This work has proved its value even before it has been printed. In duplicated form the substance of this book has been used with great benefit by groups and individuals in various congregations. People have found that the last book of the Bible has come alive to them. In this printed edition Harold Norris has given some additional notes and expanded his helpful meditations on the message of the book.

Many Christians have ignored the book of Revelation because they have not been able to understand the visions in it. This book will help them greatly for the author explains the background of the chief images that are used. Not everyone will agree with all the views put forward, but Harold Norris rightly has taken seriously the fact that Revelation belongs to the tradition of apocalyptic literature. Again and again he stresses this, and that means that the receptive reader is set on the right path. The basic emphases of John are highlighted in ways that do justice to the original setting of the work but that also allow us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches today through it.

I have personal pleasure in commending this book. It was Harold Norris who received my confession of faith and baptized me and from him I learnt much in those formative years of life. I am glad that he has employed his later years of ministry and his retirement to share this fruit of a life-time of love for the Scriptures.

Keith Bowes      

The last book of the Bible--The Revelation to John--is to most Christians the NEGLECTED book because its type of literature is not generally understood by readers. Consequently most Christians have given up trying to read and understand the book.

The symbolic interpretation adopted in this treatment has made the book of Revelation a source of encouragement, faith and hope to us over many years since we found the "KEY" to an understanding of John's Revelation.

Because most readers are not familiar with the Apocalyptic literature used in the book of Revelation we share this book in the hope that it will lead to a renewed and more profitable reading of the last book of the Bible.

Whether or not we agree with the method of interpretation or the conclusions reached in application of these principles of interpretation in particular instances of the book of Revelation in this treatment is NOT important. What does matter is that we may come to discover in our own personal experience that the reading of the book of Revelation brings rich blessings to its readers.

Interpretation of the book of Revelation is always influenced by the view the interpreter holds concerning "the millennium" (the one thousand years reign of Christ) in chapter 20. Our personal view is that "the millennium" is a symbol of something real. It is a symbol, not of any period of time but of THE COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTE REIGN OF CHRIST OVER THE LIVES OF THOSE CHRISTIANS WHO ARE FULLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST.

From this viewpoint the treatment in this book approaches the book of Revelation seeking to be consistent in the interpretation of the symbols used throughout the 22 chapters of the book of Revelation. We accept that the whole book is written in symbolic language and that no reasonable interpretation is possible by a mixture of symbolic and literal interpretations of the literature of John's "Revelation".

We have undertaken the preparation of this book because reliable helps to the study of the book of Revelation are not readily available to the ordinary Christian. We have sought to provide background information without overwhelming the ordinary reader with masses of detail. [9]

We do not claim originality in our interpretation. Our personal reading of available study matter for almost 50 years of ministry has meant that the thoughts of other minds have, in many instances, become so much our own thoughts that it is impossible to completely acknowledge all sources of information and ideas. We do acknowledge in particular our indebtedness to the Christian scholarship of W. Milligan (Expositor's Bible), L. Sheppard (Devotional Commentary), O. T. Niles, J. P. Love (Layman's Commentary); my son, Allan Norris also contributed much.

Our personal studies have made the Revelation to John "THE BOOK WITH A BLESSING" in our own experience. We present this book in the hope that it will lead to renewed interest and reading of the last book of the Bible by ordinary members of the church, and that it may lead to more preaching from "Revelation" in our pulpits. It is our experience that every reader of "Revelation" who is consistent in interpretation of the symbols of the book will find that the truths of the book are never ending. Such readers will find new and thrilling truths of hope and faith suited to his life's experiences. God continues to reveal greater truth from this last book of the Bible according to our capacity to receive it.

The plan we have adopted in the treatment of this book is first to explain the principle of interpretation we adopt in our INTRODUCTION. Then to provide brief STUDY NOTES on each chapter dealing with some details of that chapter. Thirdly we add a MEDITATION to each chapter of the book of Revelation. These Meditations are the substance of addresses we have given in which we seek to explain the main truths of each chapter in plain language without too much detail. In these Meditations we try to show the relevance of the teaching of John's Revelation to the daily lives of ordinary Christians today. It is our hope and prayer that every reader of our treatment will find fresh interest in reading John's book with a blessing.

Harold G. Norris [10]      

"The Revelation to John" is part of scripture, so that an understanding of it should be sought by every Christian. John wrote this book in a time of grave peril for the church. Persecution was raging. Pagan Imperial Rome was seeking to destroy the church. What will be the place of the church in the world? Will good triumph over evil? Such questions are answered in this book.

It is acknowledged that "The book of Revelation" is written in such a manner that interpretation by Western minds is often difficult. That is no excuse for neglecting it. The studies that follow are advanced humbly with the prayer that God will guide us to a better understanding of "The Book with a blessing." We may not agree with some of the views expressed in these studies, but it is our prayer that they will lead to a more earnest study of the last book of our Bible.

The book of "Revelation" is "THE NEGLECTED BOOK" of the Bible. There are reasons for this neglect. Its meaning does not lie on the surface. It is written in symbolic language. It is a type of literature which was in common use between 200 B. C. and 100 A. D. and was used in times of persecution when it was not safe to pass on a message of Christian hope in plain language. It was composed of symbols that were known and understood by Christians but these symbols were meaningless to non-Christians. It was a kind of writing IN CODE. Like any other code writing it is essential to know the right KEY to the meaning of the code. When we realise that "The book of Revelation" is written in symbolic language, and that the meaning of the symbols used can be found particularly in Old Testament scriptures which were known to Christians in John's day, and we are consistent in the use of this KEY to interpretation, then it becomes "The book with a blessing."

At the time of John's writing this book "The Apocalypse" (translated into English "REVELATION") there was fierce persecution of the Christian church. Imperial Rome ruled the world and required that all people worshipped the Emperor of Rome as both king and God.

Christians worshipped Christ as King and God and refused Emperor worship.

To write the belief and worship of Christians in ordinary language would have meant confiscation of the book and increased persecution of Christians. So John wrote in CODE. His message would not be understood by pagans but at the same time the book encouraged Christians with the deathless hope of the victory of Christ over all opposition both now and in the final outcome of history.

If we can find the right KEY to interpretation, this book will bring the blessing of Christian hope to us in our day. [11]

Unfortunately, a host of false interpretations given to the visions of this book have made it a happy hunting ground for extremists. Nearly all the sects of Christendom take their rise from false interpretations of the book of Revelation. But, this does not excuse us for remaining ignorant of this book but is all the more reason for our seeking to discover its true message.

To most Bible readers the first three and the last two chapters are familiar while the rest of the book is completely unknown. Yet it is the one book of the Bible which contains a definite promise of blessing to its readers 1:3 and 22:7.

