteous servant justify many.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Colossians 1:26-27 – Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Ephesians 3:6 – That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs.
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Ephesians 5:32 – This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
John 19:30 – It is finished.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Revelation 10:8
And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
Go and Take the Book
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.” Heaven invites a man to take the book from the hand of the Lord.
Moses was told, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.” But now John, a mortal man, is told to walk up to the glorious Messenger whose face is as the sun, and take the book out of His hand. The Cross has changed everything. The way into the presence is open.
Our spirit is made alive to God when we believe. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” We behold His face and live.
He holds it out. The believer does not seize the Word by his own strength; he receives it from the hand of Jesus.
“Go and take.” The invitation is personal. Every believer is called to come near and take the Word for himself.
The Word Applied
Go and take the book. Jesus holds it out to you, open and ready. Do not stand at a distance; come close, look into His face, and receive His Word from His own hand.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 33:20 – There shall no man see me, and live.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Ezekiel 2:8 – Open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
Jeremiah 15:16 – Thy words were found, and I did eat them.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 4:6 – The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Ephesians 2:5 – Hath quickened us together with Christ.
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Revelation 10:9
And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
Eat It Up
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book.” John asks. This is the believer's prayer: Lord, I want to eat of You and drink of You. Give me Your Word.
“And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up.” Not only read it, but eat it. The Word must become part of you. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Ezekiel was told, “cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll,” and Jeremiah said, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.”
This is union. The Book is now open; Jesus reads us, and we read Him.
“And it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.” Jesus tells John beforehand what will happen. The Word is sweet to taste: forgiveness, grace and love. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” But in the belly, the inner man, it works the Cross. The flesh is crucified by the Word it has eaten. That is bitter to the old nature, but the spirit lives.
The Word Applied
Ask Jesus for His Word, and eat it whole. Let it be sweet in your mouth and let it do its deep work in your inner man. The bitterness is only the flesh being crucified; the spirit lives and grows.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 3:3 – It was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.
And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.
Psalm 119:103 – How sweet are thy words unto my taste!
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Jeremiah 15:16 – Thy words were found, and I did eat them.
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:35 – I am the bread of life.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Matthew 4:4 – By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Galatians 5:24 – Have crucified the flesh.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Revelation 10:10
And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
The Cost of Love
◆ ◆ ◆
John took the little book and ate it up, and it happened just as Jesus said.
At first the Gospel is sweet to hear. Then, as the believer truly understands the sacrifice Jesus made, the weight of His suffering becomes real within. This is the bitter belly: the inner man awakened to the cost of love. Paul longed to know “the fellowship of his sufferings.”
The bitterness is the bitter herbs of the Passover. Israel ate the lamb with unleavened bread, “and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” The Lamb is sweet, and the herbs remind us of the bondage He broke.
Yet from this very place, life flows. Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” The belly that was made bitter becomes the source of rivers.
This is the order of the Cross in every believer: first the sweetness of grace received, then the inner breaking of the flesh, then the overflow of the Spirit. The bitterness never has the last word; the rivers do.
The Word Applied
Do not be surprised when the Word that delighted you begins to cost you something. That is the Cross at work within. From that same place, rivers of living water will flow.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 12:8 – With bitter herbs they shall eat it.
And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
Ezekiel 3:14 – I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit.
So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
Isaiah 53:5 – He was wounded for our transgressions.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Philippians 3:10 – The fellowship of his sufferings.
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
John 7:38 – Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
1 Peter 4:13 – Ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings.
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Revelation 10:11
And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
Now Go and Tell Them
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” John has eaten the book, and now he is sent. What he has received he must give.
John now knows Jesus not only as teacher or Messiah, but as the full Revelation, the living Word revealed in power. This echoes the opening blessing of the book: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy.” John is no longer only a hearer; he is a witness.
“Thou must.” It is not optional. Paul said, “necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” Jeremiah tried to hold the Word back, but it was in his heart as a burning fire shut up in his bones.
“Before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” The little book is for the whole world. This is the commission of Jesus: “ye shall be witnesses unto me,” “unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Kings are named too. The Gospel stands before rulers and is not ashamed.
Every believer who has eaten the Word is sent with it.
The Word Applied
You have tasted the Word; now you are sent with it. Tell what you have received to the people around you, whoever they are. The Word in you is a fire meant to spread.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 1:10 – I have this day set thee over the nations.
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
Jeremiah 20:9 – As a burning fire shut up in my bones.
Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Acts 1:8 – Ye shall be witnesses unto me.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
1 Corinthians 9:16 – Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
Revelation 1:3 – Blessed is he that readeth.
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Matthew 10:18 – Ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake.
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
Chapter 11
The Temple Measured and the Two Witnesses · 19 verses
Revelation 11:1
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
The Temple Measured
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.” John has eaten the book; now he is given a measuring reed. The Word he has received becomes the standard by which the temple is measured.
To measure is to inspect and to judge. Ezekiel saw a man with “a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed” measuring the house of God. Amos saw the Lord stand upon a wall “with a plumbline in his hand,” and He said, “I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel.” Belshazzar heard the verdict of the measure: “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
Which temple is measured? Jesus came to His own, and His own received Him not. The temple in Jerusalem was still standing and still busy, but the Spirit of God stood outside it as a witness. Its leaders called Him a deceiver and said He had a devil. Jesus wept over the city and said, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” The old temple is measured and found wanting.
But there is a true temple. Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John adds, “But he spake of the temple of his body.” And Paul wrote to the Church, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” The true temple is Christ and His people in Him.
“And the altar.” The altar is the Cross, the measure of everything. Every worship is measured against the finished work. Any system that adds to it or takes from it does not measure up.
“And them that worship therein.” God measures the worshippers, not by their buildings but by their hearts. “The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” Judgment begins at the house of God, and the measure is Jesus.
Here, as in heaven so on earth, God's measuring reed is laid against every church and every heart. It is laid against yours with love, to show you where you stand: in the Holy of Holies, in Him.
The Word Applied
Let the Word measure your worship. God is not looking at the size of the building or the beauty of the ritual but at whether you worship in spirit and in truth, at the altar of the finished work. In Jesus you measure up.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
Ezekiel 40:3 – A line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed.
And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
Amos 7:8 – I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel.
And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:
Daniel 5:27 – Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
Zechariah 2:1-2 – A man with a measuring line in his hand.
I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.
Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 2:19-21 – He spake of the temple of his body.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
But he spake of the temple of his body.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Ye are the temple of God.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
John 4:23 – The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Matthew 23:38 – Your house is left unto you desolate.
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
The Temple Diagram
See the temple diagram on page 25, with the scriptures on how the old temple rejected the Messiah and how God became the temple Himself, in Foundations II: The Temple Rejected the Messiah!
Revelation 11:2
But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
The Inside Matters
◆ ◆ ◆
“But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles.” God says, in effect: what concerns Me is not the outside, but what is going on inside My house.
Those inside had the law, the prophets and the promises. Judgment begins with them. The Gentiles in the outer court did not yet know Him, and God would reveal Himself to them and give them their own day of grace before they were measured.
The outer court is given to the Gentiles. In the old temple a wall kept the Gentiles out, with a warning of death to any who passed it. Jesus broke that wall down. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” The court of the Gentiles is opened, and they come in.
“And the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.” Jesus said, “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Forty and two months is three and a half years, the measure of His public ministry and the season of the old city's end. It is a limited and appointed time.
The Word Applied
God cares most about what is inside: the inner court of your heart where He dwells. Do not spend your life polishing the outer court. Let Him live in the holiest place of your being.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Samuel 16:7 – The LORD looketh on the heart.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Isaiah 56:7 – An house of prayer for all people.
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Daniel 7:25 – Until a time and times and the dividing of time.
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 21:24 – Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Ephesians 2:14 – Hath broken down the middle wall of partition.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
1 Peter 4:17 – Judgment must begin at the house of God.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Revelation 11:3
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Jesus, Mighty in Word and Spirit
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” Who are the two witnesses? The law required two: “at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” Jesus answered the Pharisees from that law: “I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.”
The two witnesses are the testimony of Jesus in Word and Spirit: the Law and the Prophets, Moses and Elijah, fulfilled in Him. On the mount of transfiguration Moses and Elijah stood with Jesus and spoke of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. Then they vanished, and the disciples saw no man, save Jesus only. The two witnesses meet in one Person. Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.
Word and Spirit are His two hands. He came “in the power of the Spirit,” and He spoke as never man spake. The Father, the Word and the Spirit are one, and the witness is one.
“A thousand two hundred and threescore days” is three and a half years, the length of Jesus' public ministry, from His baptism to His Cross. In those days He prophesied with power, opened blind eyes and confronted the corrupt system.
“Clothed in sackcloth.” Sackcloth is the garment of humility and of mourning over sin. The Lord of glory came meek and lowly, a man of sorrows, calling Israel to repent. His witness was not proud; it wept over Jerusalem.
And this same witness lives on in the Church. Jesus breathed on His disciples and sent them out with the Word and the Spirit: “ye shall be witnesses unto me.” The Church does not carry another testimony; she carries His, in His power.
The Word Applied
Jesus is the faithful witness, and His Word and Spirit now live in you. You do not witness in your own strength. You carry His testimony, clothed in His humility and empowered by His Spirit.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 19:15 – At the mouth of two witnesses.
One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Deuteronomy 18:15 – A Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me.
The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
Malachi 4:5 – I will send you Elijah the prophet.
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 8:18 – I am one that bear witness of myself.
I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
Luke 9:30-31 – Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory.
And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:27 – Beginning at Moses and all the prophets.
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Acts 1:8 – Ye shall be witnesses unto me.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Revelation 11:4
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
The Anointed Ones and the Light
◆ ◆ ◆
“These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.” John points straight to Zechariah. The prophet saw a golden candlestick and two olive trees beside it, pouring golden oil into the lamps, and he asked, What are these? The answer came: “These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”
The olive tree gives oil, and oil is the anointing of the Spirit. The candlestick gives light, and light is the Word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.” Jesus is the Anointed One, the Christ, and He is the Light of the world.
In chapter 1 the candlesticks are the churches. So the two candlesticks show the witness carried by the Church: Jesus the Bridegroom and His Bride standing together before God, filled with the same oil and shining with the same light. The Bride is not alone; Jesus is present and empowering her.
“Standing before the God of the earth.” They stand in His presence, and from His presence they draw their oil. The two witnesses never run dry because they are planted beside the Lord of the whole earth.
The Word Applied
Your light depends on the oil, and the oil flows from Jesus. Stay planted in His presence, and you will never run dry. His Spirit is the oil.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Zechariah 4:14 – These are the two anointed ones.
Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Zechariah 4:6 – But by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Psalm 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:20 – The seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Acts 10:38 – How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost.
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Matthew 5:14 – Ye are the light of the world.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Revelation 11:5
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
Fire from Their Mouth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies.” The weapon of the two witnesses is fire from the mouth. It is the Word, spoken in the power of the Spirit. “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD.” Jeremiah was told, “I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.”
When James and John wanted to call down fire like Elijah on a Samaritan village, Jesus rebuked them: “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” The fire of the two witnesses is not destruction of people. It is the fire of truth that burns away enmity.
“And if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.” In what manner? By the fire of the Word and the Spirit. God is saying: resist My witness, and My Word will still win your heart. The old enemy within the man is slain, and the man is set free. This is how Saul the persecutor was slain on the Damascus road and Paul the apostle rose up.
At the Cross He was “having slain the enmity thereby.” “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The Word Applied
When people oppose the Word in you, do not answer with the fire of anger. Answer with the fire of truth and love. The Word will do its work in them; it slays enmity and wins hearts.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 5:14 – I will make my words in thy mouth fire.
Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.
Jeremiah 23:29 – Is not my word like as a fire?
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
2 Kings 1:10 – Then let fire come down from heaven.
And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 9:55 – Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
Ephesians 2:16 – Having slain the enmity thereby.
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Romans 12:21 – Overcome evil with good.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Revelation 11:6
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
The Law and the Prophets Fulfilled
◆ ◆ ◆
“These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy.” This is Elijah. He said to Ahab, “there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” And James tells us “it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months,” the same three and a half years of the witnesses' prophecy.
“And have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” This is Moses, whose rod turned the river to blood and brought the plagues on Egypt.
So the two witnesses carry the power of Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophets. Both are fulfilled in Jesus. He said, “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” The keys are His: “he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.”
Rain is the outpouring of the Spirit. To shut heaven is to withhold that rain from a system that refuses Him. Heaven was shut over the old temple while the Spirit was poured out on those who received Jesus.
Jesus gave the same authority to His Church: “whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”
The Word Applied
The keys of heaven are in the hands of Jesus, and He has shared their authority with His Church. Pray with that authority. Ask for the rain of the Spirit over your life, and receive it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 17:1 – There shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
Exodus 7:20 – All the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
Zechariah 10:1 – Ask ye of the LORD rain.
Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
James 5:17 – It rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
Matthew 5:17 – I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Revelation 3:7 – He that openeth, and no man shutteth.
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Matthew 16:19 – Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Revelation 11:7
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
The Testimony Finished at the Cross
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.” Read the order carefully. First the testimony is finished; only then does the beast make war. Nothing was taken from the witnesses before the time.
This is the Cross. Jesus finished His testimony. “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Then the powers of darkness rose up against Him. The beast that ascends out of the pit is the alliance of the corrupt temple rulers and the power of Rome, moved by the prince of this world. Jesus said to them in the garden, “this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
They seemed to overcome Him. They seemed to kill the Word and the Spirit in His body. But He was not taken; He gave Himself. “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” The beast's victory was the beast's defeat, for by death He destroyed the devil, who had the power of death.
This is why the two witnesses are one: the Word and the Spirit, the Law and the Prophets, met in one body on the Cross. The witness of Moses and Elijah was laid down in the one sacrifice of Jesus.
This verse is not a picture of believers dying. Believers do not die. The death here is the Lord's own death, which He died once for all. The Church that carries His witness was in Him on that Cross, crucified with Him, and was raised with Him. When the world opposes the Church, it meets the same pattern: whatever it does to the witness, the witness rises.
The Word Applied
Your Lord finished His testimony before anyone laid a hand on Him. Nothing can cut short what God has given you to do either. You were crucified with Him and raised with Him; no beast can undo that.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 53:12 – He hath poured out his soul unto death.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Psalm 2:2 – The rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Daniel 9:26 – Shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 17:4 – I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Luke 22:53 – This is your hour, and the power of darkness.
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
John 10:18 – No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Hebrews 2:14 – Him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Revelation 11:8
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Where Also Our Lord Was Crucified
◆ ◆ ◆
“And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” The verse names the place itself: where our Lord was crucified. The great city is Jerusalem, and the bodies are the body of Jesus, in whom the Word and the Spirit, the Law and the Prophets, were laid down together.
Why is Jerusalem called Sodom and Egypt? Spiritually, the city had become what God had judged. Isaiah addressed her rulers: “Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom.” Sodom rejected the angels God sent to warn her; Egypt held God's people in bondage and resisted Moses. The old Jerusalem rejected the Spirit's warning and kept men in the bondage of the law. Paul said Jerusalem “which now is” “is in bondage with her children.”
Old Jerusalem rejected her Husband and crucified His Son. And the end that came upon Sodom and Egypt would come upon the old temple system: “There shall not be left here one stone upon another.”
“In the street of the great city.” He was crucified outside the gate, in the open, before all. He “suffered without the gate.”
The Word Applied
Jesus went outside the gate of the religious city to save you. Do not look for Him inside a system that rejects Him. Go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach, and find your home in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 1:10 – Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom.
Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.
Ezekiel 16:48 – Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done.
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.
Exodus 1:14 – They made their lives bitter with hard bondage.
And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 4:25 – Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Hebrews 13:12-13 – Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Matthew 24:2 – There shall not be left here one stone upon another.
And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Revelation 11:9
And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
Three Days and an Half
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half.” The death of Jesus was public knowledge. The title over the Cross was written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin so that every nation could read it.
Three days and an half is the time between the Cross and the resurrection, the measure of His time in death. It echoes the three and a half years of His ministry: half of seven, the work seemingly cut off in the middle, as Daniel said: “in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.”
“And shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.” His enemies feared His grave. They went to Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.” They feared what the grave could not hold.
And God did not suffer Him to stay in the grave either. “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Men refused Him a grave in their hearts; the Father refused the grave any hold on Him.
The Word Applied
The whole world saw Him die, and the whole world must reckon with His rising. The grave could not keep Him, and it cannot keep anyone who is in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 16:10 – Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Daniel 9:27 – In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Isaiah 53:9 – He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:63 – After three days I will rise again.
Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
Acts 26:26 – This thing was not done in a corner.
For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
Acts 2:27 – Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Revelation 11:10
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
They Thought They Had Won
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another.” Those who dwell upon the earth are the earthly-minded, ruled by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. They celebrated the death of Jesus.
Jesus foretold it: “ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” The temple rulers rested in the illusion that their power and treasury were safe. No more tables overturned, no more whips in the temple, no more parables that exposed them.
“And shall send gifts one to another.” On the day of His trial enemies became friends. “And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.” The rulers paid the soldiers large money to say the disciples stole the body. Gifts passed between the conspirators.
“Because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” The Word and the Spirit had tormented their consciences. Ahab called Elijah “he that troubleth Israel.” But their rejoicing lasted only three days and a half.
The Word Applied
The world's rejoicing over the defeat of the truth never lasts. If you are mourning while others celebrate, hold on. Your sorrow will be turned into joy, and no man will take it from you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 18:17 – Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel?
Psalm 2:4 – He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Job 20:5 – The triumphing of the wicked is short.
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 16:20 – The world shall rejoice.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Luke 23:12 – Pilate and Herod were made friends together.
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Matthew 28:12 – They gave large money unto the soldiers.
And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
1 John 2:16 – The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Revelation 11:11
And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
The Spirit of Life Entered
◆ ◆ ◆
“And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet.” This is the resurrection. The three days and a half are ended, and the Spirit of life raises Him up. “Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly.”
Ezekiel saw this in the valley of dry bones: “and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.” The breath of God that formed Adam from the dust now raises the last Adam from the tomb. He is declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
“The Spirit of life.” Paul uses the same words: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” The Spirit who raised Jesus is the Spirit of life, and death has no claim on Him.
And this same Spirit lives in the believer now. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” The believer stands on his feet in resurrection life today. He does not wait for life; he has it.
Here the vision touches the ground. The same Spirit that stood Jesus on His feet stands the believer on his feet in every trial.
“And great fear fell upon them which saw them.” The keepers of the tomb did shake, and became as dead men. The rulers who had sealed the stone now had to bribe the soldiers to hide the truth. Fear fell on the system that thought it had won, because the Witness was alive.
The Word Applied
The Spirit of life who raised Jesus lives in you. You are standing on your feet in His resurrection life right now. Whatever has tried to lay you low, He stands you up again.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 37:10 – The breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet.
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
Genesis 2:7 – Breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Hosea 6:2 – In the third day he will raise us up.
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 8:2 – The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:11 – Shall also quicken your mortal bodies.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Matthew 28:4 – The keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Romans 1:4 – Declared to be the Son of God with power.
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Revelation 11:12
And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Come Up Hither
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud.” After the resurrection comes the ascension. “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
“Come up hither” is the voice that called John in chapter 4. It is the Father's call to the Son, faithful unto death, to take His place at the right hand. God has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name.
And it is the call to every believer in Him. We are raised up together and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The Church does not wait at the foot of the mountain; she is called up into the presence with her Lord.
“And their enemies beheld them.” Jesus had told the high priest, “Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” They tried to cover the empty tomb, but the testimony of His resurrection spread through the whole city, and soon a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
The Word Applied
Hear the call: come up hither. You are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Live from there, above fear and above the accusations of your enemies, for they behold you raised with Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 47:5 – God is gone up with a shout.
God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Psalm 68:18 – Thou hast ascended on high.
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
2 Kings 2:11 – Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Acts 1:9 – A cloud received him out of their sight.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Philippians 2:9 – God also hath highly exalted him.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Ephesians 2:6 – Made us sit together in heavenly places.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Matthew 26:64 – Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Revelation 11:13
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Judgement with Grace, the Remnant Gives Glory
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” Look at the measure of this judgement. A tenth part falls, not the whole city. God shakes, but He does not make a full end. He judges, and in the same hour He keeps a remnant.
Seven thousand is God's own number for the remnant. When Elijah thought he alone was left, God answered him, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal.” Paul takes up the same answer: “I have reserved to myself seven thousand men,” and he says, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” The seven thousand is God saying: this is not complete destruction. I AM in control. I have kept My own, and I raise up others for the good work.
Isaiah knew it: “Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom.” Habakkuk prayed it: “in wrath remember mercy.” God's judgement always carries His grace inside it.
“And the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” His judgement and His sovereignty lead to praise. At the Cross the centurion saw it and “glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.” People see God for who He is, and they worship.
The Word Applied
Do not fear when God shakes things around you. He is in control, He keeps a remnant, and He raises up others for the good work. His judgement comes with grace, and it ends in praise.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 19:18 – Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel.
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Isaiah 1:9 – Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant.
Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
Habakkuk 3:2 – In wrath remember mercy.
O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 11:4 – I have reserved to myself seven thousand men.
But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Romans 11:5 – A remnant according to the election of grace.
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Luke 23:47 – He glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
Revelation 11:14
The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
The Second Woe Is Past
◆ ◆ ◆
“The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.” The sixth trumpet is complete. It began with the voice from the altar and the loosing of the four Gospels, and it ended with the two witnesses standing on their feet and ascending.
Look at what the second woe was. It was the Gospel going out from the Cross, slaying the old man by the Word; and it was the death, resurrection and ascension of the faithful Witness. The woe fell on the system that resisted; for the believer it was the greatest victory in history.
The three woes are the last three trumpets. Revelation 8:13 announced them; 9:12 marked the first as past; and now 11:14 marks the second. Each woe unveils more of the finished work and more of the resistance of the earthly-minded.
“The third woe cometh quickly.” The seventh trumpet follows at once. There is no long delay between the resurrection and the reign. When the Witness rises, the Kingdom is proclaimed. The finished work interrupts the pattern of judgment; it does not lead into endless wrath but into the reign of Christ.
Every woe in this book passes. Not one woe outlasts the blood of the Lamb, and what follows the woes is the song of the Kingdom.
The Word Applied
Your woes pass, but His reign remains. Do not fix your eyes on the trouble; fix them on what follows it. The Kingdom is coming quickly into every situation you give to Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 40:2 – Her warfare is accomplished.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
Psalm 30:11 – Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing.
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Isaiah 60:20 – The days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 8:13 – Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth.
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
Revelation 9:12 – One woe is past.
One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
2 Corinthians 4:17 – Our light affliction, which is but for a moment.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
The Kingdoms of This World Are His
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” This is the trumpet of the mystery finished, promised in chapter 10. The great voices of heaven proclaim that the Cross has accomplished everything.
Notice the tense: “are become.” It is done. Jesus said after His resurrection, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The kingdoms Satan offered Him in the wilderness, if He would fall down and worship, are now His by right, won not by compromise but by obedience unto death.
Daniel saw this Kingdom. The stone cut out without hands smote the image of the kingdoms of men and became a great mountain that filled the whole earth. “the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed,” and “it shall stand for ever.” The stone is Jesus. His Kingdom came with Him.
“Of our Lord, and of his Christ.” The Father and the Son reign as one. The Psalm said, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.”
“And he shall reign for ever and ever.” Gabriel told Mary, “of his kingdom there shall be no end.” His reign is not waiting for a future age to begin. It began at the Cross and the empty tomb, and it grows like the stone into a mountain. He hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
As in heaven, so on earth: the reign announced in heaven is lived out in the hearts of His people today.
The Word Applied
Jesus reigns now. Every kingdom that tried to rule your life has become His. Live as a citizen of His Kingdom today, under the King who will never lose His throne.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 2:44 – The God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Psalm 2:6 – Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Isaiah 9:7 – Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 28:18 – All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Luke 1:33 – Of his kingdom there shall be no end.
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Colossians 1:13 – Translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Matthew 4:8-9 – All the kingdoms of the world.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Revelation 11:16
And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
The Church Falls Down in Worship
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God.” The elders are the Church, the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles, the old and the new made one. They sit on seats, thrones of authority, for the Church reigns with Christ. Yet at the news of His Kingdom they leave their seats and fall on their faces.
This is the right response to the reign of Jesus. Authority in the Kingdom never makes the believer proud; it makes him worship. The higher the Church is raised, the lower she bows.
They worship because the great marriage is complete. God and His people are one; there is no more separation between God and man. The old has been fulfilled, and the new has come. Heaven rejoices over the victory of Jesus, and the redeemed give thanks for the reign of God through Him.
In chapters 4 and 5 the elders cast their crowns before the throne. Here they fall on their faces again. Worship is not a single act but the continual posture of the Church before her King.
The Word Applied
You are seated with Christ, and you are called to fall on your face before Him. Let your authority in Him always lead you into deeper worship. The Kingdom is His; the glory is His.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 95:6 – O come, let us worship and bow down.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
Isaiah 6:3 – Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
2 Chronicles 7:3 – They bowed themselves with their faces to the ground.
And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 4:10 – The four and twenty elders fall down before him.
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Revelation 5:10 – We shall reign on the earth.
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Philippians 2:10 – That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Revelation 11:17
Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
We Give Thee Thanks
◆ ◆ ◆
“Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.” The worship of the Church is thanksgiving. Jesus has taken His rightful place as King. The victory is complete.
In Luke 17 ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to give thanks, and he was a Samaritan, a stranger from outside Israel. Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” The one who returned is a picture of the true Bride, born not of the flesh but of the Spirit, who comes back to glorify God for His grace. The elders are the thankful one.
“Which art, and wast, and art to come.” He is the eternal One. The same Lord who was before all things, who is now on the throne, is the One who comes to His people continually.
“Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.” The past tense matters. Jesus has reigned. At the Cross He took His great power: “having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” “The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty.”
The Word Applied
Be the one who returns to give thanks. Your healing, your forgiveness and your new life are His gifts. Thank Him that He has taken His great power and reigns over all of it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 93:1 – The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty.
The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
Psalm 100:4 – Enter into his gates with thanksgiving.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
1 Chronicles 29:11 – Thine is the kingdom, O LORD.
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 17:17 – Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
Colossians 2:15 – Triumphing over them in it.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Revelation 1:8 – Which is, and which was, and which is to come.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 11:18
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
The Nations Angry, the Wrath Come
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come.” The second Psalm foretold it: “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” The apostles applied it to the Cross, where “both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.” Their anger was the sound of defeat.
“And thy wrath is come.” The wrath of God against sin came at the Cross, where it fell on Jesus. As in chapter 6, the great day of His wrath is Calvary. For all who believe, the wrath is past: “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
“And the time of the dead, that they should be judged.” The dead are those dead in trespasses and sins. Jesus said, “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”
“And that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great.” The reward is Himself.
“And shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, the destroyer of the earth.
The Word Applied
The wrath you deserved fell on Jesus. You are saved from wrath through Him and rewarded with Him. Whether you are small or great, your faithfulness is seen and your reward is sure.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:1 – Why do the heathen rage?
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Isaiah 40:10 – His reward is with him.
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Genesis 15:1 – I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Acts 4:27 – Against thy holy child Jesus.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Romans 5:9 – We shall be saved from wrath through him.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
John 5:25 – The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
1 John 3:8 – To destroy the works of the devil.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Revelation 11:19
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
The Temple Opened, the Ark Seen
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” The chapter that began with the old temple measured ends with the true temple opened. When Jesus yielded up the ghost, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”
In the old covenant the ark stood in the Holy of Holies, hidden from every eye but the high priest's, once a year. Now it is seen. We have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way.”
The ark is Jesus. Inside it lay the law, kept perfectly by Him; the manna, heaven's bread; and Aaron's rod that budded, life from the dead. Over it was the mercy seat sprinkled with blood. Paul says God set Jesus forth “to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,” and the word is the mercy seat itself.
“And there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” These are Sinai's signs, but the law now lies inside the ark, under the blood. The temple of God is open, and we live in it as sons and daughters.
The Word Applied
The temple is open and the ark is seen. You do not stand outside the veil any more. Come boldly into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, and live in the presence of God as His child.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 25:22 – There I will meet with thee... from above the mercy seat.
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
Jeremiah 3:16 – The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind.
And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.
Exodus 19:16 – Thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount.
And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 27:51 – The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Hebrews 10:19-20 – Boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Romans 3:25 – A propitiation through faith in his blood.
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Hebrews 9:4 – The ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold.
Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
Chapter 12
The Woman, the Child and the Dragon · 17 verses
Revelation 12:1
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
The Woman Clothed with the Sun
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” The great wonder is God's plan made visible: the Son coming into the world through His covenant people, and His glory resting on His Bride. This is not a scene of fear but of hope.
The woman is God's covenant people, the faithful of Israel who carried the promise of the Messiah from Eve to Mary, and the Church that is born of that promise. She is one people in Him.
“Clothed with the sun.” Malachi promised, “unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.” She shines with no light of her own. She is clothed in Jesus. “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Her glory is His righteousness.
“And the moon under her feet.” The moon has no light of its own; it only reflects. Israel's calendar was ruled by new moons and feast days, and Paul calls them “a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” The old covenant of shadows lies under her feet. She stands on it, fulfilled and surpassed in Jesus.
“And upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” Joseph dreamed that the sun, the moon and eleven stars bowed to him. Twelve is the number of God's government among His people: twelve tribes and twelve apostles. Her crown is the authority of the people of God, built “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”
Here the vision touches the ground. This woman is the people of God in every age, and today she is the Church, clothed in Christ, standing above the shadows, wearing His authority.
The Word Applied
You are clothed with the Sun of righteousness. You do not shine in your own light, and you do not live under the shadows of the old law. Stand on them fulfilled, and wear the authority Jesus has given His Bride.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Malachi 4:2 – Shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Genesis 37:9 – The sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
Isaiah 61:10 – He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 13:14 – Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Colossians 2:16-17 – Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Ephesians 2:20 – Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Galatians 4:26 – Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Revelation 12:2
And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
The Travail for the Promise
◆ ◆ ◆
“And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” The covenant people carried the promise through long generations of waiting. From the first word in Eden, that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head, Israel travailed for the Messiah.
The prophets felt the pains. Micah said God would give them up “until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth.” Isaiah cried, “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.” Every exile, every captivity and every silent century was part of the travail.
Then the time came. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” In Mary the long travail of the whole people came to its hour. God became man, fully God and fully man, born into the world He made.
Paul knew this travail in the Church too: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” The Spirit still groans in the people of God until Jesus is seen in them. And no travail of the Spirit is wasted. What God conceives, He brings to birth.
The Word Applied
If you are carrying a promise of God and feel the pain of waiting, take heart. The pains are the sign that the birth is near. God brings to birth what He has promised, in the fulness of His time.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:15 – It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Micah 5:3 – Until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth.
Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
Isaiah 66:7 – She was delivered of a man child.
Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 4:4 – God sent forth his Son, made of a woman.
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Galatians 4:19 – Of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
Romans 8:22 – The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Revelation 12:3
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
The Dragon Behind the Kingdoms
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” The second wonder is the enemy of the first. Verse 9 names him: “that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan.” He is red because he was a murderer from the beginning.
The dragon is not only Satan alone. He is the whole system working in his spirit: the kingdoms of the world and the corrupt religion that served them. His seven heads and ten horns are the powers of the earth, the same beast Daniel saw rise out of the sea.
Notice the crowns. Here the seven crowns rest on the heads. The kingdoms still wear their royal authority. In 13:1 the crowns move to the horns, and by chapter 17 there are no crowns at all. This is the transfer of power: from the heads, to the horns, to nothing, while all authority passes to the Lamb at the Cross.
Here the vision touches the ground. When Jesus was born, Rome ruled the world through Herod, and the temple leaders served the order of the day. The dragon wore every crown he could gather. But a Child was coming who would take them all.
The Word Applied
The enemy's crowns are borrowed and temporary. Every power that sets itself against Jesus is already losing its crown. Do not be impressed by the dragon's heads; look at the Child who takes the kingdom.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:7 – It had ten horns.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Isaiah 27:1 – He shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
Ezekiel 29:3 – The great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers.
Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 8:44 – He was a murderer from the beginning.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Revelation 12:9 – That old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Luke 4:6 – All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them.
And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Revelation 12:4
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
The Tail and the Fallen Stars
◆ ◆ ◆
“And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.” Isaiah tells us what the tail is: “The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.” The dragon's tail is false teaching, and with it he drew down a portion of those who should have shone like stars.
Stars are those who give light to God's people. Daniel says, “they that turn many to righteousness” shall shine “as the stars for ever and ever.” But many priests and teachers of Israel were pulled down to earth by the love of money and position. Jesus said, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
“And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” This is Herod. When the wise men asked for the King of the Jews, the chief priests knew the place: Bethlehem. Herod sent and slew all the children of Bethlehem from two years old and under.
But the dragon could not touch the Child. God warned Joseph in a dream, and the family fled to Egypt. The plan of God cannot be devoured.
The Word Applied
The enemy still pulls down the stars with a tail of lies and the love of money. Keep your heart in heaven and your light pure. No scheme of the dragon can devour what God has brought to birth in you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 9:15 – The prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
Daniel 12:3 – They that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 8:10 – It cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground.
And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 2:16 – Slew all the children that were in Bethlehem.
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Matthew 2:4-5 – In Bethlehem of Judaea.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Matthew 6:24 – Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Revelation 12:5
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
The Man Child Caught Up
◆ ◆ ◆
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” The man child is Jesus. The whole life of the Messiah is told in one sentence: born, ruling, caught up.
“Who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.” This is the second Psalm: “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron.” Iron speaks of a rule that cannot be broken. His Word does not bend to the kingdoms of men; they bend to it. Yet the Shepherd's rod also guides and comforts: “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
“And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” This is the ascension. “While they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Notice what is skipped: the Cross. John moves from birth to throne because the Cross is the way to the throne. The dragon thought the Cross was his triumph, but it was the Child's road home. And we who believe are raised up with Him and made to sit with Him in heavenly places.
The Word Applied
Jesus is on the throne, ruling with a rod that cannot be broken. Whatever is trying to rule your life must bow to His sceptre. Let His rod guide and comfort you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:9 – Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Psalm 23:4 – Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 110:1 – Sit thou at my right hand.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 1:9 – A cloud received him out of their sight.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Hebrews 1:3 – Sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Ephesians 2:6 – Made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Revelation 12:6
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
A Place Prepared of God
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” The wilderness in Scripture is not abandonment. It is the place where God meets His people alone and feeds them Himself.
Israel was fed with manna in the wilderness for forty years. Elijah was fed by ravens at the brook. Hosea heard God say of His people, “I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Joseph took the young Child and His mother and fled into Egypt, to a place prepared of God. And after the ascension the early Church was separated from the old temple system, outside the camp, yet fed daily: “they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness.”
A thousand two hundred and threescore days is three and a half years, the same measured time we met with the two witnesses. It is a limited time, appointed by God. The wilderness is never forever. God sets its length, and He feeds His Bride through every day of it.
The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God
The Word Applied
If you are in a wilderness season, you are not forgotten. It is a place prepared of God. He feeds you there, He speaks tenderly to you there, and He has already set the day it ends.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 2:14 – I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness.
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.
Exodus 16:35 – The children of Israel did eat manna forty years.
And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
1 Kings 17:6 – The ravens brought him bread and flesh.
And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 2:13 – Take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt.
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Acts 2:46 – Did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
John 14:2 – I go to prepare a place for you.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Revelation 12:7
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
War in Heaven
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.” This is the war behind every war. What happened at Calvary on the ground was fought in the heavenlies at the same moment.
