Category Archives: Revelation

Revelation

Revelation 3

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In the last chapter, Revelation 2, we discussed the first four churches that Jesus told John to address, and now we will look at the final three. Jesus didn’t address these seven churches for His own health, it was for our health individually, our spiritual health. Pay attention as He spells out what He is looking for in a Christian.

 

(Revelation 3:1) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith He (Christ) 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.

Jesus is not happy with these people and does not even like their works. These people are physically alive, and call themselves Christians, but are spiritually dead. If they do not make some serious changes and overcome, before Jesus Christ returns, they will be in danger of dying the second death, the death of their soul at the end of the Millennium period, the period in which Jesus will be here on earth ruling for one thousand years before the Great White Throne Judgment. They will have this Millennium period to correct their ways, but they will be on thin ice.

 

(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.

Jesus is telling them that their works are not good in the eyes of God. He warns them to be mindful of what is written here and the rest of the Bible and to heed the words and warnings. He is telling them to strengthen what little dedication to Him they have left or else their soul will be close to death. They will face the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the Millennium and if they fall short, they will have never even existed. This isn’t to say that not all true Christians are saved, but if someone truly accepts Christ and their acts don’t support that they are saved Christians, and Jesus determines they have fallen short, they will have to wait until the end of the Millennium to pass the last test and receive their eternal spiritual bodies.

 

(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.

These people are Christians and they need to remember that they are Christians and they need to turn back to serving our Lord and repent for all of the things they have do and not done that offend the Lord. If these people (or anyone else) do not study the Bible and know the signs of the times, Jesus will return like a thief in the night and they will not be expecting Him. If they do watch the signs they will know what to look for and when His time draws near and they will even know 3 and a half days prior, exactly when He will return. If they do not watch, not only will Jesus come on them as a thief, but the thief himself (satan) who will have already come as antichrist will have stolen their loyalty through his deception. Pray that this does not happen. One way to ensure that this does not happen is to study the Word and know the signs to look for and not only that, but study the rest of the Bible to put on your spiritual armor to protect yourself from satan’s deception.

 

(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.

There are a few of these people that will in fact overcome before the 7th trump and serve Christ during the Millennium. Because they have loved Jesus enough to spend time with Him by studying His Word, they will not fall to the deception of satan during the tribulation.

 

(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.

These people who do overcome, will be justified and not be liable to die the second death. We will all be clothed in white garments made up of our righteous acts. However, if you have no righteous acts, then you will have no white garments and everyone will be able to see your shame. These white garments mean that all their sins have been wiped clean, as they will have already earned their eternal lives by the time Jesus returns.

 

(Revelation 3:6) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

If any of this makes sense to you then heed this warning.

 

(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;

The Key of David is a key that gives understanding to all of the mysteries in the Bible that Paul speaks about. It is the key that links all of our history in the Bible together with the teachings and prophecy of Jesus. Without this key, one cannot truly understand what is written in the Bible at its deepest levels. With this key, one can never be deceived by the confusion that comes from satan or his angels. When this door to understanding is opened with the Key of David, it can never be shut. And when a door is shut and locked with the Key of David, it can never be opened. Only God opens and shuts these doors to understanding with the key of David. This is a great mystery to most and Romans 11 is a good place to start, if you want to know the reasoning behind this. One cannot have this key without first accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. (God came in the flesh to us as Jesus Christ)

 

(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.

The Church of Philadelphia is made up of God’s elect, as well as is the Church of Smyrna. We now are in the age of grace and anyone can choose salvation through Jesus Christ because of their faith in Christ, for which we are given grace by God. However, some were chosen before birth by their works they had done before that time (Romans 9) during the rebellion of satan against God in the first earth age. The door of understanding for those who are predestinated elect are automatically opened by God with the Key to David and no man can shut it meaning that these cannot be deceived about the truth. This is emphasized in Matt 24 and Mark 13. Those of the Church of Philadelphia will never deny Christ and will always teach truth about His Word. And they will always serve and do the works of God.

 

(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.

Jesus is very pleased with the Church of Philadelphia (as well as He is with the Church of Smyrna). These elect who always keep the truth of God, will in the Millennium Age, serve as kings, priests, teachers and judges under Christ (Ezekiel 44 and Rev 20). Those who are the deceivers that say they are Jews (that they are of the tribe of Judah) but are liars, do satan’s work and they will not be allowed access to Christ in the Millennium. They, as well as all those who have not overcome before the return of Christ, will be forced to worship Christ in front of God’s elect (the Zadok Levites) during the Millennium. They will not be allowed direct contact with Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 44) until after the Millennium if they are then granted eternal life (Revelation 20-22).