The word "Revelation" ('Apocalypse') by which John describes the book in the first verse of chapter 1 proves that it is not meant to be a mysterious book. The word "Revelation" means THE UNCOVERING OF THAT WHICH HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY COVERED--THE DRAWING BACK OF THE VEIL THAT HAS PREVIOUSLY CONCEALED A PERSON OR THING. The book of Revelation is A REVELATION, not a mystery. The book of Revelation is the UNVEILING of God's plans and purposes which lie behind the things seen and temporal in history, so as to enable the church and individual Christian to face trials in a strong and hopeful spirit. This "Apocalypse" then is A DRAWING BACK OF THE CURTAIN, WHICH, TO MERELY HUMAN EYES, HANGS OVER THE PURPOSES OF GOD.

It is important for the reader to realise that the book deals with what is happening NOW, as well as what will happen in the FUTURE.

Verses 1 and 19 of chapter 1 read:

These words are entirely against the teaching of those who say that the events of this book are still mostly FUTURE: for it concerns "Things that ARE now." Some have taught that the book deals with things which were all fulfilled in John's day.

The truth seems to us to be that the WORDS OF GOD ARE OF PERPETUAL FULFILMENT. They are not only TO BE FULFILLED, but ARE BEING FULFILLED all the time. The predictions, the principles, which John said would shortly come to pass are not exhausted in any past fulfilment but carry lessons for all generations. Verse 3 of chapter 1 makes plain that the whole fulfilment of the book was not exhausted in earliest ages, nor reserved for future times; else where is the blessing promised "for ALL who READ, LISTEN AND KEEP"? The predictions of the book apply to EVERY age, or else verse 3 is meaningless. [12]

METHODS OF INTERPRETATION:

To understand and be blessed by John's Apocalypse the first necessity is to consider the book as a whole, and to understand the method of symbolic literature it uses, and to be consistent in using the key to its symbols.

First it is necessary to outline the three main schools of interpretation.

For reasons outlined above on Revelation 1:3, I must look to other methods of interpretation.

It is true to state that one's idea concerning "the millennium" (the 1,000 years reign of Christ) will shape one's approach to interpretation of the whole book of Revelation. The three main theories concerning "the millennium" are briefly outlined in these studies in chapter 20. The method of interpretation in these studies is neither Pre-millennial nor Post-millennial, these theories are not required in the interpretation of the Apocalyptic writing of the book of Revelation. THE SYMBOLIC INTERPRETATION of the book of Revelation which is followed in these studies recognises that often the figures used in the book of Revelation spring from the situation in the days of the Roman empire when it was written. We also recognise that historical events similar to these figures have often occurred. And we recognise that the words of John will find their completion not in this present world and life but in times that are yet to be which John describes as the new earth and the new heaven.

In John's Apocalypse he sees two opposing forces. He sees good and evil always personalised as God and Satan, or as Christ and the devil, but God [13] and His Christ are always in control of the outcome. There is no possibility of any other end of history than the triumph of God and of His Christ.

The Symbolic interpretation of the book of Revelation sees its symbols as A CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE. By this we mean that the events described in the book are not single events of the past, present, or future, but rather they are the interpretation in the figure of symbols of how things always turn out in this world where evil seems to be in power but where God is actually in control and where God triumphs.

THERE ARE THREE IMPORTANT THINGS TO REALISE IF WE ARE TO UNDERSTAND THIS BOOK.

The first principle is this then, the book of Revelation deals with spiritual principles in constant conflict--the struggle between good and evil in EVERY age.

It is important that we recognise that we cannot take some numbers as symbols, and others literally or there can be no sound interpretation. e. g. if the "7" churches of chapters 2 and 3 and the "7" horns of 5:6, and the 3½ days of 11:11 are symbolical so also is the 1,000 years of 20:2.

"THINGS" are also symbols. e. g., "A STAR" is an angel or messenger."

A CANDLESTICK" is a church 1:20.

"SATAN" in 12:9 is "THE DRAGON" because he is fierce and "THE SERPENT" because he is cunning and subtle.

"WORLDLY POWER" is "THE BEAST" in 13:1, 2, like a
      "leopard"--leaping on its prey, like a
      "bear"--relentless, like a
      "lion"--devouring. [16]

THE AIM OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Some see it as a prediction of the fall of pagan Rome. Others see the destruction of papal Rome in it. Others see in it the FALL OF ALL PAGANISM.

This is certain--The book assures the church of the certainty of Christ's coming and victory--whether it be the victory over pagan or papal Rome--OR THE PAGANISM OF OUR PRESENT WORLD. The true aim of the book appears to be to reveal THE VICTORY OF CHRIST OVER ALL WRONG.

The visions of the book find their counterpart not in any one age but in ALL ages.

The fall of paganism is certainly included in its visions. As the downfall of world-power is included Christ triumphs. This is the book of the advent and victory of Christ.

No attempt is made in these studies to explain every verse or symbol of the book of Revelation. Our aim is more general--to provide the reader with a KEY TO INTERPRETATION OF APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE, a KEY to be used consistently by the reader to discover the true message of this book of scripture. We will not agree with each other in some interpretations but if we will each be consistent in using the KEY to interpret the symbols of this book we will find the book of Revelation a new and thrilling part of scripture.

THE MAIN OUTLINE OF THE BOOK:

Keeping in mind the 3 basic principles of interpretation

      1. The book deals with spiritual principles, not historic events
      2. The book is written in symbolic language
      3. The basis and key to the meaning of the symbols used is found in Old Testament scripture--

now let us turn to study the book of Revelation. [17]

Whatever the fluctuations of hope and despair in the struggle for the souls of men, whatever may be the rise and fall of earthly governments, whatever the struggles between the principles of good and evil, faith and unbelief--this book proclaims the coming victory of Christ. The reading of it today will sustain faith in a hostile world. This book is not a museum to satisfy an archaeologist in prophecy. It is a book of living principles at work in human society. It tells how always Christ is with us, leading to ultimate victory. It is the book of the triumph of Christ over all lawlessness and evil. "HE COMES" is the central theme of the book. The book of Revelation is the most hopeful book in the world. [18]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 1

The translation we prefer in the following interpretation is the R.S.V. Verses 1-3 have been covered in our previous introduction. (see page 12).

      In chapter 1 let our minds rest in Verse 13.

(1) His HOLINESS (verse 14) is indicated by His "WHITE HAIR." With what humility should we act in congregational worship when we remember the holiness of our Lord who is in our midst!

(2) His GAZE (verse 14) "His EYES were LIKE AFLAME OF FIRE." What a difference there would be sometimes if we remembered always that Christ's "eyes like a flame of fire" search out all the hidden secrets of our hearts!

(3) His FEET (verse 15) "like burnished bronze" tell of Christ's unwearied endurance.

(4) His VOICE (verse 15) "like the sound of many waters." Christ's voice to be listened to above the voices of preachers, readers, singers--like the voice of ocean waves irresistible and strong on the shores of every continent.

(5) His "RIGHT HAND HOLDING THE SEVEN STARS" (verse 16)

Verse 20 explicitly explains that "the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches."

We understand this to be a reminder that by His right hand (THAT IS BY HIS POWER) Christ holds and sustains His church as she is His MESSENGER (His angel) in spreading the gospel.