Who is Michael? His name is a question: Who is like God? Daniel calls him “the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people,” in Hebrew the sar, the prince and chief over the hosts of heaven. Michael is the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit in the Bride. Michael is a title and a form of the one God, the Spirit standing for God's people and fighting within them. “Now the Lord is that Spirit.” And “God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts.”
God is three in one, and His authority works in an order of glorification, like a spiritual title deed. The Father glorifies the Son; the Son glorifies the Father; the Spirit glorifies the Son: “He shall glorify me.” Each points to the other. To the Bride He is Father, Brother, Friend and Husband: “I have called you friends,” “he is not ashamed to call them brethren,” and “thy Maker is thine husband.” The natural mind wants to put God in a box; the Spirit reveals Him.
Jude says that Michael, contending with the devil, “durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” These are the words spoken over Joshua the high priest in Zechariah. Before the Cross the accuser still had a legal right to accuse, because the debt of sin was not yet paid. So the say-so belonged to the Father, and the Spirit spoke in His name.
At the Cross and resurrection everything changed. Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The title deed passed to the Son. Now the war in heaven is won: “for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” The Spirit in the Bride no longer waits for permission. He stands in the full authority of the risen Lord.
The dragon fought with all he had. But Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
Here the vision touches the ground. The Spirit of Jesus in you is Michael standing for you, and every accusation has been answered.
The Word Applied
The Spirit of Jesus lives in you and fights for you. The accuser has been cast down and all authority belongs to Jesus. Stand in His victory; no charge against you remains.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 12:1 – Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Zechariah 3:2 – The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan.
And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
Isaiah 54:5 – For thy Maker is thine husband.
For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
Jude 1:9 – The Lord rebuke thee.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Matthew 28:18 – All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Revelation 12:10 – For the accuser of our brethren is cast down.
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Galatians 4:6 – God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
John 16:14 – He shall glorify me.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Revelation 12:8
And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
They Prevailed Not
◆ ◆ ◆
“And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.” Three words settle the war: prevailed not. The dragon threw everything at the Son, and it was not enough. Jesus had said, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
“Neither was their place found any more in heaven.” In the book of Job, Satan came among the sons of God to accuse. In Zechariah he stood at the right hand of Joshua the high priest to resist him. He had a place in the courts of heaven as the accuser. That place is gone.
Why? Because the charge he brought is answered. Every accusation against God's people rested on sin, and sin was put away by the sacrifice of Jesus once for all. When the blood is on the mercy seat, the accuser has nothing to say. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.”
Jesus saw it: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” And He gave His disciples power over all the power of the enemy. The place the dragon lost, the Church now holds: seated with Christ in heavenly places, with no condemnation.
The Word Applied
The accuser has lost his place. No charge against you is heard in heaven, because the blood of Jesus has answered every one. Refuse condemnation; there is no place for it any more.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Job 1:6 – Satan came also among them.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Zechariah 3:1 – Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
Isaiah 14:12 – How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 16:18 – The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Luke 10:18 – I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Romans 8:33 – It is God that justifieth.
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Cast Out into the Earth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Four names expose him: fury, cunning, slander and opposition.
“Which deceiveth the whole world.” Deception is his only remaining weapon. At the Cross he lost his authority; what he keeps is the power to lie. He works through the natural mind, through fear and through religion without the Spirit. He can deceive, but he cannot rule those who know the truth. “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
“He was cast out into the earth.” This is the earthly plane: the realm of the flesh and of the earthly-minded. He no longer accuses in heaven; he works on the ground. Paul calls him “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.”
But his casting out is a judgement already passed. “Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” The serpent of Eden met the Seed of the woman, and his head was bruised.
The Word Applied
Satan has been cast down, and his only weapon is a lie. Fill your mind with the truth of what Jesus has done, and deception loses its grip on you. You are free in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:1 – The serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field.
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Isaiah 27:1 – Leviathan that crooked serpent.
In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
Ezekiel 28:16 – I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God.
By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 8:32 – The truth shall make you free.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Ephesians 2:2 – The spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Colossians 2:15 – Triumphing over them in it.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Now Is Come Salvation
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
“Now.” Not someday. Salvation, strength, the kingdom and the power of Christ have come, and they came at the Cross. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” The new life takes effect the moment it is believed.
Salvation is deliverance from sin; strength is God's power at work in His people. “The kingdom of our God” is His rule established in Christ. “The power of his Christ” is the authority Jesus holds, given to Him in heaven and in earth.
“For the accuser of our brethren is cast down.” Day and night the accuser listed sins before God. In Zechariah's vision Joshua the high priest stood in filthy garments with Satan accusing him, and the LORD said, “The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan,” and clothed Joshua in clean garments. That is the Cross. Our filthy garments were taken, and the accuser was silenced.
“Our brethren.” Heaven calls the believers on earth its brothers. We are one family, in heaven and in earth, under one Father.
The Word Applied
Salvation is not coming; it has come. Do not listen to the accuser's list. Heaven has declared you clean, clothed you in Christ's righteousness and silenced the voice that condemned you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Zechariah 3:2 – The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan.
And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
Zechariah 3:4 – Take away the filthy garments from him.
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Isaiah 54:17 – Every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Behold, now is the day of salvation.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Matthew 28:18 – All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Ephesians 3:15 – Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
They Overcame by the Blood
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” This verse is the believer's victory in three parts: the blood, the word, and the surrendered life.
“By the blood of the Lamb.” We do not overcome by effort. We overcome because the blood of Jesus has answered every charge. “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” When Israel put the blood on the doorposts, God said, “when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” The accuser sees the blood and has nothing to say.
“And by the word of their testimony.” The testimony is the confession of the finished work. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” We overcome by agreeing with what God has said, out loud, over our feelings and our circumstances.
“And they loved not their lives unto the death.” This is not a picture of believers dying. The life they did not love is the old self-life, the old man, and the death is the death of the Cross, which they share with Jesus. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live.” They counted the old life as nothing and laid it down in Him. Jesus said, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
Because the old man is already crucified, death has nothing left to threaten them with. Jesus came to deliver “them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” The overcomers are not afraid. They do not cling to reputation, comfort or self-preservation. They hold to the Lamb, and the Lamb holds them.
Here the vision touches the ground. The Church overcomes today exactly as it did then: by the blood, by the confession of Jesus, and by a life given over to Him. This is the true Church identity: a crucified and risen people who no longer live for themselves.
The Word Applied
You overcome by the blood, not by striving. Speak what God says about you. Let go of the old self-life that Jesus already crucified, and walk in His resurrection life without fear.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 12:13 – When I see the blood, I will pass over you.
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Psalm 107:2 – Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Isaiah 53:5 – With his stripes we are healed.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
1 John 1:7 – The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Romans 10:9 – Thou shalt be saved.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
John 12:25 – He that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Hebrews 2:15 – Who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Revelation 12:12
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Rejoice, Ye Heavens
◆ ◆ ◆
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.” Those who dwell in the heavens are the heavenly-minded, the people of God seated with Christ. Heaven rejoices because the accuser is gone and salvation has come. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea!” The inhabiters of the earth are the earthly-minded, those who live by the flesh and set their affections on things below. The sea is the restless mass of the nations. The woe is for those who make their home in the realm where the devil now works.
“For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” His wrath is great because his defeat is final. He knows the Cross has sealed his end.
“A short time.” His time is limited and measured by God. Paul promised, “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” His rage is real, but it is the rage of one whose time is running out.
Here the vision touches the ground: set your affection on things above, and the devil's wrath cannot reach where you live.
The Word Applied
Live as one who dwells in the heavens. The devil's wrath is the wrath of a defeated foe with little time. Rejoice in the Lord, set your mind above, and watch God bruise Satan under your feet.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 49:13 – Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth.
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
Isaiah 57:20 – The wicked are like the troubled sea.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Psalm 96:11 – Let the heavens rejoice.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord alway.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Romans 16:20 – The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Colossians 3:2 – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Revelation 12:13
And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
The Dragon Turns on the Woman
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.” The dragon could not reach the Child, who is on the throne. So he turned on the woman, the people who carry the Child's life.
Here the vision touches the ground. After the ascension a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem. The same temple rulers who had condemned Jesus now threatened and beat His apostles and forbade them to speak in His name. Saul of Tarsus made havock of the church, entering into every house.
But look at the grace inside the persecution. The scattered believers “went every where preaching the word.” The fire that was meant to destroy the Church only spread it. And the chief persecutor was met by Jesus on the road and became the apostle to the nations.
Jesus told Saul, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” The Lord counted the attack on His people as an attack on Himself. The woman is never alone; the Child she brought forth stands with her. Satan's kingdom now works through deception and pressure, not through authority. He can rage at the Church, but he cannot overcome the life of Christ in her.
The Word Applied
When you face opposition for Jesus, remember that He counts it as done to Him. He stands with you. And what the enemy means for harm, God turns into the spreading of His Word.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 50:20 – Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Isaiah 43:2 – When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Psalm 129:2 – Yet they have not prevailed against me.
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 8:1 – There was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judæa and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 8:4 – Went every where preaching the word.
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Acts 9:4 – Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Revelation 12:14
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
On Eagles' Wings
◆ ◆ ◆
“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle.” God reminded Israel at Sinai, “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.” The wings are God's own strength carrying His people.
The two wings are the Word and the Spirit, the same pair we met in the two witnesses. “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”
John says she was given the wings to fly “into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” A time, times and half a time is the same appointed season as the 1,260 days.
“From the face of the serpent.” She is hidden from his face. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” The serpent can see the woman, but he cannot reach her, for she is under the wings of God.
Here the vision touches the ground: the believer who waits on the Lord is carried, fed and hidden in Him.
The Word Applied
Wait on the Lord, and He will lift you on eagles' wings. You do not have to fight the serpent face to face. Rise in the Word and the Spirit, and rest in the secret place He has prepared for you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 19:4 – I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
Isaiah 40:31 – They shall mount up with wings as eagles.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psalm 91:1 – Under the shadow of the Almighty.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Persecuted, but not forsaken.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Colossians 3:3 – Your life is hid with Christ in God.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Philippians 4:19 – My God shall supply all your need.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Revelation 12:15
And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
A Flood of Lies
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman.” The weapon comes from his mouth. The flood is words: lies, accusations, slander and false teaching poured out after the Church to sweep her away.
When the soldiers reported the empty tomb, the chief priests gave them large money and said, “Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.” And Matthew adds, “this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” That was the first flood: a lie to drown the resurrection.
After it came accusations that the apostles were turning the world upside down, that they spoke against the temple and the law, that they taught customs not lawful for Romans. Later came floods of false doctrine from within: another gospel, another Jesus, the law mixed back into grace.
His goal is to carry her away. But Isaiah answered this long ago: “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” And Jesus said the house built on the rock stood when the floods came. The woman is built on the Rock.
The Word Applied
When a flood of lies, accusations or confusion comes at you, do not be carried away. Stand on the Rock of the Word. The Spirit of the LORD lifts up a standard against every flood.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 59:19 – The Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
Psalm 18:4 – The floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
Psalm 124:4 – Then the waters had overwhelmed us.
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 28:13 – His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Matthew 7:25 – The floods came, and the winds blew.
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Acts 17:6 – These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
Revelation 12:16
And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
The Earth Helped the Woman
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.” God uses even the earth, even unbelievers and earthly powers, to protect His people.
In the wilderness the earth opened her mouth and swallowed Korah and his company, who rebelled against God's appointed leadership. Now the earth swallows the flood. What the dragon pours out, God makes the ground soak up.
Here the vision touches the ground. Pilate's wife sent word to him, “Have thou nothing to do with that just man.” Gamaliel, a Pharisee, stood up in the council and said of the apostles, “Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it.” A Roman captain rescued Paul from the mob. The roads and laws of Rome carried the Gospel to the nations.
God is sovereign over the earth. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” Judgement and grace work together; even the world is made to serve His Bride.
The Word Applied
God can use anyone and anything to help you. He turns the hearts of kings and opens the mouth of the earth to swallow what was meant to drown you. Trust His sovereignty over every circumstance.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Numbers 16:32 – The earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up.
And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
Proverbs 21:1 – The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Ezra 1:1 – The LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia.
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:19 – Have thou nothing to do with that just man.
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Acts 5:38-39 – If it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it.
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Acts 23:27 – Then came I with an army, and rescued him.
This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
Revelation 12:17
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
The Remnant of Her Seed
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
“The remnant of her seed.” As at 11:13, God always keeps a remnant. There is no complete destruction. “There is a remnant according to the election of grace.” The dragon can make war, but he cannot make an end. God raises up others for the good work in every generation.
“Which keep the commandments of God.” John tells us what these commandments are: “that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.” Not the law as a ladder, but faith and love, the fruit of the Spirit.
“And have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” The angel later tells John, “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” The remnant carries His witness, His Word and Spirit.
From the first promise in Eden, the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head. That seed is Christ, and in Him all who believe. “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” The war is real, but the outcome was settled in Eden's first promise.
The Word Applied
You are part of the remnant God keeps. Believe on Jesus, love one another and hold to His testimony. The dragon's war is real, but he cannot make an end of God's seed.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:15 – Between thy seed and her seed.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
1 Kings 19:18 – Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel.
Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Isaiah 10:21 – The remnant shall return.
The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 John 3:23 – That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Revelation 19:10 – The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Galatians 3:29 – If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed.
And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Romans 11:5 – A remnant according to the election of grace.
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Chapter 13
The Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth · 18 verses
Revelation 13:1
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
The Beast from the Sea
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” We read this beast in the spirit first: it is the old temple system, religion and the flesh, joined with the powers of the world against Jesus.
“The sand of the sea.” God promised Abraham, “I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore.” The stars are the heavenly seed of promise; the sand is the natural seed, Israel after the flesh. John stands on the sand and watches the beast rise out of the sea. The evil does not come from far away; it rises from among God's own people, joined to the restless sea of the nations.
“Seven heads and ten horns.” This is the dragon's own shape from 12:3. The beast is the dragon's system made visible. Daniel saw the same: four great beasts came up from the sea, and the fourth had ten horns.
Now watch the crowns. In 12:3 the seven crowns rested on the heads. Here the crowns have moved to the horns. In chapter 17 the beast has no crowns at all, and its ten horns “receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” The heads lose the crown to the horns, and the horns lose it to nothing. That is the transfer of power at the Cross: what the kingdoms seemed to hold passed to the Lamb, who is Lord of lords.
“And upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” The rulers who should have known God called His Son a blasphemer, and so blasphemed Him. “He hath spoken blasphemy,” said the high priest, and tore his clothes. The name they put on Jesus was their own.
Here the vision touches the ground. The beast is not one man at the end of time. It is the spirit of religion without God, joined to worldly power, rising wherever the flesh takes the throne.
The Word Applied
Discern the beast by its spirit, not its face. Wherever religion joins the world to resist Jesus, the beast is rising. But its crowns are already slipping; all power belongs to the Lamb.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 22:17 – As the sand which is upon the sea shore.
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Daniel 7:3 – Four great beasts came up from the sea.
And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
Daniel 7:7 – It had ten horns.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 26:65 – He hath spoken blasphemy.
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Revelation 17:12 – Receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
Romans 9:8 – They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God.
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Revelation 13:2
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
The Dragon's Seat
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.”
Daniel saw these beasts one after another: a lion, a bear, a leopard. Here they are fused into one. The beast carries all the oppressive kingdoms in its body: the speed of the leopard, the crushing feet of the bear, the roaring mouth of the lion. It is every worldly power in one system.
“His mouth as the mouth of a lion.” Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The beast imitates His voice. False religion roars with authority and sounds like God, but it devours. Peter warns that the adversary walks about “as a roaring lion.”
“And the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” The power behind the beast is Satan. Jesus said to the religious leaders, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” Satan empowers false religion, not only open sin.
Here the vision touches the ground: the beast is any system that takes God's name but draws its power from the accuser.
The Word Applied
Not every lion's roar is the voice of Jesus. Test the spirit behind the voice. The Lion of Judah speaks grace and truth; the beast roars and devours.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:4-6 – The first was like a lion.
The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
Hosea 13:7-8 – I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard.
Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them:
I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.
Proverbs 28:15 – As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear.
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 5:5 – The Lion of the tribe of Juda.
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.
John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Revelation 2:13 – Where Satan’s seat is.
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Revelation 13:3
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
The Deadly Wound
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.”
“Wounded to death.” At the Cross the old religious system was mortally wounded. The veil of the temple was torn from the top to the bottom. The true Lamb was slain, and every sacrifice in the temple became empty. “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
The wound fell on the head of the serpent. God had said in Eden, “it shall bruise thy head.” At Calvary the dragon's system received its death blow, and the beast that rose from it was wounded with it.
“And his deadly wound was healed.” But Satan revived what died at the Cross. He could not restore its power, so he restored its form. The same spirit of law, control, fear and performance came back dressed in new robes. Paul wept over it in Galatia: “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” The wound was healed every time grace was turned back into works.
“And all the world wondered after the beast.” People love religion that they can see and manage. They admire its buildings, rituals and titles. Paul describes it: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” The world wonders after the form, but the power is only in Jesus.
Contrast the true and the false. The Lamb was slain and truly rose; the beast was wounded and only appeared to heal. One is resurrection life; the other is a dead form kept moving.
Here the vision touches the ground: wherever the finished work is replaced by a system of earning, the deadly wound has been patched over. The cure is the Cross itself, believed and lived.
The Word Applied
Do not go back to what died at the Cross. You began in the Spirit; you are not made perfect by the flesh. Let the wound stay unhealed: the old way of earning is finished.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:15 – It shall bruise thy head.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 28:15 – We have made a covenant with death.
Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
Jeremiah 6:14 – They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly.
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Hebrews 8:13 – He hath made the first old.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Galatians 3:3 – Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
2 Timothy 3:5 – Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Matthew 27:51 – The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Revelation 13:4
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Who Is like unto the Beast?
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”
Behind every false worship is the dragon. Those who worship the system worship the power behind it, whether they know it or not. Paul says, “the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God.”
“Who is like unto the beast?” This is a twisted echo of Israel's song at the Red Sea: “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness”? The beast steals the praise that belongs to God.
“Who is able to make war with him?” The religious system looked invincible. The temple stood, the priests ruled, Rome kept order. Who could stand against it? A carpenter from Nazareth, alone and nailed to a cross. And in that weakness He made war and won. The temple fell within a generation, and His Kingdom filled the earth like Daniel's stone.
Here the vision touches the ground: no system is too big for Jesus, and no worshipper of the beast is beyond His reach.
The Word Applied
Do not be awed by systems that look unbeatable. Only One is truly incomparable. Give your worship to Him alone, and you will see every proud power fall before His Cross.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 15:11 – Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Isaiah 46:5 – To whom will ye liken me?
To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
Daniel 2:35 – The stone that smote the image became a great mountain.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 10:20 – They sacrifice to devils, and not to God.
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
2 Corinthians 13:4 – Though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God.
For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
Luke 21:6 – There shall not be left one stone upon another.
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Revelation 13:5
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
A Mouth Speaking Great Things
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.” Twice the verse says “was given.” The beast has nothing of its own. Even its mouth is permitted, and its time is measured by God.
“A mouth speaking great things and blasphemies.” Daniel saw a little horn with “a mouth speaking great things.” Here the great words are the boasts of religion against the Son. They said He cast out devils by Beelzebub. They said He was a deceiver. They said they had no king but Caesar. They said, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Every one of those words was blasphemy against the Holy One.
“To continue forty and two months.” Forty-two months is three and a half years, the same measure as the 1,260 days of the woman and of the two witnesses. It is the appointed season of opposition that runs alongside the season of witness. The beast's mouth speaks only as long as the Lord allows, and not one day more.
Judgement with grace: God sets a limit even to blasphemy. “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.”
The Word Applied
The mouth that speaks against God has a time limit. Do not be shaken by loud words against Jesus. God has measured their season to the day, and His Word outlasts them all.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:8 – A mouth speaking great things.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Job 38:11 – Here shall thy proud waves be stayed.
And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
Psalm 12:3 – The tongue that speaketh proud things.
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 12:24 – This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub.
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
John 19:15 – We have no king but Caesar.
But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar.
Matthew 27:25 – His blood be on us, and on our children.
Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Revelation 13:6
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Blasphemy Against His Tabernacle
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.” Three targets: His name, His tabernacle and His people.
“To blaspheme his name.” The name of Jesus means the LORD saves. The religious system denied that He was the Christ, and forbade the apostles to speak or teach at all in His name. The beast always attacks the name, because there is “none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
“And his tabernacle.” The Word was made flesh and tabernacled among us. Jesus is the true temple. When He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” they twisted it into a charge against Him at His trial. The temple rejected the Messiah. They defended the house of stone and condemned the House of God standing before them. The full scriptures on this are set out in Foundations II.
“And them that dwell in heaven.” The heavenly-minded Church, seated with Christ, is His tabernacle too. Every slander against the believers is aimed at the God who lives in them.
The Word Applied
Jesus is God's true tabernacle, and you are His dwelling place. Do not let any voice talk you out of the name of Jesus or the temple He built in you. Honour His name and His house.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 52:5 – My name continually every day is blasphemed.
Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.
Exodus 25:8 – Let them make me a sanctuary.
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Psalm 74:7 – They have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name.
They have cast fire into thy sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of thy name to the ground.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 1:14 – The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Mark 14:58 – I will destroy this temple that is made with hands.
We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
Acts 4:12 – None other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Revelation 13:7
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
War with the Saints
◆ ◆ ◆
“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” Again, “it was given.” Even the war is permitted and limited by God.
“To overcome them.” In the natural the beast seemed to win. The apostles were beaten, imprisoned and driven out. The believers were scattered from Jerusalem. The world watched and thought the system had prevailed. But what the beast overcame was only the outward: their freedom, their comfort and their standing in the old order. Their life was beyond its reach. “Your life is hid with Christ in God.”
And in the very war, God's grace was at work. The scattered Church carried the Gospel everywhere. The prisoners sang at midnight, and the jailer believed. Paul wrote from chains, “the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.”
“Over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” The beast's reach is wide, but the Lamb's is wider. The same phrase marks the redeemed multitude before the throne in 7:9. What the beast claims, the Lamb has already bought with His blood.
The Word Applied
Outward pressure cannot touch your true life, which is hid with Christ in God. When the enemy seems to win, watch how God turns it into the furtherance of the Gospel.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:21 – The same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them.
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
Daniel 7:22 – The time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Psalm 34:19 – Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Colossians 3:3 – Your life is hid with Christ in God.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:12 – Unto the furtherance of the gospel.
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
Acts 16:25 – At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Revelation 13:8
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
The Lamb Slain from the Foundation
◆ ◆ ◆
“And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Two groups stand side by side: the earth-dwellers who worship the beast, and those whose names are in the Lamb's book.
“All that dwell upon the earth.” These are the earthly-minded, those whose affections and trust are fixed on things below. They worship what they can see.
“The book of life of the Lamb.” The book belongs to the Lamb. Life is found in Him alone. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Jesus told His disciples, “rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
“Slain from the foundation of the world.” The Cross was not God's second plan. Before the world was made, the Lamb was already the sacrifice in the heart of God. He “was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” The finished work was finished in God's counsel before the first day of creation.
Here the vision touches the ground: the beast's worship is wide, but every person still has today to believe and be found in the Lamb.
The Word Applied
Your name is written in the Lamb's book because of the Lamb, not because of you. Rejoice in that. The Cross was in God's heart before the world began, and you were in His plan.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 53:7 – He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Exodus 32:32 – Blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Daniel 12:1 – Every one that shall be found written in the book.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Peter 1:20 – Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world.
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
1 John 5:12 – He that hath the Son hath life.
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Luke 10:20 – Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Revelation 13:9
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Let Him Hear
◆ ◆ ◆
“If any man have an ear, let him hear.” Seven times in the letters to the churches Jesus said, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Now, in the middle of the vision of the beast, the same call sounds again.
Why here? Because this is the place where hearing matters most. The beast is a system of deception. It roars like a lion, speaks great things and draws the whole world after it. Only those with spiritual ears will tell the difference between the voice of the Shepherd and the roar of the beast.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Hearing is the gift of the Spirit. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God. But faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Notice that the call is personal: “if any man.” Not every crowd will hear, not every system will listen, but any one person can. God speaks to individuals, and the door is open to whoever will listen.
Here the vision touches the ground. In a world of loud voices, the ear tuned to the Word is the believer's protection. Listen first to Jesus, and the beast's voice loses its pull.
The Word Applied
Tune your ear to the voice of Jesus. Read His Word, listen for His Spirit, and you will know His voice from every counterfeit. Faith comes by hearing.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 50:4 – He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Isaiah 30:21 – Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Proverbs 20:12 – The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 10:27 – My sheep hear my voice.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Romans 10:17 – Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Revelation 13:10
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
The Patience and the Faith of the Saints
◆ ◆ ◆
“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” God's justice turns every weapon back on its user.
“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.” The system that bound men in the law was itself bound. Those who handed Jesus to Rome saw their city taken by Rome. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
“He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” Jesus said this in the garden when Peter drew his sword: “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” The Church does not fight the beast with the beast's weapons. Its sword is the Word.
“Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” The saints do not take revenge. They wait on God, who judges righteously. “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Patience is faith that holds steady while God's justice runs its course. And in that waiting, grace keeps working: even the persecutor can still turn and be saved, as Saul did.
The Word Applied
Do not fight evil with evil. Put up the sword of the flesh and take up the Word. Trust God's justice, wait in faith, and leave room for His grace to reach even your enemies.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 9:6 – Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.
Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
Isaiah 33:1 – When thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled.
Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.
Psalm 37:7 – Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him.
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.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 26:52 – All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Galatians 6:7 – Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Romans 12:19 – Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Revelation 13:11
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
The Lamb That Speaks as a Dragon
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” The first beast rose from the sea; this one rises from the earth. It is the earthly, natural mind dressed in religion.
“Two horns like a lamb.” It looks like the Lamb. It has gentle horns, the appearance of meekness and the language of faith. This is the false prophet, the religion of the flesh that looks like Christ but does not carry His Spirit. Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing.”
“And he spake as a dragon.” The test is the voice. The Lamb speaks grace, truth and life. The dragon speaks accusation, fear and condemnation. A religion that looks like the Lamb but speaks the accuser's language is the second beast.
Here the vision touches the ground. In Jesus' day the Pharisees looked holy, prayed long prayers and kept the law outwardly, but they laid heavy burdens on men and accused the Son of God. Today the same spirit appears wherever grace is preached with a smile but condemnation is the message underneath. Two horns, the old and the new mixed: the law brought back and dressed as the Gospel.
The Word Applied
Judge every voice by what it speaks, not how it looks. The Lamb's voice brings grace and freedom. If a message wears the Lamb's horns but speaks condemnation, it is not from Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 22:25 – Like a roaring lion ravening the prey.
There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.
Jeremiah 23:16 – They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
Ezekiel 13:10 – They have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace.
Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 7:15 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 23:4 – They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne.
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Revelation 13:12
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
The Fake New Preserves the Old
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” The second beast serves the first. The religion of the flesh works to keep the old system alive.
The first beast was wounded at the Cross. The second beast's whole work is to make people worship what should have stayed dead: the law as a way to God, the temple of stone, a priesthood standing between God and man.
Here the vision touches the ground. Paul faced it in every city. Men came down from Judaea teaching, “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” They looked like believers. They spoke of Jesus. But they led people back to bow before the old system. Paul called it “another gospel: which is not another.”
“Causeth the earth and them which dwell therein.” The earthly-minded are easily caused. The flesh loves a system it can perform in, because performance feeds pride. Grace humbles the flesh; religion flatters it.
But the healing is false, and the worship is empty. “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”
The Word Applied
Do not let anyone lead you back to bow before the old way of earning. You are free in Christ. Stand fast in that liberty, and refuse every gospel that is really the law in disguise.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 2:13 – They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters.
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Isaiah 29:13 – Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
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:
Hosea 4:6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Acts 15:1 – Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
Galatians 1:6-7 – Another gospel: which is not another.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 5:4 – Ye are fallen from grace.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Galatians 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Revelation 13:13
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
Counterfeit Fire
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” The second beast imitates the signs of God. Elijah called down fire on Carmel to prove the LORD is God. The false prophet imitates Elijah to prove the system.
Jesus warned, “there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Signs alone prove nothing. Pharaoh's magicians also turned their rods into serpents.
“In the sight of men.” The counterfeit fire is for show. It is fire to be seen, the religion of appearance. Jesus said of the Pharisees, “all their works they do for to be seen of men.” It produces emotion, spectacle and feeling, but not repentance and not Christ formed in the heart.
God's true fire came down at Pentecost: cloven tongues like as of fire sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. That fire did not exalt a system. It exalted Jesus, and three thousand believed.
Here the vision touches the ground: test the fire by where it points. The Spirit's fire always glorifies Jesus and His finished work.
The Word Applied
Do not chase signs; follow the Son. True fire from heaven glorifies Jesus and changes hearts. Any fire that exalts a man or a system is not the fire of His Spirit.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 18:38 – Then the fire of the LORD fell.
Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
Exodus 7:11-12 – They also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 – A sign or a wonder.
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 24:24 – There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 23:5 – All their works they do for to be seen of men.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Acts 2:3 – Cloven tongues like as of fire.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
John 16:14 – He shall glorify me.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Revelation 13:14
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
An Image to the Beast
◆ ◆ ◆
“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.”
The deception works on the earth-dwellers, the natural-minded. They are told to make an image: a man-made likeness of the system that was wounded. Paul describes the same exchange: they “changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man.”
“Which had the wound by a sword.” The sword is the Word of God. “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” The Word wounded the old system at the Cross. Yet it “did live”: the form carried on without the life.
Jesus called the religious leaders “whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones.” That is the image of the beast: outward beauty around inner death. Religion keeps building images of what God has already finished.
Here the vision touches the ground: wherever people build a likeness of God that they can control, they are making an image to the beast.
The Word Applied
Do not build an image of God you can manage. Let the sword of the Word wound what must die in you, and let Jesus be the only image of God you worship.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 32:4 – Made it a molten calf.
And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Daniel 3:1 – Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold.
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Isaiah 44:17 – The residue thereof he maketh a god.
And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 1:23 – Changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man.
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Hebrews 4:12 – Sharper than any twoedged sword.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Matthew 23:27 – Ye are like unto whited sepulchres.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Revelation 13:15
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
The Image Speaks
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” The image is given breath and a voice. The dead form speaks.
Religion without the Spirit can still speak. It issues decrees, pronounces judgements and demands loyalty. But the breath it has is not the breath of God. The image is animated, not alive.
“As many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” This is the sentence of the system against all who refuse to bow. In Daniel, those who would not bow to the golden image were sentenced to the fiery furnace. The Son of God walked with them in the fire, and they came out unhurt. In the Gospels, the man born blind was cast out of the synagogue for confessing Jesus, and Jesus found him.
The image can pronounce its sentence, but it cannot touch the life of a believer. That life is hid with Christ in God. The believer was crucified with Christ and lives; no image can take what Jesus has given. “Because I live, ye shall live also.”
The Word Applied
Do not fear the voice of a system that demands your worship. Its sentence has no power over the life Jesus gives. Refuse to bow, and you will find the Son of God with you in the fire.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 3:6 – Whoso falleth not down and worshippeth.
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:25 – The form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Psalm 115:5 – They have mouths, but they speak not.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 9:34 – They cast him out.
They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
John 9:35 – Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
John 14:19 – Because I live, ye shall live also.
Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
2 Corinthians 3:6 – The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Revelation 13:16
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
A Mark in the Hand or the Forehead
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” The mark is placed on the forehead and the hand: the mind and the deeds.
This is the counterfeit of God's own command. Moses said of God's words, “thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” The Word of God was to mark the thinking and the doing of His people. The beast marks the same places with its own way of thinking and acting.
In 7:3 God's servants were sealed in their foreheads. Paul says believers are “sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Everyone carries a mark: either the seal of the Spirit, or the mark of the natural mind.
“Both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond.” The system reaches every class. The religion of the flesh is the default mind of fallen man.
Here the vision touches the ground. The mark of the beast is not first a chip or a tattoo. It is a mind ruled by the flesh. The cure is a renewed mind: “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
The Word Applied
Let God's Word mark your thinking and your doing. You are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Renew your mind daily in His Word, and the beast's way of thinking loses its hold on you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 6:8 – Thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand.
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
Ezekiel 9:4 – Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh.
And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
Proverbs 3:3 – Write them upon the table of thine heart.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 1:13 – Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Romans 12:2 – Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Revelation 7:3 – Till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Revelation 13:17
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Buying and Selling in the Temple
◆ ◆ ◆
John writes that no man could “buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” The system controls commerce, and it controls belonging.
Here the vision touches the ground. In the days of Jesus the temple was the centre of buying and selling. Sacrifices had to be bought with temple coin, and the money-changers stood in the courts. Jesus made a scourge of cords and drove them out: “make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” The system had turned access to God into a market.
And those who confessed Jesus were put out of the synagogue. To be cast out was to lose your place in the community, your trade and your standing.
But God has another market: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Jesus counsels the lukewarm church, “buy of me gold tried in the fire.” In His Kingdom the price is already paid.
The mark, the name and the number are one thing: allegiance to the system of man. The believer bears another name, the Father's name, written in the forehead.
The Word Applied
You do not need the system's approval to belong. Jesus has paid the price, and you buy from Him without money. Your place is in His Kingdom, and no one can cast you out of it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:1 – Buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Zechariah 14:21 – No more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.
Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.
Amos 8:5 – Making the ephah small, and the shekel great.
Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 2:16 – Make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
John 12:42 – Lest they should be put out of the synagogue.
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
Revelation 3:18 – Buy of me gold tried in the fire.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Revelation 14:1 – Having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
Revelation 13:18
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Six Hundred Threescore and Six
◆ ◆ ◆
“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” John tells us how to read the number: it is the number of a man. It is man's nature, the natural mind without God.
Six is the number of man. Man was created on the sixth day. He works six days, and the seventh belongs to God. Six is one short of seven, the number of God's completeness and rest. Man on his own always falls short. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Scripture shows the pattern. Goliath, the giant who defied the armies of God, was six cubits tall, and his spearhead weighed six hundred shekels of iron. Nebuchadnezzar's golden image was threescore cubits high and six cubits broad. And Solomon, when his heart began to turn, received six hundred threescore and six talents of gold in one year. Defiance, idolatry and riches: the number of man trusting man.
Six three times is man trying to be God. Three is the number of the divine; six repeated three times is man's counterfeit trinity: the dragon, the beast and the false prophet. It is the flesh enthroned in the place of God, religion built by man and for man.
“Let him that hath understanding count.” The natural mind cannot see it. “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Only the mind renewed by the Spirit can count the number and recognise the beast in religion and in the flesh.
Here the vision touches the ground. The 666 nature is in every unrenewed mind: the self-life, self-righteousness, man's ways. It is broken at the Cross. Our old man is crucified with Him. Jesus is the seventh day, God's rest. In Him we cease from our own works and enter His rest. The beast's number is man; the believer's number is Christ, “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
The Word Applied
666 is the number of man without God. You are not defined by your natural mind; you have the mind of Christ. Leave the six days of striving and enter the seventh, His finished rest.
Witness of the Old Testament · 4
1 Samuel 17:4 – Whose height was six cubits and a span.
And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
Daniel 3:1 – Whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits.
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
1 Kings 10:14 – Six hundred threescore and six talents of gold.
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,
Genesis 1:31 – The evening and the morning were the sixth day.
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Romans 3:23 – All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 8:7 – The carnal mind is enmity against God.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
1 Corinthians 2:16 – We have the mind of Christ.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Hebrews 4:10 – He also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Chapter 14
The Lamb on Mount Sion and the Harvest · 20 verses
Revelation 14:1
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
The Lamb on Mount Sion
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” After the beast and its mark, John lifts his eyes and sees the Lamb. Chapter 13 ended with the number of man; chapter 14 opens with the Lamb and His people.