 

(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.

Because these of Philadelphia have remained faithful always, even during satan’s rebellion, they will be protected (kept) by God from the temptation that will occur during the Tribulation (the hour of temptation). The entire world will fall to the temptation, except God’s elect. This is a trial to see what everyone will do with their free will when given this temptation. God’s predestinated elect will not be tried during this time because they have already passed the test during satan’s rebellion (per Romans 8 and 11).

 

(Revelation 3:11) Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Jesus is encouraging those of Philadelphia here to persist and remain steady in what they do until He returns at the 7th trumpet.

 

(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.

If you overcome in this in this age, you will be made a pillar in the Millennium Temple of God described in Ezekiel 40-43. This means that these people will uphold this temple and the principles of God and will never be in danger of falling from this and suffering the second death. The name of Christ will be written in their minds for all eternity. And they will be guaranteed to be part of New Jerusalem when it descends to earth from heaven at the beginning of the eternity after the last day of the Millennium.

 

(Revelation 3:13) He that hat him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Anyone who understands what is written should listen to what is said here.

 

(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 (Jesus);

Jesus is establishing His credentials as to Who is dictating this letter.

 

(Revelation 3:15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Jesus is not pleased with these people. They don’t really care one way or another about following Christ. They are not dedicated to serving God (hot), nor do they make a stand against Him (cold). They just live in the world and focus on themselves .

 

(Revelation 3:16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

When these people come to Jesus at His return at the 7th trump and call His name, He will tell them to get away because He never knew them, and they never really knew Him.

 

(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:

They are focused solely on success in the world and doing what makes them feel good. Though, on the surface, they appear to have it all together, inside, their real selves are in bad shape. They have no righteous acts, which are the linens that would clothe them in the Millennium. Instead they will be naked and bear their shame in the open. They have no eyes to see the spiritual things in the world–the things of God. They are both spiritually blind and spiritually dead.

 

(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.

Jesus is telling these people to forget the gold that they strive for in the world and buy His gold which is more valuable than anything in this world. It is the truth and purity and is worth much more than its weight in earthly gold. And He is telling them to perform righteous acts so that they will be clothed in white linen that is made up of that righteousness in the Millennium, rather than being naked and shamed. He wants them to clear their eyes of the things of the world and see the things of the spirit, the things that truly matter. If you overcome before the return of Christ at the 7th trump, you will receive an inheritance from Him that will put anything else to shame. You will inherit Him and he owns everything. You will inherit eternal life from that moment.

 

(Revelation 3:19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

God loves all of His children and only rebukes them because He loves them and it is His wish that all would come to Him in repentance.

 

(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.

Jesus is knocking on your door, and is calling your name. Will you open the door and invite Him in? Will you be part of the Supper of the Lamb?

 

(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.

Those who overcome this in the flesh age will sit with Christ in the Millennium Kingdom and will be with Him forever.

 

(Revelation 3:22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

If you are able to understand the things said here, then heed this warning.

 

After these last two chapters of Revelation, to which church would you choose to belong? Take a good long look at what Jesus has said and think very sincerely about the path you are taking. I hope you will make the right choice and be with Jesus when He returns.

God bless

Revelation

Revelation 2

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Last chapter, we were told what to expect in the rest of the Book of Revelation, which is the book of the last things that Jesus would reveal to us through John the apostle. In this chapter and the next chapter, we have letters that Jesus told John to write to the angels (or messengers, or pastors) of the seven churches in Asia Minor as warnings to those in those churches of the things to come for each. These messages would apply to us today depending on which Christian mindsets we fall into individually. There are only two particular churches, or mindsets, that Jesus approves of at this time, in this generation as we head into the tribulation. Which one are you? And what does Jesus have to say to you?

(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;

This is Christ speaking, and the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the fact that they are in His right hand signifies Christ’s power over those angels.

The seven candlesticks are the seven churches, and the flame of the candles is the truth that they have access to that they are charged to shine across the world.

(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:

Christ always first tells the things with which He is pleased for each church first. The first thing He mentions with this church is their works. These works are their good deeds. This patience is their patience to withstand the persecution of the Christian church. These members of this church are against the evil of those who are not truly Christian and are not living according to the laws and statutes of God, and they are aware of the false Christian teachers in the world, who claim to be sent by God, and know that these are not in fact sent by God at all.