(6) His WORD (verse 16) "from His mouth issued a SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD."

The word of His mouth is TWO-EDGED--that is, if not turned to blessing and salvation by acceptance, then turning to judgment and destruction by the [20] rejection of His word. How differently we would listen in church worship if we realized that above the words spoken by human lips are His words--the words of Christ the Lord--two-edged, by our acceptance turning to blessing and salvation, by our rejection turning the other edge of judgment and destruction!

(7) His FACE (verse 16) "was like the sun shining in full strength" The light which can drive the darkness of sin from the sinner's heart, and can cheer the fainting Christian! We should be conscious of that face uplifted on us as we worship so that our hearts begin "to burn within us" as He makes us glad with the joy of His countenance, until the day when we shall see Him face to face without the need of any symbolism.

AND IN THE LAST VERSE OF THIS CHAPTER JOHN GIVES US THE KEY TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE WHOLE BOOK OF REVELATION.

Christ takes the FIRST TWO SYMBOLS AND TELLS US WHAT THEY MEAN (just as He took His first two parables and explained them).

"The 7 Lampstands are 7 churches," He stated.

"and the 7 stars in His right hand are the 7 angels (the messengers) of the 7 churches."

John is told to write "the revelation" (the unveiling) of things which human minds unaided could never grasp. The whole story is in this book of the church's struggles, in John's day, in our own day, and in the final outcome of victory through much tribulation.

So, the first chapter teaches us what to expect in the rest of the book of Revelation--It will record the struggle of the church in this world, always within the church Christ is present. The Head of the church is not severed from the body. The book will tell of the conflict between good and evil, God and Satan, of sin beaten and Satan bound. The book will be the unfolding not of a fairy-tale but of a dream which came from God. It will tell the story of the church as she journeys through the wilderness of this world to the land of promise, encountering many foes but more than conqueror through Christ who loves her. The first chapter reminds us that we are about to study the fortunes of the church on earth which will include within it's scope the final purposes of God for His creation.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 1

1. The very FIRST word tells us WHAT THE BOOK OF REVELATION IS ABOUT, 1:1 "THE REVELATION" The first word is significant.

"Revelation" (in Greek 'Apocalypse') proves that this book is not meant of be a mysterious book. The meaning of the word "Revelation" is THE [21] UNCOVERING OF THAT WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN COVERED--THE DRAWING BACK OF THE VEIL WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY COVERED SOMETHING--The book is a REVELATION--THE UNVEILING OF GOD'S PLAN AND PURPOSE so that whoever reads this book will find faith and courage to meet all the trials of this present life in a strong and hopeful spirit. It is the Revelation, the drawing back of the curtain which has previously hidden the plan and purpose of God from our human eyes and understanding.

So, the very first word tells us what the book is about.

2. It is important that we realise that THE BOOK DEALS WITH WHAT IS TAKING PLACE NOW AS WELL AS WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE FUTURE. In the first verse John reminds us that he was given a revelation of "what must soon take place."

In verse 19 John is told to write "what you see, what IS, and what is to take place hereafter."

So, the book of Revelation is about things WHICH ARE NOW TAKING PLACE. "The things which are."Also "things which are to take place hereafter." Verses 1, 3 and 19 of the first chapter make plain the fact that the book of Revelation has a message for EVERY generation. For NOW as well as the events of John's day in the past or events still future.

3. It is Important for the reader to realise that the book deals with THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN ERA--from the Pentecost--beginning of the church in Acts chapter 2 to the climax and end of creation.

4. It is important to realise that the VISIONS of the Book ARE PARALLEL, NOT SUCCESSIVE.

One vision brings us to the verge of the final coming of Christ and so closes. Then another vision opens looking at THE SAME EVENTS from a different standpoint. The book has a message for every age, past, present and future. The book reveals principles which are in action in every age. The great purpose of the book of Revelation is to assure the church and the Christian of THE ADVENT (The Coming) of JESUS CHRIST IN VICTORY. If we had to find a different title for the book of Revelation it would be "THE BOOK OF THE COMING OF CHRIST." "HE COMES" is the central message of the book, and His coming means the victory of Christ over all evil.

To a church which was expecting the IMMEDIATE FINAL COMING OF CHRIST John gives in this book this word of caution, "NOT YET, NOT YET." Victory will come, but only in God's good time. Christ will come in the constant daily experience of individual Christians to encourage, strengthen and sustain them in every trial. Christ does come in the daily experience of individual Christians. He fulfills His promise of Matthew 28:20 "Lo, I am with you always."

This book reminds Christians that they are never alone--that in daily experience Christ comes to help, encourage, sustain. And this book clearly [22] describes Jesus Christ as one who comes into the midst of His church to guide, strengthen and bless.

And this book tells also that there will yet be the final coming of Christ and climax of human history.

We do not attempt to deal with every word or detail of the Revelation to John in our treatment in this book, but we can give in broad outline an idea to ordinary readers of HOW to read and interpret it so that future reading of the book of Revelation will be a rich and inspiring experience.

Whatever the fluctuations of hope and despair--whatever be the rise and fall of earthly governments, of social and political systems of society--whatever the struggles between good and evil, faith and unbelief, the reading of the book of Revelation will sustain faith even in a context of a pagan hostile world. The book is not a museum to satisfy the archaeologist in prophecy IT IS A BOOK OF LIVING PRINCIPLES AT WORK IN HUMAN SOCIETY. It tells how always CHRIST COMES healing, helping, sustaining and leading on to FINAL and ULTIMATE VICTORY. And always there are depths of truth which lie beneath the surface of a seemingly simple word or sentence of the book which will unfold greater lessons when we ourselves reach a further stage in life's experience (when we are ready to receive it)--it is the most wonderful book in the world.

The book of Revelation, then, is ABOUT GOD'S PLAN AND PURPOSE, AND ITS MESSAGE IS FOR EACH AND EVERY GENERATION.

5. Clearly, the Book is written in SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE. It is a type of literature which was in common use in John's day. It was used in times of persecution when it was not safe to pass on a message of Christian faith and hope in plain language as the foes of the church would have destroyed such a plain message.

It was literature composed of SYMBOLS which Christians versed in the Old Testament Scriptures would understand, but non-Christians did not understand because they did not have the KEY to the meaning of the SYMBOLS used. Christians had the KEY to the meaning of the symbols. The book of Revelation will become "the book with a blessing" to us when we find the KEY to understand the meaning of the symbols used in it.

The book of Revelation could be described as WRITING IN CODE. Like any code used by armies at war the message had no meaning to the enemy who does not possess the KEY to the code. To know the message of the book of Revelation one must KNOW the KEY, and one must USE the Key CONSISTENTLY.