“A Lamb stood.” He stands: risen, alive and victorious. The beast rose from the sea; the Lamb stands on the mountain of God. “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.”
“On the mount Sion.” Sion is not first a hill in Palestine. It is the Kingdom of God, the city of the living God. “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” The believer has already come. This is God's Kingdom come, as in heaven, so on earth.
“And with him an hundred forty and four thousand.” These are the same company we met in 7:4: the representation of all nations, of every kind and every people, in Him. They are not standing apart from Him; they are with Him. Where the Lamb stands, His people stand.
“Having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” Against the mark of the beast stands the name of the Father. Their minds are owned by God. Jesus promised the overcomer, “I will write upon him the name of my God.” The Son and the Father are one, and the name on the Bride is the name of the One she belongs to.
Here the vision touches the ground. The believer today stands with the Lamb on Mount Sion: seated in heavenly places, marked by the Father's name, with a renewed mind that belongs to God.
A Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand
The Word Applied
You stand with the Lamb on Mount Sion. You are not marked by the beast but by your Father's name. Let that name govern your thoughts today, for you belong to Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:6 – Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Isaiah 2:3 – Out of Zion shall go forth the law.
And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Psalm 48:2 – Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion.
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 12:22 – But ye are come unto mount Sion.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Revelation 3:12 – I will write upon him the name of my God.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Revelation 7:9 – Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 14:2
And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
The Voice of Many Waters
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps.” Three sounds, one voice.
“As the voice of many waters.” This is the voice of Jesus in chapter 1, and it is the glory of the God of Israel in Ezekiel: “his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.” The many waters are also the many peoples. The voice of the Lamb now sounds through the multitude of the redeemed from every nation.
“As the voice of a great thunder.” Thunder is the power and majesty of God. “The God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.” When the Father spoke to Jesus, the people who stood by said that it thundered. Heaven's voice is overwhelming.
“The voice of harpers harping with their harps.” And yet it is music. The power of God and the worship of His people blend into one sound. David played the harp and the evil spirit departed from Saul. Worship is the sound of victory.
Here the vision touches the ground: when the Church worships, heaven's voice is heard on earth, and the earth shines with His glory.
The Word Applied
Your worship joins the voice of heaven. Lift your praise; it carries the sound of His victory. Where His people sing, His glory shines.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 43:2 – His voice was like a noise of many waters.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Psalm 29:3 – The God of glory thundereth.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
1 Samuel 16:23 – David took an harp, and played with his hand.
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:15 – His voice as the sound of many waters.
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
John 12:29 – Said that it thundered.
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Revelation 5:8 – Having every one of them harps.
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.
Revelation 14:3
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
The New Song
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.”
“A new song.” The new song is the song of the new covenant, the song of redemption. It celebrates deliverance from sin by the blood of the Lamb. “He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.”
“Before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders.” The song rises before God, before the four Gospels that tell His story, and before the Church that lives it.
“No man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand.” The new song cannot be learned by study or imitation. It is born in a heart that has been redeemed. Religion cannot learn it, because religion sings about what it does for God. The redeemed sing about what God has done for them. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.”
“Redeemed from the earth.” They have been bought out of the earthly-minded system. Their price was paid by the Lamb, and their song is His.
The Word Applied
If you are redeemed, you have a new song that no one else can sing for you. Sing of what Jesus has done. Grace learned in your own heart is the only way to know this song.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 40:3 – He hath put a new song in my mouth.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalm 96:1 – O sing unto the LORD a new song.
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Isaiah 42:10 – Sing unto the LORD a new song.
Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 5:9 – They sung a new song.
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;
1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Peter 1:18-19 – With the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Revelation 14:4
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Virgins Who Follow the Lamb
◆ ◆ ◆
“These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.”
“Not defiled with women; for they are virgins.” This is spiritual purity. In Scripture, unfaithfulness to God is called harlotry, and the great harlot of chapter 17 is the false religious system. The virgins have not given themselves to her. Paul longed to present the Church “as a chaste virgin to Christ.” The Bride belongs to her Bridegroom alone.
“These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” This is discipleship. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” They follow Him into the wilderness, to the Cross and out of the tomb.
“Being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” In the old covenant the first sheaf of the harvest was waved before the LORD as a pledge of the whole. The firstfruits belonged to God and guaranteed the full harvest. James says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” The redeemed are God's pledge that the whole harvest of the nations is coming.
The Word Applied
Keep yourself for Jesus alone. Follow Him wherever He leads. You are God's firstfruits, the pledge of a great harvest He is bringing in.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Leviticus 23:10 – Bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest.
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:
Jeremiah 2:3 – Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase.
Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.
Hosea 2:19 – I will betroth thee unto me for ever.
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 11:2 – A chaste virgin to Christ.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
John 10:27 – They follow me.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
James 1:18 – A kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Revelation 14:5
And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Without Fault Before the Throne
◆ ◆ ◆
“And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Two things are said of the redeemed: their mouths are true, and their standing is faultless.
“In their mouth was found no guile.” This is the mark of the Lamb on His people. Of Jesus it was said, He “did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” When Jesus saw Nathanael He said, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” The beast's mouth speaks great things and blasphemies. The mouths of the redeemed speak truth, because the Spirit of truth lives in them.
“For they are without fault before the throne of God.” This is not a claim of human perfection. It is the gift of the finished work. Jesus presents His Bride “holy and without blemish.” Jude praises Him who is able “to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” Their faultlessness is His righteousness counted to them.
“Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” The forgiven heart has nothing to hide. It no longer needs to lie or pretend, because it stands accepted before the throne.
The Word Applied
In Christ you stand without fault before God's throne. You have nothing to hide and nothing to prove. Let your words be true and your heart open, for you are fully accepted.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 32:2 – In whose spirit there is no guile.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Zephaniah 3:13 – Neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth.
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Isaiah 53:9 – Neither was any deceit in his mouth.
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Peter 2:22 – Neither was guile found in his mouth.
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
John 1:47 – Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Jude 1:24 – To present you faultless before the presence of his glory.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Ephesians 5:27 – That it should be holy and without blemish.
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 14:6
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
The Everlasting Gospel
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” The Messenger flies in the midst of heaven with the Gospel. It is the Word carried by the Spirit to every nation.
“The everlasting gospel.” The Gospel is not new in the sense of an afterthought. It is everlasting: planned before the foundation of the world, preached beforehand to Abraham, fulfilled at the Cross and carried to the ends of the earth. “The scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham.”
“To preach unto them that dwell on the earth.” Even the earth-dwellers, the earthly-minded who worshipped the beast, are offered the Gospel. Judgement is announced with grace. God reaches into the realm of the beast with good news.
“To every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Jesus said, “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” The Greek word for world there is the inhabited world of that day. The Gospel went out through the apostles, and Paul could write that it had been preached to every creature which is under heaven.
The Word Applied
The everlasting Gospel is for everyone, even those who seem far from God. Carry it with joy. The same grace that reached you is flying to every nation.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Psalm 96:3 – Declare his glory among the heathen.
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
Genesis 12:3 – In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 3:8 – Preached before the gospel unto Abraham.
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Matthew 24:14 – This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Colossians 1:23 – Which was preached to every creature which is under heaven.
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Revelation 14:7
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
The Hour of His Judgment Is Come
◆ ◆ ◆
“Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” This is not a threat. It is an invitation to see Jesus.
“Fear God, and give glory to him.” To fear God is to see Him as He truly is and to honour Him. As at 11:13, the remnant gives glory to the God of heaven. Judgement and grace lead to praise.
“For the hour of his judgment is come.” What hour is this? Jesus named it: “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” The hour of judgement is the hour of the Cross. Sin was judged in His body, the prince of this world was cast out, and all men are drawn to Him.
“And worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The call is back to the Creator. “All things were made by him.” The Creator is Jesus, the Word.
The Word Applied
The hour of judgement has come, and it fell on Jesus at the Cross. Now come and worship. Fear God, give Him glory, and be drawn to the One who was lifted up for you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – Fear God, and keep his commandments.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Psalm 33:8 – Let all the earth fear the LORD.
Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
Nehemiah 9:6 – Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens.
Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 12:31-32 – Now is the judgment of this world.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
John 1:3 – All things were made by him.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Romans 8:3 – Condemned sin in the flesh.
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Revelation 14:8
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Babylon Is Fallen
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” In heaven it is already done.
“Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” Isaiah cried the same words: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.” Babylon is the city of man's pride, the tower that tried to reach heaven, the empire that took God's people captive. In the spirit, Babylon is the religious system that sold itself to the world: the old temple turned harlot.
“That great city.” In 11:8 the great city was named as the place “where also our Lord was crucified.” The religious centre that rejected her Husband had become Babylon in spirit.
“Because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Her fornication is unfaithfulness to God: mixing the worship of God with the love of power and money. Her cup made the nations drunk with false religion. Compare it with the cup Jesus offers: “This cup is the new testament in my blood.”
Twice fallen means certainly fallen. The fall of the system is sure because the Cross has already judged it.
The Word Applied
Babylon has fallen. Do not drink from her cup of mixed religion. Drink from the cup of the new covenant in Jesus' blood, and walk free from every system that falls.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 21:9 – Babylon is fallen, is fallen.
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.
Jeremiah 51:7 – The nations have drunken of her wine.
Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’s hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.
Genesis 11:4 – Go to, let us build us a city and a tower.
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 11:8 – Where also our Lord was crucified.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Luke 22:20 – This cup is the new testament in my blood.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Revelation 18:2 – Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Revelation 14:9
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
The Third Messenger's Warning
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.” The third Messenger speaks a warning. Warnings are grace: God speaks before He judges.
“If any man.” The warning is personal and conditional. It is spoken to whoever will hear. No one is forced into the beast's mark; it is received by choice. And no one is shut out from turning: the door of the Gospel stands open in the same breath.
“Worship the beast and his image.” To worship the beast is to trust the system of man for your standing with God. To worship his image is to bow to a man-made likeness of religion.
“And receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.” As we saw in 13:16, the mark is in the mind and in the deeds. It is the natural mind and its works, received and owned as one's identity.
Only our own flesh and will refuse the life God offers. Jesus said, “And ye will not come to me.” The beast's mark is the choice of the will against grace. The warning comes loudly because God's heart is that none should perish.
The Word Applied
Hear the warning as an act of love. God speaks loudly because He wants you free. Do not put your trust in any system of man; put it in Jesus, and receive His seal instead.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 33:11 – Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Deuteronomy 30:19 – I have set before you life and death.
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:
Isaiah 55:7 – Let the wicked forsake his way.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 5:40 – And ye will not come to me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
2 Peter 3:9 – Not willing that any should perish.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Revelation 13:16 – To receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
Revelation 14:10
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
The Cup Without Mixture
◆ ◆ ◆
“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”
“The wine of the wrath of God.” Babylon gave the nations her wine; now those who drink it receive God's wine. “For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red.”
“Poured out without mixture.” This is the cup Jesus prayed over in Gethsemane: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” On the Cross the full wrath of God against sin was poured out on Him without mixture. For those in Him, the cup is empty.
Outside of Him, wrath is unmixed with grace, because grace is found only in Him.
“Tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” The fire is the presence of God, for “our God is a consuming fire.” The same presence that is joy to the believer is torment to the one who refuses Him. The One rejected is the One who would have saved.
The Word Applied
Jesus drank the cup of wrath for you to the last drop. You will never drink it. Stay in Him, where the presence of God is fire that warms and purifies, not fire that torments.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 75:8 – In the hand of the LORD there is a cup.
For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
Isaiah 51:17 – Which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury.
Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
Isaiah 33:14 – Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 26:39 – Let this cup pass from me.
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
John 18:11 – The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Hebrews 12:29 – For our God is a consuming fire.
For our God is a consuming fire.
Revelation 14:11
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
No Rest Day nor Night
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” This is the condition of life outside of Christ.
“The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” Isaiah used the same picture of Edom's judgement: “the smoke thereof shall go up for ever.” Smoke rising is the sign of a judgement that is final and complete. The ruin of the system stands as a witness for ever.
“And they have no rest day nor night.” This is the heart of it. Outside Jesus there is no rest. The worshipper of the system must keep earning and performing. There is no peace for a conscience that has refused the blood. “There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.”
Compare the believer. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” The beast's worshippers have no rest; the Lamb's followers have entered His rest.
Here the vision touches the ground. The restlessness of the world is the smoke of the beast's torment. Every heart that turns to Jesus finds rest.
The Word Applied
There is no rest outside Jesus, but there is perfect rest in Him. If you are weary of striving, come to Him. He gives rest to every soul that comes.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 34:10 – The smoke thereof shall go up for ever.
It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
Isaiah 57:21 – There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Isaiah 48:22 – There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 11:28 – I will give you rest.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Hebrews 4:9 – There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
The Patience of the Saints
◆ ◆ ◆
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” After the warning comes the portrait of the faithful.
“Here is the patience of the saints.” Patience is faith holding steady under pressure. They wait on God. “In your patience possess ye your souls.” Their endurance is not grim effort; it is rest in the finished work while the world rages.
“Here are they that keep the commandments of God.” John tells us the commandment: “that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” The saints keep God's commandments by believing and loving.
“And the faith of Jesus.” This is more than faith in Jesus. It is the faith of Jesus Himself, His faithfulness, living in them. Paul said, “the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” The saints live by His faith.
Here the vision touches the ground. The marks of the saints are simple: patience, faith, love and the Word. They do not carry the mark of the beast; they carry the character of the Lamb.
The Word Applied
Your patience is His faith working in you. Believe on Jesus and love one another; that is the commandment you keep. Live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Habakkuk 2:4 – The just shall live by his faith.
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Psalm 37:7 – Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him.
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.
Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 21:19 – In your patience possess ye your souls.
In your patience possess ye your souls.
1 John 3:23 – That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ.
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Galatians 2:20 – I live by the faith of the Son of God.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Blessed Are They Who Died with Him
◆ ◆ ◆
A voice from heaven says, “Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth,” and the Spirit adds that they rest “from their labours; and their works do follow them.” This verse is a blessing from heaven, written down for us. It is not about believers ending their lives; it is about the death we died with Jesus.
“The dead which die in the Lord.” Who are they? Paul answers: “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” And again: “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.” To die in the Lord is to be united with Jesus in His death. The old man is crucified with Him. Believers do not die; we have already died in Him, and we live by His life. “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
“From henceforth.” From now on, from the Cross onward. Before the Cross no one could die in the Lord in this way. Since the Cross, every believer is baptised into His death and raised to walk in newness of life. The blessing begins the moment we believe; new life is immediate.
“Yea, saith the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit adds His Amen. The voice from heaven and the Spirit agree, for they are one.
They rest from their labours. This is the rest of faith. “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” The labour of the law, the striving to earn God's acceptance, the endless performing of religion: all of it ends for those who died with Christ. They have entered His rest now.
“And their works do follow them.” Their works no longer lead them, as in religion, where works go first to earn a place. Now their works follow them, flowing from the life of Christ within. These are the good works “which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Nothing done in Him is wasted.
Here the vision touches the ground. In a world striving to earn approval, this verse says: rest. You died with Christ; you live in Him; your works follow from His life.
The Word Applied
You died with Christ, so you are blessed, and you live by His life. Stop labouring to earn what is already yours. Rest in His finished work, and let good works follow from His life in you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 30:15 – In returning and rest shall ye be saved.
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
Isaiah 57:2 – He shall enter into peace.
He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
Psalm 23:2 – He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
Colossians 3:3 – For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Romans 6:8 – Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
John 11:26 – Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Hebrews 4:10 – He also hath ceased from his own works.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Ephesians 2:10 – Created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Revelation 14:14
And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
The Son of Man on the White Cloud
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.” This is Jesus, the King of glory, ready for the harvest.
“A white cloud.” Clouds are the chariots of God's glory. Daniel saw “one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven.” Jesus ascended in a cloud and told the high priest he would see the Son of man “coming in the clouds of heaven.” The white cloud is His glory and His purity.
“One sat like unto the Son of man.” He sits, because His work is finished.
“Having on his head a golden crown.” Here is the crown that remains: gold, the crown of the King of kings, won at the Cross.
“And in his hand a sharp sickle.” The sickle is for harvest. Jesus told His disciples, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” The harvest He reaps is the harvest of souls. The King of glory gathers His people.
The Word Applied
Jesus is crowned and seated in glory, and He holds the sickle of harvest. Lift up your eyes: the fields are white. The King is gathering people into His Kingdom, and you are part of His harvest.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:13 – One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven.
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
Psalm 104:3 – Who maketh the clouds his chariot.
Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:
Joel 3:13 – Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 26:64 – Coming in the clouds of heaven.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
John 4:35 – They are white already to harvest.
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Hebrews 2:9 – Crowned with glory and honour.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Revelation 14:15
And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
The Harvest of the Earth Is Ripe
◆ ◆ ◆
“And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
“Another angel came out of the temple.” God tore the veil and came out to His people. When Jesus died, the veil was rent from top to bottom, and the presence of God came out of the Holy of Holies to dwell among men in Spirit and in truth. God is no longer hidden behind a curtain.
Notice the pattern in this chapter: in verse 15 one comes out of the temple; in verse 17 one comes out of the temple in heaven; in verse 18 one comes out from the altar. The temple, the heavenly temple and the altar: the work of the Father, the Son and the Spirit in the harvest, one God in three.
“For the time is come for thee to reap.” This is the hour of harvest. After Pentecost the harvest began: three thousand in one day, then multitudes, and a great company of the priests.
“The harvest of the earth is ripe.” Jesus saw it: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”
The Word Applied
The harvest is ripe. God has come out of the temple to dwell with His people and gather the lost. Pray for labourers, and be one. Someone near you is ready to hear.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Joel 3:13 – Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
Jeremiah 8:20 – The harvest is past, the summer is ended.
The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Psalm 126:6 – Bringing his sheaves with him.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:51 – The veil of the temple was rent in twain.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Matthew 9:37 – The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Acts 2:41 – About three thousand souls.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Revelation 14:16
And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
The Earth Was Reaped
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” One short verse, and the harvest is gathered. When Jesus moves, the work is done.
“He that sat on the cloud.” The reaper is Jesus. Not the Church in her own strength, not an angel alone, but the King Himself. The harvest of souls is His work. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.”
“Thrust in his sickle on the earth.” The sickle is the Word of God, sharp and powerful. It cuts the grain free from the ground where it grew, as the Gospel cuts people free from the old earthly life.
“And the earth was reaped.” This is salvation. Not destruction, but gathering. Jesus told the parable of the wheat and the tares, and said, “gather the wheat into my barn.” The wheat is gathered in.
Here the vision touches the ground. Through the apostles the Word went to Samaria, to Ethiopia, to Cornelius, to Antioch, to Asia, to Greece and to Rome. The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. That is the earth being reaped: the Son of man gathering His own from every nation. And He is still reaping.
The Word Applied
Jesus is the Lord of the harvest, and He does not fail. The work of bringing people to Him is His. Share the Word with confidence; it is His sickle, and He gathers His own.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 27:12 – Ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.
Hosea 6:11 – He hath set an harvest for thee.
Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.
Psalm 67:6 – Then shall the earth yield her increase.
Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:44 – No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Matthew 13:30 – Gather the wheat into my barn.
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Acts 2:47 – The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Revelation 14:17
And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Out of the Temple in Heaven
◆ ◆ ◆
“And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.” A second reaper comes out, this time from the temple in heaven.
Jesus entered the heavenly temple with His own blood. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” From that heavenly temple, after His ascension, the Spirit came out to the Church.
“He also having a sharp sickle.” The same sickle is in His hand as in the hand of the Son of man. The Spirit carries the same Word. Jesus said, “he shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” The Holy Spirit reaps with the Word of Jesus, convicting the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgement.
And the Spirit works through the Bride. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come.” The Church goes out from the presence of God with the same sickle, the Word, and the harvest continues.
Here the vision touches the ground: every believer who carries the Word in the power of the Spirit carries the sickle of heaven.
The Word Applied
You carry the same sickle Jesus carries: His Word, in the power of His Spirit. Go out from His presence and speak it. The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Zechariah 4:6 – But by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Psalm 110:3 – Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 9:24 – Into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
John 16:8 – He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Revelation 22:17 – The Spirit and the bride say, Come.
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.
Revelation 14:18
And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
Power over Fire
◆ ◆ ◆
“And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.”
“Came out from the altar.” The altar is the Cross. From the place of sacrifice comes the One with power over fire. From the Cross came the fire of Pentecost: “he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”
“Which had power over fire.” The Holy Spirit is the fire of God, purifying and empowering. Here the One with power over fire calls for the vintage.
“Gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.” There are two harvests: the grain and the grapes. The grain is gathered into the barn. The vine of the earth is different. Isaiah sang of God's vineyard, Israel, which brought forth wild grapes. The vine of the earth is the old system, the earthly vine, whose fruit was ripe for judgement. Jesus is the true Vine; the vine of the earth is the counterfeit.
The Word Applied
The fire of the Spirit comes from the Cross. Let Him burn in you, purifying and empowering. Abide in Jesus, the true Vine, and you will bear fruit that lasts.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Leviticus 6:13 – The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.
Isaiah 5:4 – When I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?
What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?
Deuteronomy 32:32 – Their vine is of the vine of Sodom.
For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 3:11 – He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
John 15:1 – I am the true vine.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Acts 2:3 – Cloven tongues like as of fire.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Revelation 14:19
And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
The Winepress of Wrath
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.”
Who treads the winepress? Isaiah asks, “Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?” And the answer comes: “I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me.” Jesus trod the winepress. In Gethsemane, whose name means oil press, His sweat was as great drops of blood. At Calvary the wrath of God against all the sin of the earthly vine was pressed out on Him.
This is judgement with grace. The vine of the earth, the fruit of the old system and the flesh, was ripe for wrath. And the wrath fell, but it fell on the One who took its place. The winepress of God's wrath became the source of the wine of the new covenant: “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
For those who cling to the earthly vine and refuse His blood, the winepress remains the judgement of their works. For all who come to Him, the winepress is where their judgement was carried by Another.
The Word Applied
Jesus trod the winepress of wrath alone for you. The judgement you deserved was pressed out on Him. Drink the cup of the new covenant with thanksgiving; it cost Him everything.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 63:3 – I have trodden the winepress alone.
I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
Isaiah 63:2 – Like him that treadeth in the winefat.
Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?
Lamentations 1:15 – The Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress.
The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 22:44 – His sweat was as it were great drops of blood.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke 22:20 – This cup is the new testament in my blood.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Revelation 19:15 – He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Revelation 14:20
And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
Trodden Without the City
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” This is not a picture of future slaughter but of past redemption, seen from heaven's side.
“Trodden without the city.” Jesus was crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem. He “suffered without the gate” to sanctify the people with His own blood. The sin offerings of the old covenant were burned outside the camp. The winepress outside the city is Golgotha.
“And blood came out of the winepress.” From the Cross came the blood of the Lamb. A soldier pierced His side, “and forthwith came there out blood and water.” This is the blood that overcame the accuser in 12:11.
“Even unto the horse bridles.” The bridle is the means of control and direction. The blood rises to the place of control. The blood of Jesus now rules and directs the whole of life.
“By the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” Sixteen hundred furlongs is about three hundred kilometres, the length of the land of Israel. Forty times forty: forty is the number of testing and trial, multiplied by itself. The full trial of the whole land is covered by His blood. His blood is sufficient; it covers the whole land, from end to end.
This is the overflowing sufficiency of the Cross. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” There is no part of the land, no part of your life, that His blood does not reach.
Here the vision touches the ground: the winepress was outside the city so that grace could reach those outside. “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”
The Word Applied
The blood of Jesus is more than enough. It reaches every part of your life and rules it from end to end. Go to Him outside the camp, and live under the bridle of His blood.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Leviticus 16:27 – Shall one carry forth without the camp.
And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.
Isaiah 53:12 – He hath poured out his soul unto death.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Zechariah 13:1 – A fountain opened to the house of David.
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 13:12-13 – Suffered without the gate.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
John 19:34 – Forthwith came there out blood and water.
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
Romans 5:20 – Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Chapter 15
The Song of Moses and the Lamb · 8 verses
Revelation 15:1
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
Great and Marvellous
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” John calls this sign great and marvellous. A judgement that ends in wonder is a judgement full of grace.
“Seven angels.” Seven is the number of fullness. The seven angels are the sevenfold Spirit of God at work, the same seven Spirits that stand before the throne.
“Having the seven last plagues.” They are last because they complete the work. These are the bowls of chapter 16, and they echo the plagues of Egypt, by which God judged the gods of Egypt and set His people free.
“For in them is filled up the wrath of God.” Filled up means brought to completion. It is the same idea Jesus spoke from the Cross: “It is finished.” The wrath of God against sin was completed at Calvary, poured out on the Lamb. What the seven last plagues show is that completion worked out against the old system that refused Him.
Here the vision touches the ground: there is an end to wrath. God's judgement is measured and complete, and it leads to wonder and to worship, as the next verses show.
The Word Applied
God's wrath against sin was filled up and finished at the Cross. Nothing is left over for those in Christ. Look at His judgements and marvel, because every one of them leads to His glory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 12:12 – Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment.
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
Isaiah 11:2 – The spirit of wisdom and understanding.
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Psalm 139:14 – Marvellous are thy works.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 19:30 – It is finished.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Revelation 4:5 – Which are the seven Spirits of God.
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Romans 5:9 – Saved from wrath through him.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Revelation 15:2
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.
The Sea of Glass Mingled with Fire
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“A sea of glass mingled with fire.” In Solomon's temple the great bronze laver was called the sea, where the priests washed. The sea of glass is that laver in heaven: the washing of the Word, now mingled with the fire of the Spirit. Christ gave Himself for the Church to sanctify it “with the washing of water by the word.”
“Them that had gotten the victory over the beast.” They overcame the beast, his image, his mark and his number: the system, its man-made religion, its way of thinking and the natural mind itself. They overcame in the same way as in 12:11, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
“Stand on the sea of glass.” At the Red Sea Israel stood on the far shore, and the enemy was gone. The victors stand on the sea, cleansed and secure.
“Having the harps of God.” Their victory turns into worship.
The Word Applied
You have the victory over the beast's way of thinking through Jesus. Stand on the clear sea of His Word, washed and filled with His fire, and let your victory become worship.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 7:23 – He made a molten sea.
And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
Exodus 14:30 – Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
Exodus 30:18 – A laver of brass.
Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 5:26 – With the washing of water by the word.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
1 John 5:4 – This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Revelation 4:6 – A sea of glass like unto crystal.
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
Revelation 15:3
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.
The Song of Moses and the Lamb
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“The song of Moses.” Moses sang on the far shore of the Red Sea: “I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” It was the song of deliverance from Pharaoh, the song of judgement on the oppressor and freedom for the people of God.
“And the song of the Lamb.” The Lamb's song is the song of deliverance from sin, death and the accuser. Moses led Israel out of Egypt through the sea; the Lamb leads His people out of bondage through His blood. The two songs are one song, because the law and the prophets find their fulfilment in the Lamb. Moses wrote of Him. Moses' song looked forward; the Lamb's song looks back on the finished work.
“Moses the servant of God.” Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house, but Christ as a Son over His own house. The servant's song and the Son's song are sung together by the redeemed.
“Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty.” Judgement leads to praise. The redeemed do not sing about their own victory; they sing about God's works.
“Just and true are thy ways.” Every judgement of God is right. At the Cross justice and mercy met: He is “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
“Thou King of saints.” The King of the saints is the King of the nations. The redeemed from every nation sing to the One King.
The Word Applied
Join the song of Moses and the Lamb. God has delivered you from every Pharaoh and every chain. Sing of His works, His justice and His mercy, for He is the King of the saints.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 15:1 – I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously.
Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Deuteronomy 32:4 – A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Psalm 111:2 – The works of the LORD are great.
The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 5:46 – For he wrote of me.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
Hebrews 3:5-6 – But Christ as a son over his own house.
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Romans 3:26 – The justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Revelation 15:4
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
All Nations Shall Come and Worship
◆ ◆ ◆
“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” The song continues, and its last line is the heart of this chapter: judgement brings righteousness and leads to worship.
“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?” When God is seen for who He is, the only right response is reverence and glory. The remnant did this at 11:13.
“For thou only art holy.” Holiness belongs to God alone. Every holiness in His people is His, given to them in Christ, “who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”
“For all nations shall come and worship before thee.” David prophesied, “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.” This is the fruit of the Cross: the nations streaming to God. It is the same company as the 144,000 and the great multitude, every people in Him.
“For thy judgments are made manifest.” God's judgements are shown openly, and when people see them, they turn and worship. His judgement is never only punishment; it reveals Him, and the revelation draws the nations.
The Word Applied
God's judgements reveal who He is, and that revelation draws people to Him. Fear Him, glorify His name and worship Him with all nations. He alone is holy, and He makes you holy in Christ.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 86:9 – All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee.
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
Jeremiah 10:7 – Who would not fear thee, O King of nations?
Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee.
Isaiah 66:23 – Shall all flesh come to worship before me.
And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 1:30 – Righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Romans 15:9 – For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles.
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Philippians 2:11 – That every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Revelation 15:5
And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
The Temple Opened
◆ ◆ ◆
“And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.” This is a declaration of access. The temple of heaven is open.
“The tabernacle of the testimony.” In the wilderness the tabernacle held the ark, and the ark held the testimony, the tables of the law. The tabernacle Moses built was a copy of the heavenly one: “See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”
“Was opened.” Under the old covenant the Holy of Holies was closed to all but the high priest, once a year, and never without blood. Now it is open. The veil was torn when Jesus died. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”
The testimony inside is fulfilled. The law that condemned is kept by Christ and covered by the mercy seat of His blood.
Here the vision touches the ground. The believer is not waiting outside the veil. In Jesus we have access to God now, every day, with boldness.
The Word Applied
The temple of heaven is open to you through Jesus. You do not stand outside the veil. Come boldly into the presence of God today, by the new and living way of His blood.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 25:16 – Thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
Exodus 25:40 – After their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
Leviticus 16:2 – That he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 8:5 – See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Hebrews 10:19-20 – Boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Revelation 11:19 – The temple of God was opened in heaven.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Revelation 15:6
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
Clothed in Pure and White Linen
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.” They come out from the presence of God. Judgement proceeds from His holiness, not from anger without reason.
“Clothed in pure and white linen.” Linen was the garment of the priests. In 19:8 we are told what fine linen means: “the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” The seven angels are dressed as priests, in the righteousness God gives. The fullness of the Spirit works through a priestly people clothed in Christ.
“Having their breasts girded with golden girdles.” In chapter 1 John saw Jesus “girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” The seven angels wear the same girdle as the Lord. Gold speaks of divinity and purity; the girdle at the breast speaks of love and readiness, the heart bound to God's purpose.
Here we see the Bride as priesthood. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” The Church goes out from the presence of God, clothed in His righteousness, bound by His love, carrying His Word. The judgements of God are carried out through the testimony of a holy people.
The Word Applied
You are part of a royal priesthood, clothed in the pure linen of Christ's righteousness and girded with His love. Go out from His presence each day ready to serve His purpose.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 28:39 – Thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen.
And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework.
Leviticus 16:4 – He shall put on the holy linen coat.
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
Isaiah 11:5 – Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins.
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 19:8 – The fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Revelation 1:13 – Girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
1 Peter 2:9 – A royal priesthood, an holy nation.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Revelation 15:7
And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
The Gospels Give the Vials
◆ ◆ ◆
“And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” One of the four living creatures, the four Gospels, hands the vials to the seven angels, the sevenfold Spirit.
Why does a Gospel hand out the vials of wrath? Because the Gospels record where the wrath of God was poured out: on Jesus at the Cross. The Gospel is the account of judgement completed. Out of that finished record, the Spirit carries the outworking of judgement against the old system that refused Him. The Word and the Spirit act together.
“Seven golden vials.” In 5:8 the elders held “golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” The same golden vials now carry wrath. The prayers of the saints for justice and the wrath of God against sin are answered together.
“Full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” God's wrath is not the anger of a man. It is the settled response of the living God against all that destroys His creation. It is full, measured and complete.
Here the vision touches the ground. The Gospel declares both the grace that saves and the judgement that has already fallen on sin.
The Word Applied
The Gospel carries both grace and judgement, and both meet in the Cross. Preach the whole Gospel. The wrath fell on Jesus so that all who believe could receive His grace.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 51:17 – The cup of his fury.
Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
Jeremiah 25:15 – Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand.
For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
Psalm 75:8 – In the hand of the LORD there is a cup.
For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 5:8 – Golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
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.
Romans 1:18 – For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Romans 1:16 – It is the power of God unto salvation.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Revelation 15:8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
The Temple Filled with Glory
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” The chapter ends with the temple full of God's glory.
“Filled with smoke from the glory of God.” When Moses finished the tabernacle, “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation.” When Solomon dedicated the temple, “the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.” When Isaiah saw the Lord, the house was filled with smoke.
“And no man was able to enter into the temple.” No man could enter by his own works. Under the law no one could come into the holy presence of God by himself. The whole sacrificial system was a daily reminder that sin kept man outside.
“Till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” Until judgement was complete, the way was closed. But judgement was completed at the Cross, where Jesus bore all the plagues of sin. “It is finished.” The way into the temple was opened by His blood.
Now the glory has a new temple. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you”? The smoke that once kept men out now fills the believer from within. At Pentecost the house was filled, and tongues of fire rested on each of them.
From sacrifice to glory: the old temple was filled with smoke and closed; the new temple is filled with the Spirit and opened. Judgement completed brings glory.
The Word Applied
The judgement that kept you out is fulfilled in Jesus. The glory that once filled a building now fills you. You are His temple; live in the fullness of His presence.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 40:35 – Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation.
And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
1 Kings 8:11 – The priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud.
So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.
Isaiah 6:4 – The house was filled with smoke.
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 19:30 – It is finished.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
1 Corinthians 6:19 – Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Acts 2:2 – It filled all the house where they were sitting.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Chapter 16
The Seven Vials and It Is Done · 21 verses
Revelation 16:1
And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
The Vials Poured Out
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” Judgement goes out from the presence of God.
“A great voice out of the temple.” This is the voice of God Himself. The seven angels are the sevenfold Spirit, sent out to carry the finished work into every part of creation.
“Pour out the vials.” The vials are poured. The same word is used of Jesus' blood at the Last Supper: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” The vials of wrath and the cup of the covenant meet at one place. The wrath of God against sin was poured out on Jesus.
“Upon the earth.” The earth is the natural man and the old system built on him. These vials show what the Cross did to everything that stands against God: it exposed it, judged it and brought it to its end.
Here the vision touches the ground. Wherever the blood of Jesus is preached, the old nature is judged and a new life begins.
The Word Applied
The wrath you deserved was poured out on Jesus. His blood now speaks for you. Let His finished work go into every part of your life and bring the old nature to its end.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 53:12 – He hath poured out his soul unto death.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Psalm 22:14 – I am poured out like water.
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
Leviticus 4:7 – Shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar.
And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 26:28 – For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Romans 5:9 – Being now justified by his blood.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Revelation 15:7 – Seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.
And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
Revelation 16:2
And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
The First Vial
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.”
“A noisome and grievous sore.” This is the sixth plague of Egypt again. Moses took ashes of the furnace, and “it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.”
“Upon the men which had the mark of the beast.” The sore falls only on those who carry the beast's mark: the mind and deeds of the old system, the thinking of the flesh. The light of the Cross exposes what was hidden under the skin.
Isaiah described the nation that turned from God: “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores.” The sore is not something new that God creates. It is the sickness of sin brought to the surface so that it can be seen.
But the same prophet said of the Lamb, “with his stripes we are healed.” The sore that exposes sin points to the wounds that heal it. Those who come to Him are not left with sores; they are made whole.
