The Overview of Revelation.

Marilyn C

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THE FOUR VISIONS

The predominant aim of Revelation is the setting forth the splendours of the Son of Man, & to reveal His glorious person. There are four visions of the Son of Man as He is known in the heavenly realm & each vision in turn carries through to completion one aspect of the fourfold ministry of Christ which He exercised when on earth. His Kinship was expressed in Matthew, His Heirship in Mark, His Mediatorship in Luke, & His Judgeship in John.

Vision 1. CHRIST - Head of the Body. (Rev. 1 – 3)

This reveals the empowered Son of Man as the Sovereign Administrator.

`in His right hand He held 7 stars.`



Vision 2. CHRIST - HEIR (Rev. 4 – 7)

This reveals the enthroned Son of Man as the Supreme Executor.

`in His right hand He held the 7 sealed book.`



Vision 3. CHRIST - MEDIATOR (Rev. 8 – 13)

This reveals the exalted Son of Man as the Stately Mediator.

`in His hand is a sacred censor.`



Vision 4. CHRIST - JUDGE (Rev. 14 – 22)


This reveals the entitled Son of Man as the Sublime Adjudicator.

`in His hand is a sharp sickle.`




To reveal Christ to us in Revelation, there are three hundred & thirty references to the figures, shadows, symbols, types, patterns, persons, & buildings of the Old Testament.


This unveiling is the culmination of all the truths expressed from Genesis to Revelation, for all scripture is centred on one purpose and that is to reveal Christ to us in all His Glory.
 
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Jeshu

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Revelation is first and for most a spiritual book talking about the time after the son of lawlessness has been slain in our hearts and we are set free in His loving truth.

He is The King of kings and Lord of lords through the events that play themselves of in our inner world of being as faith in Christ brings us the kingdom.

Revelation, more than any book apart of Ezekiel in the O.T perhaps, tells us about how our whole hearts is first of all divided sheep from goat, and secondly I perished in the numbered while i resurrected into the New. This paradox has to do with the dying to sin and coming to life in Christ at its inner reality. Revelation is full of hope for the living still suffering under the hands of the wicked. Fighting sin, waiting for Christ to be revealed to them and taking the Throne in our hearts. Chapter 1-20.

i like how Revelation exposed to me the dragon accuser, who had his throne in my guilty conscience, Chapter 12 and 17, 20. And of course the false prophet in chapter 16, always speaking in favour of worldly point of view and had me speculating about everything God's for a living, not to mention that unfaithful prostitute ruling the desires of my heart through unfaithful love. Chapter 17. The death of those in my heart brought me so much peace. It is great to be living in chapter 20 though and i look earnestly forward to chapter 21-22 however the thousand years have only just begun for my salvation to find its complete fulfilment.

Don't you love the book of Revelation?


Armageddon.

In my inner world life died everywhere,
famine taking what sword had left behind.
Brim and hailstones flattening what stood up,
no escape from the carnage I could find.

Awed I saw Jesus the evil fight,
turning my world into a battleground.
I saw billows of smoke rising up high,
rolling thunder through my world rebound.

I watched as scorpions paraded my soul,
stinging those godless in their lust.
Massive grasshoppers devouring all my good,
fierce horses trampling me to dust.

I saw much of my greenery burn-up,
fleets of cargo ships sadly perish.
Daily trade coming to an abrupt hold,
ungodly rulers wrong to cherish.

I saw the Dragon reigning his subjects,
watched the numbered die like flies.
I heard the false prophet's constant lying,
demons smearing God's love with lies.

It was the blood drinking prostitute,
which flabbergasted me the most.
Unfaithfulness killing God's chosen,
with fiery death she was deposed.

I saw my world's kingdom going down,
ruling Babylon fall in one day.
With two thirds of my world wiped out,
I watched true Peace coming to stay.

And so watching God's own safely at home,
I finally let my tears run dry.
Seeing Jesus arising on the clouds,
I joined the Hallelujah cry.
 
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Revelation is first and for most a spiritual book talking about the time after the son of lawlessness has been slain in our hearts and we are set free in His loving truth.

He is The King of kings and Lord of lords through the events that play themselves of in our inner world of being as faith in Christ brings us the kingdom.

Revelation, more than any book apart of Ezekiel in the O.T perhaps, tells us about how our whole hearts is first of all divided sheep from goat, and secondly I perished in the numbered while i resurrected into the New. This paradox has to do with the dying to sin and coming to life in Christ at its inner reality. Revelation is full of hope for the living still suffering under the hands of the wicked. Fighting sin, waiting for Christ to be revealed to them and taking the Throne in our hearts. Chapter 1-20.

i like how Revelation exposed to me the dragon accuser, who had his throne in my guilty conscience, Chapter 12 and 17, 20. And of course the false prophet in chapter 16, always speaking in favour of worldly point of view and had me speculating about everything God's for a living, not to mention that unfaithful prostitute ruling the desires of my heart through unfaithful love. Chapter 17. The death of those in my heart brought me so much peace. It is great to be living in chapter 20 though and i look earnestly forward to chapter 21-22 however the thousand years have only just begun for my salvation to find its complete fulfilment.