(Revelation 2:3) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Those in Thyatira also have put up with a lot just because they are Christians. The world today is not very hospitable to Christians, yet we are to endure and not crumble under the pressure of this hostility, but continue to do good.

Those were the things that Jesus likes about this type of Christian. Now He will tell them what they need to change about their practices if they want His blessings and to overcome in the flesh, rather than failing this second test.

(Revelation 2:4) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Their first love should be Christ [God], however, they have strayed from their love and dedication to serving Him first and foremost. They have put the things of the world before serving Him. These things of the world can become idols without someone even realizing it. It is alright to enjoy some of the things of the world but we should never put them before God. When we make them more important to us than He is, those things become idols.

(Revelation 2:5) Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first work; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Jesus is telling them to go back to their first love and serve God. If they do this, they’ll still have time for all the little things in life that are fun also, as long as they aren’t against God’s laws. This way they will remain in God’s good graces and remain blessed. However if they do not, they will pay because they aren’t living up to what a Christian is supposed to be. Whenever we fall short of what God wants, as Christians, we can sincerely repent and our sins will be forgiven and forgotten. Then we must do our best not to stray, although straying is inevitable sometimes because we are only human. That is why we have forgiveness.

(Revelation 2:6) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

The Nicolaitans were heathens that were, and are, in the churches and they allow those who pervert the teaching of God, and live according to their own desires and do not even feel bad for it, to be part of their church. This broadly weakens the church and causes individuals to go astray who may have otherwise remained dedicated because they are exposed to these ungodly practices which are allowed by the church leaders.

(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.

Jesus, here, is calling on those who have been given understanding from the Holy Spirit to listen to these words and beware. Those who are in this group, yet heed these words and correct these mistakes will receive everlasting Life through Christ, the Tree of Life, and will forever be part of the Kingdom of God, through the Millennium and into the Eternal Kingdom.

Though this church is doomed the way it is run, individuals in this church can still make the choice to overcome and get back on the right path, and even be in good standing with Christ. If this is speaking about you, repent and move forward on the right path.

(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;

Smyrna is the name of a city and a Christian church in Asia Minor, which in the Greek language means myrrh. But Smyrna is also a type of fig, and this indicates the good figs, which alludes to the parable of the fig tree throughout the Bible.

This is one of the two churches that are to be considered by God to be good figs. This letter is dictated by the One who is considered the Firstfruit because He was resurrected into glory, and thus made eternal life possible for those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

(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.

These false jews are those people who claim to be jews (those who are from the tribe of Judah) and of Israel, but are not even of the line of Adam. They are called kenites and were assimilated into the tribes of Israel very early on. Some of them do so purposely and are deceptive, and some don’t even realize that they are not of Israel, but believe that they are as they are told all of their lives. However, remember that anyone, even gentiles, can be grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel  and be saved if they become true Christians.

Obviously, those of the synagogue of satan are those who are evil, and are servants to him, but often it isn’t obvious to the observer. They have been adding leaven into God’s truth for thousands of years, and turned our faith into a religion of traditions and perversion. Jesus told us to beware of these people. Anything that contradicts the Bible and what was taught to us by Jesus, but teaches a different doctrine, we are to stay away from their teachings, and we are to know the difference. Anyone can choose to be saved, even these gentiles, or any others, and become servants to God through Jesus Christ. But these of the synagogue of satan, in particular, have chosen satan over God.

Those who are of Smyrna know how to tell who these people are from their fruits and from the Key of David, and will not fall for their deception.

 

(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.

This is during the time  of the tribulation that God’s elect will be delivered up to testify for not falling to the deception of satan and worshipping him when he is here as antichrist. Satan wants to know why these people refuse to bow to him and to test them to find who God’s elect are.

During this time of being delivered up to testify, we are not to even contemplate what we will say because the Holy Spirit will give us what to say at that very time. The Holy Spirit will speak through us, and what It says will be very convincing to anyone who is not a gainsayer of satan. You are to not fear death even though they will use that to try to scare you into submitting. It is written that not a hair on your head will be harmed and it is also written that satan and the fallen angels are not to harm anyone with the Seal of God in them (Rev 7). If you have the Seal of God you have nothing to worry about. If you don’t know what the Seal of God is, you should find out as soon as possible if you are feeling and urge to prepare for this.

 

(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.