The Word Applied
When the light of Jesus exposes something sore in you, do not hide it. Bring it to Him. By His stripes you are healed, and nothing He exposes is beyond His healing.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 9:10 – It became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.
And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.
Isaiah 1:6 – Wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores.
From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
Isaiah 53:5 – With his stripes we are healed.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 3:20 – Neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Ephesians 5:13 – All things that are reproved are made manifest by the light.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
1 Peter 2:24 – By whose stripes ye were healed.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Revelation 16:3
And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
The Second Vial
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”
“Upon the sea.” In Revelation the sea is the restless mass of humanity, the nations. “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.”
“It became as the blood of a dead man.” In Egypt Moses turned the Nile to blood. Here the sea becomes like the blood of a dead man. “If one died for all, then were all dead.” The blood of that one Man covers the whole sea of humanity. In His death the life of Adam was brought to its end.
“And every living soul died in the sea.” This is the end of the Adam nature, the old life lived in the restless sea of the flesh. Paul says it plainly: “our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin” be destroyed.
This is not the death of believers. Believers have passed out of that sea into a new life. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away.” The old soul dies in the sea; the new man lives in Christ.
The Word Applied
Your old life ended in the death of Jesus. You are no longer part of the restless sea of the flesh. Live as a new creation, because the old has passed away and the new has come.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 7:20 – All the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
Isaiah 57:20 – The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Psalm 65:7 – Which stilleth the noise of the seas.
Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 5:14 – For if one died for all, then were all dead.
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
Romans 6:6 – Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Revelation 16:4
And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
The Third Vial
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” The second vial touched the sea. The third reaches the rivers and fountains, the sources where water begins.
“The rivers and fountains of waters.” Rivers and fountains are the sources of life, teaching and refreshment. Jeremiah said God's people had forsaken “the fountain of living waters,” and hewed out “broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” The old system had turned its fountains into channels of man's tradition.
“And they became blood.” Every source is now touched by the blood. Nothing in human life, culture or religion stands outside the reach of the Cross. The blood of Jesus reaches the very springs from which people drink.
In Egypt the people dug round about the river for water, because they could not drink of it. When the blood is poured on false fountains, people must look elsewhere for life. Jesus stood up and cried, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” The true fountain is opened in Him.
Here the vision touches the ground: everything must be covered and changed by His sacrifice. The springs of your life are cleansed when they flow from the Cross.
The Word Applied
Check the sources you drink from. Every teaching, habit and influence must be measured by the blood of Jesus. Let Him be your fountain, and you will thirst no more.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 2:13 – They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters.
For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
Exodus 7:24 – All the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink.
And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
Zechariah 13:1 – In that day there shall be a fountain opened.
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 7:37 – If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
John 4:14 – Shall never thirst.
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Colossians 1:20 – Having made peace through the blood of his cross.
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Revelation 16:5
And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
The Angel of the Waters
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.”
“The angel of the waters.” This is Jesus, the Lord of the living waters, speaking through His Spirit. He is the One who offers living water, and He is the One who declares the judgement righteous. Father, Son and Spirit agree in one voice, because they are one.
“Thou art righteous, O Lord.” No one in heaven accuses God of harshness. The judgement on the waters is not cruelty but righteousness. The Lord who judges is the Lord who was judged in our place. That is why His judgement can never be unjust: He took the full weight of it on Himself before He ever pronounced it on another.
“Which art, and wast, and shalt be.” This is His eternal name, the same God from the beginning of Revelation. The God who judged in Egypt, who judged at the Cross, and who judges every system that rises against Him, is one and the same.
“Because thou hast judged thus.” The waters that became blood are His judgement. Heaven praises God not for anger, but for truth set right. Abraham asked, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Revelation answers: He has.
The Word Applied
You can trust every judgement of God, because He bore judgement Himself. He is righteous in all His ways. Rest in His justice and praise Him for His truth.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 18:25 – Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
Psalm 145:17 – The LORD is righteous in all his ways.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Deuteronomy 32:4 – Just and right is he.
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:8 – Which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
John 4:10 – He would have given thee living water.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Romans 3:26 – The justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Revelation 16:6
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Blood to Drink
◆ ◆ ◆
“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”
“They have shed the blood of saints and prophets.” Jesus laid this charge on the leaders of Jerusalem. The old system had a long history of rejecting God's messengers. It stoned the prophets and crucified the Lord.
“Thou hast given them blood to drink.” Here is the paradox of grace. At Pilate's judgement seat the people cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” They meant it as a curse; God turned it into an offer. The very blood they shed was the blood that could save them. Jesus had said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”
On the day of Pentecost Peter preached to the same city, and three thousand who had called for His blood were washed in it. Judgement and grace were in the same cup. To those who refused, the blood was judgement. To those who repented, it was life.
“For they are worthy.” Those who rejected Him received what their choice deserved. Only the flesh and the will refuse. Yet the cup of His blood is still offered to anyone who will drink.
The Word Applied
The blood of Jesus is either judgement or life, and it is offered to you as life. Drink of it by faith. No sin is so great that His blood cannot wash it away.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 4:10 – The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Isaiah 49:26 – They shall be drunken with their own blood.
And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
2 Chronicles 36:16 – They mocked the messengers of God.
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:25 – His blood be on us, and on our children.
Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
John 6:53 – Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Acts 2:41 – There were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Revelation 16:7
And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Out of the Altar
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.”
“Out of the altar.” The altar is the place of sacrifice, and in Revelation it is the Cross. In chapter 6 the souls under the altar asked, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge”? Now the altar answers. The cry for justice has been heard.
The altar is where the Lamb was offered. That is why the altar can say “Even so.” It speaks as the place where judgement was already carried.
“Even so.” This is agreement. The Cross agrees with the judgements of God because the Cross is where they were settled. Everything the vials pour out was first poured on the One who hung there.
“True and righteous are thy judgments.” This is the same praise the victors sang in chapter 15, and the same praise heaven will sing in chapter 19. The psalmist said, “The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” Judgement leads to praise, because it shows God for who He is.
Here the vision touches the ground. The believer can say Amen to God's judgements without fear, because the believer stands at the altar, covered by the blood.
The Word Applied
Stand at the Cross and you will never fear God's judgements. Say Amen to His ways, because they are true and righteous, and His mercy has covered you completely.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 19:9 – The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Leviticus 1:5 – Sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar.
And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Psalm 119:137 – Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 6:10 – How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge?
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Revelation 15:3 – Just and true are thy ways.
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.
Hebrews 13:10 – We have an altar.
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Revelation 16:8
And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
The Fourth Vial
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”
“Upon the sun.” The sun is the great light of the day. In the Scriptures it speaks of the Son. Malachi prophesied, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.” Jesus is the Light of the world.
“Power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.” The same sun that brings healing to those who fear His name brings burning to those who refuse it. Malachi says in the verse before: “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble.”
The burning heat is conviction. When the light of Jesus shines, it exposes and burns. The Holy Spirit came to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” For the humble, that heat leads to repentance and healing. For the proud, it is only scorching.
Here the vision touches the ground. The light of the Gospel is never neutral. It warms, heals and grows those who turn to it, and it scorches those who resist it.
The Word Applied
Let the light of Jesus shine on you fully. Its heat feels like conviction at first, but it brings healing in its wings. Turn toward the Son and grow in His light.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Malachi 4:2 – Shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Malachi 4:1 – For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven.
For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
Psalm 84:11 – For the LORD God is a sun and shield.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 8:12 – I am the light of the world.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 16:8 – He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Matthew 13:6 – And when the sun was up, they were scorched.
And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
Revelation 16:9
And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
Scorched with Great Heat
◆ ◆ ◆
“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.”
“Men were scorched with great heat.” The heat of conviction fell on them. In the parable of the sower, the seed on stony ground sprang up quickly, “and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.” The heat did not harm the rooted plants. It only exposed those without root.
“And blasphemed the name of God.” Instead of turning to God, they spoke against Him. When the Light came, the leaders said His works were done by Beelzebub. They saw the power of God and called it evil. That is blasphemy: to look straight at the work of the Spirit and refuse it.
“Which hath power over these plagues.” They knew who held the power. That is the tragedy.
“And they repented not to give him glory.” Repentance would have led to glory. God's judgement was meant to bring them to Him, as it brought the remnant at 11:13 to give glory to the God of heaven. The door was open. Only their own flesh and will refused. Jesus said, “And ye will not come to me.”
The Word Applied
When God's light convicts you, do not harden your heart. Turn and give Him glory. His conviction is His kindness, calling you home, and the door is always open in Jesus.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 95:8 – Harden not your heart.
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Isaiah 26:10 – Yet will he not learn righteousness.
Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.
Jeremiah 5:3 – They have refused to return.
O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 5:40 – And ye will not come to me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Matthew 12:24 – This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Romans 2:4 – The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Revelation 16:10
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
The Fifth Vial
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.”
“Upon the seat of the beast.” The seat is the throne, the place of authority. Jesus said, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.” The beast's seat is the throne of religion without God: the old temple system that sat in authority over the people and joined hands with Rome. The vial strikes the throne itself.
“And his kingdom was full of darkness.” When Jesus hung on the Cross, “there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” That darkness was judgement on the land that rejected its King. In Egypt there was darkness that was felt, but “all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” The darkness fell on the kingdom of the beast, never on the house of God's people.
“And they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Their pain turned to bitterness. A kingdom without light has nothing left but its own anguish. The authority it once held is gone, and it cannot speak a word of praise.
Here the vision touches the ground: every throne built against God ends in darkness. But those who walk with Jesus have light in their dwellings.
The Word Applied
Every kingdom built on religion without God ends in darkness. You belong to the kingdom of light. Walk in His light, and no darkness can rule your home.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 10:23 – But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Exodus 10:22 – And there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
Isaiah 60:2 – For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 23:2 – The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
Matthew 27:45 – There was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Colossians 1:13 – Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness.
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Revelation 16:11
And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
Repented Not of Their Deeds
◆ ◆ ◆
“And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” This verse completes the fifth vial and repeats the tragedy of the fourth.
“Blasphemed the God of heaven.” The remnant at 11:13 “gave glory to the God of heaven.” Here the same God is blasphemed. The judgement is the same; the response is different. The difference is not in God. It is in the heart that receives His judgement.
“Because of their pains and their sores.” The sores of the first vial are still there. They have felt the pain and seen the exposure of sin, but instead of bringing their sores to the Healer, they blame Him for them. Pharaoh did the same. Each plague softened for a moment, and then “he hardened his heart.”
“And repented not of their deeds.” Their deeds are the works of the flesh and the dead works of religion. Repentance means a change of mind. They would not change their mind, even in pain.
Yet God still calls. “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways.” The judgement exposes, but the Gospel invites. As long as there is breath, the door to repentance stands open in Jesus.
The Word Applied
Do not let pain harden you. Bring your sores to Jesus, not your complaints against Him. A changed mind is the doorway to a changed life, and He is waiting for you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 8:15 – He hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them.
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Ezekiel 33:11 – Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways.
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Isaiah 9:13 – For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them.
For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 11:13 – Gave glory to the God of heaven.
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Hebrews 6:1 – Repentance from dead works.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Acts 3:19 – Repent ye therefore, and be converted.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Revelation 16:12
And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
The Sixth Vial
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east” be prepared. This verse is not about armies marching to war. It is about God clearing a way for His King and His people.
“The great river Euphrates.” The Euphrates was the great river of Babylon, the border of the land promised to Abraham. It was the river of the old empire that held God's people captive. In this vision it stands as a barrier between the people of God and full possession of His promise.
“And the water thereof was dried up.” God has always dried up waters to make a way for His people. At the Red Sea “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground.” At the Jordan “the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground.” The Euphrates is dried in the same way. It is God's prophetic way of clearing the path.
“The kings of the east.” The kings of the east are Jesus and His Church. Jesus is “Lord of lords, and King of kings,” and He has made us “kings and priests unto God.” They come from the east, as Ezekiel saw: “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.” The glory of God returns to His temple from the east, and that temple is now His people.
The east is the place of sunrise. The Sun of righteousness rose on the third day, and His Bride rises with Him. The way is prepared, as John the Baptist cried, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Every river that stood between you and the promise of God has been dried up at the Cross. The King goes before His people, and His people walk through on dry ground.
The Word Applied
Jesus has dried up every barrier between you and His promises. You walk with the King of kings as one of His kings and priests. Go forward on dry ground; the way is prepared.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 14:21-22 – And made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
Joshua 3:17 – All the Israelites passed over on dry ground.
And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.
Ezekiel 43:2 – The glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 17:14 – For he is Lord of lords, and King of kings.
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Revelation 1:6 – And hath made us kings and priests unto God.
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 3:3 – Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Revelation 16:13
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Three Unclean Spirits
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.”
“Out of the mouth.” Everything here comes out of the mouth. These are words: lies, accusation and false teaching.
“Like frogs.” Frogs were the second plague of Egypt. And Pharaoh's magicians did the same with their enchantments. Frogs croak loudly in the dark, they live in muddy water, and they multiply. That is what false words do: they fill every room, imitate the works of God, and make a great noise.
Jesus spoke of the opposite. “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” Out of the mouth of the dragon come frogs; out of the believer flow rivers of the Spirit. Two languages, one of life and one of death.
Here the vision touches the ground. Listen to what comes out of a mouth. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” The words of the Spirit give life; the words of the unclean spirits lead to war against God.
The Word Applied
Guard what you listen to and what you speak. Let rivers of living water flow from you, not the noise of lies and accusation. Speak the words of life that come from His Spirit.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 8:6 – The frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.
And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.
Exodus 8:7 – And the magicians did so with their enchantments.
And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 7:38 – Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Matthew 12:34 – For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
John 8:44 – For he is a liar, and the father of it.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Revelation 16:14
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
The Spirits of Devils
◆ ◆ ◆
“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
“The spirits of devils, working miracles.” False words come with signs. Pharaoh's magicians did wonders, and false prophets still do. Jesus warned that false christs would “shew great signs and wonders.” A miracle is not proof of truth; only the Word is.
“Which go forth unto the kings of the earth.” The unclean spirits gather the rulers. This is what happened at the Cross. “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed.” The early Church saw it fulfilled: Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together against God's holy child Jesus.
“To gather them to the battle of that great day.” That great day was the Cross. The powers thought they were gathering to destroy Jesus. They were gathering to their own defeat. At the Cross He “spoiled principalities and powers” and triumphed over them.
The war against His finished work goes on wherever religion and power join hands against the Gospel. But the battle has already been decided.
The Word Applied
The battle against Jesus was lost by His enemies on the day of the Cross. Do not be moved by signs or by gathered powers. The great day of God Almighty has already given you the victory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:2 – The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Exodus 7:11 – They also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
Joel 2:11 – For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible.
And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 4:27 – Both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Matthew 24:24 – And shall shew great signs and wonders.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Colossians 2:15 – Having spoiled principalities and powers.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Revelation 16:15
Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
As a Thief
◆ ◆ ◆
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” In the middle of the vials Jesus Himself speaks.
“Behold, I come as a thief.” A thief comes without warning to those who sleep. Jesus said to Sardis, “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief.” His coming in judgement is near and sudden to those who are not watching. Paul wrote, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” For the watchful, He is not a thief at all; He is the Bridegroom.
“Blessed is he that watcheth.” Watching is not fear. It is being awake to Him, living in the light, alert to what the Spirit is saying.
“And keepeth his garments.” The garments are the white raiment of His righteousness. Jesus counselled Laodicea to buy “white raiment, that thou” be “clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.”
“Lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” To walk naked is to walk in your own righteousness, exposed. The one who keeps the garment of Christ is never put to shame.
The Word Applied
Stay awake to Jesus and stay clothed in His righteousness. You are a child of the day, not of the night. He will never come upon you as a thief; He comes to you as the Bridegroom.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:21 – Did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Isaiah 61:10 – He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Habakkuk 2:1 – I will stand upon my watch.
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Thessalonians 5:4 – But ye, brethren, are not in darkness.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Revelation 3:3 – I will come on thee as a thief.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Revelation 3:5 – He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 16:16
And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Armageddon
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” This is one of the most feared words in prophecy, and one of the most misunderstood. Armageddon is not a future world war. It is a place of decision, and its fulfilment is the Cross.
“In the Hebrew tongue.” John points us to the Hebrew Scriptures to understand the name. Armageddon means the mountain or hill of Megiddo. Megiddo was the great battlefield of Israel's history.
At Megiddo Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera. “The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo.” God fought from heaven: “They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.” The enemy was crushed by the hand of the Lord, and the head of Sisera was pierced, as the head of the serpent was promised to be crushed.
At Megiddo good king Josiah fell, and the whole land mourned for him. Zechariah takes that mourning and makes it a prophecy of the Cross: “and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son.” And he adds, “as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.” The great mourning of Megiddo is fulfilled when Israel looks upon the pierced Messiah.
“He gathered them together.” The powers were gathered against the Lord at Golgotha. That hill outside Jerusalem is the true Armageddon. There the kings of the earth, the religious leaders and the spirits of devils gathered to destroy Him, and there they were defeated. Jesus became the battleground. On that hill sin, death and the accuser fought their last battle and lost.
The Megiddo scenes in the Old Testament are prophetic shadows. Golgotha is the substance. The victory of Deborah, the mourning for Josiah and the piercing in Zechariah all meet at the Cross.
Here the vision touches the ground. Every believer faces the same place of decision: to look on Him whom they pierced, to mourn, and to be saved. The battle is not ahead of you; it was won at Calvary.
The Word Applied
Do not fear Armageddon. The decisive battle was fought at Golgotha, and Jesus won it. Look on Him whom they pierced, and let that look bring you to repentance, comfort and victory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Judges 5:19 – Then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo.
The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
Zechariah 12:10 – They shall look upon me whom they have pierced.
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
2 Kings 23:29 – He slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
In his days Pharaoh-nechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 19:37 – They shall look on him whom they pierced.
And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
John 19:17 – Golgotha.
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
John 12:31 – Now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Revelation 16:17
And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
The Seventh Vial
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.” This is the climax of the vials and of the judgements of Revelation.
“Into the air.” Paul calls Satan “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” The last vial is poured on his domain. The atmosphere that the accuser ruled is judged. His power over the minds of men is broken at the source.
“A great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne.” This is the voice of God Himself, from the place of His presence and His authority. No angel speaks this word. It comes from the throne.
“It is done.” On the Cross Jesus cried, “It is finished,” and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost. The word from the throne in heaven matches the word from the Cross on earth. What Jesus declared at Calvary, the throne confirms in heaven. The work of redemption is done, and the judgement of sin is done. There is nothing to add.
This is a Cross connection that runs through the whole book. The seals, the trumpets and the vials all end in the same place: “It is done.” God will say it again in 21:6 when He makes all things new: “It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”
Here the vision touches the ground. The believer does not live toward a finished work but from it. Every promise is already yea and Amen in Him.
A great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done
The Word Applied
Jesus said, “It is finished,” and the throne of heaven says, “It is done.” You do not have to complete what He has completed. Live from His finished work today, in rest and in confidence.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 40:2 – That her warfare is accomplished.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
Genesis 2:1 – Thus the heavens and the earth were finished.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
Daniel 9:24 – To finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins.
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 19:30 – It is finished.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Ephesians 2:2 – The prince of the power of the air.
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Revelation 21:6 – It is done. I am Alpha and Omega.
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.
Revelation 16:18
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
The Great Earthquake
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.”
“Voices, and thunders, and lightnings.” These came from the throne in chapter 4, and at Sinai when the law was given. “There were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount.” The same signs that came with the law now come with its fulfilment.
“And there was a great earthquake.” When Jesus died, “the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.” The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earthquake at the Cross was the shaking of the whole old order. When He rose, there was another great earthquake, and the stone was rolled away.
“Such as was not since men were upon the earth.” No shaking in history compares with this one, because no event compares with the Cross. Everything changed. The way into the holiest was opened, the old covenant was fulfilled, and death lost its hold.
Hebrews says God promised, “Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven,” so that “those things which cannot be shaken” remain. What was made by man is shaken down; what God built stands.
The Word Applied
God has shaken everything that can be shaken. What remains is His unshakeable kingdom, and you belong to it. When things around you shake, stand on what He has built.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 19:16 – There were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount.
And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
Haggai 2:6 – I will shake the heavens, and the earth.
For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
Psalm 18:7 – Then the earth shook and trembled.
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:51 – And the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Matthew 28:2 – And, behold, there was a great earthquake.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Hebrews 12:28 – Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved.
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Revelation 16:19
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
The Great City Divided
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.”
“The great city.” Revelation has already named it: “the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” The great city is Jerusalem as the seat of the old system that rejected Him.
“Was divided into three parts.” The city is broken apart from within. When Jesus came, the city was divided over Him. “There was a division among the people because of him.” The old order could not hold together once the Cross had shaken it.
“And the cities of the nations fell.” Every system of man built on the same foundation falls with it. The Stone cut without hands strikes the whole image, and the whole image falls.
“And great Babylon came in remembrance before God.” God does not forget. Babylon's sins are remembered so that judgement can come, but for those in Christ He says, “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
“The cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” Jesus drank this cup for all who come to Him.
The Word Applied
God remembers no more the sins of those who are in Christ. The cup of wrath was drunk by Jesus for you. Stand in Him, and the fall of every man-made system cannot touch you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 2:35 – Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Isaiah 51:17 – The cup of his fury.
Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
Jeremiah 25:15 – Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand.
For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 11:8 – Where also our Lord was crucified.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
John 7:43 – So there was a division among the people because of him.
So there was a division among the people because of him.
Hebrews 8:12 – Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Revelation 16:20
And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
Every Island Fled Away
◆ ◆ ◆
“And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” This is a picture of total change. Islands and mountains are the most fixed things on earth. They cannot be moved by human hands. Yet here they flee and disappear.
“Every island fled away.” Islands are places cut off and standing alone, separated by the sea. Every isolated stronghold, every place that stood apart from God, flees from His presence. The psalmist said, “The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams.”
“And the mountains were not found.” Mountains are kingdoms and high powers. In Daniel 2 the kingdoms of the world are broken to pieces “like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them.” Then “the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” The mountains of man are not found, because only one Mountain remains: the kingdom of Jesus.
Isaiah prophesied this as the way of the Lord: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.” The high places of pride are brought down so that the glory of the Lord is revealed.
The Word Applied
Every high place that stood against God in your life has been brought low by the Cross. Do not cling to what is passing away. Build your life on the one Mountain that fills the earth.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 40:4 – Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Daniel 2:35 – And the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Psalm 114:3-4 – The sea saw it, and fled.
The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.
The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 21:21 – Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
2 Corinthians 10:5 – Casting down imaginations, and every high thing.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Hebrews 12:22 – But ye are come unto mount Sion.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Revelation 16:21
And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
The Great Hail
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”
“A great hail out of heaven.” This is the seventh plague of Egypt, the hail mingled with fire. It is also the hail God threw down at Beth-horon, where more fell by the hailstones than by the sword.
“Every stone about the weight of a talent.” A talent is a great weight, the heaviest measure in Scripture. Under the law the blasphemer was stoned. Here the stones come from heaven on the system that blasphemed the Son. The Stone that the builders rejected falls with full weight: “on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”
“And men blasphemed God.” Even under the heaviest judgement, the flesh will not bow.
But there is grace in this plague. In Egypt, “Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.” God's judgement falls on the system, not on His people. The remnant is always kept. Moses spread his hands to the LORD, “and the thunders and hail ceased.” There is always a place where the hail does not fall: in Christ.
The Word Applied
You live in Goshen, in Christ, where the hail does not fall. Let the weight of His judgement on sin show you how great His protection is. Stay under His covering.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 9:26 – Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
Joshua 10:11 – The LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them.
And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Beth-horon, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
Exodus 9:33 – And the thunders and hail ceased.
And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 21:44 – On whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Acts 4:11 – This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Chapter 17
The Great Whore and the Lamb Who Overcomes · 18 verses
Revelation 17:1
And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
The Judgment of the Great Whore
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters.”
“One of the seven angels which had the seven vials.” The same Spirit who poured out the vials now explains them. Chapter 17 shows who the vials were poured on.
“The great whore.” In the prophets, a harlot is a covenant people who turned away from God. Jerusalem had been His betrothed. Isaiah cried, “How is the faithful city become an harlot!” Ezekiel said she trusted in her own beauty and “playedst the harlot because of thy renown.” The great whore is not a pagan nation that never knew God. It is the old covenant system that once belonged to Him and sold itself to other lovers: to money, to power and to Rome.
“That sitteth upon many waters.” Verse 15 explains the waters: peoples, nations and tongues. The harlot sat in authority over the people and used them.
“I will shew unto thee the judgment.” The word is judgment. God is about to show what happens to a system that rejects the Bridegroom.
The Word Applied
God wants a Bride, not a harlot: a people who love Him, not a system that uses Him. Give your heart to Jesus alone, and do not let anything else take His place.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 1:21 – How is the faithful city become an harlot!
How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
Ezekiel 16:15 – Playedst the harlot because of thy renown.
But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.
Jeremiah 3:8 – Backsliding Israel committed adultery.
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 17:15 – The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples.
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
James 4:4 – Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
2 Corinthians 11:2 – For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Revelation 17:2
With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
Made Drunk with Her Wine
◆ ◆ ◆
“With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
“With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication.” Fornication here is unfaithful alliance. The old temple leaders made a covenant with Rome to keep their place. Caiaphas reasoned, “it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” At the trial the chief priests declared they had no king but Caesar. The people of God, who were called to have God as their King, chose a pagan emperor. That is spiritual fornication.
“And the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk.” The people were intoxicated by the system. They followed it without seeing. The crowd that once followed Jesus was stirred up by the chief priests to cry for Barabbas. Drunkenness clouds judgement, and the people chose the robber over the Redeemer.
“With the wine of her fornication.” Her wine is false doctrine mixed with power. Jesus offered a different wine: the new wine of the Kingdom, His own blood, the joy of the Spirit. At Pentecost the believers were accused of being “full of new wine.” That is the wine of the Bride.
The Word Applied
Do not drink the wine of compromise. Jesus offers you the new wine of His Spirit. Be filled with Him, and your eyes will stay clear to see the King.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 28:7 – They also have erred through wine.
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
Hosea 4:11 – Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
Jeremiah 51:7 – The nations have drunken of her wine.
Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’s hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 11:50 – That one man should die for the people.
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
Mark 15:11 – But the chief priests moved the people.
But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
Ephesians 5:18 – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Revelation 17:3
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
The Woman on the Scarlet Beast
◆ ◆ ◆
“So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”
“He carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness.” In chapter 12 the true woman fled into the wilderness and was fed by God. Here John is carried into the wilderness to see the false woman. The wilderness is also where Jesus was tempted. There the devil showed Him “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them,” and said, “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Jesus refused. The harlot accepted.
“A woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast.” The woman rides the beast; the old religious system is carried by world power. She sits on Rome and depends on it.
“Full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” Notice what is missing. In 12:3 the crowns were on the heads. In 13:1 they had moved to the horns. Now there are no crowns at all. Between those visions stands the Cross, where all authority was given to Jesus. The beast still has heads and horns, but it has no crown.
The Word Applied
The devil offers kingdoms in exchange for worship. Jesus refused, and in Him you can refuse too. Every crown now belongs to Him. Do not bow to a power that has already lost its crown.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 2:14 – Bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.
Daniel 7:7 – And it had ten horns.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Isaiah 1:18 – Though your sins be as scarlet.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 4:9 – All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Revelation 12:6 – And the woman fled into the wilderness.
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Matthew 28:18 – All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Revelation 17:4
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Arrayed in Purple and Scarlet
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.”
“Arrayed in purple and scarlet colour.” These are the colours of the priesthood. The garments of the high priest were made of “gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.” The harlot wears the clothes of the priesthood. She looks holy, but her heart has left God.
“Decked with gold and precious stones and pearls.” The breastplate of the high priest carried twelve precious stones with the names of the tribes. Jesus' disciples admired its “goodly stones and gifts.” Jesus answered that not one stone would be left upon another. Outward glory without the presence of God is decoration on a tomb.
“Having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations.” A golden cup is a vessel of the sanctuary. Instead it is full of filth. Jesus told the Pharisees, “ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.”
Contrast this cup with the cup Jesus drank. Her cup is full of her own sin. His cup was full of ours, and He drank it to the end.
The Word Applied
God looks at the inside of the cup. Do not be impressed by religious decoration, in others or in yourself. Let Jesus cleanse the inside, and the outside will follow.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 28:5 – And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
Exodus 28:17 – And thou shalt set in it settings of stones.
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.
Jeremiah 4:30 – Though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold.
And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 23:25 – For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Luke 21:5 – How it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts.
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
Matthew 26:39 – Let this cup pass from me.
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Mystery, Babylon the Great
◆ ◆ ◆
“And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
“Upon her forehead was a name written.” The high priest wore a golden plate on his forehead engraved “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” The harlot also wears a name on her forehead, but it is the opposite name. The forehead shows what rules the mind. Her devotion is public and her choice is made.
“MYSTERY.” Her true identity is hidden behind a holy appearance. It takes revelation to see that a system dressed as the priesthood is in fact Babylon. The Spirit lifts the veil.
“BABYLON THE GREAT.” Babylon was the city that carried Judah away into captivity. Now the city that should have been Zion has become Babylon. The captivity is no longer to a foreign king but to a religious system. Jesus said, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”
“THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” She gives birth to others like her. Every religion of works, every system that trades with God's name for gain, is her child. Paul contrasts the two mothers: Jerusalem which now is, “and is in bondage with her children,” and the Jerusalem above, “which is the mother of us all.”
The Word Applied
You are a child of the free woman, the Jerusalem above. Let His name be written on your forehead: holiness to the Lord, by grace. Walk free from every system of bondage.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 28:36 – HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Isaiah 47:5 – For thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.
Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.
Jeremiah 3:3 – Thou hadst a whore's forehead.
Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore’s forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 4:25 – And answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Galatians 4:26 – But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
John 8:34 – Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Revelation 17:6
And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
Drunken with the Blood of the Saints
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.”
“Drunken with the blood of the saints.” The religious system that should have protected the people of God attacked them. Jesus said to Jerusalem, “thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee.”
“And with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.” A martyr is a witness. These are the witnesses of Jesus. Their blood was shed, but they themselves are alive in Him. Jesus said, “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” The system could shed blood; it could never take their life. As in 6:9, their lives were poured out and they are alive before God.
“When I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” John is amazed. How could the city of God become this? The contradiction is staggering: a system dressed in priestly robes, drinking the blood of God's people. Jesus warned that the time would come when “whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”
The revelation unmasks the disguise. What looks holy is exposed by its fruit.
The Word Applied
Judge a system by its fruit, not by its robes. Those who belong to Jesus can never lose their life in Him. Stand as His witness without fear, because your life is hid with Christ in God.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 59:7 – They make haste to shed innocent blood.
Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.
Jeremiah 2:34 – Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents.
Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these.
2 Chronicles 24:21 – They conspired against him, and stoned him.
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 23:37 – Thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
John 11:26 – And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 16:2 – Whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Revelation 17:7
And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.
The Mystery Told
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.”
“Wherefore didst thou marvel?” Do not be impressed by her. She is not a wonder to admire but a mystery to understand.
“I will tell thee the mystery of the woman.” The woman is the old covenant temple system, Israel's religious order before the new covenant, now turned against the Messiah it was built to receive. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”
“And of the beast that carrieth her.” The beast that carries her is the world power of Rome, and behind it the spirit of the dragon. The harlot cannot stand on her own; she is carried. When the leaders handed Jesus to Pilate, the temple rode on the back of the empire.
At the trial the people cried, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” The woman and the beast acted together, and they would fall together.
Here the vision touches the ground. God explains His mysteries to those who ask. What looks powerful and impressive is revealed for what it is, and the believer is set free from its spell.
The Word Applied
Do not marvel at the power of systems that oppose Jesus. Ask God for understanding, and He will show you what they are. The truth sets you free from their spell.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 2:28 – But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets.
But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;
Amos 3:7 – He revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Psalm 25:14 – The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 1:11 – He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Matthew 27:25 – His blood be on us, and on our children.
Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
John 8:32 – And the truth shall make you free.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Revelation 17:8
The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
The Beast That Was, and Is Not
◆ ◆ ◆
“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”
“Was, and is not.” This is a mockery of God's name. God is the One “which is, and which was, and which is to come.” The beast was, and is not. Its power was real, but it was broken at the Cross. The deadly wound of 13:3 is here: it “is not.”
“And yet is.” The system keeps a form after its power is gone. It still has buildings, rituals and titles, but no life. It ascends out of the pit, its source is below, and it goes into perdition, its end is destruction.
“They that dwell on the earth shall wonder.” Those who live by the natural mind are impressed by its return. But the names of God's people were “written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Those whose names are written do not wonder after the beast. They know it is finished.
The Word Applied
The power that opposed you was broken at the Cross. What remains is only a form without life. Your name is written in the Lamb's book. Do not be impressed by what Jesus has already defeated.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 14:15 – Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Psalm 69:28 – Let them be blotted out of the book of the living.
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
Daniel 7:11 – I beheld even till the beast was slain.
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:8 – Which is, and which was, and which is to come.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 13:8 – The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
1 John 3:8 – For this purpose the Son of God was manifested.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Revelation 17:9
And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
The Mind Which Hath Wisdom
◆ ◆ ◆
“And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.”
“Here is the mind which hath wisdom.” As at 13:18, John calls for spiritual understanding, not natural calculation. The mind of Christ sees what the natural mind cannot.
“The seven heads are seven mountains.” In prophecy a mountain is a kingdom. The Stone of Daniel 2 became “a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” Seven mountains are a complete system of power. These mountains stood together against Jesus.
The unholy union included political power in Rome, the religious leadership of the temple, the false trial of the Sanhedrin, the pressure of the crowd crying “Crucify him,” the blindness of the teachers of the law, the betrayal of Judas, and Satan working behind them all. Luke records that Pilate and Herod, who had been enemies, became friends that very day. It was a counterfeit perfection, a complete unity of rebellion against the Son of God.
“On which the woman sitteth.” The harlot sat on all of it. She rested on these mountains of power.
But every mountain must bow. “Every mountain and hill shall be made low.” Their united rebellion only fulfilled the plan of God.
The Word Applied
Ask God for the mind which has wisdom. Do not fear the mountains of power around you; they all rest on a foundation that has been shaken. Only the mountain of the Lord stands.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 2:35 – Became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Jeremiah 51:25 – Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain.
Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
Psalm 2:2 – The kings of the earth set themselves.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 23:12 – And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together.
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
1 Corinthians 2:16 – But we have the mind of Christ.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Mark 15:13 – And they cried out again, Crucify him.
And they cried out again, Crucify him.
Revelation 17:10
And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
Seven Kings
◆ ◆ ◆
“And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.”
“And there are seven kings.” These kings are the kingly line of Israel itself: the sons and rulers of God's own nation who held positions of power and, as the supposed nation of God, joined with Rome to kill the Messiah. Jesus seldom concerned Himself with Rome; He spoke of God's people, God's plan and God's nation. The kingdoms of the world rise and fall only as a lower layer, a by-product of God's kingdom breaking strongholds.
“Five are fallen.” The fall runs through the line from the beginning. Reuben, the firstborn, lost the birthright: “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.” Simeon and Levi took the sword at Shechem: “instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.” Saul was rejected from being king. The ten northern tribes cried, “What portion have we in David?” Jeroboam set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan and said, “behold thy gods, O Israel.” That is why Dan is missing from the sealed tribes in 7:8, and why the ten horns of 17:12 carry the shadow of the ten tribes. A nation led astray from God could not see its Messiah when He came.