Don't you love the book of Revelation?


Armageddon.

In my inner world life died everywhere,
famine taking what sword had left behind.
Brim and hailstones flattening what stood up,
no escape from the carnage I could find.

Awed I saw Jesus the evil fight,
turning my world into a battleground.
I saw billows of smoke rising up high,
rolling thunder through my world rebound.

I watched as scorpions paraded my soul,
stinging those godless in their lust.
Massive grasshoppers devouring all my good,
fierce horses trampling me to dust.

I saw much of my greenery burn-up,
fleets of cargo ships sadly perish.
Daily trade coming to an abrupt hold,
ungodly rulers wrong to cherish.

I saw the Dragon reigning his subjects,
watched the numbered die like flies.
I heard the false prophet's constant lying,
demons smearing God's love with lies.

It was the blood drinking prostitute,
which flabbergasted me the most.
Unfaithfulness killing God's chosen,
with fiery death she was deposed.

I saw my world's kingdom going down,
ruling Babylon fall in one day.
With two thirds of my world wiped out,
I watched true Peace coming to stay.

And so watching God's own safely at home,
I finally let my tears run dry.
Seeing Jesus arising on the clouds,
I joined the Hallelujah cry.

Hearts and mind? Do you not believe these events are literally going to happen?
 
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Jeshu

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Hearts and mind? Do you not believe these events are literally going to happen?

Sure, the word has been true since the fall into sin, and before. Christ is The Word. The Very God who created everything. He made the hearts spiritual places and wrote a literal book to guide and nourish them spiritually.

So the Word is First of all spiritual in my understanding of things, and secondly also literal, but this can be very much harder to discern in real time.

For where are the Dragon? the beast of the sea and the beast of the earth? There are a thousands tales but who got it right? However spiritually it applies always rightly to our lives in sin.

i absolute love Jesus for teaching me to understand that He reigns a spiritual Kingdom, the word makes so much more sense now.

For example take this saying literally and see where it leads you.

Matthew 12:50 "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Take it spiritual and you will meet Him in the manger in your own heart, as well as see Him die for your sins, and come to Glory on His throne ruling over the kings of your heart and lording it over you in every way to your daily delight walking on streets of gold in His glory.

Peace.
 
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Marilyn C

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The Unveiling of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 1: 1 – 8)


`The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to Him...` (Rev. 1:1)

Revelation – from the Greek Word `apocalypse,` meaning `to unveil.`


There has never been any monuments erected in honor of great personalities throughout the centuries that is comparable to the magnificence of this unveiling of Jesus Christ & the magnitude of His triumph.


What inexpressible pleasure God the Father enjoyed when unveiling His Son`s true character & credentials, for the purpose of showing to His bond servants the regal nature of His Well Beloved.


This unveiling of Christ`s Deity was given to John, the Apostle. He was to write it down for the Body of Christ down through the centuries. (Rev. 1:1- 2)


`Blessed is he that reads...`
this prophecy as it shows the full manifestation of Christ enthroned & empowered on high. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, not only the Son of Man, but the Son of God.
(Rev. 1: 3)


We then read that the whole Godhead is involved in bringing forth this wonderful unveiling

  • The Father, delighting in fully presenting His Son, (Matt. 3: 17 Rev.1:1, & 4)

  • The Holy Spirit, who teaches & brings these truths to remembrance, (John 16:13)

  • The Lord Jesus Himself who desires us to behold His glory. (John 17: 24)

The Lord Jesus then presents us with the first of His Triune titles. (Rev. 1: 5)

  • `His Faithful Witness.` The integrity of His ministry.

  • `The Firstborn from the Dead.` His conquering victory over the enemy.

  • `The Ruler over the kings of the earth.` His ultimate authority over all Rulers.


We then read of the 3 groups of people that God has purposes for through Jesus Christ.