At the time of John's writing there was fierce persecution of the Christian church. Imperial Rome held sway over the world and required that all people worship the emperor of Rome as both king and God. Christians worshipped Christ as King and God. Christians refused to worship the Roman emperor. [23]

John himself was a prisoner of Rome on the island of Patmos separated from his beloved fellow Christians. He wanted to get a message to his fellow persecuted Christians to encourage them,--to remind them that Caesar worship was wrong--that Caesar was not eternal--and that Jesus Christ will prevail. He wanted to tell Christians that Caesar worship would come to an end. John's message would be regarded as treason by his Roman captors if they understood it. A message such as John--had to give would have been confiscated by the Roman authorities before it left Patmos if written in plain ordinary language. So John wrote his message in CODE the symbols of which were based in the Jewish Old Testament scriptures and which Christians versed in the scriptures would understand. They had the Key to the code in their understanding of the Old Testament symbols. But the pagan Roman authorities not having this KEY to the code would not understand the message. John's Apocalypse is written in the same manner as modern armies who use codes. If the enemy lacks the KEY to the code the message is only understood by those for whom it is intended.

In 1944 a German pastor saw sitting in the front row in church the members of the Gestapo. They came because they were suspicious as to what the pastor was preaching about Hitler and the Third Reich. The pastor realised that he needed to use language and figures of speech which his congregation versed in the scriptures would understand, but which members of the Gestapo would regard as gibberish. So he used the language of Revelation chapter 13 about a strange wild beast--part Leopard, part Bear, part Lion, and of a little horn that spoke blasphemy, and of the wild beast which had already received its death wound. The pastor told of "The Ancient of Days" sitting in judgment on His throne. His hair was white as wool and His eyes flashed like fire and He destroyed the enemies with the two-edged sword of His tongue. The congregation said "Amen." The members of the congregation understood the message of their minister because they had the KEY to it. The congregation left the church meeting with courage to be loyal to Christ whose purposes would be fulfilled though earthly governments which opposed Christ would be destroyed. But the Gestapo did not understand the message. They left the church without seeing the point that the pastor was saying that Hitler would fall. They thought that the pastor was "a queer nut, "Apocalypse in that German church in 1944 was a most helpful literary device. So it was when John used it in A. D. 95.

John was saying to persecuted Christians in his and every age that however bestial human authorities may be they are not eternal. They are only human and will come to an end. God's kingdom is eternal and will ultimately be victorious.

IN THE LAST VERSE OF CHAPTER 1 JOHN GIVES US THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE SYMBOLS USED THROUGHOUT THE BOOK OF REVELATION. [24]

In 1:20 the first TWO symbols used are explained.

Verse 12--John saw "SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS"--and verse 20 states "THE SEVEN GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS ARE THE SEVEN CHURCHES."

In verse 16 John saw "SEVEN STARS IN CHRIST'S RIGHT HAND"--and in verse 20 Christ states "THE SEVEN STARS ARE THE ANGELS OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES." And having stated that these first two symbols have this meaning John expects his readers to be consistent and to interpret all material things, colours and numbers as symbols. Unless we are consistent in this no sensible interpretation is possible.

So, the book of Revelation is written in symbolic language and assures the church and the Christian of Christ's coming and victory over all paganism in each and every age.

In addition to the brief study notes on chapter 1 note verse 8, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." This is repeated again in 21:6 and 22:13.

"Alpha" is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. "Beta" is the second. It is from this that we get our word "alphabet." "Alpha" is the first letter, "Omega" is the last letter of the Greek alphabet.

Jesus Christ claims here to be "THE ALPHABET OF LIFE." What the alphabet is to language Jesus Christ is to the business of daily living. He is the beginning--the creator of life--and the sustainer--and the climax of life. As the letters of the alphabet are indispensable to literature so Jesus Christ is essential to all real daily living.

We could spend a long time meditating on the significance of Christ as the "alphabet of Christian living." [25]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 2 and 3

The fortunes of the church are to be traced in "the Revelation to John" and the first thing necessary is that the reader should learn what the church IS. This is the aim of chapters 2 and 3.

Each of the SEVEN letters is addressed to "the angel" of that church; these are not bishops or elders in our modern sense. In the book of Revelation God's angels are those who speak or act.

The angels of the churches are the churches themselves as they speak and act.

The SEVEN letters of chapters 2 and 3 set before us a picture of THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF ALL AGES.

There were more than 7 churches in Asia in John's day. John made a selection of "7" to represent the universal church. The number "SEVEN" is throughout the book a symbol of perfect unity. The message to "the SEVEN churches of Asia" is quite plainly addressed to the universal church of all ages. This is again made plain from the constantly recurring summons to "HEED THE MESSAGE TO THE CHURCHES"--that is, to the whole seven, rather than one particular message.

The attempt to see the 7 churches as successive periods in history must be set aside as erroneous.

Many expressions in these 7 letters find their explanation only in later chapters e. g.,

It is clear that the message to the 7 churches has a wider application than to 7 churches in Asia in John's age. The message is to the universal church in all ages.

Take YOUR church. Think of its life. Then hear this word of God. "I KNOW YOUR WORKS."

A SUMMARY OF THE MESSAGE TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

These seven messages show the universal church in every age and land beset by persecution from without and by lukewarmness and Lack of love from within.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 2 and 3
      (a) FOUR THINGS IN THE MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL

OUR MEDITATION on Chapters 2 and 3 SUMMARISES FOUR THINGS IN THE MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL.

1. FIRST, EACH OF THE SEVEN LETTERS BEGINS WITH A DESCRIPTION OF JESUS CHRIST.

He is presented as the LORD, THE SON OF GOD, IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCH, with eyes which search out every secret of our lives;, with full and complete knowledge, and with His Word blessing obedience and judging disobedience.

The presentation reminds us that the church is not a mere human organisation which men and women are free to decide to join or not to join--but that the church on earth (with all her faults) holds at the centre of her life the Christ who said "Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the world." So, the greatest privilege any person can have on earth is to beg a member of Christ's church; and the greatest responsibility we have is to be worthy of that privilege.

2. THAT AS CHURCH MEMBERS WE NEED A REAL LOVE FOR CHRIST.

Take the church of which you are a part. Does Christ stand among us today saying as He did to Ephesus "I know your busy auxiliary work--but you have left your first love"? [28]

First love is love in which there is no thought of self. It is love in which devotion to another is the basis of life. Does Jesus come to us, as He did to Peter, asking "Do you love Me?" Where is the first love in which you cease to put home, business, pleasures, material possessions first, and put Christ first? First love doesn't count as sacrifice the time and talent and energy given in Christ's service. Where is the emotion, the enthusiasm, the self-sacrifice you once had? First love puts Christ and His church first in service.

3. CHRIST COUNSELS US TO BE MUCH MORE IN EARNEST IN SEEKING A REAL KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WORD.

Through every message to the universal church in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 is the call to church members to "KNOW" and to "DO" the Word of God.

Christ needs to DO something WITH us before we can do anything for others. As spring gets into a clod of dirt but can't be imprisoned there but bursts out into new life in flower and fruit--so, when we know the Word of God the spring of Holy Spirit power enters this earthly clod and breathes new life. Church growth depends on real Bible study.