Jesus is calling on those who have been given understanding by Him to listen and understand what is being said here.

The first death is the end of your life in the flesh, and the second death is being thrown into the Lake of Fire to be destroyed and blotted out from existence (this is the death of your soul and is permanent). Those who overcome in the flesh will not even have the chance of being found deserving of the Lake of Fire, because will have been already justified by God. Otherwise, I pray you will be allowed a chance to be taught and disciplined in the Millennium. At that time, for those people, there will be one last test at the end of the thousand years in which satan will be released to deceive anyone who will allow it, and you will have complete ability to understand the severity of all of this and make a well-informed decision of what you would like your final outcome to be. God will have made sure that those who suffer the second death will thoroughly deserve it, because He is not willing to let any perish unless they have earned it. It is better though to overcome in the flesh before the return of Jesus, which is at 7th trump and pass the test sooner than later.

Do you belong to this church? If not, would you like to? There is still time to prepare and make the right choices, if you care enough to.

 

 (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 God is a two-edged Sword–it cuts in both directions. It can be used for both offense and defense. Not only does Jesus have the two edge sword of God’s Word, but He is God’s Word (and He is God). Jesus is on the right hand of the Father, and this means that He is the One that performs the actions that our Father dictates. He fills the role that interacts directly with us both in the flesh and in the spirit.

 

(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.

These people take the name of Christ and call themselves Christians and profess their belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Satan’s seat, before he arrives as antichrist, is a position of authority in Christianity in which people are told what to believe and what the scriptures mean, which comes between Christians and God, instead of people going directly to God for understanding of scripture and instead of repenting and confessing sins directly to God in the name of Jesus Christ. This throne and the person on it becomes and idol therefore. When antichrist arrives, this will be his seat as he is satan and he will deceive the entire world except God’s elect.

Though these people allow a person to sit on this throne and come between them and God, because they have been taught and deceived that this is what is right and correct, they stand by their faith in Christ and are even willing to die for their faith.

 

(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.

Balaam was a priest of God for money and he caused many to go astray from God and commit spiritual fornication (following after pagan idols and things that come from those idols) and did so in the name of our one true God. Today there is much of paganism added right into Christianity and people have no clue why they follow these rituals and that they have nothing to do with serving God at all. Jesus warned us about the leaven (traditions of men that are added into our faith to plump it up, yet it has nothing to do with God and is an insult to Him) added into our faith. Balaam had no understanding because he was not ordained by God because his heart was not into what he was doing. He did it for gain. When a ministry teaches the truth, it will be blessed and it will not have to beg for money. The people will willingly tithe (give one tenth of income) right to the church without the church needing to beg.

 

(Revelation 2:15) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Some people in this church or thought process even follow the ways of the heathens. They will go to church one day and live like the world the rest of the week.

 

(Revelation 2:16) Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth (the Word of God).

Jesus is asking these people to repent and get back to serving Him (their first love) or else there will be major consequences.

 

(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.

Those who overcome this teaching and thought process, while in the flesh, will receive eternal life of their soul and will belong to God and receive His inheritance. That is much better than the death of their soul. Anyone who has an ear to hear must heed this warning.

 

(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;

 This is what Christ told John to write to Thyatira.

 

(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.

 The last will truly be more than the first because the first one to come claiming to be Christ is in fact antichrist at the 6th trump. Christ will be returning to end this flesh part of this earth age at the 7th (last) trump and will lead us into the Promised Land of the Millennium Kingdom just as Joshua (Yahshua–the Hebrew name for Jesus, Iesous and Joshua) led the Israelites in the Promised Land. The One who comes last claiming to be Christ, because He is Christ, is the Firstfruit, Jesus.

 

(Revelation 2:20) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest (listen to) 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.

This Jezebel of the end times that calls herself a prophetess is those who listen to people who claim to have some sort of divine knowledge, yet this knowledge is in direct contradiction to the Word of the Bible. Any divine knowledge, even if it is from an angel or God Himself, will never contradict the Bible as it was originally written. These people lead others astray, away from God, and begin to draw people even to new age thought processes sometimes. This fornication or idolatry refers to idolatry as whoredom, and is a physical representation of going after other gods or idols. God is the same now as he ever was since the beginning and ever will be in the future to come, and nothing true about God will ever be revealed in these new age followings.