“And one is.” The line stands at its last form: the rulers of God's people who chose Caesar. At the trial of Jesus the chief priests answered, “We have no king but Cæsar.” Rome is the power they joined. The church prayed that “against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.”
“And the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.” The last expression of that rule lasted one generation. Jesus wept over the city “because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” He said, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”
The whole Bible moves this way: the fall into sin, then the God of the Law, then the God of the Prophets, then the God of Salvation. The natural nation gives way to a spiritual nation unto God: “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation.”
Here the vision touches the ground. The fallen line ends at the Cross; all who receive Him are joined to the King who never falls.
The Word Applied
Do not trust in a natural line or a religious name. The kings of the old order fell, but the Lamb overcomes. In Him you belong to the holy nation and the King who reigns forever.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 49:4 – Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.
Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.
1 Kings 12:28 – Behold thy gods, O Israel.
Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Hosea 8:4 – They have set up kings, but not by me.
They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 19:15 – We have no king but Cæsar.
But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar.
Acts 4:27 – Both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Luke 19:44 – Because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Matthew 23:38 – Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Revelation 17:11
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
The Eighth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.”
“The beast that was, and is not.” Again the beast is described by its broken power. It was, and at the Cross it was undone. The verdict was given at Calvary: “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
“Even he is the eighth.” Eight is the number of new beginnings. Jesus rose on the first day of the week, the eighth day. The beast tries to copy this. It is the eighth because it claims a new life after its wound was healed, as in 13:3. It is a counterfeit resurrection: religion revived without the Spirit.
“And is of the seven.” It is not new at all. It is the same spirit as the seven, wearing new clothes. Every revival of works-religion is the old system in a new form.
“And goeth into perdition.” Perdition is destruction. The beast and the woman fall together. What does not come from God cannot last.
What remains for the believer is not fear but victory. The Church holds the true authority, given by the risen Lord.
The Word Applied
Do not be deceived by counterfeit new beginnings. Only Jesus gives true resurrection life. Every old system dressed in new clothes goes into perdition, but His life in you lasts forever.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Leviticus 23:36 – On the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you.
Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein.
Psalm 37:20 – But the wicked shall perish.
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.
Isaiah 14:12 – How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 12:31 – Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Mark 16:9 – Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week.
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give unto you power.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Revelation 17:12
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
The Ten Horns
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” This verse holds the key to the whole movement of power in Revelation.
“The ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings.” Horns are power and authority. Follow the crowns. In 12:3 the dragon had “seven crowns upon his heads.” In 13:1 the beast had “upon his horns ten crowns.” In 17:3 there are no crowns at all. The movement is downward and then empty: from the head, to the horn, to nothing.
“Which have received no kingdom as yet.” The ten kings never hold a lasting kingdom. They are the scattered powers of the earth, including the ten tribes of the north that set up kings without God and were carried away. In the first century all of Israel was under Rome, and the leaders openly chose Caesar over their King.
“But receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” Their power lasts one hour. That hour is the hour Jesus spoke of again and again: “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” In the garden He said to those who came to arrest Him, “this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” It was the short, appointed hour when political power, corrupt religion and unseen rebellion united against the Lamb.
On the ground the hour was plot, sentence and blood. In heaven the same hour was the Son glorified and the prince of this world cast out. What the kings thought they seized, they handed over.
Daniel saw the end of all these kingdoms. A stone “cut out without hands” struck the image upon its feet, and “the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” That stone is Jesus. In the days of these kings “shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.” The crowns that left the heads and the horns now belong to the Rider with many crowns.
The Word Applied
The enemy's power lasted only one hour, and in that hour Jesus took every crown. You live under the kingdom of the Stone that fills the whole earth. Let no lesser power wear a crown in your heart.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 2:34 – A stone was cut out without hands.
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
Daniel 2:44 – Shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Daniel 7:24 – And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings.
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 12:23 – The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Luke 22:53 – But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Revelation 19:12 – And on his head were many crowns.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
Revelation 17:12 · In Depth
The movement is downward and then empty: from the head, to the horn, to nothing. The same spirit that once wore the crown of the world ends by wearing none. The last hour of that power is short, and when it is spent the crowns belong only to the Rider whose many diadems no one can take.
The Transition
I want to quickly detour and recap on previous chapters. I want to show you the transition of lost power, to help you see the flow in the timeline and to reveal what was happening in the spirit realm and not just at ground level.
Starting verse — crowns on the heads
Revelation 12:3
“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.”
Here the diadems rest on the heads. The kingdoms themselves still wear the royal authority.
First follow-up — crowns move to the horns
Revelation 13:1
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.”
Same seven heads and ten horns, but the crowns have left the heads and now sit on the horns. Power has shifted from the old kingdoms to the ten kings that grow out of them.
Final follow-up — the crowns disappear
Revelation 17:3
“So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”
No crowns are mentioned on either heads or horns. Revelation 17:12 explains why:
Revelation 17:12
“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.”
The ten kings have not yet received a kingdom; their authority is only for one hour. The diadem is gone. What remains is brief, delegated, already-limited power.
That is the recorded progression: heads wear the crowns, then horns wear them, then neither wears them.
The stone that filled the earth — Daniel 2
Daniel 2:31–45 shows the kingdoms of the world as one great image of gold, silver, brass, iron and clay, and it shows their end. A stone “cut out without hands” struck the image upon its feet, and “the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth” (Daniel 2:34–35). That stone is Jesus. He is the Rock on which He builds His church: “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). He is “the stone which the builders rejected” (Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22). The dream was prophetic of the Messiah’s coming and conquest, and in Jesus it is fulfilled: the God of heaven has set up “a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44–45).
◆ ◆ ◆
The Hour Transformation
The Gospels speak of a decisive “hour.”
The hour Jesus named
John 12:23
“The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.”
John 12:27
“Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.”
John 13:1
“Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father.”
John 17:1
“Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son.”
John 19:30
“It is finished,” and he gave up the ghost.
That is the hour the Father alone appointed. Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32 say no one knows the day or the hour except the Father, and the same Gospels record Jesus treating His death as the hour.
What that hour looked like from the ground
Matthew 27:45–46
Darkness over the land; “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Luke 23:44–46 — The sun darkened; He commended His spirit.
Matthew 27:51 — The veil torn, the earth quaked, rocks split.
It looked like defeat. The powers of the age seemed to hold the field.
What the rest of Scripture says happened in that same moment
Colossians 2:15
“Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Hebrews 2:14 — Through death He destroyed him that had the power of death.
Matthew 28:18
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Revelation 1:18
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.”
These texts show that the hour of Jesus’ apparent loss was the hour the keys of sin and death were passed to Jesus.
◆ ◆ ◆
The Transfer
The transfer at the cross is proved by Matthew 28:18, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14 and Revelation 1:18.
◆ ◆ ◆
Two Planes at Once
Look at the prophetic language that works on both planes at once. What men plot on earth is not the whole of what is happening. The cross is the clearest case: rulers gather, a sentence is passed, a man dies, and at the same moment principalities are stripped, the veil is torn, and the Son is glorified.
That double action is real. John 12:31–32 already joins the two:
John 12:31–32
“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
Acts 4:27–28 — Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles and Israel did what God’s hand and counsel determined before to be done.
1 Corinthians 2:8 — The princes of this world would not have crucified the Lord of glory if they had known.
So the natural hour of the plot to kill Jesus, and their moment of power, and the Father’s hour of glorification occupy the same moment.
Revelation 17:12 shows ten horns receiving a short authority with the beast, then turning it against the Lamb, who already is Lord of lords. The pattern fits: a brief earthly coalition, an unseen transfer of the kingdoms. Every later “hour” of the beast only replays the hour when the Father glorified the Son and the kings thought they had won.
The pattern fits because it is brief: in a very short time many things happened. On the ground level, wickedness, plot, scheme and killing; in the heavenlies, everything working according to plan.
Ground Level
On the ground the hour is short and ugly. Rulers agree. Plots close. A sentence is spoken. Blood is shed. It looks like the beast and the horns finally have a kingdom.
In the heavenlies the same hour is already written. The Father’s counsel is not interrupted. The Son is glorified. The prince of this world is judged. What the kings think they seize, they only hand over.
Acts 4:27–28 holds both layers in one sentence: Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel gathered together, to do whatsoever God’s hand and counsel determined before to be done.
1 Corinthians 2:8 adds the blindness of the earthly side: had the princes known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
So the brevity is the point. Many things happen at once. Wickedness runs its course in a narrow window. The plan of God does not scramble to catch up; it uses that window. The crowns that moved from heads to horns to nothing are the earthly picture of that transfer. The hour on the ground is conspiracy and death. The hour in heaven is the kingdom passing to the Lamb.
Revelation 17:13
These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
One Mind
◆ ◆ ◆
“These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.”
“These have one mind.” The kings who were enemies become united. It is a counterfeit unity, driven by pride, fear and rebellion. Pilate and Herod were made friends the day Jesus was sentenced. The chief priests and the Romans, who hated each other, agreed on one thing: Jesus must be removed. Psalm 2 had foretold it: the rulers “take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed.”
There is another one mind. Paul writes, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” The mind of Christ humbled itself to the Cross. The one mind of the kings exalted itself against the Cross. One unity is built on pride; the other on love.
“And shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” They gave away what was given to them. Jesus told Pilate, “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.” Their power was borrowed. When they gave it to the beast, they gave away what was never theirs.
The Word Applied
Be of one mind with Jesus, not with the world. The unity of His Church is built on His humility and love. Let His mind be in you, and you will not be swept along by the crowd.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:2 – And the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psalm 83:5 – For they have consulted together with one consent.
For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
Isaiah 8:12 – Say ye not, A confederacy.
Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Philippians 2:5 – Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
John 19:11 – Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Luke 23:12 – And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together.
And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Revelation 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
The Lamb Shall Overcome Them
◆ ◆ ◆
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”
“These shall make war with the Lamb.” The united front of religion, politics and demonic influence opposed Jesus. They made war with a Lamb. Their weapons were a false trial, a crown of thorns and a cross.
“And the Lamb shall overcome them.” The Lamb overcame by being slain. He did not overcome by force but by sacrifice. The weapon they used to destroy Him became the instrument of their defeat. His victory is absolute, secured at the Cross and shown in history.
“For he is Lord of lords, and King of kings.” This is why He wins: He already holds the title. Every ruler, power and system is subject to Him. The same title is written on His vesture in 19:16.
“And they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” The Bride is with Him. Called by grace, chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, and faithful because He is faithful in them. His people share His victory and His reign. They are the kings of the east from 16:12, walking with the King of kings.
The Word Applied
You are with the Lamb: called, chosen and faithful. You do not fight for victory; you stand in His victory. The Lord of lords has overcome, and you overcome in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 110:1 – Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Deuteronomy 10:17 – For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords.
For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:
Isaiah 53:7 – He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 1:4 – According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
1 Timothy 6:15 – The King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Romans 8:37 – We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Revelation 17:15
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
Peoples, and Multitudes, and Nations
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”
“The waters which thou sawest.” The angel interprets the vision himself. The many waters of verse 1 are not oceans. They are people.
“Where the whore sitteth.” She sits over the people. She does not serve them; she rules them. Jesus said the scribes and Pharisees “bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders.” A false system sits on people and uses them for its own glory.
“Are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” The same four words describe the great multitude in 7:9, “of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” The harlot sits on the nations. The Lamb redeems them. She uses the people; He gives Himself for them. “Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
Here the vision touches the ground. The same multitudes the harlot ruled are the multitudes Jesus came to save. Her throne over them is broken, and the Gospel goes to every nation. No people is beyond His reach.
The Word Applied
Jesus does not sit on people; He lays down His life for them. Every nation and tongue is precious to Him. Serve people as He did, and carry His Gospel to them.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 17:12 – Like the rushing of mighty waters.
Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
Psalm 2:8 – I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Jeremiah 51:13 – O thou that dwellest upon many waters.
O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 23:4 – For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne.
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Revelation 5:9 – Hast redeemed us to God by thy blood.
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;
Revelation 7:9 – Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 17:16
And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
The Horns Hate the Whore
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.”
“These shall hate the whore.” The power she rode turns on her. The alliance of the temple and Rome ended in war. Within a generation, Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem and destroyed the city and the temple. Sin always devours the one who serves it.
“And shall make her desolate.” Jesus had said, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” He also warned, “when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.”
“And naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.” Her priestly robes are stripped. Her glory is gone. The temple was burned with fire.
Yet even here there is grace. Jesus wept over the city before it fell. And He gave His people a way out, telling those in Judaea to “flee to the mountains.” Those who believed Him heeded the warning and left. The remnant was kept. Judgement came on the system, but mercy was given to all who listened.
The Word Applied
Jesus warns before He judges, and He always gives a way out. Listen to His voice and leave every system that is under judgement. He weeps over the lost and makes a way for the remnant.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 16:39 – They shall strip thee also of thy clothes.
And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.
Ezekiel 23:29 – And shall leave thee naked and bare.
And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.
Jeremiah 4:30 – Thy lovers will despise thee.
And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do? Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 21:20 – Then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Luke 21:21 – Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains.
Then let them which are in Judæa flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
Matthew 23:38 – Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Revelation 17:17
For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
God Hath Put in Their Hearts
◆ ◆ ◆
“For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.”
“For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will.” This is the sovereignty of God. Even the kings who rebelled against Him fulfilled His will without knowing it. The early Church prayed, “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”
“And to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast.” Their agreement against Jesus was the very path God used to bring salvation. Peter said Jesus was “delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.”
“Until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” Every word of God is fulfilled. Jesus said, “all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” On the Cross He said, “It is finished.”
What they meant for evil, God turned into salvation. I AM is in control.
The Word Applied
God is sovereign even over those who oppose Him. Nothing happens outside His purpose. Rest in His control: every word He has spoken over your life will be fulfilled.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 50:20 – But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Proverbs 21:1 – The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Isaiah 46:10 – My counsel shall stand.
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 4:28 – For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Acts 2:23 – Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Luke 24:44 – That all things must be fulfilled.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Revelation 17:18
And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
That Great City
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.”
“The woman which thou sawest is that great city.” The angel names her: the great city. In Revelation the great city is where our Lord was crucified. The harlot is Jerusalem as the seat of the old covenant system that rejected the Messiah.
“Which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” In the eyes of the world, the temple and its leaders held great influence. Kings dealt with them, and Rome made treaties with them. But their reign was over kings of the earth, not over hearts. And it was borrowed from the beast.
Revelation shows two women and two cities. The harlot is the great city that falls. The Bride is “that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” One is built by man and rides the beast. The other comes down from God and is the Lamb's wife. One is clothed in purple and scarlet; the other in fine linen, the righteousness of saints.
Here the vision touches the ground. Every believer belongs to one of these cities. In Jesus you belong to the holy city, and you reign with Him.
The Word Applied
You are not part of the city that falls. You are the Bride, the holy city that comes from God. Walk as a citizen of heaven, clothed in His righteousness, reigning with Him in life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 52:1 – Put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city.
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Psalm 48:2 – The city of the great King.
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Lamentations 1:1 – How doth the city sit solitary.
How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 21:10 – That great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.
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,
Revelation 11:8 – Where also our Lord was crucified.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Philippians 3:20 – For our conversation is in heaven.
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Chapter 18
Babylon Is Fallen · 24 verses
Revelation 18:1
And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
The Earth Lightened with His Glory
◆ ◆ ◆
“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.” Before Babylon's fall is announced, the light of God floods the earth.
“Another angel come down from heaven.” This is Jesus, the Sent One, who came down from heaven. He said, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” An angel is a messenger, and Jesus is the Messenger of the covenant whom Malachi promised: “the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant.”
“Having great power.” This is the authority of the risen Lord, won at the Cross. “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” He has the keys of hell and of death.
“And the earth was lightened with his glory.” Ezekiel saw this very scene: “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.” The glory that left the temple in Ezekiel's day returns, and the whole earth shines. In Jesus the glory of God has come to dwell among men. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory.”
This glory comes from the atonement. Jesus prayed, “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son.” The Cross is where His glory shone brightest. From there the light went out to every nation.
Isaiah called, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.” He goes on: “the Gentiles shall come to thy light.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Before God speaks of Babylon's fall, He fills the earth with light. Judgement on the old order comes only after the light has been offered to all. The Light of the world shines first, and those who come to the light are saved from the fall of the city.
Another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory
The Word Applied
The glory of God has come to earth in Jesus, and it shines on you now. Arise and shine, because your light has come. Let His glory light up every part of your life and spill out to others.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 43:2 – And the earth shined with his glory.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Malachi 3:1 – Even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine; for thy light is come.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:38 – For I came down from heaven.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
John 1:14 – And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 17:1 – Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son.
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Revelation 18:2
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Babylon the Great Is Fallen
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”
“And he cried mightily with a strong voice.” On the Cross, “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.” That loud cry was not defeat. It was the cry of victory, and at that moment the veil of the temple was torn. The strong voice that announces Babylon's fall is the voice of the Cross.
“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.” The double word means it is certain and complete. The spiritual system of the old order is defeated.
“And is become the habitation of devils.” This is a prophetic judgement of separation between God and the old covenant system. Jesus told a parable of an unclean spirit that leaves a man, finds the house “empty, swept, and garnished,” and returns with seven other spirits worse than himself. He ended: “Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” A house that rejects the Holy Spirit does not stay empty.
The Word Applied
A heart cannot stay empty. If Jesus does not fill it, something else will. Invite His Spirit to fill every room of your life, and no foul spirit will find a home there.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 21:9 – Babylon is fallen, is fallen.
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.
Isaiah 13:21 – Their houses shall be full of doleful creatures.
But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.
Jeremiah 50:39 – The wild beasts of the desert.
Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 27:50 – Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
Matthew 12:44 – He findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Matthew 12:45 – Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Revelation 18:3
For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
The Merchants Waxed Rich
◆ ◆ ◆
“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”
“For all nations have drunk of the wine.” Her influence spread far. Her religion of works mixed with power became a pattern for the nations.
“And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her.” The leaders traded their faithfulness for political safety. The covenant people made covenant with the powers of the world.
“And the merchants of the earth are waxed rich.” The temple had become a market. Jesus found in the temple “those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money.” He made a whip of cords and drove them all out, saying, “make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.” On another day He said, “ye have made it a den of thieves.” The worship of God had been turned into trade.
“Through the abundance of her delicacies.” The system grew rich and comfortable. The people paid for sacrifices, and the leaders profited.
The Word Applied
The grace of God is not for sale. Jesus drove the merchants from His Father's house. Keep your worship pure: give freely, receive freely, and never trade His presence for gain.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 27:33 – Thou didst enrich the kings of the earth.
When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise.
Hosea 12:7 – He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand.
He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress.
Isaiah 55:1 – Buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 2:16 – Make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
Matthew 21:13 – But ye have made it a den of thieves.
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Matthew 10:8 – Freely ye have received, freely give.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Come Out of Her, My People
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” In the middle of judgement, grace calls.
“Come out of her, my people.” God's people are still in her. He has a remnant inside the system, and He calls them by name. This is the eternal cry of a jealous and loving God. Isaiah cried it: “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing.” Paul repeated it: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.”
This call was heard in Jerusalem. Jesus told His disciples to flee when they saw the armies coming. Peter preached at Pentecost, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” Three thousand came out that day. The book of Hebrews calls the believers to go out of the old system to Him: “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”
“That ye be not partakers of her sins.” Coming out is not a change of address. It is a change of trust: leaving works for grace, the old covenant for the new, the temple of stone for the living Christ.
“And that ye receive not of her plagues.” God does not want His people caught in the judgement of the system. He calls them out before the plagues fall. This is His heart: judgement with grace. Before the fall, the door is opened.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem: “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” The gathering heart of Jesus still calls today.
Here the vision touches the ground. Wherever religion has replaced Jesus, His voice says, “Come out.” Come out of performance, fear and bondage, and come to Him. He is the place of safety.
The Word Applied
Hear His voice calling you out of every system that has taken His place. Come out of striving into His rest. You are His people, and under His wings you are safe from every plague.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 52:11 – Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing.
Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.
Jeremiah 51:45 – My people, go ye out of the midst of her.
My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.
Genesis 19:15 – Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters.
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 6:17 – Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Hebrews 13:13 – Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Acts 2:40 – Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Revelation 18:5
For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
Her Sins Have Reached unto Heaven
◆ ◆ ◆
“For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”
“For her sins have reached unto heaven.” The men of Babel said, “let us build us a city and a tower, whose top” reaches heaven. Babylon always builds upward, trying to reach God by human effort. But what reaches heaven is not her greatness; it is her sin. Jeremiah said of Babylon, “her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.”
Jesus said to the leaders, “Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.” The measure of sin was full. The system that rejected the prophets had now rejected the Son.
“And God hath remembered her iniquities.” God remembers the sins of those who refuse His mercy. But for those who come to Him, He promises the opposite: “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” The same God who remembers Babylon's iniquities forgets the iniquities of His people. The difference is the blood of Jesus.
Babylon's tower of works reached heaven and was judged. Jesus' Cross reached heaven and opened it. One is man climbing up; the other is God coming down.
The Word Applied
Your sins do not reach heaven anymore, because the blood of Jesus reached it first. God remembers them no more. Stop building towers to reach Him; He came down to you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 11:4 – Go to, let us build us a city and a tower.
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Jeremiah 51:9 – For her judgment reacheth unto heaven.
We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.
Isaiah 43:25 – And will not remember thy sins.
I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 8:12 – For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness.
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Matthew 23:32 – Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
John 3:13 – He that came down from heaven.
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
Revelation 18:6
Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
Reward Her Even as She Rewarded You
◆ ◆ ◆
“Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.”
“Reward her even as she rewarded you.” This is the law of sowing and reaping. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The system that persecuted God's people receives back what it gave.
“Double unto her double according to her works.” Babylon lived by works, and she is judged by works. A religion of works stands on its own record, and its own record condemns it. Jeremiah prophesied of the land, “I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double.”
“In the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” Her own cup is filled back to her. The cup she gave others to drink becomes the cup she must drink.
But see the grace of God in the same word. Isaiah wrote to Jerusalem, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people,” and told her that “her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.” For those who come to Him, the double has already been paid. Jesus received the double for us. He drank our cup so that we would never be judged by our works.
The Word Applied
You are not judged by your works, because Jesus received the double for all your sins. Stand on His record, not your own. His grace has paid in full.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 16:18 – I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double.
And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.
Isaiah 40:2 – For she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
Psalm 137:8 – Happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 6:7 – For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Ephesians 2:9 – Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:5 – Not by works of righteousness which we have done.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Revelation 18:7
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
I Sit a Queen
◆ ◆ ◆
“How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.”
“How much she hath glorified herself.” Her root sin is pride. She takes the glory that belongs to God. The Pharisee in the temple prayed, “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are.” Self-glory is the spirit of Babylon.
“And lived deliciously.” She lived in luxury while the poor were neglected. Jesus said the scribes “devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers.”
“For she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow.” She thinks she is secure. Isaiah gave Babylon the same words: “I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children.” But a covenant people who rejected their Husband is a widow, whether she admits it or not. The Bridegroom had come, and she refused Him.
“And shall see no sorrow.” Pride always believes it is untouchable. “Pride goeth before destruction.”
The Bride is the opposite. She does not glorify herself; she glorifies the Lamb. She knows she was poor and needy, and she was made rich in Him.
The Word Applied
Pride says, I am secure in myself. Humility says, I am secure in Him. Do not glorify yourself; glorify Jesus. The one who humbles herself before Him is lifted up.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 47:8 – I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children.
Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goeth before destruction.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Ezekiel 28:2 – Because thine heart is lifted up.
Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 18:11 – God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Mark 12:40 – Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers.
Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
James 4:6 – God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Revelation 18:8
Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
Her Plagues in One Day
◆ ◆ ◆
“Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.”
“Therefore shall her plagues come in one day.” One day is the day of the Cross. The judgement that fell on the old order was decided in a single day. Zechariah prophesied, “I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.” On that day sin was judged in the body of Jesus.
“Death, and mourning, and famine.” These are the fruit of rejecting the Lamb. Those who refuse the Life are left with death. Those who refuse the Comforter are left with mourning. Those who refuse the Bread of Life are left with famine. Amos foretold “a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.”
What Babylon receives, Jesus first bore. He tasted death for every man. He was a man of sorrows. All of it was carried for us.
“And she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” The temple of the old order was burned with fire. No human power could save it, because the One who judged it was strong.
The Word Applied
Jesus carried death, sorrow and hunger so that you would have life, joy and bread. Do not refuse what He has given. Receive His life, His comfort and His Word today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Zechariah 3:9 – I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
Amos 8:11 – Not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
Isaiah 53:3 – A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 2:9 – That he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
John 6:35 – I am the bread of life.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Hebrews 12:29 – For our God is a consuming fire.
For our God is a consuming fire.
Revelation 18:9
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
The Kings Bewail Her
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning.”
“And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her.” Those who profited from her mourn her.
“Shall bewail her, and lament for her.” Their grief is not repentance. They do not mourn their sin; they mourn their loss. Paul describes the difference: “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” The kings feel the sorrow of the world.
“When they shall see the smoke of her burning.” The judgement becomes visible. In the year 70 the temple in Jerusalem was burned and the city destroyed. Jesus had prophesied it while the disciples admired the temple's stones: “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” The smoke rose, and what Jesus spoke came to pass.
Here the vision touches the ground. The fall of the old system was not hidden. It was seen by the nations, and it confirmed that the new covenant had come.
The Word Applied
There is a sorrow that leads to life and a sorrow that leads to death. Let your sorrow over sin lead you to Jesus. He turns godly sorrow into joy and salvation.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 26:16 – Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones.
Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.
Isaiah 34:10 – The smoke thereof shall go up for ever.
It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
Joshua 8:20 – The smoke of the city ascended up to heaven.
And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 7:10 – For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Matthew 24:2 – There shall not be left here one stone upon another.
And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Hebrews 10:10 – Through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
In One Hour
◆ ◆ ◆
“Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.”
“Standing afar off for the fear of her torment.” The kings keep their distance. They loved her when she was rich; they abandon her when she is judged.
“Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city!” They admit her fall. In their words they acknowledge God's hand in judgement, even if they do not turn to Him.
“For in one hour is thy judgment come.” This is the same hour as 17:12. It is the hour Jesus spoke of: “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” In one hour on the Cross the old order was judged. What happened later in history was the outworking of that hour.
Jesus was conscious of His hour all His life. At Cana He said, “mine hour is not yet come.” Before the Passover, He knew “that his hour was come.” In Gethsemane He said, “the hour is at hand.” The hour of His suffering was the hour of Babylon's judgement. The hour that looked like His defeat was the hour of her fall.
The Word Applied
The hour that judged the world was the hour that saved you. You do not stand afar off from the Cross; you stand at its foot, covered by His blood. Draw near to Him with confidence.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 4:31 – The kingdom is departed from thee.
While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
Isaiah 47:9 – These two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day.
But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.
Psalm 38:11 – My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore.
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 12:31 – Now is the judgment of this world.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
John 13:1 – Jesus knew that his hour was come.
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
Hebrews 10:22 – Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Revelation 18:11
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
The Merchants Weep
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more.”
“The merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her.” The merchants were the traders who grew rich from the temple system: those who sold animals for sacrifice, those who changed money, and those who supplied the vast trade of a religion of works.
“For no man buyeth their merchandise any more.” Why would no one buy? Because the true Sacrifice had been offered. The writer of Hebrews says, “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” Once Jesus had died for sins once for all, the market of sacrifices lost its reason. No one needs to buy a lamb when the Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world.
The merchants weep because grace ruins the business of religion. The veil is torn. The price is paid. Salvation cannot be bought.
Isaiah had already spoken the invitation that ends all religious trade: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Grace closes the market of works.
The Word Applied
You do not need to buy God's favour. Jesus paid the full price. Come to Him without money and without price, and receive everything freely.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:1 – Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Ezekiel 27:36 – The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee.
The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt be any more.
Zechariah 14:21 – There shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD.
Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 10:18 – There is no more offering for sin.
Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
John 1:29 – Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Romans 3:24 – Being justified freely by his grace.
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
The Merchandise of Gold
◆ ◆ ◆
“The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble.”
Read this list beside the instructions for the tabernacle: “gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.” These are the materials God asked for His dwelling place. Babylon trades in the very things that once built the house of God.
“Gold, and silver, and precious stones.” The temple was glorious. The disciples said, “Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”
“Fine linen, and purple, and scarlet.” These are the fabrics of the priesthood.
“Brass, and iron, and marble.” The great building works of the system stood in stone and metal. But God does not dwell in temples made with hands.
All the beauty that once pointed to God had become a market. The materials were holy, but the use was not. When the true Temple came, the copy was no longer needed. Jesus is the gold of divinity, the fine linen of righteousness and the scarlet of sacrifice. In Him, every material of the tabernacle finds its meaning.
The Word Applied
Every beautiful thing in the old temple pointed to Jesus. Do not admire the copy more than the original. Find your treasure in Him, the true Temple and the true glory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 25:3-4 – Gold, and silver, and brass, And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,
And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
Ezekiel 27:12 – With silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.
Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs.
Haggai 2:8 – The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Mark 13:1 – See what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
Acts 7:48 – Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands.
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
Hebrews 9:24 – For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Revelation 18:13
And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
And Souls of Men
◆ ◆ ◆
“And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.”
“Cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense.” These were the spices of the holy anointing oil and the incense of the sanctuary. “Take thou also unto thee principal spices,” God told Moses, including sweet cinnamon.
“And wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat.” These were the drink offerings and meal offerings of the temple.
“And beasts, and sheep.” These were the animals of sacrifice, sold in the courts of the temple.
“And slaves, and souls of men.” The list ends here, and it is the most terrible item. A religion of trade finally trades in people. Jesus said the Pharisees compassed sea and land to make one proselyte, and made him “twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”
Jesus came to buy back souls, not to sell them. “Ye are bought with a price.” Peter wrote that we were redeemed not with silver and gold, “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Babylon sells souls; the Lamb buys them with His own blood and sets them free.
The Word Applied
You are not merchandise. You were bought with the precious blood of Jesus, and you belong to Him. No system has the right to own you. Live as one who is free and dearly loved.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 30:23 – Take thou also unto thee principal spices.
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
Ezekiel 27:13 – They traded the persons of men.
Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.
Leviticus 2:1 – His offering shall be of fine flour.
And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Peter 1:19 – But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Corinthians 6:20 – For ye are bought with a price.
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Matthew 23:15 – Twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Revelation 18:14
And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
The Fruits That Thy Soul Lusted After
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.”
“The fruits that thy soul lusted after.” The soul of Babylon lusted. Her desire was for the things of the flesh: wealth, comfort and position. In the wilderness Israel “lusted exceedingly” for the food of Egypt. God gave them their request, “but sent leanness into their soul.” A system built on lust ends empty.
“Are departed from thee.” Everything she lived for leaves her. Jesus told of the rich fool who built bigger barns, saying to his soul, “take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” God said to him, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” What the soul grasps for itself, it cannot keep.
“And all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee.” The luxury of the old order is gone. The beauty of the temple, the honour of the priests and the wealth of the trade all leave.
“And thou shalt find them no more at all.” This is final. The old system will not return.
But the believer has fruit that never departs: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.” What He gives remains.
The Word Applied
What the flesh lusts after always departs. What the Spirit grows in you remains forever. Seek the fruit of His Spirit, and you will never be left empty.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 106:15 – But sent leanness into their soul.
And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.
Numbers 11:4 – And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting.
And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
Ecclesiastes 5:15 – And shall take nothing of his labour.
As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 12:20 – Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
John 15:16 – That your fruit should remain.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Revelation 18:15
The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
The Merchants Stand Afar Off
◆ ◆ ◆
“The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing.”
“The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her.” Their riches came from her. When she falls, their source of wealth falls with her. Those who build on a system share its end.
“Shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment.” Like the kings, the merchants keep their distance. They do not come near to help. They are afraid. Their loyalty was only to her money.
“Weeping and wailing.” They weep for their loss, not for their sin. Jesus spoke of the rich young ruler who “went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” The sorrow of the merchants is the sorrow of those whose treasure was on earth. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Judas also sold for money. He received thirty pieces of silver for the Lord, and afterward the chief priests bought a field with it. The love of money had found its way into the very centre of the old order.
Here the vision touches the ground. Every life built on money stands afar off when the system falls. But the one whose treasure is in heaven loses nothing.
The Word Applied
Do not let your heart be tied to a system that can fall. Lay up your treasure in heaven, in Jesus Himself. When everything else shakes, your treasure is safe in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 27:31 – They shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart.
And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing.
Zechariah 11:12 – So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.
Proverbs 11:28 – He that trusteth in his riches shall fall.
He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 19:22 – He went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Matthew 6:21 – For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all evil.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Revelation 18:16
And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
Clothed in Fine Linen
◆ ◆ ◆
“And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!”
“Alas, alas, that great city.” The merchants lament what the city looked like. They describe her by her clothes, not by her heart.
“That was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet.” These are the clothes of the priesthood. The city wore holy garments over an unholy heart.
“And decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!” This is how the harlot was described in 17:4. Her outward beauty was great. Jesus said the scribes and Pharisees were “like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward.”
Now compare the Bride. In 19:8 she too is clothed in fine linen, but notice the difference. Babylon clothed herself. The Bride was granted her linen: “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” The harlot's linen was bought; the Bride's linen was given.
In 21:21 the gates of the holy city are pearls. What Babylon wore as decoration, the Bride has as entrance: every gate a pearl, every way in through the One who paid everything to buy her.
The Word Applied
You do not have to dress yourself up for God. He has given you the fine linen of His righteousness. Wear what He has given you, and let your beauty be from within.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 16:13 – Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver.
Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
Isaiah 3:24 – Instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth.
And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.
Isaiah 61:10 – He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 19:8 – For the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Matthew 23:27 – Which indeed appear beautiful outward.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Revelation 21:21 – And the twelve gates were twelve pearls.
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.
Revelation 18:17
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
So Great Riches Come to Nought
◆ ◆ ◆
“For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off.”
“For in one hour so great riches is come to nought.” Again it is one hour. The wealth that took generations to gather is gone in a moment. Haggai prophesied, “Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little.” The riches of a system without God come to nothing.
“And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships.” This echoes Ezekiel's lament over Tyre, the great trading city of the ancient world. “The mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land.” The whole network of trade is shaken.
“Stood afar off.” For the third time, those who profited stand at a distance. The kings, the merchants and now the sailors all keep away. No one comes to save her. A system built on gain has no true friends.
But the Bride is never left alone. Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” Those who belong to Him are not abandoned in the hour of trouble.
The Word Applied
Riches can disappear in an hour, but the love of Jesus never leaves. Do not trust in what can come to nothing. Trust in the One who has promised never to leave you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 27:29 – All that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships.
And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;
Haggai 1:9 – Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little.
Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.
Proverbs 23:5 – For riches certainly make themselves wings.
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 14:18 – I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Matthew 6:19 – Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Revelation 18:18
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
What City Is Like unto This Great City?
◆ ◆ ◆
“And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!”
“And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning.” The sailors see the smoke rise from far away. The burning of the city is visible across the sea.
“What city is like unto this great city!” This is the boast of Babylon even in her fall. They still admire her. Even as she burns, they speak of her greatness. The world's admiration for its systems remains to the end.
Scripture asks a different question. It is not, What city is like this? It is, Who is like our God? Micah answered it: “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?” The greatness of God is not in buildings or riches but in His mercy. He pardons. He passes by the sin of His remnant.
The world praises the great city; heaven praises the great God. The world cries for what it lost; the redeemed sing for what they found. There is no city like the holy city, because there is no God like our God.
The Word Applied
Do not be impressed by the greatness of the world's cities and systems. There is no one like our God, who pardons iniquity and delights in mercy. Praise Him for His greatness.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Micah 7:18 – Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity?