1. The Body of Christ. 2. Israel. 3. The Nations. (Rev. 1: 6 & 7)


Finally, summing up this introductory section the Lord gives His triune `signature` as the Omniscient, Omnipresent, & Omnipotent One. (Rev. 1: 8)
 
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Marilyn C

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JESUS CHRIST (Rev. 1: 5 – 7)

Let us now look in detail at these descriptions of the Lord which also give an overview of God`s purpose -

`...that in all things He (Christ) may have the pre-eminence.` (Col. 1: 18)


The Faithful Witness. (Rev. 1: 5)

As a witness Christ far exceeds all others because of the greatness of the witness He bears. He did not trifle over transient things but testified to eternal truth. In His message to mankind He unveiled the mysteries of God, foretold the future of nations & disclosed the issues of life. (John 18: 37, 17: 25 – 26, 3: 11)

The words He spoke have not diminished in authority or authenticity. And no one else has had their words come through the centuries in absolute truth & faithfulness.


The Firstborn from the dead.
(Rev. 1: 5)

This title shows Christ`s victory over Satan, sin & death. Christ battled against the enemy & conquered victoriously. He died, rose again & ascended to sit at the Father`s right hand on high. This certifies His authority forever as the One who can never know defeat. He is preeminent even of the dead, as the first manifested alive from the dead.

Christ `...the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.` (Col.1:18)


The Ruler over the kings of the earth. (Rev. 1: 5)


Christ is ruler, king of the regency of truth in the heavenly realms. (John 18: 36 & 37) And finally He will bring this rule to bear over the nations of this world.

`The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord & His Christ, & He shall reign forever & ever!` (Rev. 11:15)



The 3 groups of people that God has purposes for – (1 Cor. 10: 32)


1. The Body of Christ - `...has made us kings & priests...` (Rev.1: 6)

2. Israel - `..even they who pierced Him.` (Rev. 1: 7 Zech. 12: 10)

3. The Nations - `& all the tribes of the earth...` (Rev. 1: 7)



 
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Marilyn C

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Christ`s Signature (Rev. 1: 8)

Christ would now have us to see His eternal attributes. This is His Deity that was hidden behind the `veil` of His flesh while on earth. He is the all- knowing, all powerful One throughout time & eternity. The `I am.`


“I am the Alpha & Omega,” - His Omniscience.

Christ is the whole alphabet, from whom the entire vocabulary for expressing revealed truth is derived. All the treasures of wisdom & knowledge are in Him. (Col.2:3) There is no such thing as knowledge before Him & there cannot be any beyond Him.

Christ, as the Alpha & Omega, is the only way to spiritual secrets, (Rev.2:17) He is the key to unlock the treasures of truth, Himself the interpreter of the invisible, (Rev. 3: 7) & the Door of entrance to eternal enjoyment. (Ps. 16:11 John 10:9)



“The Beginning & the End.” - His Omnipresence.

Christ commenced & will conclude all time periods. He conceived the duration of the ages & will yet crown & consummate the ages to come. Everything is under His control. And no event came before the exercise of His will & none will come after His counsel. (1 Cor. 15: 28)


In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; therefore outside of Christ there is no wider, broader, deeper, higher, greater or vaster measure or authority known. (Col. 2: 9 & 10)

He is well able to save to the uttermost all them that come to God by Him. (Heb. 7: 25)


“which is, was & is to come.” “The Almighty,” - His Omnipotence.


The strength of Christ`s might & majesty transcend all others in ability & authority. He is the competent & self-sufficient One in His almightiness.


When we pause to ponder His enormous energy, His great power, His awesome strength & might, these qualities with their tremendous potential causes us to tremble . But, when we turn & learn of the blended qualities of goodness, gracious care, glorious love which are lavished so freely, our fears depart for we view His heart. (Eph. 2: 4 – 8)
 
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Marilyn C

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Christ the Head of the Body.

As the Spirit of God begins to unfold to us the manifold glory of Christ He draws from all the wonders that we see – life, nature, scripture, heaven, the beauties of colour, fruits, jewels and radiant light. Yet these are but representations of the wondrous glory and splendour of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first vision of Christ is His Pre-eminent position as the Royal High Priest, the Head of the Body of Christ. We are given a full view of His holy character and His perfect credentials. He triumphed over death and His trophies are pictured as the keys of hell and death.


Then we see the unfolding glory of His resplendent face in all its loveliness. Its light brings life to all creation. There is no fuller and truer presentation of the Saviour`s glorious qualifications that was ever committed to mankind.

This wonderful revelation of the Lord was given to the Apostle John. He was a prisoner on the island of Patmos for his belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.


`I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation,

and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,

was on the island that is called Patmos

for the word of God & for the testimony of Jesus Christ.`

(Rev. 1: 9)



As he was waiting on the Lord, He hears a loud voice behind him, as of a trumpet, telling him to write what he sees & hears in a book. He was then to send it to the seven churches in Asia and by God`s Holy Spirit this revelation has been read by believers down through the centuries.