 

(Revelation 2:21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

 The people who listen to these false prophets and new age thinkers and listen to these “new” ideas are gradually led away from God and even when, and if, they realize how they have been led away, they do not repent to God or come back to Him. It is God’s desire that all of His children would come back to Him, and He gives them a chance to come back to Him, many chances, but He knows many will not.

 

(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.

Because of their willingness to follow these false ideas and because these people do not love the truth enough to study it and learn it, God will send them strong delusion that they would believe a lie. He will allow them to fawn over antichrist when he arrives, thinking he is Christ, and they will not be the wiser. And unless they repent for these fornications, they will not overcome in the flesh.

 

(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.

 Anyone who does not overcome in the flesh will be spiritually dead. This means they do not yet have an eternal soul, a living soul. Their soul is liable to die the second death unless they overcome satan’s deception at the end of the Millennium. The second death is the death of your soul when it is thrown into the Lake of Fire and your existence, and all memory of it, is blotted out. You will have never existed. It is difficult to wrap your mind around concepts like this. It is different than anything you know in the flesh. The important thing is that you would not allow this to be your fate.

 

(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.

 These who have not this doctrine of Thyatira, are those who have overcome in the flesh before the return Of Jesus Christ. You will not suffer the burdens that befall those who have not overcome.

 

(Revelation 2:25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

 Those who stand for Christ and hold on to His name, as a Christian, continue to do so until it is He that returns. Do not fall short by mistakenly following after antichrist, but remain faithful to Jesus.

 

(Revelation 2:26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

 (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.

 Those who overcome in this age will serve in the Millennium Temple. Those who have not strayed from Christ will be His kings, and priests, teachers and judges and will serve Him personally in the Temple (Ezekiel 44).

 

(Revelation 2:28) And I will give him the morning star.

 These who overcome will receive Christ as their inheritance (Ezekiel 44) and He owns it all. He is the true morning star, while satan (lucifer) is the false morning star.

 

(Revelation 2:29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 If you understand everything said here, then heed this warning.

 

Jesus gives us these warnings for a reason: it is written in the Bible not to be overlooked, but to be taken seriously. Will you take them seriously and learn what Jesus wants?

The next chapter will give us three more churches of which to be aware.

Revelation

Revelation 1

The Book of Revelation was the last glimpse we were given by Jesus into the events that will lead up to His return, and beyond. Through John, Jesus revealed many secrets that had never been divulged to that date, and in many ways, this is our guide through the Tribulation. As with every book of the entire Bible, Jesus intended us to read it and understand it completely, as each book is one component of the whole story. Just as with a jigsaw puzzle, it cannot be complete without every piece. Let’s take a look at one of the most controversial books of the Bible.

(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:

These things are revealed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to John, to warn His dedicated servants of what will happen over a relatively short period of time at the end of days and leading into the Millennium. These servants are those who are His ambassadors of the Gospel, especially God’s elect, who will understand the deeper meaning of what Jesus would reveal in this book.

(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.

John was shown these things to reveal them to anyone who would read this book. The purpose of the book of Revelation is to reveal or uncover what is written in its pages. These are not meant to be hidden or kept secret, except from those who wouldn’t care enough to study them.

(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.

Those who study what is written in Revelation will be blessed, or rather well-off and happy, because the things that will be happening in the near future will not come as a surprise. Those who decide it isn’t important to know what is written here will be taken as if by a thief in the night because they will not know the signs of the times.

(1Th 5:1) But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

(1Th 5:2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

(1Th 5:3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

(1Th 5:4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

(1Th 5:5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

(1Th 5:6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

(Rev 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.

If we do not watch, He will come on us as a thief in the night. However, if we do what He tells us, and watch, He will not. We are to be children of the light (truth). Those who do not study, are children of the darkness—both because darkness represents lies, and they will not be able to tell the truth from the lies if they have no studied the truth, and because when you don’t know the truth, you are said to be “in the dark.” We are supposed to look for these signs given in Revelation and in prophecy throughout the Bible.

(Mat 16:2) He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

(Mat 16:3) And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

(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;

These seven churches would represent the seven types of Christians in the end times. Only two of these seven are acceptable to Jesus Christ. We will find out the details of these seven churches in the next two chapters, where Jesus will dictate a letter to each church.

(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,

(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.

These verses are clarifying the credentials of who is dictating the letters that we are about to read—it is Jesus Christ, the One and Only.

(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.