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
Ezekiel 27:32 – What city is like Tyrus?
And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?
Psalm 86:8 – Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord.
Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 11:10 – For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 13:14 – For here have we no continuing city.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Luke 1:49 – For he that is mighty hath done to me great things.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
Revelation 18:19
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
In One Hour Is She Made Desolate
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.”
“And they cast dust on their heads.” This is the sign of deep mourning.
“Wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea.” The city made many people rich. Her fall is an economic disaster for all who depended on her.
“For in one hour is she made desolate.” Jesus prophesied this desolation. He stood over the temple and said, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew, Mark and Luke all record His warning that not one stone would be left on another. Daniel spoke of “the abomination that maketh desolate,” and Jesus pointed to it as the sign to flee.
The house became desolate because the Presence had left it. When Jesus walked out of the temple for the last time, the glory went with Him.
But a new house was being built. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.” The desolate house was replaced by a living one, built of people filled with His Spirit.
The Word Applied
You are a living stone in God's house. The old house was left desolate, but His presence fills His people now. Let His glory dwell in you, and you will never be desolate.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 12:11 – The abomination that maketh desolate.
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Ezekiel 27:30 – And shall cast up dust upon their heads.
And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:
Jeremiah 22:5 – This house shall become a desolation.
But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 23:38 – Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
1 Peter 2:5 – Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Luke 21:6 – There shall not be left one stone upon another.
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
Rejoice over Her, Thou Heaven
◆ ◆ ◆
“Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.”
“Rejoice over her, thou heaven.” While the earth mourns, heaven rejoices. This is not joy at suffering. It is joy that righteousness has won, that the oppressor is broken, and that the way is open for all nations to come to God.
“And ye holy apostles and prophets.” There was a long history of the rejection of God's messengers. The prophets were stoned and the apostles were beaten. Stephen asked the council, “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?” Yet they live before God, for “he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.”
“For God hath avenged you on her.” The apostles and prophets did not avenge themselves. They left it to God. “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” God's vengeance is never the bitterness of man. It is the setting right of all things.
The blood of Abel cried out from the ground. The blood of Jesus speaks better things than Abel's: it speaks mercy, forgiveness and a new covenant. Heaven rejoices because grace has triumphed.
The Word Applied
Leave your vindication to God. You do not need to avenge yourself. He sets all things right in His time. Forgive as Jesus forgave, and rejoice in His righteousness.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 32:43 – Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants.
Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
Psalm 58:10 – The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance.
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
Genesis 4:10 – The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me.
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 12:19 – Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Luke 20:38 – For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Hebrews 12:24 – That speaketh better things than that of Abel.
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Revelation 18:21
And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
The Great Millstone
◆ ◆ ◆
“And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.”
“A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone.” Jeremiah once gave Seraiah a book of judgement against Babylon and told him, when he had read it, to “bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates: And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise.” The mighty angel does the same.
“And cast it into the sea.” Jesus spoke of a millstone too: “whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” The system that caused the little ones to stumble meets the judgement Jesus described.
Jesus also said, standing near the temple mount after He cursed the barren fig tree, “if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” The mountain of the old order was cast into the sea by faith in Him.
“Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down.” The stone is Jesus. He is the Stone the builders rejected. Daniel saw the Stone strike the image and grind it to powder. Jesus said, “And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” There are two ways to meet the Stone: to fall on Him and be broken in repentance, or to have Him fall in judgement. Grace invites us to fall on Him.
“And shall be found no more at all.” The old covenant system is gone forever. It will not be rebuilt. Hebrews says the first covenant “is ready to vanish away.” The Millstone, the Winepress and the Refiner all speak of the same thing: what is not of God is ground away, and what is of God remains.
The Word Applied
Fall on the Stone and be broken, and He will make you whole. Do not wait for the Stone to fall. Bring every mountain in your life to Jesus by faith, and it will be cast into the sea.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 51:63-64 – Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise.
And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, that thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:
And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.
Daniel 2:34 – Which smote the image upon his feet.
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.
Psalm 118:22 – The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 18:6 – It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck.
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 21:44 – And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Mark 11:23 – Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea.
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Revelation 18:22
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
Heard No More at All
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee.”
“The voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters.” The temple had its singers and musicians, its trumpets for the feasts and the sacrifices. All of that worship ends in the old house. The music of the old order falls silent.
But the music does not end in God's kingdom. In 14:2 and 15:2 the redeemed have the harps of God. The song moved from the temple of stone to the living temple of His people.
“And no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be.” The craftsmen who built and maintained the temple are gone. Man-made worship needs man's skill. The new temple is built by God.
“And the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee.” The millstone ground the fine flour for the meal offerings. Its silence is the end of the grain offerings and the old temple worship. The Bread of Life has come, and the offering of flour is fulfilled in Him.
The Word Applied
The worship of God has not ended; it has moved into you. Sing to Him from a heart that is His temple. Let His Bread feed you, and let your song rise from His Spirit within.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Chronicles 23:5 – Four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments.
Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.
Jeremiah 25:10 – The sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.
Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.
Ezekiel 26:13 – And the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.
And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 15:2 – Having the harps of God.
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.
Ephesians 5:19 – Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
John 6:51 – I am the living bread which came down from heaven.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Revelation 18:23
And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
The Light of a Candle
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.”
“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee.” The lampstand in the holy place was never to go out. Now the light has left the old house. Jesus warned Ephesus that He would remove the candlestick from a church that left its first love. The light of true spiritual life has gone to those who receive Him.
“And the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee.” The Bridegroom came to His own city, and she would not have Him. John the Baptist said, “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom.” The Bride is no longer found in the old system. She is found in Christ.
“For thy merchants were the great men of the earth.”
“For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” The word for sorceries is the word for drugs and enchantments. Her religion was an intoxication that blinded the nations.
The Word Applied
The light and the voice of the Bridegroom now live in His Church. You are part of the Bride, and His joy is in you. Keep your lamp burning and listen for His voice.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Jeremiah 7:34 – The voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.
Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.
Exodus 27:20 – To cause the lamp to burn always.
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
Isaiah 47:12 – Stand now with thine enchantments.
Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 3:29 – He that hath the bride is the bridegroom.
He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
Revelation 2:5 – And will remove thy candlestick out of his place.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Galatians 3:1 – Who hath bewitched you?
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Revelation 18:24
And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
The Blood of Prophets and Saints
◆ ◆ ◆
“And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”
“And in her was found the blood of prophets.” The guilt of the whole history of rejecting God's voice is found in her. Jesus said to the leaders of Jerusalem that upon them would come “all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias.” The whole chain of rejection, from the first murder to the last, was found in the city that crucified the Son.
“And of saints.” God's people suffered at her hands, but they are not lost. Their lives are hid with Christ. “For all live unto him.”
“And of all that were slain upon the earth.” Abel is the pattern. Cain brought a false offering, the work of his own hands; Abel brought the lamb. The religion of works has always hated the people of the Lamb.
But the blood of Jesus answers all of it. Abel's blood cried out for justice; the blood of Jesus “speaketh better things than that of Abel.” His blood speaks forgiveness. The chain of blood ends at the Cross, where the blood of God's own Son was shed, and from there flows mercy for the whole world.
The Word Applied
The blood of Jesus speaks better things than all the blood of history. It speaks forgiveness over you. Let His blood silence every accusation, and live in the mercy it has won.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 4:4 – And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock.
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
Genesis 4:10 – The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Jeremiah 2:30 – Your own sword hath devoured your prophets.
In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 23:35 – From the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias.
That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Hebrews 12:24 – And to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
1 John 3:12 – Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
Chapter 19
The Marriage of the Lamb and the Rider Faithful and True · 21 verses
Revelation 19:1
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
Alleluia
◆ ◆ ◆
“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.”
“After these things.” After the fall of Babylon comes worship. Judgement leads to praise.
“A great voice of much people in heaven.” This is the great multitude, the redeemed from every nation. Their voice is one.
“Alleluia.” This is the first time the word appears in the New Testament. It means “Praise ye the LORD.” In the Psalms the Hallelujah is often sung at the end of judgement. Psalm 104 closes, “Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.” When the oppressor falls, God's people break into praise.
“Salvation.” Salvation is the first word of their praise. Salvation belongs to God; it is His work, not ours.
“And glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.” All glory goes to Him. Babylon glorified herself; the multitude glorifies God. This is the difference between the harlot and the Bride.
Here the vision touches the ground. The believer's life is a life of Alleluia. Every victory, every deliverance and every judgement on the old order turns our hearts to praise.
The Word Applied
Make Alleluia the song of your life. Your salvation is God's work from beginning to end. Give Him all the glory, honour and power, and let praise be your first response.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 104:35 – Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.
Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 3:8 – Salvation belongeth unto the LORD.
Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Psalm 150:6 – Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 7:10 – Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace are ye saved through faith.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Revelation 5:12 – Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.
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.
Revelation 19:2
For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
True and Righteous Are His Judgments
◆ ◆ ◆
“For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”
“For true and righteous are his judgments.” The altar said it in 16:7. Now the multitude says it. God's judgements are never mistaken and never unfair. They are true, because they match reality, and righteous, because they set things right.
“For he hath judged the great whore.” The system that pretended to be the Bride has been exposed and judged. The false has been separated from the true.
“Which did corrupt the earth with her fornication.” Her influence spread corruption. Religion without God corrupts more deeply than open wickedness, because it uses God's name.
“And hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.” Moses sang, “Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.” Notice how that song ends: with mercy. God's vengeance on the oppressor is mercy to His people and His land. Judgement and grace come together.
The Word Applied
God's judgements are always true and righteous. You can trust Him with every wrong done to you. His justice on the oppressor is mercy to you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 32:43 – For he will avenge the blood of his servants.
Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
Psalm 19:9 – The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psalm 9:4 – Thou satest in the throne judging right.
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 16:7 – True and righteous are thy judgments.
And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Romans 2:2 – The judgment of God is according to truth.
But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Revelation 6:10 – Dost thou not judge and avenge our blood?
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Revelation 19:3
And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
Her Smoke Rose Up For Ever
◆ ◆ ◆
“And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.”
“And again they said, Alleluia.” The praise repeats. One Alleluia is not enough. The deliverance is so complete that heaven sings it twice.
“And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.” This is the eternal finality of the old. Isaiah used the same words of Edom: “the smoke thereof shall go up for ever.” Smoke rising means the burning is complete and the city is gone. It will never be rebuilt.
The old covenant system that rejected the Messiah will not come back. Hebrews says, “In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” What was fulfilled in Christ does not return as a way to God. The smoke is a lasting witness that the old is finished and the new has come.
The smoke of Babylon rises in judgement; the smoke of the incense rises in prayer. In 8:4 the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God. One smoke is the end of the old system; the other is the life of the new.
The Word Applied
The old way of earning God's favour is gone for ever. Do not go back to it. Let the smoke of your praise and prayer rise to Him instead, from a heart set free.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 34:10 – The smoke thereof shall go up for ever.
It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
Genesis 19:28 – The smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
Psalm 141:2 – Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense.
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 8:13 – Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Revelation 8:4 – And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints.
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Old things are passed away.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Revelation 19:4
And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Amen; Alleluia
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.”
“The four and twenty elders.” The elders are the Church, the whole people of God from the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. They wear crowns and sit on thrones, but they fall down.
“And the four beasts.” The four living creatures are the four Gospels, the record of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. They too fall down. The Word and the Church bow together before the throne.
“Fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne.” Worship is the posture of the redeemed. In chapter 4 they cast their crowns before the throne.
“Saying, Amen; Alleluia.” Amen means so be it, it is true. Alleluia means praise the Lord. The fourth book of the Psalms closes in the same way: “and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.” The Church agrees with what God has done and praises Him for it.
Amen is our agreement with His promises. “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen.” The elders say Amen because every promise has been kept in Jesus.
The Word Applied
Bow before Him with the elders and say Amen to everything He has done. Every promise of God is yes in Jesus. Let your Amen and your Alleluia rise together.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 106:48 – And let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
1 Chronicles 16:36 – And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
Psalm 95:6 – O come, let us worship and bow down.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 4:10 – And cast their crowns before the throne.
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
2 Corinthians 1:20 – For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
John 4:24 – They that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Revelation 19:5
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
Praise Our God
◆ ◆ ◆
“And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.”
“And a voice came out of the throne.” The voice says “our God.” This is the voice of the Son, who calls His Father “my God, and your God.” Jesus leads His people in praise. The writer of Hebrews quotes Him: “in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.”
“Praise our God, all ye his servants.” The call goes to all who serve Him. Every servant is called to praise.
“And ye that fear him.” This fear is not terror. It is reverence and love. Those who fear Him are those who know Him and trust Him. “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.”
“Both small and great.” No one is too small and no one is too great. In the old order, the court of the Gentiles, the court of the women and the court of Israel kept people at different distances. In Christ the walls are gone. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free.” Small and great stand at the same throne.
Here the vision touches the ground: every believer has the same access and the same call to praise.
The Word Applied
Jesus Himself leads you in praise. You are not too small to worship Him, and no one is too great to bow. Join the song of all His servants today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 134:1 – Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD.
Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.
Psalm 115:13 – He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
Psalm 25:14 – The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 2:12 – In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
John 20:17 – And to my God, and your God.
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Revelation 19:6
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
The Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
“The voice of a great multitude.” The redeemed of every nation answer the call of verse 5.
“And as the voice of many waters.” Ezekiel saw the glory of God return from the east, “and his voice was like a noise of many waters.” In 1:15 Jesus' voice was “as the sound of many waters.” Now the voice of the multitude sounds the same. The Bride speaks with the voice of her Bridegroom. His people are filled with His Spirit, and their praise carries His sound.
“And as the voice of mighty thunderings.” Thunder is the sound of God's power. At Sinai the thunder made the people tremble. Now the thunder is the sound of praise.
“Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” He reigns now. This is not a future hope only; it is the present reality. Jesus said after His resurrection, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Jesus is King of kings now. The fall of Babylon does not make Him King; it shows that He already is.
The Word Applied
The Lord God omnipotent reigns today. Let your praise carry the sound of His voice. Live as one who knows that Jesus is King over every part of your life, now.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 43:2 – And his voice was like a noise of many waters.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Psalm 93:1 – The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty.
The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
Psalm 29:3 – The God of glory thundereth.
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:15 – And his voice as the sound of many waters.
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Matthew 28:18 – All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Revelation 11:15 – The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 19:7
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
The Marriage of the Lamb
◆ ◆ ◆
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” Here is the heart of the whole book. The harlot is judged, and the Bride is revealed.
“Let us be glad and rejoice.” Joy is the atmosphere of the marriage. Jesus said His friends could not mourn while the Bridegroom was with them. Now the Bridegroom has come for His Bride, and heaven is glad.
“And give honour to him.” The honour goes to the Bridegroom. The Bride does not boast in herself. Her beauty is His gift.
“For the marriage of the Lamb is come.” The Bridegroom is the Lamb. He won His Bride by dying for her. “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” This marriage was planned before the foundation of the world. Isaiah promised, “as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Hosea heard God say, “I will betroth thee unto me for ever.”
The marriage is come. It is not only a future event. The New Testament speaks of the Church as already joined to Christ: “For I have espoused you to one husband.” Paul says the union of husband and wife is “a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” The marriage began at the Cross, where the Bride was born from His wounded side, as Eve was taken from Adam's side.
“And his wife hath made herself ready.” How does she make herself ready? Not by her own works, but by receiving what He gives. Isaiah sang, “he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” She makes herself ready by putting on what He provides. The next verse makes it clear: her linen was granted.
Here the vision touches the ground. The Church is the Bride now, loved, washed and clothed. She lives in the joy of the Bridegroom.
The Word Applied
You are the Bride of the Lamb. He gave Himself for you, and He rejoices over you. Make yourself ready by receiving everything He gives, and live in the joy of His love.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 61:10 – As a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 62:5 – As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
Hosea 2:19 – And I will betroth thee unto me for ever.
And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 5:25 – Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
2 Corinthians 11:2 – For I have espoused you to one husband.
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Ephesians 5:32 – This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Revelation 19:8
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Arrayed in Fine Linen
◆ ◆ ◆
“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”
“And to her was granted.” The linen is a gift. She did not weave it, earn it or buy it. It was granted. This is grace. Babylon clothed herself in fine linen bought with trade; the Bride receives hers freely.
“That she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white.” Clean and white is the colour of purity and victory. The garments that were once stained are washed. In 7:14 the great multitude “washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
“For the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” The righteousness of the saints is His righteousness given to them. Paul's hope was to “be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Isaiah said that our own righteousnesses “are as filthy rags.” The Bride's linen is not her own rags cleaned up; it is a new garment from God.
And because His righteousness is in her, it shows in her life. The righteousness given becomes righteousness lived. The gift and its fruit are one.
The Word Applied
You are clothed in His righteousness, not your own. It was granted to you as a gift. Wear it with confidence, and let His righteousness show in the way you live.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 64:6 – All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Zechariah 3:4 – I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
Psalm 132:9 – Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness.
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Philippians 3:9 – Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law.
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Revelation 7:14 – And made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Romans 3:22 – Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Revelation 19:9
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”
“Write.” This is one of the blessings John is told to write down, like the blessing of 14:13.
“Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Jesus told a parable of a king who made a marriage for his son and sent out his servants to call the guests. Those first invited would not come. So he sent his servants into the highways to gather “as many as ye shall find.” The call goes to everyone.
Being called is being invited to be the Bride and to eat with Jesus. At the Last Supper He said, “With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer.” Every time the Church breaks bread, she tastes the marriage supper. Jesus said to Laodicea, “I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” The supper is fellowship with Him now.
“These are the true sayings of God.” The invitation is not a dream. It is God's own word, true and faithful. Every promise of the marriage supper will be kept.
The Word Applied
You are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Come and eat with Him. Every time you share His table, you taste His love. His invitation is true and it is for you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 25:6 – Shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things.
And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
Song of Solomon 2:4 – He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
Proverbs 9:5 – Come, eat of my bread.
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 22:9 – And as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Luke 22:15 – With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer.
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
Revelation 3:20 – I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Worship God
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
“And I fell at his feet to worship him.” John is overwhelmed by the glory of what he has heard.
“See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant.” The messenger refuses worship. He is a fellow servant, one of the brethren who carry the testimony of Jesus. In 22:9 the same messenger says he is “of thy brethren the prophets.” He speaks for the prophetic voice in the Church. No servant of God, however glorious the message, is to be worshipped.
“Worship God.” Worship belongs to God alone. And Jesus is God, for the Father commands, “let all the angels of God worship him.” When Thomas fell before the risen Jesus and said, “My Lord and my God,” Jesus did not refuse. The messenger points away from himself to Jesus.
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” All true prophecy testifies of Jesus. The Spirit's whole work is to glorify Him: “he shall testify of me.” If a word does not point to Jesus, it is not the spirit of prophecy.
The Word Applied
Worship God alone, and honour His messengers without worshipping them. Measure every word by this: does it testify of Jesus? The spirit of true prophecy always points to Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 42:8 – My glory will I not give to another.
I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Exodus 20:3 – Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Daniel 10:9 – Then was I in a deep sleep on my face.
Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 1:6 – And let all the angels of God worship him.
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
John 20:28 – My Lord and my God.
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
John 15:26 – He shall testify of me.
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:
Revelation 19:11
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Faithful and True
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
“And I saw heaven opened.” In chapter 4 a door was opened in heaven. Now heaven itself is opened. At the baptism of Jesus “the heavens were opened unto him.” Jesus told Nathanael, “Hereafter ye shall see heaven open.” When heaven opens in Scripture, it reveals the Son.
“And behold a white horse.” We have seen this horse before. In 6:2 the first seal opened, and John saw “a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” That rider is Jesus. The psalmist said of God, “he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.” The same Rider who went out conquering at the opening of the seals now appears in full glory. The book comes full circle: what began at the Cross is now revealed in its completion.
“And he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True.” In the letter to Laodicea Jesus called Himself “the faithful and true witness.” He is faithful: He keeps every promise. He is true: He is the truth itself. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Babylon was false and unfaithful; the Rider is Faithful and True.
“And in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” Isaiah prophesied of the Branch of Jesse: “with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth.” His war is not like the wars of men. He makes war in righteousness, with the Word of His mouth. He judges to set things right.
The white horse is the colour of victory and purity. Roman generals rode white horses in their triumphs. Jesus rides in triumph because He has already won. “Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Here the vision touches the ground. The Rider on the white horse goes forth in every generation through the preaching of the Gospel, conquering hearts and setting captives free.
The Word Applied
Jesus rides in victory, Faithful and True. Every promise He made to you will be kept. Trust the One who judges in righteousness, and follow Him as He goes forth conquering.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 7:12 – He hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
Isaiah 11:4 – But with righteousness shall he judge the poor.
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
Psalm 45:4 – And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness.
And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 6:2 – And he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
Revelation 3:14 – The faithful and true witness.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
John 1:51 – Hereafter ye shall see heaven open.
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Revelation 19:12
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
Many Crowns
◆ ◆ ◆
“His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.”
“His eyes were as a flame of fire.” This is the Jesus of chapter 1, whose “eyes were as a flame of fire.” His eyes see through everything. Nothing is hidden from Him.
“And on his head were many crowns.” Here is the end of the crown progression. In 12:3 the crowns were on the dragon's heads. In 13:1 they were on the beast's horns. In 17:3 they were gone. Now all the crowns are on the head of Jesus. Every authority that was transferred in the hour of the Cross rests on Him. He is crowned with many crowns because He is King over every kingdom.
“And he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.” This speaks of His unique identity, fully God and fully man. “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father.” There is a depth in Jesus that no human mind can reach. Only He could conquer sin in the flesh and in the spirit.
Yet He shares His name with those who overcome. In 2:17 He promises “a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”
The Word Applied
Every crown is now on the head of Jesus. Let no other power rule in your heart. He knows you completely, and He shares His own name with you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 21:3 – Thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
Daniel 10:6 – And his eyes as lamps of fire.
His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Isaiah 9:6 – And his name shall be called Wonderful.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:14 – And his eyes were as a flame of fire.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Matthew 11:27 – And no man knoweth the Son, but the Father.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Revelation 2:17 – A new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
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 hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Revelation 19:13
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
A Vesture Dipped in Blood
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”
“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood.” Whose blood? The battle has not yet been described, and already His robe is red. This is His own blood. The Rider comes from the Cross. Before He judges, He has already bled. His garment carries the mark of His sacrifice.
Isaiah saw Him coming: “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?” And he heard the answer: “I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” Then he asked, “Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel”? The answer was, “I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me.” Jesus trod the winepress alone at Calvary. His blood is on His vesture because He took the judgement on Himself.
Joseph's coat was dipped in blood and brought to his father. The high priest's garments were sprinkled with blood. Every robe dipped in blood in the Old Testament points to this One.
“And his name is called The Word of God.” John began his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Rider is the living Word. He does not merely speak the Word; He is the Word. What God has said, He is. Every promise, every prophecy and every judgement is fulfilled in Him.
“And the Word was made flesh.” The Word took flesh so that He could bleed. The robe dipped in blood is the proof that the Word became man and gave Himself for us.
Here the vision touches the ground. When the Word of God goes out in the preaching of the Gospel, it goes out clothed in His blood. The Word that judges is the Word that was crucified. It cuts, but it also heals, because it is the Word of the Cross.
The Word Applied
The One who judges is the One who bled for you. His robe is dipped in His own blood. Receive His Word as the Word of the Cross: it cuts away the old and heals you with His life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 63:2 – Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel?
Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?
Isaiah 63:3 – I have trodden the winepress alone.
I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
Genesis 37:31 – And dipped the coat in the blood.
And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 – And the Word was made flesh.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Revelation 19:14
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
The Armies Which Were in Heaven
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”
“And the armies which were in heaven.” Who are these armies? Their clothing tells us. They are “clothed in fine linen, white and clean,” the same linen as the Bride in verse 8, which is the righteousness of saints. The armies are the Church, the people of God seated with Christ in heavenly places. In 17:14 we read, “they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”
“Followed him.” The armies follow. They do not lead. Jesus goes first; His people follow where He goes. The 144,000 in 14:4 “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.”
“Upon white horses.” They ride the same colour as their King. They share His victory and His purity. What He is, they are in Him.
Notice that the armies carry no weapons. Only the Rider has the sword, and it comes out of His mouth. The Church does not fight with the weapons of the world. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God.” The army's strength is the Word of their King.
Here the vision touches the ground. The Church goes out into the world clothed in His righteousness, following Him, sharing in His victory.
The Word Applied
You ride with the King, clothed in His righteousness. You do not need the weapons of the world. Follow Jesus closely, and His Word will win the battle.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 110:3 – Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
Joel 2:11 – For his camp is very great.
And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Zechariah 14:5 – And all the saints with thee.
And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 2:6 – And made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Revelation 14:4 – These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
2 Corinthians 10:4 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Revelation 19:15
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
The Sharp Sword
◆ ◆ ◆
“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword.” The sword is His Word. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” Paul calls it “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Jesus does not conquer with steel. He conquers by speaking.
“That with it he should smite the nations.” He smites with His Word, as Isaiah said: “he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth.” The Word cuts through pride and rebellion.
“And he shall rule them with a rod of iron.” Psalm 2 promised the Son, “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron.” His rule cannot be broken.
“And he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” We saw the winepress in 14:19–20. Jesus trod it alone. On the Cross He was crushed under the wrath of God for our sin. The winepress of wrath became the cup of the new covenant.
The Word Applied
The sword of His Word is in His mouth and in yours. Speak His Word with faith. He trod the winepress alone so that you could drink the new wine of His life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 11:4 – And he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth.
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
Psalm 2:9 – Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Isaiah 49:2 – And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword.
And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ephesians 6:17 – And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Revelation 14:19 – The great winepress of the wrath of God.
And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Revelation 19:16
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written.” The name is written where everyone can see it. The vesture is the robe dipped in blood. The thigh is the place of strength, where a warrior wore his sword. It is also the place of covenant oath. Abraham's servant put his hand under his master's thigh to swear. The name is written on the place of strength and of covenant.
“KING OF KINGS.” In 17:14 the Lamb was named “Lord of lords, and King of kings.” Every king of the earth is subject to Him. Only one King remains.
“AND LORD OF LORDS.” He is Lord over every lord. Paul wrote that He is “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” In Him lordship is expressed through priesthood. He rules by laying down His life. His vesture, dipped in blood, carries His title. His throne was won on the Cross.
Here the vision touches the ground. Every believer confesses this name: “Jesus Christ is Lord.” And He has made His people kings and priests unto God.
The Word Applied
Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. Confess His name over your life. His rule is strong and His covenant is sure. Bow to Him, and reign in life through Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 24:2 – Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh.
And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
Psalm 45:3 – Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty.
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
Daniel 2:47 – Your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings.
The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Timothy 6:15 – The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Philippians 2:11 – That Jesus Christ is Lord.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 5:17 – Shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Revelation 19:17
And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
An Angel Standing in the Sun
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God.”
“An angel standing in the sun.” The sun is the place of the Son. Malachi called Him “the Sun of righteousness.” This messenger stands in the full light of Jesus and speaks with His authority.
“Saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven.” The fowls fly in the midst of heaven, where the angel with the everlasting Gospel flew in 14:6. Jesus said that in the kingdom the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.
“Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God.” There are two suppers in Revelation 19. The marriage supper of the Lamb is the feast of the Bride. The supper of the great God is the consuming of everything that opposed Him. The first is fellowship; the second is victory. Both are the fruit of the Cross.
The Last Supper was covenant union with Jesus. The supper of the great God is the triumph that follows: the enemy's works are devoured, and nothing of the old order is left.
The Word Applied
Stand in the light of the Son, and you will see clearly. You are invited to the marriage supper, and you share in His victory over everything that opposed Him. Feast on His triumph.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Malachi 4:2 – Shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Ezekiel 39:17 – Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side.
And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.
Isaiah 34:6 – For the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah.
The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 14:6 – And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven.
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Matthew 13:32 – So that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Revelation 19:9 – Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
Revelation 19:18
That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
The Flesh of Kings
◆ ◆ ◆
“That ye” eat “the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.”
“The flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men.” This is the flesh. It is every power of the flesh that stood against God: the pride of kings, the force of captains and the strength of mighty men. Ezekiel saw the same supper after the defeat of Gog.
“And the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them.” “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” The strength of the flesh is devoured.
“And the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” The flesh of every rank is consumed. “All flesh is grass.”
Jesus said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” There are two kinds of eating. Those who take in His flesh receive life. The flesh that opposed Him is consumed. Taking in Christ brings victory over the works of the enemy.
The Word Applied
Do not trust in the strength of the flesh. Feed on Jesus, the Bread of Life, and the works of the flesh lose their hold on you. His life in you is your victory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 39:18 – Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty.
Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.
Psalm 20:7 – Some trust in chariots, and some in horses.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Isaiah 40:6 – All flesh is grass.
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:53 – Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Galatians 5:24 – They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Romans 8:13 – If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Revelation 19:19
And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
Gathered Together to Make War
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.”
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth.” The beast is the old system of religion joined to world power. The kings of the earth are the natural rulers who served it.
“And their armies, gathered together.” This is the gathering of 16:14 and 16:16. The unclean spirits gathered the kings “to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” It is the gathering of Psalm 2: “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed.”
“To make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.” This is the new covenant against the old. The beast makes war against Jesus and against His people. It has always been so. Saul persecuted the Church, and Jesus said to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” To fight the Church is to fight Christ.
Notice that no battle is described. The armies gather, and in the next verse the beast is simply taken. The battle was already fought and won at the Cross. All that remains is the outcome.
The Word Applied
The powers that gather against Jesus and His people have already lost. You do not need to fear their gathering. The battle was won at the Cross; stand in His victory.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 2:2 – The kings of the earth set themselves.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Joel 3:2 – I will also gather all nations.
I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Isaiah 8:9 – Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 9:4 – Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Revelation 16:14 – To gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Colossians 2:15 – Triumphing over them in it.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Revelation 19:20
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
The Beast Was Taken
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
“And the beast was taken.” The beast is simply seized.
“And with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him.” The false prophet is the second beast of 13:11, the religion of the flesh that looks like the Lamb and speaks like the dragon.
“With which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast.”
“These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” The beast and the false prophet are not people in this vision; they are systems and spirits. They are cast alive, still active, into the fire of God. The lake of fire is the final judgement of everything that opposes Him. “For our God is a consuming fire.” Daniel saw the beast slain, “and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.” The old temple system and its false religion are gone forever.
Here the vision touches the ground: no deception survives the fire of God's truth.
The Word Applied
Every deceiving system and false religion ends in the fire of God's judgement. Hold on to the truth of Jesus. In Him you are free from every mark and every lie.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:11 – And his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Isaiah 30:33 – The breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.
For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 – If there arise among you a prophet.
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;
Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 12:29 – For our God is a consuming fire.
For our God is a consuming fire.
2 Thessalonians 2:8 – Whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Revelation 19:21
And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Slain with the Sword of His Mouth
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”
“And the remnant were slain.” Here “the remnant” means the rest of those who opposed Him, not the faithful remnant of 11:13 and 12:17. They are slain with the sword, and the sword is His Word.
“With the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth.” Hosea gives the key: “Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth.” Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
This is judgement with grace. Paul was once among those who opposed Jesus. On the Damascus road the Word struck him down, and he rose a new man. At the Cross He reconciled us to God in one body, “having slain the enmity thereby.” The sword of His mouth cuts down enmity and makes enemies into sons.
“And all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” The flesh that stood against God is consumed completely. The works of the enemy are devoured, and the Church shares in His victory.
The Word Applied
Let the Word of Jesus cut down everything in you that resists Him. His sword wounds only to heal. The Word that ends the old life is the Word that gives you new life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Hosea 6:5 – I have slain them by the words of my mouth.
Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.
Isaiah 11:4 – And with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
Jeremiah 23:29 – Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD.
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 2:16 – Having slain the enmity thereby.
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
John 6:63 – The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Acts 9:6 – Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Chapter 20
The Thousand Years and the Great White Throne · 15 verses
Revelation 20:1
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
The Key and the Chain
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.”
“An angel come down from heaven.” This is the Sent One again, the Messenger of the covenant. Jesus came down from heaven: “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” He is the One who holds the keys.
“Having the key of the bottomless pit.” At the start of the book Jesus said, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” He took the keys from the enemy by His death and resurrection. The pit that once released smoke and locusts in chapter 9 is now under His lock.
“And a great chain in his hand.” The chain is the authority of His word and His finished work. What was loosed against men is now bound by Him.
Here the vision touches the ground. Nothing that comes against you is free to do as it pleases. Every dark power is on His chain, and the key is in the hand that was pierced for you.
The Word Applied
Jesus holds the key. Whatever has tried to rule your life is already on His chain. Rest in the hand that holds all authority, and do not fear the pit or anything that comes out of it.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 22:22 – And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder.
And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
Psalm 68:18 – Thou hast led captivity captive.
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Isaiah 61:1 – The opening of the prison to them that are bound.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:18 – And have the keys of hell and of death.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
John 6:38 – For I came down from heaven.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Ephesians 4:8 – He led captivity captive.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Revelation 20:2
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
The Dragon Bound
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.”
“And he laid hold on the dragon.” The enemy is named four ways: dragon, old serpent, Devil and Satan. The serpent of Eden, the accuser, the deceiver and the destroyer are all one, and Jesus has laid hold of him.
“And bound him.” Jesus told how this would happen: “Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man.” The binding happened at the Cross. “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
“A thousand years.” A thousand is the full and complete measure. “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years.” The thousand years are the whole age of His reign, beginning at the Cross and resurrection. It is the time of the gospel, when the strong man is bound and his goods are being taken from him every day as people come to Jesus.
Here the vision touches the ground. The devil is not loose to do what he wants. Every soul set free is proof that the strong man is bound.
The Word Applied
The enemy is bound. Do not give him more power in your thinking than Jesus has left him. Walk in the freedom of the gospel age and plunder his house by bringing people to Jesus.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:15 – It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 49:25 – Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away.
But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
Psalm 90:4 – For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Matthew 12:29 – Except he first bind the strong man.
Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
Colossians 2:15 – Triumphing over them in it.
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
2 Peter 3:8 – One day is with the Lord as a thousand years.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Hebrews 2:14 – Him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Revelation 20:3
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Shut Up and Sealed
◆ ◆ ◆
“And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”
“And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him.” The seal is the seal of God. Now God seals the enemy in, and no one can break His seal.
“That he should deceive the nations no more.” Before the Cross the nations sat in darkness. God had chosen one nation, and the rest walked in their own ways. Now the gospel goes to all nations. “The people which sat in darkness saw great light.” Satan can no longer keep the nations blind, for the light of the Lamb shines to the ends of the earth.
“And after that he must be loosed a little season.” Even his release is measured. It is a little season, and it is under God’s “must.” He is never out of the hand of God.
Here the vision touches the ground. The nations are open to the gospel. No people group is shut out, no culture is too dark, for the deceiver has been sealed away from them.
The Word Applied
Preach Jesus to every nation with confidence. The deceiver can no longer keep the nations blind. Whatever little season of trouble comes, it is measured and limited by God.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 9:2 – The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
Isaiah 60:3 – And the Gentiles shall come to thy light.
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Daniel 6:17 – And the king sealed it with his own signet.
And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 4:16 – The people which sat in darkness saw great light.
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
Matthew 28:19 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Acts 26:18 – To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Thrones
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them.” These are the thrones of the saints. God “made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.”