4. CHRIST COUNSELS EVERY CONGREGATION TO LET CHRIST INTO EVERY MEMBER'S LIFE AS LORD AND MASTER.

Christ's word in Revelation 3:20 is a word we each need to hear. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. "What door is this? The door of a church, and Christ shut outside. But yet, Christ's message is "IF ANYONE hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him . . ."

"IF ANYONE." It doesn't need a decision of a church business meeting or of any committee to make this decision. "If anyone"--that means any individual church member. If any one church member will yield completely to Him Christ will come in with peace and power.

The lesson we learn from chapters 2 and 3 is that Christ is Lord of His church, and that He calls us to give our first love and loyalty to Him, and that we know and do God's word, and that we open the door of our personality by yielding completely to Him. May our prayer be "Lord revive my church BEGINNING WITH ME."

      (b) THE MESSAGE TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

Don't read chapters 2 and 3 as if they are concerned only with some other church than your own. There is a message for every church member here. We could summarise the messages: [29]

"He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to your Church."

We read chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation as Christ's message to His universal church of all ages.

Today we read these 7 messages to the church (if we read them at all), with the pleasant feel of limp Morocco leather between our fingers and fail to grasp what these 7 messages meant to inspire, encourage, strengthen and reprove the church members of John's own age. We fail to realise that these 7 messages are addressed to our church in this generation.

Think of your own congregation. Think of your own place in the church--What you are doing--the present state of your spiritual health--Think, and then listen to these words of the Lord of the church "I know your works." For, whatever Christ said to EVERY one of the 7 churches He begins His message to that church with the words "I know your works." We should listen to the message of Christ to the 7 churches knowing that the Lord is speaking to us. He knows our situation. His message is to us today.

Having noted the four points earlier in our meditation, further note--

1. CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS 2:1-7

The Lord here tells us that OUR FIRST NEED AS CHURCH MEMBERS IS A REAL LOVE FOR CHRIST.

In verses 2 and 3 Christ mentions 7 good things about the church in Ephesus. It was a working, busy church--it was a toiling energetic church--its work was not spasmodic--it did not condone immorality--it did not tolerate false teaching--in spite of difficulties it maintained its witness, and it "had not grown weary." Truly a live, remarkable congregation. Yet Christ sees one glaring fault. In verse 4 "I have this against you, that you HAVE ABANDONED YOUR FIRST LOVE." Just that! Yet it overshadows all else. All the business in service is useless without "first love." [30]

What is first love? And what is it to lose first love?

First love is the love in which there is not a single thought of self. First love, loves because it is attracted to the other. First love gives itself and defies sacrifice.

First love is love in which devotion to another person is the basis of life.

Do you remember your early courtship and early marriage? When first love was devotion to the other as a hallowed thing? When that first love is abandoned the seeds of a broken marriage are sown. First love cannot be measured with any rule. It cannot be weighed with any scales. First love overleaps all barriers--it gives and never counts the cost.

When you first fell in love with Christ! Do you remember? When you confessed your faith in Christ before a congregation--when in your baptism you took Jesus Christ as your Master--when in your act of baptism you really said "Now I belong to Jesus." Do you remember? Where is that first love now?

In the first love of courtship and marriage you loved to be alone with your beloved. Do you still love to be alone with Jesus Christ in prayer?

If the joy and thrill of such first love is missing from your relationship with Jesus Christ all your work, and toil, and patient endurance is useless. Sometimes we sing--

Our first need is to regain our first love for Christ.

As Jesus came to Peter by the lakeside after Peter's failure with the question "Do you love Me?" So He comes to us. It is perilously easy for us to become so busy in the Lord's work that we have no time to be alone with Jesus our Lord. Does He say to us "I miss the first love?" "Where is that emotion you once had when you put Me first--not your home or business?" Remember it is not our busy-ness in church work which lights the lamp of the church's witness. It is our love--our first love for Christ.

2. CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA 2:8-11

(The persecuted church which receives no word of blame.)

Our Lord here tells us plainly that Christians will face suffering and persecution. He does not promise to remove the trials, but He does promise to limit the trials and to give Christians power to bear and even to USE these trials.

Christ limits the time of trial and persecution according to verse 10 to "TEN DAYS." Remembering the KEY to the symbolism of the book "TEN DAYS" does not mean a literal 10 days of time, but is a symbol of "A DEFINITE, LIMITED PERIOD." [31]

Physical persecution may not be our lot today. But ridicule, scorn, social ostracism are forms of modern persecution which are very real especially to your people who meet the persecution of a pagan society. If we follow Christ closely we should not be surprised if we are hit by some of the mud and stones which are flung at Christ.

3. CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM 2:12-17

(The over-tolerant church which allowed worldliness among its members).

The subtle weapon used against this church was worldliness within the church. The picture is used of Balaam who counselled the pagan king Balak to destroy Israel by befriending and then 'white-anting' the life of Israel from within. This danger of a church losing its spiritual faith is real today.

4. CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA 2:18-29

(A church compromising with sinful worldliness is described here as "Spiritual adultery").

Such a church is in dire peril.

5. CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN SARDIS 3:1-6

(The sleeping church).

A warning is given against a mere NOMINAL church membership. However beautiful a church service, to the all-seeing eyes of the Lord such a church is dead. Yet even as at Sardis, there is no church absolutely dead. There are always some Christians in every church who are truly Christians. Christ knows His own and blesses them.

6. CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA 3:7-13

(The church using her opportunities).

Such a congregation is told that Christ gives that church power sufficient for its work.

The Lord "opens the door, "so this message calls us to be faithful, using the opportunities of service which Christ provides.

7. CHRIST'S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN LAODECIA 3:14-22

(The lukewarm church).

Here was a church with no emotion, no enthusiasm, no sense of urgency, no passion and no compassion--and therefore it had ceased to be a Christian church. The members of the church in Laodicea wore the Cross as an ornament but never considered the Cross as a death to a life of selfish ease. They were lukewarm, complacent, self-deceived. The message of Christ is directed to those church members who remain church members so long as it doesn't cost them anything. Christ comes to such lukewarm church members and calls in love (verse 20). "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and eat with him and he with me." Christ calls these church members to a new, warm zeal and enthusiasm. [32]

Christ shut out of His world (for they crucified Him).

Christ shut out of His church (for it is the door of a church on which He is knocking in Revelation 3:20).

And Christ waits--not for a committee or church business meeting resolution to decide whether to admit Him. Christ waits until ANY ONE PERSON in the congregation is willing to open the door to Him.

As Holman Hunt reminds us in his painting "The Light of the World" "THE LATCH IS ON OUR SIDE OF THE DOOR."

To those who open the door Christ offers in verse 21 that they will share the throne with Him. This picture of Christ sharing His throne with Christians surpasses all the symbols of Christian hope. Beyond this promise neither hope nor imagination can go.