When Jesus returns, He will come exactly as He left, “in the clouds.” This is a euphemism for something else we will discuss at another time. Every eye will see Him and know that He has returned instantly. There will be no guessing and we won’t be seeing news reports on tv or hearing rumors when Jesus has truly returned. At that moment, every knee shall bow, even satan. We will, at that same time, be transformed into our spiritual bodies, as the flesh will be done away with.

(Act 1:9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

(Act 1:10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

(Act 1:11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

(Isa 19:1) The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.

(Mat 24:26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

(Mat 24:27) For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

(Mat 24:28) For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

(Mat 24:29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

(Mat 24:30) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

(Mat 24:31) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

(Php 2:9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

(Php 2:10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

(Php 2:11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(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.

Jesus has always existed and has always been part of God. Jesus is one part of the Godhead, which illustrates the three roles of our one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He is God Almighty.

(Joh 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(Joh 1:2) The same was in the beginning with God.

(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.

John is our brother in Christ, and he is a companion to us in the Tribulation because he has written all these things that teach us what to expect and help us keep our faith as we enter into it and go through it. At the time he was given and wrote Revelation, he was in a prison colony for his Christian faith, but Jesus’ words live on through his writings until the end of this flesh age.

(Revelation 1:10) I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

John was taken to the Lord’s Day, the future time at the end of days, all the way to the return of Jesus and beyond. In order to be taken out of this third dimension, a person may not be in the flesh, because flesh exists only in the physical dimensions. John was taken in the spirit through the fourth dimension, which is independent of time, to be able to move through time. This is why flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is eternal and therefore is not dependent upon time as it exists in those higher dimensions. In order to enter into (or back into) His Kingdom, we must take on a different form than what we currently have.

(1Co 15:50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

(1Co 15:51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

(1Co 15:52) 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 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.

Jesus is about to begin His dictation for John to write to these seven churches.

(Revelation 1:12) And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

These seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches. The fact that they are golden represents that they have the truth of the Gospel, however, they also can determine what they will do with this Gospel and the responsibility they have with it in Christ.

(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.

In the center of this arrangement of candlesticks was the Son of man, Jesus Christ. He is the center of the seven churches, as they are all members of the body of Christ, however, they are not all very good at following His instructions. This garment with which He is clothed is made up of His righteous acts, which are far more righteous than any other soul that has ever lived, so His garments are far more white and pure and beautiful.

This golden girdle is the belt of truth mentioned in Ephesians 6 and is part of the Gospel Armor we are all supposed to put on. Also this belt or girdle covers His chest, “paps”, and this represent His righteousness. The breastplate of righteousness is another part of the Gospel Armor.

(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;

His hair is representing the helmet (or hair) of salvation, because He is the author of salvation, and this hair is white with His purity. His eyes were as flames of fire because God is the Consuming Fire and no iniquity can exist in His presence—it will all burn up—and the eyes are the windows to the soul.

(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.

Fine brass represents a something that is hardened and won’t be misshapen because it is so hard and this fine brass is highly polished. This means that He is firmly rooted in His Gospel of peace, therefore He has no need to be further prepared by having His feet shod with the Gospel of peace mentioned in Ephesians 6:15. He is the Gospel and is always in His truth. His voice is like the sound of many waters because it is a loud authoritative voice when He is speaking to John. Jesus means business.

(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.

These seven stars in Jesus’ right hand represent the seven angels of the seven churches to whom these letters will be addressed. They are in the right hand because the right hand signifies power and action. These seven angels are under the direction of Jesus Himself.

The twoedged sword is the Word of God which comes from the mouth of Jesus and is another part of the Gospel Armor, and this item can be used for offense and defense. Jesus Shines like the sun (only brighter) because He is made up of the truth of God and it is brighter than any other thing, especially the darkness of the lies and deception of satan.

(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:

When John saw Him, he had no other desire or inclination than to bow down and worship Him because that is how we react when we see Jesus as we don’t feel worthy to be in His presence. But, Jesus reassured him—John was there for a reason, and under His authority.

(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.

Again Jesus is giving His credentials so there is no question from John, or from us, who He is. Jesus is the key to eternal life, and to the Book of Life. Those not found in this book, will end up in the Lake of Fire at the end of the Millennium—they will receive the second (spiritual) death and will cease to exist.

(Revelation 1:19) Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Jesus is about to give John, and us, 21 chapters of prophecy that will suffice until His return…and beyond.

(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.

Beginning with the next chapter, and on to the third, we will learn about what Jesus thinks of each of these seven churches and what their fate will be. Pay attention because the uncovering of these truths has just begun.