“For the witness of Jesus.” The Greek word is martureō, to bear witness, and the witness is martus, the word from which we have “martyr.” A martus is one who is wholly devoted to Jesus in word and in action. Jesus Himself is “the faithful witness,” and He made His people the same: “ye shall be witnesses unto me.” Their witness was never words only: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
“Them that were beheaded.” These are the faithful witnesses whose devotion held even unto death. The word to Smyrna was, “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Of the brethren it is written, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Their faith did not bend when the sword came. In the spirit the old head is gone and Christ is their Head: “And he is the head of the body, the church.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Rome and the rulers who hated the gospel lifted the sword against the witnesses, as against “Antipas,” the “faithful martyr.” The sword touched their bodies, but it never touched their life. John does not see dead men; he sees souls on thrones. “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
“Which had not worshipped the beast.” Their thinking and their doing belonged to God, so the mark found no place on forehead or hand.
“And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” They lived. The faithful witnesses reign with Him through the whole age of the gospel, from the Cross onward. “Christ liveth in me.”
The Word Applied
Be a witness of Jesus in word and in action. Let your faith stand when it costs you everything. Your life is hid with Christ, and in Him you live and reign now; no sword can touch that life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:22 – And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
Daniel 3:17 – Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
Psalm 149:5 – Let the saints be joyful in glory.
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
Acts 1:8 – Ye shall be witnesses unto me.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Revelation 2:10 – Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
John 11:26 – And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Ephesians 2:6 – And made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Revelation 20:5
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
The First Resurrection
◆ ◆ ◆
“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.”
“But the rest of the dead.” Scripture calls those without Christ dead while they still walk the earth. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” The rest of the dead are those who have not yet received His life.
“Lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” The life of the age is found only in Jesus. Outside of Him there is no living again. Yet the door is open for the whole thousand years.
“This is the first resurrection.” The first resurrection is the new birth. Jesus said, “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” He said, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” Resurrection is not only a future event; it is a Person, and whoever receives Him rises with Him now. New life is immediate. “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Every person who hears His voice passes from death to life at that moment.
The Word Applied
If you have heard His voice, you have already risen. You have passed from death to life. Do not wait for a future day to live; the resurrection life of Jesus is yours now.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 37:5 – I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.
Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
Isaiah 26:19 – Thy dead men shall live.
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Hosea 6:2 – In the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 5:25 – The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Ephesians 2:1 – Who were dead in trespasses and sins.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
John 11:25 – I am the resurrection, and the life.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
John 5:24 – But is passed from death unto life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Revelation 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.
Blessed and Holy
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection.” To share in the first resurrection is to share in Jesus Himself. Holiness is not earned; it is given in the One who rose.
“On such the second death hath no power.” The believer is beyond the reach of death. Jesus said at the start, “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” “O death, where is thy sting.” The sting was taken at the Cross.
“But they shall be priests of God and of Christ.” The priesthood of the old temple belonged to one tribe. Now every believer is a priest. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood.”
“And shall reign with him a thousand years.” The reign is the same reign of the gospel age. We reign in life through Jesus Christ.
Here the vision touches the ground. Death has no power over you. You are a priest in His presence today and you reign with Him.
The Word Applied
Death has no power over you. You share in His resurrection, you stand as a priest before God, and you reign in life through Jesus. Live today without the fear of death.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 19:6 – And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Isaiah 61:6 – But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD.
But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
Hosea 13:14 – O death, I will be thy plagues.
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Revelation 2:11 – He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
1 Peter 2:5 – An holy priesthood.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17 – Shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
1 Corinthians 15:55 – O death, where is thy sting.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Revelation 20:7
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Loosed out of His Prison
◆ ◆ ◆
“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.”
“And when the thousand years are expired.” The thousand years are a complete measure set by God. God wrote the timetable before the war began.
“Satan shall be loosed out of his prison.” The prison is his, built by God. He goes out only when God allows it. Even when he is loosed, he is a defeated foe on a short leash.
Why would God let him out at all? Because God always brings every hidden thing into the open. The rebellion still hidden in the hearts of men is drawn out and exposed so that it can be ended for good. In Egypt God hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that His glory would be seen when the Red Sea closed. In the same way, the loosing of Satan serves the final showing of God’s glory.
The believer does not fear this. Jesus said, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Whatever is loosed, the believer is kept.
Here the vision touches the ground. When darkness seems to surge again, know that it is only exposing itself before it falls.
The Word Applied
When evil seems to break loose, do not be shaken. It has been allowed out only to be exposed and ended. You are kept by the Father in the name of Jesus.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 14:4 – And I will be honoured upon Pharaoh.
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.
Psalm 76:10 – Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee.
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.
Job 1:12 – Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 17:15 – But that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
Luke 12:2 – For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed.
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
1 John 5:18 – And that wicked one toucheth him not.
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Revelation 20:8
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Gog and Magog
◆ ◆ ◆
“And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.”
“And shall go out to deceive the nations.” Deception is his only weapon. He can only lie.
“Which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog.” Ezekiel saw Gog of the land of Magog come against God’s people “in the latter days,” “like a cloud to cover the land.” Gog and Magog are the name for every gathering of the nations against God. In Ezekiel the end of Gog was the revealing of God’s holiness: “And I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.”
“The number of whom is as the sand of the sea.” The opposition looks endless. But God promised Abraham a seed “as the sand which is upon the sea shore.” The true seed is in Christ. The counterfeit multitude is gathered, but the true multitude is counted by God.
Here the vision touches the ground. Numbers do not decide the battle. One with God is a majority.
The Word Applied
Do not measure the battle by the size of the crowd against you. Gog gathers many, but God has already decided the end. Stand with the Lord and you stand on the winning side.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 38:9 – Like a cloud to cover the land.
Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.
Ezekiel 38:23 – And they shall know that I am the LORD.
Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Psalm 2:2 – The kings of the earth set themselves.
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 4:26 – The kings of the earth stood up.
The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Romans 8:31 – If God be for us, who can be against us.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
2 Corinthians 11:14 – For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Revelation 20:9
And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
The Camp of the Saints
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.”
“And compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city.” The camp of the saints is the Church, the people of God on the move like Israel in the wilderness, with the tabernacle in the centre. The beloved city is the Bride, the New Jerusalem. The world has always surrounded God’s people. But Elisha said, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”
“And fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” The fire is God’s answer. The fire of God came at Pentecost and three thousand enemies of Jesus became His people. God’s fire destroys the rebellion and saves the rebel who bows. “For our God is a consuming fire.” What is consumed is the opposition. Judgement and grace meet in the same fire.
Here the vision touches the ground. When you are surrounded, look up. The fire of God is on your side, and it comes down from heaven at His word.
The Word Applied
When you feel surrounded, remember you are in the camp of the saints and the city He loves. You do not have to fight in your own strength. Let the fire of God deal with what comes against you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
2 Kings 6:16 – For they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
1 Kings 18:38 – Then the fire of the LORD fell.
Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
Zechariah 2:5 – For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about.
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 12:29 – For our God is a consuming fire.
For our God is a consuming fire.
Acts 2:3 – Cloven tongues like as of fire.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Luke 12:49 – I am come to send fire on the earth.
I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
The Devil Cast Out
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
“And the devil that deceived them.” His title is his crime. From Eden onward his work has been deception. Jesus said, “He is a liar, and the father of it.”
“Was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.” The lake of fire was “prepared for the devil and his angels.” It was never prepared for people. God did not create anyone for destruction. The devil goes where the beast and the false prophet already are: the systems he built go before him, and he follows them.
“And shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The accuser accused the brethren “day and night.” Now the same measure returns on him. He who gave no rest has no rest. The judgement is final and it is complete.
This is the end of the enemy. The Cross sealed this end, and this verse shows it in full.
Here the vision touches the ground. Your enemy has no future. Every lie he told you is cast out with him. You do not need to listen to the voice of the one whose end is already written.
The Word Applied
Your accuser has no future. His lies have been judged and his end is sealed. Refuse his voice and listen to the One who speaks truth and life over you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 27:1 – The LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan.
In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
Genesis 3:15 – It shall bruise thy head.
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Ezekiel 28:18 – Therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee.
Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 25:41 – Prepared for the devil and his angels.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
John 8:44 – For he is a liar, and the father of it.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Romans 16:20 – And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Revelation 20:11
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
The Great White Throne
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.”
“And I saw a great white throne.” The Father and the Lamb are one. Jesus said, “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”
The Judge on the throne is the One who died for the judged. The throne of judgement is also the throne of grace. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” For the believer, this throne holds no terror, because the Judge has already borne the sentence.
“From whose face the earth and the heaven fled away.” The old order cannot stand before His face. The writer of Hebrews said that God would shake “not the earth only, but also heaven,” so that “those things which cannot be shaken” would remain. The old heaven and earth of the law and the temple fled away before the face of Jesus.
Here the vision touches the ground. Everything false in your life flees from His face. What remains is what He has built.
The Word Applied
Come boldly to His throne. The Judge is your Saviour, and He has already carried your sentence. Let everything of the old order flee before His face, and stand in what cannot be shaken.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:9 – His throne was like the fiery flame.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Psalm 97:2 – Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
Psalm 114:3 – The sea saw it, and fled.
The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 5:22 – But hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 12:26 – Not the earth only, but also heaven.
Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
The Books Opened
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
“And I saw the dead, small and great.” Who are the dead? Scripture names them: those “dead in trespasses and sins.” Believers are not among the dead. Jesus said, “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” The believer “is passed from death unto life.” Those who stand here as dead are those who never received His life, small and great alike.
“Stand before God.” Every man stands before God, the great and the small. No title protects and no poverty hides. Kings and slaves stand on the same ground.
“And the books were opened.” The books are the record of works. Every man who stands on his own works is measured by them, and every one falls short. “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.”
“And another book was opened, which is the book of life.” This book is the Lamb’s. Names are written there by grace, not by works. Jesus told His disciples, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
“According to their works.” The work God asks for was named by Jesus: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” The believer’s works are “wrought in God.” He has no record of sin to answer for, because “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
The book of life is open to all. The books of works condemn the flesh, but the book of life holds every name that comes to Jesus. Nobody is turned away who comes. Only flesh and will refuse. Jesus said, “And ye will not come to me.”
Here the vision touches the ground. You do not stand among the dead. Your name is in the Lamb’s book, and your work is to believe on Him. Judgement for you is already settled in His favour.
The Word Applied
Your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. You are not among the dead; you have passed from death to life. Stop measuring yourself by the books of works and rest in what He has written about you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 7:10 – The judgment was set, and the books were opened.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Psalm 69:28 – Let them be blotted out of the book of the living.
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
Daniel 12:1 – Every one that shall be found written in the book.
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Witness of the New Testament · 5
Ephesians 2:1 – Who were dead in trespasses and sins.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Matthew 22:32 – God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
John 6:29 – This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Luke 10:20 – Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Hebrews 8:12 – And their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Revelation 20:13
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Death and Hell Delivered Up
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it.” In prophecy the sea is the restless mass of nations. “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.” Nothing hidden in the sea of humanity is lost to God.
“And death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them.” They hold nothing that God does not call out of them. Jesus holds their keys. When He speaks, they must deliver up what they hold.
For the believer, death and hell hold nothing. Jesus said, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church is not in the grip of death; it storms the gates of death with the gospel.
“And they were judged every man according to their works.” Each one stands on his own ground, unless he stands on the ground of Jesus. In Him the believer stands on the work of another: the finished work of the Cross.
Here the vision touches the ground. Nothing is hidden from God and no one is forgotten by Him.
The Word Applied
No one is lost or forgotten by God. Stand on the work of Jesus, not your own. Death and hell hold nothing over you, because the One with the keys is your Lord.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 57:20 – But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Isaiah 26:19 – And the earth shall cast out the dead.
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Psalm 139:8 – If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:18 – And have the keys of hell and of death.
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Matthew 16:18 – And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Romans 14:12 – So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Revelation 20:14
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
The Death of Death
◆ ◆ ◆
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.” Death itself is thrown away. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” The grave does not win. Death dies.
Death entered through Adam. But Jesus came “that through death he” would destroy “him that had the power of death.” He went into death, and death could not hold Him. Now the vision shows the end of the matter: death and hell are thrown into the fire like rubbish.
“This is the second death.” The first death was the death that came through sin. The second death is the death of death. It is the final end of everything that is against God. Paul says, “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
For the believer this is pure good news. The believer never dies, because the One who is the life lives in him. And now the very thing that men feared most is gone. “Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Death has no future. Its power over you was broken at the Cross, and this verse shows it destroyed for good.
The Word Applied
Death has no future. It was defeated at the Cross and it is cast away for ever. Live without the fear of death, because the life of Jesus in you can never end.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death in victory.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Hosea 13:14 – O grave, I will be thy destruction.
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Psalm 16:10 – For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Corinthians 15:26 – The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
2 Timothy 1:10 – Who hath abolished death.
But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
1 Corinthians 15:54 – Death is swallowed up in victory.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Acts 2:24 – Because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Revelation 20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Not Found Written
◆ ◆ ◆
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life.” This verse is a warning, and it is also an invitation. The same word, whosoever, opens the door of grace: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Whosoever believes is written. Whosoever refuses is not.
The book of life is not closed to anyone who comes. The Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world, and the names were written in Him before time began. The door is open, and God is “not willing that any should perish.”
“Was cast into the lake of fire.” What is cast out is everything that would not be found in Christ. Only flesh and will refuse.
Judgement in Revelation always comes with grace beside it. The fire is real, and so is the open door. The choice is always now: “behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Your name is not found by chance. It is written in Him the moment you believe, and no one can blot it out.
The Word Applied
Whosoever believes is written in the book of life. If you have come to Jesus, your name is there. Then go and tell others, so that the same whosoever reaches them.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 32:33 – Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
Ezekiel 33:11 – I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Isaiah 45:22 – Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 3:16 – That whosoever believeth in him should not perish.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2 Peter 3:9 – Not willing that any should perish.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Behold, now is the day of salvation.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Revelation 3:5 – I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Chapter 21
The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb · 27 verses
Revelation 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.
All Things New
◆ ◆ ◆
“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 I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” Isaiah heard God say, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered.” The new creation began when Jesus rose. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
“For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” The first heaven and earth were the old covenant order: the law, the temple, the priesthood and the sacrifices. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” At the Cross it passed, and in AD 70 its last shadow was removed.
“And there was no more sea.” In the temple, the great brazen sea stood for washing. It is no longer needed, because we are washed once and for all in His blood.
Here the vision touches the ground. The believer lives in the new creation now. You are not waiting for a new world to begin; in Christ it has already begun in you.
The Word Applied
You are a new creation. The old order has passed away. Do not go back to the shadows of the law; live in the new heaven and new earth that Jesus opened at the Cross.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 65:17 – For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth.
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Isaiah 57:20 – But the wicked are like the troubled sea.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
1 Kings 7:23 – And he made a molten sea.
And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Hebrews 8:13 – Is ready to vanish away.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Matthew 24:35 – But my words shall not pass away.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Revelation 21:2
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
The Bride Adorned
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem.” The city is not a place of bricks. The angel will soon say, “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife,” and then he shows John the city. The city is the Bride. The New Jerusalem is the people of God, the Church, joined to Jesus.
Paul wrote, “But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Hebrews says, “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” Notice the words: ye are come. The believer is already a citizen of this city. It is not far away in time; it is present wherever Jesus lives in His people.
In chapter 17 we saw two women and two cities: the harlot, which was the old Jerusalem that killed her prophets, and the Bride, the new Jerusalem that comes from God. The old city was built by men and fell. The new city comes down from heaven and stands for ever.
“Coming down from God out of heaven.” The Bride is not built from below. She is born from above. Every believer is “born again” of water and of the Spirit. Her life, her beauty and her holiness all come from God.
“Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” The Bride is prepared by her Husband. “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” He adorns her with His own righteousness, as Isaiah sang: “he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
Here the vision touches the ground. You are part of the city. When God looks at His Church He sees a Bride, made ready, adorned and loved. Your worth is not in what you build but in what He has made you.
The Word Applied
You are the Bride, the holy city that comes down from God. You are already come to the heavenly Jerusalem. Let His love define you, and wear the robe of righteousness He has given you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 61:10 – He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 62:5 – As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
Psalm 87:3 – Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
Galatians 4:26 – But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Hebrews 12:22 – But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Ephesians 5:25 – Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
John 3:3 – Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:3
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.
The Tabernacle of God
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men.” The tabernacle in the wilderness was a tent where God met His people, but only the high priest could enter the holiest, once a year. Now the tabernacle of God is with men. John wrote, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” The word dwelt means pitched His tent. Jesus is the tabernacle.
“And he will dwell with them.” God said through Paul, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
“And God himself shall be with them.” This is the meaning of Emmanuel, God with us. The promise of the whole Bible is fulfilled in one sentence. From Eden, where God walked with Adam, to the tabernacle, to the temple, to the body of Jesus, to the Church, the story is one story: God coming to live with His people.
Here the vision touches the ground. You do not have to go to a building to meet God. He has made His home in you.
The Word Applied
God lives with you and in you. You are His tabernacle. Talk to Him today as One who is near, and walk with Him as His own.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 29:45 – And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
Leviticus 26:12 – And I will walk among you, and will be your God.
And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
Ezekiel 37:27 – My tabernacle also shall be with them.
My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 1:14 – And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
2 Corinthians 6:16 – I will dwell in them, and walk in them.
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Matthew 1:23 – God with us.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Revelation 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.
No More Tears
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” It is God Himself who wipes the tears. Isaiah promised, “And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.”
“And there shall be no more death.” Jesus said, “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” In the city of God there is no death, because the city is the people who have His life.
“Neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Jesus carried our sorrow. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” He took the pain into His own body on the Cross so that it would not rule His people.
“For the former things are passed away.” The former things belong to the old order. The new order is life, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost.
Here the vision touches the ground. Believers still meet trouble in this world, but sorrow is not the master of their lives. The Comforter lives in them, and every tear is known and wiped away by a loving hand. Jesus said, “Your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”
The Word Applied
Bring your tears to the Father. He wipes them away Himself. Sorrow does not have the last word in your life; His joy does.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 25:8 – And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 53:4 – Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isaiah 35:10 – And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 11:26 – Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 16:20 – But your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Romans 14:17 – But righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Revelation 21:5
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.
Behold, I Make All Things New
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And he that sat upon the throne said.” For the first time in the book, the One on the throne speaks directly. His first words are a promise.
“Behold, I make all things new.” He does not make new things only; He makes all things new. He takes what is broken and renews it. He took a thief on a cross and made him a citizen of paradise that same day. He took Saul the persecutor and made him Paul the apostle. Nothing is beyond His making new.
Notice the present tense. I make. It is happening now. Every time a person comes to Jesus, the throne is at work, making all things new. “The inward man is renewed day by day.”
“Write: for these words are true and faithful.” God tells John to write it down because it is certain. These words are faithful and true, like the Rider on the white horse who bears that name. All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen.
Here the vision touches the ground. Whatever is old, tired or broken in your life is not beyond His touch. He is making it new.
The Word Applied
Bring Him what is broken. He makes all things new, and He is doing it now. Believe His words, because they are true and faithful.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 43:19 – Behold, I will do a new thing.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Lamentations 3:23 – They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Ezekiel 36:26 – A new heart also will I give you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 4:16 – Yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 1:20 – For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Luke 23:43 – To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Revelation 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.
It Is Done
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“It is done.” We heard these words at the seventh vial. They echo the cry from the Cross: “It is finished.” Everything needed for the new creation was completed there. Nothing is left to add.
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” He who began the work finishes it. Paul wrote, “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it.”
“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” The finished work leads straight to a free gift. Jesus said to the woman at the well, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.”
Freely means without price. Isaiah called, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat.” The only qualification is thirst.
Here the vision touches the ground. If you are thirsty for God, that thirst is your invitation. Come and drink. It is done, and it is free.
The Word Applied
The work is done and the water is free. Bring your thirst to Jesus and drink deeply of His Spirit today. You do not have to earn what He gives freely.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:1 – Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isaiah 44:6 – I am the first, and I am the last.
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Psalm 36:9 – For with thee is the fountain of life.
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 19:30 – It is finished.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
John 4:14 – Shall never thirst.
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
John 7:37 – If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
Philippians 1:6 – He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Revelation 21:7
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
He That Overcometh
◆ ◆ ◆
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”
“He that overcometh.” Seven times in the letters to the churches Jesus promised blessings to him that overcometh. Now the promise is summed up in one sentence. Who overcomes? “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The overcomer is the believer, born of God.
“Shall inherit all things.” An inheritance is not earned; it is received because of who you are. Sons inherit. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” Everything that belongs to Jesus is shared with His people.
“And I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” This is the heart of the covenant. God promised David concerning his seed, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son.” That promise was fulfilled in Jesus, and in Jesus it reaches every believer. We are not servants hoping for wages; we are sons and daughters at home.
Here the vision touches the ground. You overcome by faith in Jesus. You do not fight for your inheritance; you receive it as a son.
The Word Applied
You are an overcomer because you are born of God. Your faith in Jesus is the victory. Live as a son or daughter who will inherit all things, not as a servant afraid of losing his place.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
2 Samuel 7:14 – I will be his father, and he shall be my son.
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
Psalm 2:8 – And I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psalm 16:5 – The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance.
The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 John 5:4 – And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Romans 8:17 – And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Galatians 4:7 – Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Revelation 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.
Outside the City
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“But the fearful, and unbelieving.” The list begins with fear and unbelief. Israel could not enter the land “because of unbelief.” Fear and unbelief refuse the gift. They are the flesh and will saying no to God.
“And the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars.” Paul gave a similar list and then wrote, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This list is not a record of the believer. It is the old man, and the old man has been crucified with Christ.
“Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” Everything that belongs to the flesh ends in the fire.
There is grace even here: every name in this list can be washed.
Here the vision touches the ground. If your past is on this list, look at the words such were some of you. The blood of Jesus has moved you from the list to the city.
The Word Applied
Your past does not define you. Such were some of you, but you are washed, sanctified and justified. Refuse fear and unbelief, and walk as one who belongs inside the city.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 78:22 – Because they believed not in God.
Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
Isaiah 1:18 – Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man bringeth a snare.
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 6:11 – And such were some of you: but ye are washed.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Hebrews 3:19 – So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Romans 6:6 – Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Revelation 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.
Come Hither
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“One of the seven angels which had the seven vials.” The same angel who poured out judgement now shows the Bride. Judgement and grace come from the same hand. The vials were poured out on the old order so that the Bride would be revealed.
In chapter 17 one of these angels said to John, “Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore.” Now he says, “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride.” The harlot rode the beast; the Bride is joined to the Lamb.
“The bride, the Lamb’s wife.” She is the wife of the Lamb, the One who was slain. Paul wrote, “For I have espoused you to one husband.”
The Lamb’s wife is the fruit of the Cross. As Eve was taken from the side of Adam while he slept, the Bride was taken from the pierced side of Jesus, from which came blood and water.
Here the vision touches the ground. You belong to the Lamb. Your identity is not first a servant or a worker, but a Bride.
The Word Applied
See yourself as the Lamb sees you: His Bride, chosen and loved. The same hand that judged the old order has prepared you for Himself. Live in the joy of that union.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 2:22 – And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman.
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Isaiah 54:5 – For thy Maker is thine husband.
For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
Song of Solomon 4:7 – Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 17:1 – Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore.
And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
John 19:34 – And forthwith came there out blood and water.
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
Ephesians 5:32 – But I speak concerning Christ and the church.
This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Revelation 21:10
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,
A Great and High Mountain
◆ ◆ ◆
“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 he carried me away in the spirit.” To see the Bride, John must be in the spirit. In chapter 17 he was carried into the wilderness to see the harlot. Now he is carried to a mountain to see the Bride.
“To a great and high mountain.” Isaiah prophesied, “the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains.” The stone of Daniel 2 “became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” That stone is Jesus, and His kingdom is the mountain. The Bride is seen from the height of His kingdom.
“And shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem.” In chapter 11 the great city was the old Jerusalem, “where also our Lord was crucified.” Now the great city is the holy Jerusalem. The name has passed from the old to the new.
Here the vision touches the ground. To see the Church as God sees it, rise into the spirit. From the mountain of His kingdom the Bride is glorious.
The Word Applied
Ask God to lift you into the spirit so you see His Church as He sees it. From His mountain the Bride is holy and glorious. Do not judge her only by what the natural eye sees.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 2:2 – The mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Ezekiel 40:2 – And set me upon a very high mountain.
In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.
Daniel 2:35 – Became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 17:3 – So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness.
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Revelation 11:8 – Where also our Lord was crucified.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Hebrews 12:22 – But ye are come unto mount Sion.
But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Revelation 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;
Having the Glory of God
◆ ◆ ◆
“Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.”
“Having the glory of God.” The Bride carries the glory of God. In the old temple the glory filled the house so that the priests could not stand. Ezekiel saw the glory leave the temple, and later saw it return “from the way of the east.” Now the glory dwells in the Bride. Jesus prayed, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them.”
“And her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone.” In chapter 4, the One on the throne was “to look upon like a jasper.” The Bride now shines with the same light. She is like her Husband. “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.”
“Clear as crystal.” There is nothing hidden in her, no mixture and no darkness. Her light is His light shining through her.
The harlot was decked with gold and precious stones on the outside. The Bride is glorious from within.
Here the vision touches the ground. The glory that filled the temple now fills you. Let it shine clearly, without mixture.
The Word Applied
The glory of God rests on you. You are being changed into His image from glory to glory. Let His light shine through you clearly, with nothing to hide.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 43:2 – The glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.
Isaiah 60:1 – Arise, shine; for thy light is come.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
2 Chronicles 5:14 – For the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 17:22 – And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
2 Corinthians 3:18 – Are changed into the same image from glory to glory.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Revelation 4:3 – And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper.
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.
Revelation 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:
Twelve Gates
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And had a wall great and high.” The wall is the protection of God around His people. “Thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” The Lord Himself is “a wall of fire round about” His city.
“And had twelve gates.” A wall keeps the enemy out, but gates let people in. This city is not closed. It has twelve gates, and they open in every direction.
“And names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” The tribes in the gates are the tribes of chapter 7, the 144,000, drawn from every nation. Their names carry the story of the whole family of Jacob: Reuben who lost his place, Judah the lion, Joseph the fruitful bough, Benjamin the son of the right hand. Brokenness and grace stand together in the gates. The natural Israel was the doorway through which the spiritual Israel came.
Here the vision touches the ground. You enter the city through grace, the same grace that carried the broken family of Jacob.
The Word Applied
God has walled you in with salvation and opened the gates with grace. Whatever your story, there is a gate with your name on it. Enter with praise.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 60:18 – But thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
Zechariah 2:5 – Will be unto her a wall of fire round about.
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.
Ezekiel 48:31 – And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel.
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.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 6:16 – And upon the Israel of God.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Romans 2:29 – But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly.
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
John 10:9 – I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Revelation 21:13
On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
Gates on Every Side
◆ ◆ ◆
“On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.”
“On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.” The city opens to every direction of the earth. In the wilderness the twelve tribes camped around the tabernacle, three on each side. God was in the middle and His people were all around Him. The New Jerusalem has the same shape, but now the gates face outward to the whole world.
Jesus said, “And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.” The gospel is for every nation. There is no side of the earth that is far from a gate.
The east comes first. The glory of God comes from the east, and the Sun of righteousness rises with healing in His wings. The gate toward the rising sun reminds us that Jesus is the dayspring from on high.
Here the vision touches the ground. Wherever you come from, you are near a gate. No background and no nation is too far from the city of God.
The Word Applied
Wherever you come from, there is a gate facing you. God welcomes every nation and every person. Come in, and invite others from every direction to come too.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Numbers 2:2 – Far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.
Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father’s house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.
Isaiah 49:12 – Behold, these shall come from far.
Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.
Malachi 4:2 – Shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Luke 13:29 – And they shall come from the east, and from the west.
And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luke 1:78 – Whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
Acts 10:34 – God is no respecter of persons.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Revelation 21:14
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Twelve Foundations
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations.” The gates bear the names of the tribes, and the foundations bear the names of the apostles. The old covenant and the new covenant are joined in one city.
“And in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Paul wrote that the household of God is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” The apostles laid the foundation by preaching Jesus. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Their names are on the foundations because their message is Jesus.
They are the apostles “of the Lamb.” Their authority came from the slain Lamb, not from themselves. They were fishermen and tax collectors, weak and ordinary men. Yet grace made them foundations.
The twelve tribes and the twelve apostles together make twenty-four, the number of the elders around the throne in chapter 4.
Here the vision touches the ground. Your life is built on the same foundation: the gospel of the Lamb, preached by the apostles.
The Word Applied
Build your life on the foundation of the apostles: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Grace turned ordinary men into foundations, and the same grace is building you into His city.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 28:16 – Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone.
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Psalm 87:1 – His foundation is in the holy mountains.
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
Isaiah 54:11 – And lay thy foundations with sapphires.
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Ephesians 2:20 – And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
1 Corinthians 3:11 – For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Acts 3:6 – Silver and gold have I none.
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Revelation 21:15
And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
The Golden Reed
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.”
“And he that talked with me had a golden reed.” In chapter 11 John was given “a reed like unto a rod” and told to measure the temple of God. Now the reed is golden. Gold speaks of the divine nature. The city is measured by the standard of God Himself.
Ezekiel saw a man “with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed.” Zechariah saw a man with a measuring line going to measure Jerusalem, and the angel said Jerusalem would be “inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men.” The city of God is too large to be held by walls of stone.
“To measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.” To measure is to claim as His own.
Measuring also shows that the Bride is complete. Nothing is lacking. “And ye are complete in him.” The golden reed finds no shortfall, because the city is built by God and filled with Christ.
Here the vision touches the ground. God does not measure you by the reed of the law, which always finds you short. He measures you by the golden reed of Christ, and in Him you are complete.
The Word Applied
God measures you by Jesus, not by your performance. In Him you are complete. Rest in the golden standard of His grace.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 40:3 – With a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed.
And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
Zechariah 2:4 – Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls.
And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:
Zechariah 2:1 – Behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.
I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 11:1 – And there was given me a reed like unto a rod.
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Colossians 2:10 – And ye are complete in him.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
2 Peter 1:4 – Partakers of the divine nature.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Revelation 21:16
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.
The City Lieth Foursquare
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And the city lieth foursquare.” The city is a perfect square, and the next words show it is a perfect cube: “The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” There was only one cube in the temple of Solomon: the holy of holies. “And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof.”
The holy of holies was the place of God’s presence, where only the high priest went once a year with blood. Now the whole city is the holy of holies. The veil was torn at the Cross, and the presence of God is open to every believer.
“Twelve thousand furlongs.” Twelve is the number of God’s people, and a thousand is fullness. Twelve thousand is the full measure of God’s people. The city is as great as the multitude no man could number.
Here the vision touches the ground. You live in the holy of holies. You do not stand outside the veil; you dwell in the presence of God, made holy by the blood of Jesus.
The city lieth foursquare: the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal
The Word Applied
You live in the holiest place. The veil is torn, and God has made His whole people His dwelling. Come boldly into His presence every day.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
1 Kings 6:20 – And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length.
And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
Leviticus 16:2 – That he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
Ezekiel 48:20 – Ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare.
All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 10:19 – Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Matthew 27:51 – And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
Ephesians 3:18 – What is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height.
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Revelation 21:17
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.
An Hundred and Forty and Four Cubits
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“An hundred and forty and four cubits.” A hundred and forty-four is twelve times twelve. It is the number of God’s people multiplied by itself, the same number behind the 144,000 of chapters 7 and 14. The wall of the city is measured by the people of God from every nation.
“According to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.” The measure of a man and of the angel is the same. The Man is the Messenger. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Jesus is the Sent One and the true Man. The city is measured by Him.
Paul prayed that the Church would come “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” The measure of the Bride is the measure of Christ. She is not measured by the weakness of Adam but by the fullness of Jesus.
Here the vision touches the ground. The wall around you is made of the people of God. You are not alone. And your measure is not your own strength, but the stature of Christ in you.
The Word Applied
Your measure is the measure of Christ. You stand with God’s people from every nation as part of His wall. Grow up into Him in all things.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 26:1 – Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
Jeremiah 1:18 – For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city.
For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.
Zechariah 2:5 – Will be unto her a wall of fire round about.
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Timothy 2:5 – The man Christ Jesus.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Ephesians 4:13 – Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Revelation 7:9 – A great multitude, which no man could number.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 21:18
And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
Jasper and Pure Gold
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.”
“And the building of the wall of it was of jasper.” The One on the throne was “like a jasper.” The wall of the city is built of His likeness. The protection of the Bride is God Himself.
“And the city was pure gold.” Gold in the tabernacle covered the ark, the table and the lampstand. Gold speaks of the divine nature, tried and pure. Peter speaks of faith “much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire.” The Bride has been through the fire of trial, and what remains is pure.
“Like unto clear glass.” Normal gold is not clear. This gold is transparent. In the temple, gold covered and concealed. In the New Jerusalem, gold reveals. The divine nature in the believer does not hide God; it shows Him.
“Partakers of the divine nature,” Peter wrote. The life of God has entered His people, and it shines through them like light through clear glass.
Here the vision touches the ground. God is making you pure and transparent. As He works in you, His light passes through your life to others, without mixture and without a mask.
The Word Applied
Let God make you transparent. You share in His divine nature; let it shine through you without a mask. The fire that tries you only makes the gold more pure.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 25:11 – And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold.
And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
Job 23:10 – When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Malachi 3:3 – And purge them as gold and silver.
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Peter 1:7 – Much more precious than of gold that perisheth.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
2 Peter 1:4 – Partakers of the divine nature.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Revelation 21:19
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;
Precious Stones
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“Garnished with all manner of precious stones.” The foundations shine with twelve stones. These are the stones of the high priest’s breastplate. Aaron carried twelve stones on his heart, each engraved with the name of a tribe, “for a memorial before the LORD continually.”
Now the stones are the foundations of the city. Our High Priest carries His people on His heart. The Bride is built on what was once worn over the heart of the priest. Every believer is a precious stone, set in place by Jesus.
“The first foundation was jasper.” Jasper is the stone of the throne. “The second, sapphire.” Under the feet of the God of Israel on Sinai was “a paved work of a sapphire stone.” “The third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald.” The emerald is the colour of the rainbow round the throne, the sign of covenant mercy.
Peter wrote, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.”
Here the vision touches the ground. You are a precious stone in the foundation of God’s city. Jesus carries you on His heart before the Father.
The Word Applied
You are precious to God. Jesus carries your name on His heart as the High Priest carried the stones. Let His grace polish you as a living stone in His house.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 28:29 – Upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place.
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.
Exodus 24:10 – As it were a paved work of a sapphire stone.
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
Isaiah 54:11 – And lay thy foundations with sapphires.
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Peter 2:5 – Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Revelation 4:3 – And there was a rainbow round about the throne.
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.
Hebrews 4:15 – For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Revelation 21:20
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.
Twelve Foundations Complete
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius.” The sardius stone was the first stone on Aaron’s breastplate, and the One on the throne was like “a sardine stone.” It is red, the colour of blood. The foundation of the city carries the colour of the blood of the Lamb.
“The seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz.” Each stone is different. God does not make His people the same. Every colour shines in its own way, and every one reflects the same light.
“The tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.” The list ends with the amethyst, a purple stone, the colour of royalty. The Bride ends in royal glory, a “royal priesthood.”
Twelve different stones make one foundation. Twelve tribes, twelve apostles and twelve gems speak of one people made of many. The Body has many members, but it is one Body.
Here the vision touches the ground. Your gift and your colour are needed. You are part of the foundation, and the light of God shines through you in a way it shines through no one else.
The Word Applied
God made you different on purpose. Your colour is needed in His city. Shine where He has set you, and honour the different stones around you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 28:17 – The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle.
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.
Exodus 28:21 – According to the twelve tribes.
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.
Malachi 3:17 – In that day when I make up my jewels.