Read the messages to the 7 churches of Revelation 2 and 3 as Christ's message to your own church and pray "Lord, revive your church, beginning with me." [33]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 4

Those interpreters who assign each of the seven letters of chapters 2 and 3 to successive periods of church history during the past 19 centuries also treat the whole of the rest of the book of Revelation from chapters 4-22 as all dealing with the future. This makes the book to have no message for the days when John was writing--nor for today. But in chapter 1 verse 1 and 19 John is specifically given a message concerning things which are NOW taking place as well as future things.

Without any basis for doing so those who treat chapters 4-22 as dealing with future events introduce the RAPTURE of 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 between Revelation chapters 3 and 4. The plain fact is that John does not describe the RAPTURE at all in the book of Revelation. It is an error to insert the RAPTURE between chapters 3 and 4 of the book of Revelation.

As Christians do we not affirm the parousia (the presence) of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ with us NOW? Was not His promise of nineteen hundred years ago, "Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age" fulfilled through the centuries--hundreds and thousands of times? The fourth gospel, written by John, gives strong teaching that the Risen Lord Jesus comes to be with us NOW. He came when He was resurrected and was freed from the limitations of time and space at His ascension. He comes to us in our times of need to help, to guide, to bless. The danger of waiting for His calling us to the skies is the danger of not knowing that Christians should be aware of His presence NOW.

Christians who realise the Lord's presence now are also aware of His urgent continuing challenge for us to be caught up in involvement in His purposes--sharing the gospel--becoming channels of His Spirit NOW. As we accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our life we give ourselves to working with Him in extending the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

Revelation chapters 4-22 deals with the message to the church in tribulation NOW, as well as in the future, and brings its word of courage to Christians today with the assurance that the church on earth need fear no enemy in any generation for "God is in the midst of her." [34]

Chapters 4 and 5 form an interlude before the conflicts between the church and the world are described. Chapters 4 and 5 tell us that the earthly struggle between good and evil, the church and the world, is known in heaven. John bids us take courage as Christians because the ultimate victory of the church is sure because of Christ's redeeming work. In other words, to a church in tribulation Revelation chapters 4 and 5 says "let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe in Me." The church need fear no enemy or trial. She is already more than conqueror. These 2 chapters echo Psalm 46:1-7 "God is our Refuge and strength . . ."

Chapters 4 and 5 describe a council in heaven.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 4

The subject of the whole book of Revelation is the struggle and conflict of the world against the church. That struggle is not described until chapter 6. But after having described the universal church in chapters 2 and 3 John reassures the church of her preservation and victory in chapters 4 and 5.

In these chapters a council is meeting in heaven. The subject being considered is the church on earth. In the central place is God on the throne. The symbols make clear His holiness, judgment and mercy. The Holy Spirit is there. And there are the representatives of the church and of mankind all praising God. All the universe--from the remotest star to all things near and around us are described as being in the hand of God who is working out His plans and purposes in His own time and way.

When you get discouraged by the seeming weakness and failures of the church an intelligent reading of chapters 4 and 5 of the book of Revelation will do much to reassure and encourage you. These chapters will remind you that your greatest privilege in this world is to be a member of the Christian church for she alone of all world organisations will survive the shocks of time.

The main message of chapters 4 and 5 to Christians is "BELIEVE IN GOD." The church need not fear any enemy or trial. She is already more than [36] conqueror. These two chapters of Revelation echo the truth of Psalm 46.

4:1 John writes "I LOOKED, AND LO, IN HEAVEN AN OPEN DOOR."

1. HERE IS A REMINDER OF THE NEARNESS OF THAT OTHER SPIRITUAL WORLD.

The material seen world in which we live looms so large in our thoughts that me need this reminder that our present world is but a mere speck in God's universe. Above, around and beyond it is the great REAL world which is spiritual. Here we now have the SEEN and TEMPORAL, there is THE UNSEEN AND ETERNAL. Unseen yes! But REAL and NEAR. So near that it is pictured here as only a single door, only a plank of wood between us and the unseen eternal world.

There is an important truth brought to us in Revelation 4:1 of the open door--the nearness of that spiritual eternal world. And what a moment for us when that open door is set before our eyes as it was to John's!

Some day that open door will be set before us at the moment of death. "Lo, in heaven an open door." This was what happened to the first Christian martyr, as Stephen cried out "Behold, I see heaven open."--The nearness of that other world!--only a door between us and that unseen, real, eternal world, a door which may open before our eyes at any moment. AND WHAT A COMFORTING THOUGHT!

That other world in heaven is neither empty nor unconcerned with our present world and life. John's vision shows us that heaven has its inhabitants too, and there, just beyond the door God sits, thinking, caring, watching, preparing for His church, His church militant here on earth, and for every member of His church. Here is cheer and courage when we become depressed and down-hearted because of the trials, set-backs and difficulties of the church on earth--to remember that just beyond that door in heaven God is on His throne, that the things here on earth are not mere chance and change--but that God's eye is watching, His heart is loving, His hand is working. The eye, heart and hand of God is leading us on step by step to that glorious day when He will OPEN THE DOOR to us and bid us "Come up hither"--only then, entering there, to go out no more, but to abide in His presence forever.

I link Revelation 4:1 with the words of Jesus in John chapter 14--"Believe in God, believe in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms beyond this present room of the seen and material life." At death we pass through the opened door into those unseen but real rooms in God's house where we will live in the nearer presence of God--in a new world unseen to human eyes [37] but real and eternal. Jesus said "I go to prepare those rooms for you, and someday I will come for you--I will open the door of heaven."

The Christian who has grasped the point of Revelation 4:1 "And lo, in heaven an open door" and of John 14 is no longer afraid of death. It is only the opening of a door into the unseen, real and eternal world.

There is comfort and courage and hope to Christians in the message of Revelation chapters 4 and 5--that God watches over the fortunes of His church and children on earth and someday the church on earth will be the church triumphant in heaven--for "the gates of hell shall not prevail against her."

An understanding of chapters 4 and 5 of the book of Revelation helps us to see the church as she really is in God's eyes. One realises now that God is WATCHING over His church, that God's PURPOSES will be FULFILLED, that the church will ULTIMATELY be victor overall evil.

And, as in verse 3 of chapter 4 John saw a RAINBOW around God's throne, so there is HOPE, deathless hope--for God's MERCY and care from His throne in heaven beyond our present sight assures the Christian and the church on earth of conquest over evil.

Chapter 4 shows us then--THE NEARNESS OF THAT OTHER WORLD "only a door between."

"After this I looked, and lo, in heaven an open door" wrote John in 4:1.

Recall that John was a prisoner of the Roman authorities on the island of Patmos. Domitian the Roman emperor had closed the door of LIBERTY against John, yet John tells us that he saw a door opened in heaven.

(1) John's vision of the door opened in heaven tells us that THERE ARE LIMITS SET TO DOMINEERING MIGHT AND ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES.

(2) The vision of the opened door in heaven came to John IN THE PLACE OF EXILE, THE PLACE OF HARDSHIP, LONELINESS AND SORROW.