`I was in the Spirit on the Lord`s Day,

and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

Saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and

“What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia:

to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

(Rev. 1: 10 & 11)


John then turns and sees a vision of the one who spoke to him. It is the glorified Lord Jesus Christ. He is seen in the midst of seven lampstands.


`Then I turned to see the voice that spoke to me.


And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands,

and in the midst of the seven lampstands one like the Son of Man...`

(Rev. 1: 12 & 13)



 
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Marilyn C

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Christ the Royal High Priest.

The details of this vision of the Lord draws upon the imagery of the High Priest ministering in the temple. However this is but a shadow of the true minister of the sanctuary in the heavenlies – the Lord Jesus Christ. (Heb. 8: 1 & 2)

His Character.



`like the Son of Man,

clothed with a garment down to the feet

and girded about the chest with a golden band.`

(Rev. 1: 13)


As this first vision of the Lord Jesus Christ unfolds we see Him as the Royal High Priest.

He is like the Son of Man, indicative of the lowliest humility of our Saviour, yet He has obtained the highest honours in heaven and earth.


The long garment is as the priests wore, symbolic of holiness, yet Christ`s very character is holy and without spot. And the golden girdle was worn by the High Priest to indicate his high office and authority, but Christ, the eternal High Priest, ever lives to intercede, giving eternal blessings.
 
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Marilyn C

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His Counsel.


`His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow,

And His eyes like aflame of fire;

His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace,....`

(Rev. 1: 14 & 15)


The whiteness of His head and hair symbolise the maturity of His understanding and the perfection of His intellectual knowledge. The eyes are another essential factor for discernment, if judgment is to be absolutely righteous. Christ`s vision penetrates every realm and sphere, and scans the innermost thoughts of every mind & heart.


The symbolic picture of the `feet,` refer to the uprightness of all Christ`s dealings. He is perfectly just, never misjudges, miscalculates or misunderstands any case in question. He rewards every worthy achievement and recognises the sacrificial suffering of His people.


 
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Marilyn C

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The glorified Lord Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father `far above all principality and power, and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.` (Eph. 1: 20 & 21)


His Authority

`His voice as the sound of many waters;

He had in His right hand seven stars,

out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword,..`.

(Rev.1: 15 & 16)


In this amazing vision of the Lord Jesus we are shown His great authority in relation to the Body of Christ. We are told of His majestic voice, the powerful sceptre in His right hand and the awesome judgments that come forth.


The Lord speaks to many peoples on various subjects, `the sound of many waters.` (Rev. 17: 15)

He combines His sovereign commands and counsel with His heartfelt comfort as He delivers His message in authority.


Then we see the prevailing might of His right hand which supremely oversees His Church, the Body of Christ. The stars are symbols of administrative authority in spiritual things, and all such power Christ oversees and maintains.


Finally the execution of judgment or of justification is by His powerful word. With it He smites & by it He saves. The searching sight of His light operates through the `Sword of the Spirit.` No invention of man or of demon can evade the force of its thrust.


`and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.`

(Rev. 1: 16)


Here we come to the awesome sight of the Lord Jesus in His unspeakable glory. There can be no night where the Shekinah of His glowing countenance shines forth. The sun overlays all forms in the terrestrial while the light of His face adorns every life with the many diverse graces of His goodness.




 
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Marilyn C

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The Apostle John was overcome by this wondrous vision of the Lord Jesus and collapsed at His feet as dead. The blinding sight of Christ`s glory, His concentrated gaze and the terrible sword protruding from the mouth all made John`s heart tremble & become terror stricken. But the Lord lays His hand upon him and reassures him that He has all things under His command.


As the `First,` Christ is the creator of all things visible & invisible, and as the `Last,` He finishes all things in heaven and on the earth. He has conquered death & hell and is alive for evermore.


`And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.


But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me,

“Do not be afraid;

I am the First & the Last.

I am He who lives, & was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore.

Amen.

And I have the keys of Hades and of death.”

(Rev. 1: 17 & 18)


John was then to write what He had just seen in the first vision, and then what was happening in the churches in his time and finally he was to record what things would take place after that.


“Write the things which you have seen,


and the things which are,

and the things which will take place after this.”

(Rev. 1: 19)


The Lord Jesus then explains to John what the lampstand and stars represented. As the priest in the earthly temple would move amongst the lampstands and watch to keep their lights burning so it is that Christ, the Head of the Body, who moves amongst the churches makes sure that their lights, their witness of Him is true and clear.


And just as the seven stars, the Pleiades (Job 38: 31) control our planetary system from billions of miles away, so it is that Christ has administrative authority over the churches, His Body, supervising them over the centuries and throughout the world.


“The mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand,


& the seven golden lampstands:

the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches,

and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”

(Rev. 1: 20)

 
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