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 Corinthians 12:12 – For as the body is one, and hath many members.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 – A royal priesthood.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Revelation 4:3 – Like a jasper and a sardine stone.
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.
Revelation 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.
Gates of Pearl
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls.” A pearl is formed through a wound. The gates of the city are formed through wounding. The way in was made through the wounds of Jesus. “With his stripes we are healed.”
“Every several gate was of one pearl.” Each gate is one whole pearl. Jesus told of a merchant who found “one pearl of great price,” and “went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Jesus gave everything to buy His Bride. The gates are the price He paid.
“And the street of the city was pure gold.” In the city gold is under the feet. What the world worships is the pavement of heaven.
“As it were transparent glass.” The street is clear. The walk of the believer is in the light. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.”
Here the vision touches the ground. You entered through His wounds. Every gate is a pearl of His suffering, and every step in the city is in the light.
The Word Applied
You came in through the wounds of Jesus. Remember the price He paid, and walk in the light with nothing to hide. What the world chases is the pavement under your feet.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 53:5 – And with his stripes we are healed.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 54:12 – And thy gates of carbuncles.
And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
Psalm 118:20 – This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 13:46 – Who, when he had found one pearl of great price.
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
John 10:9 – I am the door.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Revelation 21:22
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
No Temple Therein
◆ ◆ ◆
“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”
“And I saw no temple therein.” For a Jew of John’s day this was the most startling sentence in the book. The temple was the centre of the nation, the place of sacrifice, the dwelling of the name of God. Yet in the holy city there is no temple building at all.
Why? Because the temple was always a picture, and the picture has been fulfilled. The outer court, the holy place and the holy of holies all pointed to Jesus. The altar pointed to His Cross. The laver pointed to His washing. The lampstand pointed to Him as the Light of the world. The table of shewbread pointed to Him as the Bread of life. The veil pointed to His flesh, torn open for us. The mercy seat pointed to His blood.
In the foundations of this book we saw how the old temple rejected the Messiah. Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John explains, “But he spake of the temple of his body.” The leaders of the temple handed over the true Temple to be destroyed. At His death “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” God became the temple layout Himself.
“For the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” The Father and the Lamb are one, and together they are the temple. The Bride does not go to a place to meet God. She lives in God, and God lives in her. Jesus told the woman of Samaria, “The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.” He said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
And the Church shares in this. Paul wrote, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.” God is the temple of His people, and His people are the temple of God. “I in them, and thou in me.”
Here the vision touches the ground. You do not need a building, a priest or a ritual to come near to God. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are your temple. You live in Him, worship in spirit and in truth, and carry His presence wherever you go.
The Word Applied
You live inside the temple, because the temple is God Himself. Worship Him in spirit and in truth wherever you are. Your body is His dwelling, and He is yours.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Haggai 2:9 – The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former.
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 66:1 – Where is the house that ye build unto me.
Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
Ezekiel 48:35 – The LORD is there.
It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there. …: Heb. Jehovah-shammah
Witness of the New Testament · 5
John 2:19 – Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
John 2:21 – But he spake of the temple of his body.
But he spake of the temple of his body.
John 4:24 – God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye are the temple of God.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Hebrews 10:20 – Through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
The Temple Diagram
See the temple diagram on page 25, with the scriptures on how the old temple rejected the Messiah and how God became the temple Himself, in Foundations II: The Temple Rejected the Messiah!
Revelation 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.
No Need of the Sun
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon.” The sun and moon were given to rule the day and the night. In the city the created lights are no longer needed, because the uncreated Light is present.
Isaiah saw this very day: “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.”
“For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” The glory of God shines through the Lamb. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
In the temple the lampstand gave light in the holy place, and it had to be trimmed and filled every day. Now the Lamb is the lampstand, and His light never fails.
Here the vision touches the ground. You do not live by the borrowed light of this world. The Lamb lights your path. Walk in His light today.
The Word Applied
Let Jesus be your light. You do not need the borrowed light of this world to find your way. Follow Him, and you will never walk in darkness.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 60:19 – But the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light.
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Genesis 1:3 – Let there be light.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 8:12 – I am the light of the world.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
2 Corinthians 4:6 – To give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:5 – God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Revelation 21:24
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.
The Nations Walk in Its Light
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it.” The city is not for one nation. The nations are saved, and they walk in its light. This is the promise to Abraham fulfilled: “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” The 144,000 and the great multitude from every nation are one people.
Isaiah saw it: “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” The light of the Bride draws the nations. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
“And the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” In chapter 17 the kings of the earth committed fornication with the harlot. Now kings bring their glory into the holy city. Every gift of the nations finds its true place in Him.
Here the vision touches the ground. The light of Jesus in His people draws others to Him. Let your life be a city on a hill.
The Word Applied
Let the light of Jesus in you draw others to Him. The nations are invited, and kings bring their glory. Shine where you are, and lay every gift you have at His feet.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 60:3 – And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Genesis 12:3 – And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Psalm 72:11 – Yea, all kings shall fall down before him.
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 5:14 – A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Matthew 2:11 – They presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Revelation 7:9 – Of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 21:25
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
Gates Never Shut
◆ ◆ ◆
“And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.”
“And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day.” In the ancient world city gates were shut at night for fear of enemies. In the city of God the gates are never shut. There is no enemy left to fear, and there is always room for one more to come in.
Isaiah saw it: “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night.” The door of grace stands open. Jesus said, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
“For there shall be no night there.” Night is the time of darkness, fear and sorrow. In the city the Lamb is the light, and His light never sets. Paul wrote, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”
Here the vision touches the ground. The gates of God are open to you every day and every hour. You never have to wait until morning to come to Him. You live in the day that never ends.
The Word Applied
The gates are open to you right now. You never have to wait to come to God. Live as a child of the day, and keep the door open for others to come in.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 60:11 – Therefore thy gates shall be open continually.
Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.
Zechariah 14:7 – At evening time it shall be light.
But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
Psalm 139:12 – The night shineth as the day.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:37 – Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Romans 13:12 – The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Revelation 21:26
And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
The Glory of the Nations
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.”
“And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.” Every nation has gifts that God placed in it: languages, songs, crafts, wisdom and beauty. In the city they are brought home to their true owner.
When the tabernacle was built, the people of Israel brought the gold, silver and fine linen they had received from Egypt. What came from the nations was offered to God and became part of His dwelling. The New Jerusalem is the same pattern on a larger scale. The glory and honour of every people becomes part of the Bride.
On the day of Pentecost the Spirit came and every man heard the gospel “in our own tongue, wherein we were born.” God did not erase the languages of the nations; He filled them with His praise.
Isaiah saw “the abundance of the sea” and “the forces of the Gentiles” coming to Zion. Everything good in the nations finds its fulfilment in the city of God.
Here the vision touches the ground. Bring all that you are to Him: your language, your gifts, your culture. He does not reject them; He receives them and makes them shine for His glory.
The Word Applied
Bring your whole self to Jesus: your gifts, your language, your culture. He receives what you bring and makes it part of His glory. Nothing good you offer Him is wasted.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 60:5 – Because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee.
Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
Exodus 35:22 – And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted.
And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.
Haggai 2:7 – And the desire of all nations shall come.
And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Acts 2:8 – And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born.
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Romans 11:36 – For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things.
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Philippians 2:11 – And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Revelation 21:27
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.
Written in the Lamb’s Book
◆ ◆ ◆
“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 there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth.” This is not a threat to the believer; it is a promise of the purity of the Bride. The believer is not defiled, because he has been washed. “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
“Neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.” Abomination and lies were the marks of the harlot and the false prophet. They have no place in the Bride.
“But they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” The entrance is the book of life, and the book belongs to the Lamb. It is His book because the names are written in His blood. No one enters by his own works, and no one who is written is kept out.
Here the vision touches the ground. You do not have to fear the holiness of God. The holiness that keeps out what defiles is the same holiness He gave to you in Jesus. Your name is in the Lamb’s book, and the gates are open to you.
The Word Applied
Do not fear God’s holiness. The Lamb has washed you and written your name in His book. You belong in the city, clean by His blood and welcome at His gates.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 52:1 – For henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
Isaiah 35:8 – And it shall be called The way of holiness.
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
Psalm 24:3 – Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 John 1:7 – And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Hebrews 10:14 – For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Luke 10:20 – Because your names are written in heaven.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Chapter 22
The River and the Tree of Life · 21 verses
Revelation 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.
The River of Life
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“A pure river of water of life.” Ezekiel saw waters flowing from under the threshold of the temple, rising to the ankles, the knees, the loins, and then “waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.” The psalmist sang, “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.”
Jesus explained the river: “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John adds that He spoke this of the Spirit. The river is the Holy Spirit, poured out from the throne.
“Proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” There is one throne, shared by God and the Lamb. The Father and the Son are one, and the Spirit proceeds from them both. The river flows from the place of the finished work. Because the Lamb sits on the throne, the Spirit flows freely.
Here the vision touches the ground. The river is not far away. It flows in you and out of you. Wherever you go, life goes with you.
The Word Applied
Let the river flow. The Spirit of God lives in you and flows out of you to others. Go deeper into Him, and let His life touch everything around you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Ezekiel 47:5 – Waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Psalm 46:4 – There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
Zechariah 14:8 – That living waters shall go out from Jerusalem.
And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 7:38 – Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 4:10 – He would have given thee living water.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
John 15:26 – The Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father.
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:
Revelation 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.
The Tree of Life
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“In the midst of the street of it.” The tree of life stands in the centre of the city, where everyone walks. It is not hidden or guarded. In Eden, after the fall, God placed cherubims “and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Man was shut out. Now the way is open.
What opened the way? Another tree. Peter wrote that Jesus “his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree.” The Cross is the tree of life. Death hung on it so that life could flow from it. The sword that guarded Eden fell on the Son, and the way to the tree was opened for ever.
“And on either side of the river.” The tree grows on both banks of the river of the Spirit. The Spirit and the Cross are never apart. The river waters the tree, and the tree is fed by the river.
“Which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month.” Twelve fruits for the twelve months. There is no season without fruit. Ezekiel saw the same trees by the river: “it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months.” Jesus is the Bread of life for every season of the soul.
“And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Ezekiel said, “the leaf thereof for medicine.” The healing is for the nations, not one nation only. The Cross heals the division between Jew and Gentile and between every people. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one.”
Here the vision touches the ground. You eat from the tree of life every time you feed on Jesus. His fruit is fresh every month, and His leaves heal the wounds of the nations.
The tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations
The Word Applied
Eat from the tree of life. Jesus is the fruit for every season and the healing for every wound. Bring the leaves of His healing to the nations around you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:24 – To keep the way of the tree of life.
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Ezekiel 47:12 – And the leaf thereof for medicine.
And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.
Proverbs 3:18 – She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her.
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
1 Peter 2:24 – Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Ephesians 2:14 – For he is our peace, who hath made both one.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
John 6:35 – I am the bread of life.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Revelation 2:7 – To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life.
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.
Revelation 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:
No More Curse
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And there shall be no more curse.” The curse came in the garden: “cursed is the ground for thy sake.” The law added its own curse on everyone who failed to keep it. But “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” Jesus wore a crown of thorns, the very sign of the curse, and hung on a tree. He took the curse so that none would remain.
“But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it.” Where the curse was, the throne now is. The Lamb rules where sin once ruled.
“And his servants shall serve him.” His servants serve Him: not them, but Him. God and the Lamb are one God, and they are served as One. The service of the believer is not slavery under the curse. It is the joyful service of sons. “Ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Here the vision touches the ground. No curse rests on you. Whatever was spoken against you, whatever your family carried, whatever the law said you deserved, Jesus became the curse for you. You live under the blessing.
The Word Applied
No curse rests on you. Jesus carried it and broke it. Serve Him with joy, as a son in the house of blessing, not as a slave under the curse.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:17 – Cursed is the ground for thy sake.
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Zechariah 14:11 – And there shall be no more utter destruction.
And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.
Deuteronomy 23:5 – The LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee.
Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 3:13 – Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Colossians 3:24 – For ye serve the Lord Christ.
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
John 19:2 – And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns.
And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
Revelation 22:4
And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
They Shall See His Face
◆ ◆ ◆
“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”
“And they shall see his face.” Moses asked to see the glory of God, and God said, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.” Now the servants of God see His face.
How? Through Jesus. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Philip asked, “Lord, shew us the Father.” Jesus answered, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” The face of God is seen in the face of Jesus.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” The pure in heart are those washed in His blood.
“And his name shall be in their foreheads.” The followers of the beast took his mark on their foreheads. The servants of God carry His name. They have the mind of Christ. The high priest wore “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” on his forehead; now every believer carries His name.
Here the vision touches the ground. You are invited to see His face. Look at Jesus and you see the Father. His name is written on your mind.
The Word Applied
Look into the face of Jesus. There you see the Father. His name is on your mind; think His thoughts, and live in the light of His face.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Exodus 33:20 – Thou canst not see my face.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Psalm 17:15 – I will behold thy face in righteousness.
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Exodus 28:36 – HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
2 Corinthians 4:6 – In the face of Jesus Christ.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
John 14:9 – He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Revelation 22:5
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.
They Shall Reign for Ever
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And there shall be no night there.” This is repeated from chapter 21. Darkness is ended for His people.
“And they need no candle, neither light of the sun.” A candle is man-made light. The sun is created light. The believer needs neither the light of his own making nor the light of nature to see God.
“For the Lord God giveth them light.” He gives light. It is a gift. David sang, “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” Jesus is “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
“And they shall reign for ever and ever.” Paul wrote, “They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” The reign began at the Cross and it never ends.
Here the vision touches the ground. You reign in life through Jesus. You do not live under the rule of darkness, sin or fear. His light shines on you and His reign is shared with you.
The Word Applied
You reign with Jesus, and His reign has no end. Let His light, not your own effort, guide you. Receive the abundance of grace and live as one who reigns in life.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Psalm 18:28 – For thou wilt light my candle.
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
Isaiah 60:20 – For the LORD shall be thine everlasting light.
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Daniel 7:18 – But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom.
But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Romans 5:17 – Shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
John 1:9 – That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
2 Timothy 2:12 – If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Revelation 22:6
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.
Faithful and True
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“These sayings are faithful and true.” The Rider on the white horse is called Faithful and True. His words carry His nature. Everything in this book is as sure as He is.
“And the Lord God of the holy prophets.” The God who spoke through Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and Zechariah is the same God who speaks in Revelation. Revelation is not new doctrine; it is the prophets fulfilled in Jesus. “To him give all the prophets witness.”
“Sent his angel to shew unto his servants.” The book ends where it began: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.” The angel is the Sent One, the Messenger.
“The things which must shortly be done.” Shortly means soon. John’s first hearers were told that these things were near. The Cross, the outpouring of the Spirit and the fall of the old order all came in that generation.
Here the vision touches the ground. God is faithful to what He has spoken. Every word He has given you will be fulfilled, in His time and in His way.
The Word Applied
Trust the words of God. They are faithful and true, as He is. What He has spoken over your life, He will do.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Amos 3:7 – But he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Numbers 23:19 – God is not a man, that he should lie.
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Isaiah 46:11 – I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass.
Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:1 – To shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.
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:
Acts 10:43 – To him give all the prophets witness.
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Revelation 19:11 – And he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True.
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Revelation 22:7
Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
Behold, I Come Quickly
◆ ◆ ◆
“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”
“Behold, I come quickly.” Jesus speaks in the first person. He said to the high priest at His trial, “Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” He came in judgement on the old order in that generation, and He comes by His Spirit to every believer. He said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
Quickly means without delay. He is not far off. He does not keep His people waiting for His presence. Every heart that opens to Him finds Him already at the door: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.”
“Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” This is the sixth blessing of the book. To keep the sayings is to hold them in the heart and live by them. The book is not a puzzle to fear but a revelation to keep. Its message is Jesus, the Lamb who overcame.
Here the vision touches the ground. Jesus is coming to you now by His Spirit. Open the door, keep His words, and you are blessed.
The Word Applied
Jesus comes quickly to every heart that opens to Him. Keep His words, hold them close, and live in the blessing of His presence today.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Malachi 3:1 – And the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Habakkuk 2:3 – Because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Isaiah 40:10 – Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand.
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 14:18 – I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Revelation 3:20 – Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 1:3 – Blessed is he that readeth.
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Matthew 26:64 – And coming in the clouds of heaven.
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Revelation 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.
John Fell Down
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And I John saw these things, and heard them.” John signs his name to the record. He is a witness. He saw and heard. In his letter he wrote, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” The faith of the Church rests on eyewitness testimony.
“I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel.” John did this once before, in chapter 19. Even the beloved apostle, who leaned on the breast of Jesus, was overwhelmed by the glory of what he saw and fell before the messenger.
This is honest. The Bible does not hide the mistakes of its saints. John was moved by the glory of the vision, and he bowed to the one who brought it. It is a warning to every believer: do not worship the messenger, the gift, the experience or the vision. Worship the One the vision reveals.
Here the vision touches the ground. Honour those God sends to you, but keep your worship for Him alone. The messenger is a servant; the message is Jesus.
The Word Applied
Honour those who bring you the word of God, but worship God alone. Let every vision, gift and experience lead you past the messenger to Jesus.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 8:17 – I was afraid, and fell upon my face.
So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
Ezekiel 1:28 – And when I saw it, I fell upon my face.
As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
Exodus 20:3 – Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 John 1:3 – That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:10 – And I fell at his feet to worship him.
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Acts 10:26 – Stand up; I myself also am a man.
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Revelation 22:9
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.
See Thou Do It Not
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“See thou do it not.” The messenger refuses worship at once. A true servant of God never receives the glory that belongs to God.
“For I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets.” The messenger is one of the brethren, a prophetic voice among the people of God. The word angel means messenger, and here the messenger is a fellowservant of the prophets, as in chapter 19.
“And of them which keep the sayings of this book.” Every believer who keeps the sayings of this book is in the same company.
“Worship God.” This is the centre of the whole book. Worship belongs to God alone. And Revelation has already shown the elders and the angels worshipping the Lamb. When God brings His Son into the world He says, “And let all the angels of God worship him.” Thomas fell before the risen Jesus and said, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus is God, and to worship Him is to worship God.
Here the vision touches the ground. The servants of God are brothers and sisters together. No one stands above the rest. The worship goes to God, revealed in Jesus.
The Word Applied
Walk with other believers as fellowservants, none above the rest. Give all your worship to God, and worship Jesus, who is God with us.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 42:8 – And my glory will I not give to another.
I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Deuteronomy 6:13 – Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him.
Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
Psalm 95:6 – O come, let us worship and bow down.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 1:6 – And let all the angels of God worship him.
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
John 20:28 – My Lord and my God.
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Matthew 23:8 – And all ye are brethren.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Revelation 22:10
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Seal Not
◆ ◆ ◆
“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.”
“Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Daniel was told the opposite: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.” Daniel’s visions were for a time far off. John’s visions were for his own day.
The difference is the Cross. Daniel lived before the Messiah came. John lived after the Lamb was slain and raised. The time of the end that Daniel saw had arrived. The seals of chapter 5 were opened by the Lamb, and now the book stays open.
“For the time is at hand.” At hand means near. The book opened with the same words: “for the time is at hand.” The old order was passing, the new creation had come, and the Bride was being revealed.
Revelation is not sealed for scholars. It is open to every believer who reads with the Spirit. Jesus is the key, and when you see Him in it, it opens.
Here the vision touches the ground. Do not treat Revelation as a closed book. It is open to you. Read it, keep it and see Jesus in every page.
The Word Applied
Revelation is an open book for you. Read it with the Spirit and look for Jesus on every page. Its message is for now, and it is meant to bless you.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 12:4 – Shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Daniel 12:9 – For the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Habakkuk 2:2 – Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables.
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Revelation 1:3 – For the time is at hand.
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Revelation 5:5 – Hath prevailed to open the book.
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.
Luke 24:45 – Then opened he their understanding.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Revelation 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.
Let Him Be Holy Still
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still.” These words show that the time of decision had come. Those who refused the Lamb would remain as they chose. Only flesh and will refuse. Jesus said, “And ye will not come to me.”
“And he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.” The righteous are those made righteous in Jesus. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.” In Him we are made the righteousness of God. It is fixed in Him.
“And he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Holiness is the state of the believer in Christ. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
There is grace in this verse. The door of the gospel is still open today. No one has to remain unjust or filthy.
Here the vision touches the ground. Your righteousness and holiness are settled in Jesus. You are righteous still and holy still, because He does not change.
The Word Applied
Your righteousness is fixed in Jesus. You are righteous still and holy still. Rest in what He has made you, and invite others while the door of grace is open.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Daniel 12:10 – Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried.
Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Ezekiel 3:27 – He that heareth, let him hear.
But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
Isaiah 1:18 – Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Hebrews 10:10 – Through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Behold, now is the accepted time.
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
John 5:40 – And ye will not come to me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Revelation 22:12
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
My Reward Is with Me
◆ ◆ ◆
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
“And, behold, I come quickly.” For the second time in this chapter Jesus says it.
“And my reward is with me.” Isaiah prophesied, “Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him.” The reward is not a separate payment handed out later. He brings it with Him. He is the reward Himself. God said to Abraham, “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
“To give every man according as his work shall be.” The work God asks for is faith: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” Faith produces fruit. The believer’s works are the fruit of His life, “created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” So even the reward is grace: He rewards what He Himself has worked in us.
Those who refuse Him receive according to their own works, and their works cannot save them. Those in Christ receive according to His work, and His work is finished.
Here the vision touches the ground. Jesus brings His reward with Him, and the greatest reward is Himself. What you do in Him is never wasted.
The Word Applied
Jesus is your exceeding great reward. Believe Him, and let your works be the fruit of His life in you. Nothing done in Him is ever lost.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 40:10 – Behold, his reward is with him.
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Genesis 15:1 – I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Isaiah 62:11 – Behold, thy salvation cometh.
Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 6:29 – This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Ephesians 2:10 – Created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Corinthians 15:58 – Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Revelation 22:13
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Alpha and Omega
◆ ◆ ◆
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
“I am Alpha and Omega.” Jesus speaks the name of God. In chapter 1 the Lord God said, “I am Alpha and Omega.” Now Jesus says the same words of Himself. Isaiah heard the LORD say, “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” The Father and the Son are one.
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is the whole word of God from beginning to end. “In the beginning was the Word.” Every letter of God’s message is found in Him.
“The beginning and the end.” He was there before creation, and He is there at its completion. All things were made by Him and for Him. He began the story of salvation in the garden, and He finished it on the Cross.
“The first and the last.” He was the first to rise from the dead, “the firstborn from the dead.” He has the last word over every enemy. Nothing comes before Him and nothing comes after Him.
Here the vision touches the ground. Your story begins and ends in Jesus. Nothing in your life falls outside His hand.
The Word Applied
Your life begins and ends in Jesus. He started the good work in you and He will finish it. Trust the Alpha and Omega with every part of your story.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 44:6 – I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah 41:4 – I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Isaiah 48:12 – I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Colossians 1:18 – The firstborn from the dead.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Revelation 1:8 – I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 22:14
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.
Right to the Tree of Life
◆ ◆ ◆
“Blessed are they that do his commandments,” that they have “right to the tree of life,” and enter “in through the gates into the city.” This is the seventh and last blessing of the book.
“Blessed are they that do his commandments.” What are His commandments? John answered in his letter: “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.” The commandment of the new covenant is faith and love. To do His commandments is to believe on Jesus and to love as He loved.
“Right to the tree of life.” Adam lost his right to the tree. In Jesus the right is restored. It is not earned by effort; it is given by grace to those who believe. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.”
“Enter in through the gates into the city.” Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
Here the vision touches the ground. You have the right to the tree of life. Believe on Jesus and love one another, and you walk freely through the gates.
The Word Applied
You have a right to the tree of life, given by grace. Believe on Jesus and love one another; that is His commandment. Walk freely in and out through the Door.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Genesis 3:22 – And take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever.
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:
Psalm 118:19 – Open to me the gates of righteousness.
Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
1 John 3:23 – That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
John 1:12 – To them gave he power to become the sons of God.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 10:9 – I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Revelation 22:15
For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Without Are Dogs
◆ ◆ ◆
“For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
“For without are dogs.” Outside the city is the place of the flesh. Paul used the same word: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” He meant those who trusted in the flesh. Then he said, “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
“And sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters.” These are the works of the flesh, the old man and his ways. They do not enter the city because the flesh cannot inherit the kingdom of God.
“And whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” The final mark of the outsider is love of the lie. Those who love the lie remain outside the truth.
Yet grace stands at the gate. Jesus once spoke to a Canaanite woman about dogs, and she answered, “yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” He healed her daughter. No one is too far outside to be brought in.
Here the vision touches the ground. The flesh stays outside, but you are inside, in the Spirit. And the gate is open to anyone who comes.
The Word Applied
You belong inside, in the Spirit, not outside in the flesh. Put no confidence in the flesh. Remember that grace reaches the furthest outsider, and invite them in.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 23:18 – The price of a dog, into the house of the LORD.
Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Psalm 22:16 – For dogs have compassed me.
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Isaiah 56:7 – Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Philippians 3:2 – Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Philippians 3:3 – And have no confidence in the flesh.
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Matthew 15:27 – Yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.
Revelation 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.
I Jesus
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“I Jesus.” For the only time in the book Jesus names Himself this way. He signs the book with His own name.
“Have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.” The book was sent to the churches.
“I am the root and the offspring of David.” Jesus is both. As God, He is the root of David, the source from which David came. As man, He is the offspring of David, born of his line. Jesus asked the Pharisees, “If David then call him Lord, how is he his son.” He is David’s Lord and David’s Son. The kingly line of Israel fell again and again, but the true King came from it and above it.
“And the bright and morning star.” Balaam prophesied, “there shall come a Star out of Jacob.” The morning star rises before the dawn and announces the day. Peter wrote of the day when “the day star arise in your hearts.”
Here the vision touches the ground. The star has risen in your heart. The night is over, and the day has come in Jesus.
The Word Applied
Jesus is the root and the offspring, the beginning and the promise kept. Let the morning star rise in your heart. The night is over; the day has dawned in Him.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 11:10 – There shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people.
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Numbers 24:17 – There shall come a Star out of Jacob.
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
Isaiah 11:1 – And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Matthew 22:45 – If David then call him Lord, how is he his son.
If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
2 Peter 1:19 – And the day star arise in your hearts.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Revelation 2:28 – And I will give him the morning star.
And I will give him the morning star.
Revelation 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.
The Spirit and the Bride Say, Come
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.” The Spirit and the Bride speak with one voice. The Holy Spirit lives in the Bride, and what He says, she says. This is the voice of the Church filled with the Spirit, calling the world to Jesus. On the day of Pentecost the Spirit came and Peter stood up and called, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” Three thousand came.
The Bride does not only wait for her Husband; she calls others to Him. Her life is an invitation.
“And let him that heareth say, Come.” Everyone who hears the gospel becomes a voice of the gospel. The one who hears turns and calls the next.
“And let him that is athirst come.” The only qualification is thirst. Jesus stood on the last day of the feast and cried, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” Isaiah called, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.”
“And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Whosoever. The book that showed the judgements of God ends with the widest invitation in the Bible. No nation, no past and no sin shuts anyone out. The water is free. Only flesh and will refuse: “And ye will not come to me.” But whosoever will comes, and the Spirit Himself makes the heart willing.
Here is the heart of Revelation. All the seals, trumpets, vials and visions lead here: to a Bride, filled with the Spirit, calling the thirsty to Jesus, and to the water of life given freely.
Here the vision touches the ground. You are part of the Bride. Say, Come. Let your life call the thirsty to Jesus. And if you are thirsty yourself, come and drink. The water is free.
The Word Applied
Join the Spirit and the Bride and say, Come. Invite the thirsty to Jesus, and keep drinking yourself. The water of life is free to whosoever will.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Isaiah 55:1 – Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isaiah 12:3 – Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Song of Solomon 2:10 – Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 7:37 – If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
Acts 2:40 – Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Matthew 11:28 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 6:37 – Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Revelation 22:18
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:
Add Not
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“For I testify unto every man that heareth.” Jesus Himself testifies.
“If any man shall add unto these things.” Moses gave the same warning about the law: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it.”
To add to the revelation of Jesus is to add to the finished work. Paul said, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law.” Adding works to grace takes a person back under the plagues of the old order.
“God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” The plagues fell on the old system that added to the word of God and made it void through tradition. Jesus told the Pharisees, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition.”
This is not a warning to make believers afraid. It is a protection for the gospel. Nothing needs to be added to Him.
Here the vision touches the ground. Do not add to the gospel. Jesus plus nothing is everything. Rest in the finished work.
The Word Applied
Jesus plus nothing is everything. Do not add rules, rituals or fear to His finished work. Keep the gospel pure and rest in what He has done.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 4:2 – Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you.
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Proverbs 30:6 – Add thou not unto his words.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Deuteronomy 12:32 – Thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
Galatians 5:4 – Christ is become of no effect unto you.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Mark 7:13 – Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition.
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Galatians 1:8 – Let him be accursed.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Revelation 22:19
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.
Take Not Away
◆ ◆ ◆
“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.”
“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy.” To take away from the words is to empty the gospel of its power, to remove the Lamb, the blood or the Spirit from the message.
“God shall take away his part out of the book of life.” Those who reject the testimony of Jesus. The book of life, the holy city and the promises are all found in Him. To take away Jesus is to take away one’s own part in them. It is the choice of the flesh and the will that refuse Him.
For the believer, this verse is a call to faithfulness, not fear. Jesus said, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
Here the vision touches the ground. Hold the whole gospel: the Lamb, the blood, the Spirit and the Bride. Do not let anyone take away what Jesus has given you.
The Word Applied
Hold the whole gospel. Do not let anyone empty it of the Lamb, the blood or the Spirit. You are in His hand, and no one can pluck you out.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Deuteronomy 4:2 – Neither shall ye diminish ought from it.
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Jeremiah 26:2 – Diminish not a word.
Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’s house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’s house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:
Psalm 119:89 – For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 10:28 – And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Matthew 5:18 – One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
1 Peter 1:25 – But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Revelation 22:20
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Surely I Come Quickly
◆ ◆ ◆
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
“He which testifieth these things saith.” Jesus is the Faithful Witness. The book began with Him as “the faithful witness,” and it ends with His testimony.
“Surely I come quickly.” For the third time in this chapter He says it. He came in that generation to end the old order, as He promised. He came at Pentecost by His Spirit. He comes to every heart that opens to Him. He said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
“Amen.” Jesus is the Amen. “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness.” His coming is as sure as His name.
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” This is the prayer of the Church in every age: come, Lord Jesus. Come into our hearts, our homes, our churches and our nations. The prayer is answered every time a heart opens and He comes in.
The Bride does not wait in fear. She longs for her Husband.
Here the vision touches the ground. Pray it today: come, Lord Jesus. He answers that prayer, and He makes His home with those who love Him.
The Word Applied
Pray it every day: Even so, come, Lord Jesus. He comes to those who love Him and makes His home with them. Let your heart be open to His coming.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Zechariah 2:10 – For, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
Psalm 24:7 – And the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Isaiah 64:1 – Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down.
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,
Witness of the New Testament · 3
John 14:23 – And we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Revelation 3:14 – These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Titus 2:13 – Looking for that blessed hope.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Revelation 22:21
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ
◆ ◆ ◆
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The last word of the Bible is grace. The Old Testament ends with the word curse: “lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” The New Testament ends with grace. Between the two stands the Cross, where the curse was taken and grace was poured out.
The whole of Revelation has been the revelation of grace. The seals were opened by the Lamb who was slain. The trumpets announced His victory. The vials poured out the wrath He bore. Babylon fell so that the remnant could come out. The Bride was revealed, washed in His blood. Every judgement in the book led to praise, and every vision ended in Jesus.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ.” He is Lord, He is Jesus the Saviour, and He is the Christ, the Anointed One. The book began, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It ends with the grace of Jesus Christ. From first to last, it is about Him.
“Be with you all.” Not some, not the strong, not the perfect, but all. Grace is for every believer, for the weak and the stumbling, for the one who has just begun and the one who has walked long. “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”
“Amen.” So be it. It is finished. It is done. All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen.
Here the vision touches the ground. The last word over your life is grace. Not judgement, not failure, not fear, but the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, with you, now and always. Amen.
The Word Applied
The last word over your life is grace. Receive it, live in it and give it away. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you. Amen.
Witness of the Old Testament · 3
Malachi 4:6 – Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Numbers 6:25 – The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee.
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Psalm 84:11 – The LORD will give grace and glory.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Witness of the New Testament · 4
John 1:16 – And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
2 Corinthians 1:20 – For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Revelation 1:1 – The Revelation of Jesus Christ.
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:
Romans 5:20 – But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
After Revelation 22 · Closing
The last page of Revelation is not the end of the matter. What the book unveils, the believer now walks in.
All Scripture Speaks of Him
On the road to Emmaus the risen Lord opened the whole of the Old Testament, and every part of it spoke of Him:
Luke 24:27
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
From the coats of skin in Eden to the lamb of the Passover, from the brazen serpent to the veil of the temple, every scripture paved the way to the Cross. The law was a schoolmaster, the sacrifices were shadows, and the prophets were heralds. All of it ran towards one hill outside Jerusalem, and there the Son of God declared the work complete:
John 19:30
“He said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
Because all Scripture contains Him, all Scripture is fulfilled in Him. Revelation is the unveiling of that finished work. It is truly finished.
How Does the Old Nature Walk into This?
Here the honest heart asks: how do my old nature and my man-made ways enter this finished work and walk in it? The answer is glorious. The old nature does not walk into it at all. It was never invited to improve; it was crucified with Him:
Romans 6:6
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
The old man was not left at the door to be reformed. He was nailed to the Cross and buried with Christ. What rose with Christ is a new creation, and the new creation is at home in the finished work, because it was born there:
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Believe and Yield
We therefore do not labour to enter by our own ways. We simply believe, and we yield. We reckon ourselves to be what God has already declared us to be:
Romans 6:11
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
To reckon is to count as true what God has done. It is not pretending; it is agreeing with heaven. And the one who believes has already entered:
Hebrews 4:3
“For we which have believed do enter into rest… although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”
The rest is entered by believing, because the works were finished before we ever arrived. Faith does not build the house; faith walks in through the Door.
In Earth as It Is in Heaven
What is settled in the Spirit must be pulled down into the natural. The renewing of the mind is how heaven’s reality becomes daily life on earth:
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
This is the prayer Jesus taught: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). The higher truth is not kept in the clouds. It comes down into the home, the workplace, the marriage and the marketplace. As the mind is renewed, the finished work is lived out in the flesh, and the life of Jesus is seen in a mortal body.
Yea and Amen, Now
The new life takes immediate effect. It does not wait for a later age or a more worthy season:
2 Corinthians 6:2
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 1:20
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
Every promise is already yes in Christ, and already Amen. Nothing in heaven withholds it. Only our own flesh and our own will can choose not to receive it, as Jesus said to those who searched the Scriptures and still stood outside:
John 5:39–40
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”
Life That Does Not End
The one who walks in the finished work walks in His life, and His life does not end. Death is not the portion of those who believe:
John 11:25–26
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
This is the end of the whole Revelation: not fear, not a calendar of terrors, but the Lamb upon the throne and His people walking in His life, in earth as it is in heaven.
◆ ◆ ◆
A Call to Walk in It
Come, then, and walk in what is finished. Lay down the old ways; they were crucified with Him. Take up the new life; it was raised with Him. Believe His Word, yield to His Spirit, and let the renewing of your mind bring heaven’s order into every part of your days.
Revelation 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.”
Lord Jesus, You have finished the work. I believe Your Word. I reckon my old man crucified with You and my life hid in You. Renew my mind, and let Your will be done in my life, in earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Scripture quotations: King James Version (public domain).