Surely this vision is meant to teach us that it often happens that the most enriching and significant experiences in human life have come out of trouble, out of sorrow and adversity and things which seemed all against us--one has only to think of the letters of the Apostle Paul in our New Testament which came out of his prison experiences--or the writings of John Bunyan from the Bedford jail--

(3) John's vision of the door opened in heaven SUSTAINS US AMID THE HARDSHIPS OF OUR OWN PATMOS EXPERIENCES.

Countless members of Christians have found life liveable even at its hardest and worst when imprisoned on a Patmos of a monotonous existence, of grinding poverty, of hopeless invalidism, of crippling misfortune, of abject failure, of crushing sorrow. They have found courage to live bravely and even triumphantly because they, with John, have seen some door opened in heaven. [38]

(4) John's vision of the door opened in heaven WITNESSES TO HEAVEN'S INTEREST IN EARTH.

Those who have seen "a door opened in heaven" know that there are powers, reinforcements, resources at our disposal which most surely testify to God's active and abiding interest in us. They are sure that at the heart of the universe is a God of infinite love and mercy, and that the rainbow of hope is still there with its promise. Those who share with John in the vision of "the door opened in heaven" of Revelation 4:1 are indeed blessed abundantly by the realisation of God's concern and love for them.

Another truth brought to us by Revelation chapter 4 is THAT ONLY BY SEEING THE CHURCH AND THE UNIVERSE THROUGH THE EYES OF GOD CAN WE BE SATISFIED.

There are several ways of looking at things. There is the worm's eye view, the bird's eye view, the man's eye view, and there is the God's eye view. John was not satisfied with the crawling worm's eye view of the church on earth as seen by a pagan hostile world. Nor was John satisfied with the physical loftiness and remoteness of the bird, nor with the enquiring yet baffled view of man. John could only be satisfied by seeing the church through God's eye--then he is beyond bewilderment. So, in chapter 4 he sees "a door opened in heaven"--into the ultimate mystery--and he hears a voice clear as a trumpet calling him from time into eternity. It is only by following John's lead in this chapter that Christians can find peace and assurance in a world hostile to the church.

The study of John's Revelation has brought hope and assurance of the ultimate victory of the church which a hostile world has never been able to put out. A study of this "neglected book" will save a Christian from despair for the church. A Christian who grasps the essential truth of John's "Revelation" sees in God and the heavenly council A WAY AHEAD. Today many are confused--because they don't read this last book of the Bible. Some profess to have all the answers now. But an honest reader who believes in God on the throne doesn't profess to know and understand everything about the future of the church. But he knows THAT GOD IS WATCHING, THAT GOD'S PURPOSES WILL BE FULFILLED, THAT THERE IS A WAY AHEAD, THAT THE CHURCH WILL ULTIMATELY BE VICTORIOUS OVER ALL EVIL.

The care of God over His church in peril, and the throne of God in heaven (beyond our human sight) has a rainbow in it.

Here is HOPE, deathless hope, many coloured hope. [39]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 5

The interlude before the conflicts between the church and the world are described, begun in chapter 4, with the council in heaven, is continued in chapter 5.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 5

Chapter 5 INTRODUCES US TO A NEW SONG

In the first verse John saw A BOOK in the hand of God.

A book in which the pages were close written on BOTH sides.

It was the COMPLETE record of the events of this world's history.

Nothing could be added to it. (Its pages were close written on both sides).

John knew that the book contained the complete record of this world's history. It contained the full story of the history and fate of the church--but the book was sealed with seven seals; and nobody was able to break those seals and open the book. Nobody was able to make those sealed pages known to men. Until Christ takes the book and in chapter 6 breaks the 7 seals and reveals God's message and tells the history and fate of this world. But before that takes place we are shown this interlude of chapter 5 verses 8-14 when

We centre our thought on verses 9 and 10 of chapter 5.

"AND THEY SANG A NEW SONG, saying, "WORTHY ART Thou to take the scroll and to open its seals, for THOU WAST SLAIN AND BY THY BLOOD DIDST RANSOM MEN FOR GOD from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, AND HAST MADE THEM A KINGDOM AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD, and they shall reign on earth."

THE NEW SONG IS IN 3 PARTS

Notice that this NEW song of 5:9, 10 links with Revelation 1:5, 6--(The Christian faith in one sentence)--"unto Him who LOVES us, FREED us from our sins by His blood. And MADE us a kingdom, PRIESTS to God."(Our Christian faith is all expressed in that one sentence). Here in Revelation 5:9 and 10 CREATION SINGS A NEW SONG.

1. ATONEMENT--For Thou wast SLAIN."

By His death on Calvary's Cross Jesus Christ brought us to be AT ONE with God. (This is the meaning of the word "atonement'). By our sin we had been separated from God. By His death Jesus made us AT ONE. He united us to God and to each other. So the Cross of Jesus Christ comes as the first note of the NEW song which Christians can now sing on earth.

2. REDEMPTION is the second note of this NEW song of Revelation 5:9. "And by Thy blood DIDST RANSOM (or purchase) men for God."

Note the "4" described here as "from every TRIBE, and TONGUE, and PEOPLE, and NATION" in verse 9.

"4" is always a symbol in John's book of Revelation of anything concerning the EARTH. Therefore the NEW song of chapter 5 verse 9 indicated A WORLD-WIDE REDEMPTION.

Can we join in this NEW song of REDEMPTION? How frequently our song is but a faint echo! How often is our idea of redemption simply that our sins are forgiven, and that the guilt of our past sins is removed so that we are safe for the final destination of heaven? That is only ONE note of the new song that Christians have to sing. Listen as this NEW song is sung in Revelation 5:9, 10.

(1) They sing of PURCHASE

"By Thy blood thou didst RANSOM (PURCHASE) men for God."

The coming of our Lord to Bethlehem, His life and death--the shedding of His blood at the Cross was not only to WASH AWAY OUR SINS AND REMOVE THE STAIN OF OUR GUILT, BUT IT WAS TO PURCHASE US FOR HIMSELF.

The Apostle Paul reminded the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28 that the Church of God was "PURCHASED with the blood of Christ," and so, Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth "You were BOUGHT with a price" (1 Cor. 6:20 and 1 Cor. 7:23).

Do we realise as church members that CHRIST HAS PURCHASED US? Have we really given ourselves "in full and glad surrender" to the Christ to whom we belong? "You are not your own. You have been purchased with the price of the blood of Jesus Christ."

(2) They sing of POWER--for verse 10 says "They shall REIGN ON EARTH" Over WHAT do Christians reign? Surely over sin and evil, in the [42] sense of having it in subjection, having power over it. "Let not sin reign in your bodies" wrote Paul in Romans 6:12, 14, "for sin shall not have dominion over you." Clearly, if sin is not to reign over us we must reign over sin. What do we as church members really know of that life of victory and power over sin? How many of us realise that Jesus Christ came not only to remove the guilt of sin but to FREE US FROM ITS POWER? Yet we do sing in the hymn 'Rock of Ages' concerning Christ's power to save us from sin.

The Cross of Jesus Christ is the POWER that gives victory over sin in our daily lives. Calvary's Cross is not simply a DATE on the calendar, it is a DYNAMIC in daily life. The Cross of Jesus Christ not only took away the guilt of our sin it also offers us the POWER to triumph gloriously over sin.

We recall that in Romans chapter 1 the Apostle Paul described the Christian gospel of the Cross of Christ as "THE POWER OF GOD"--The dynamic "POWER OF GOD." Think of it! God's power--the power that created and guides the spinning planets through boundless space--the power that pulses in the great ocean tides--the power that throbs at the heart of all creation--that power is in the Cross of Jesus Christ made available to every Christian believer. The colossal energy to move a universe is available to every Christian to rid us not only of the guilt of sin but also of its power. The Cross is victorious. Hallelujah for the Cross!

(3) And They Sing of PRIESTHOOD

For in the NEW song of Revelation 5 verse 10 they sing "And hast made them A KINGDOM AND PRIESTS TO OUR GOD."

The Apostle Peter reminds Christians that "we are redeemed by Christ who has made us a holy priesthood, to offer us spiritual sacrifices" (1 Peter 2:5).

3. CONSECRATION is the third note of this NEW song.

"And hast made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on earth."

The kingdom of God is where God RULES, where God REIGNS. So, wherever a person lives according to the will and purpose of God, there is the kingdom. Romans 12:1, 2 reminds us of the kind of sacrifices which Christians must offer as priests to our God. This involves real consecration.

How little some Christians really know of a daily life of service to God! Can we really say of Jesus Christ, as could the Apostle Paul, not only "Whose I am," but also "Whom I serve?" (Acts 27:23). I was impressed by the word of one aged Christian who said "My first question in heaven will be--"Lord, what's my next task?"

May this NEW SONG of Revelation 5 verses 7 to 10 of

      ATONEMENT,
      REDEMPTION,
      CONSECRATION, [43]

become a reality to us as we read John's book. "NEW!" Not because we have never sung it before but NEW because its strains are filled with NEW meaning, that from now on there may be--

      A NEW SURRENDER of ourselves to God,
            A NEW SERVICE to our Lord,
                  A NEW VICTORY over sin and temptation,
                        A NEW SONG OF PRAISE to our God and Saviour. [44]

STUDY NOTES--Revelation 6 and 8:1

The sealed scroll, written on both sides, containing the complete history of God's plan, sealed with 7 seals indicating that the ultimate history of mankind must remain unknown to man's unaided powers of reasoning, is now taken and opened by Christ.

In chapter 6 John's book of Revelation really begins.

Throughout this whole section John is describing PRINCIPLES and not successive historical events.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 6 and 8:1

In chapter 5 John saw a parchment scroll in God's hand, close written on both sides to tell the story of the history of-this world. But the scroll is sealed with 7 seals to indicate that the full history of man is unknown to man's unaided reason.

The question raised by the close sealed book of chapter 5 verse 1 is--"Who has the right and the knowledge to reveal God's plans and purposes for His church and for this world? In this vision John tells us that no man on earth is able to do this. Only Jesus Christ can open the seals. And now, after the view of the open door in heaven and the new song of atonement, redemption and consecration of the whole creation in chapters 4 and 5 chapter 6 opens with Jesus Christ opening the sealed book of man's history, removing the 7 seals one by one so that we can know man's fate and that of the church on earth.

In chapter 6 we are not looking at historical events still future but at things which ARE TAKING PLACE NOW. Chapter 6 describes principles which are operating around us today. the opening of the 7 seals of chapter 6 and 8:1 is the unveiling of events taking place NOW, not just things yet to take place in the future.

1. In verse 2 Christ opens THE FIRST SEAL

WHICH IS EVANGELISM--"And I 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."

Any interpretation of the rider on the WHITE horse of this first seal must agree with that of chapter 19 verse 11, which reads "I saw heaven opened, and behold A WHITE HORSE. And He that sat upon it was called faithful and true, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war"--"His eyes were as a flame of fire" (that is, He searches out everything. He sees all--there are no secrets hidden from Him). And verse 16 states, "His Name is King of kings and Lord of lords." Jesus Christ is the person in Revelation 6 verse 2 who sits on the WHITE HORSE of VICTORY, of CONQUEST. [49]

This first seal reveals Christ going throughout the world preaching the gospel in a holy war against sin. Christian evangelism is marked by countless victories. In John's day the Roman emperor claimed absolute power, but here in the first seal John saw that the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ will result in victories in his and all generations as the reign of Jesus Christ extends over surrendered Christians. Victory does not belong to temporal earthly powers--not even to Roman Emperors--but the bow and crown of victory is given to the evangel of the risen Christ.

So, in the first seal--The living Christ rides on the WHITE horse of gospel evangelism. EVANGELISM is the first seal.

2. In verses 3 and 4 THE SECOND SEAL IS WAR

Verse 4 records "There came another horse BRIGHT RED, and its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that men should slay one another, and he was given a great sword."

So, this second seal reveals that WAR AS WELL AS Christian evangelism precedes the final coming of Christ. Keep in mind that the RED horse of war, the shedding of blood, is not merely a judgment STILL to come in the future. It is ALREADY with us in man's inhumanity to man which makes countless thousands mourn.

This second horseman is man's inhumanity to man--WAR. The BRIGHT RED horse's very colour suggests the shedding of blood in war. Whenever men fight each other this second horse of the Apocalypse appears. In a sense this is not merely a judgment still to come in the future--it is present NOW in our world. The power of man to destroy himself deserves our serious consideration. The evil in man sends him to war to destroy himself. War is the only game in which both sides are bound to lose.

3. In verses 5 and 6 THE THIRD SEAL IS FAMINE

"Behold, a BLACK horse, and its rider had a balance in his hand." And I heard a voice in the midst of the FOUR living creatures (that is, "from men") saying "A quart of wheat for a whole days wages" (Good News Bible). The Living Bible translates as "A loaf of bread for $20, 3 lbs. of Barley flour, but there is no olive oil or wine."

When corn is weighed instead of measured it is a sign of scarcity. The BALANCE IN THE HAND of the rider on the BLACK horse depicts FAMINE--the scarcity of food which follows war. It is a plain fact of human history past and present that when men WASTE God's substance in the destruction of WAR, Famine, scarcity, want always follows.

"A loaf of bread for $20" (inflation and famine always follows the third seal--the BLACK horse of war). Like the prodigal whom Jesus described in the far country who WASTED his father's substance, mankind soon "comes to be in WANT, "for famine, the BLACK horse follows the RED horse of war. [50]

4. In verses 7 and 8 THE FOURTH SEAL IS DEATH

"Behold, a PALE horse, (with the pallor of death) and its rider's name was DEATH, and hades followed him, and they were given power over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth."

The first four seals have been opened. Four horses have appeared--

      The WHITE horse of EVANGELISM
      The BRIGHT RED horse of WAR
      The BLACK horse of FAMINE
      The PALE horse of DEATH

Before we pass on to the next three seals let us pause to observe that our interpretation of John's vision of these first four seals coincides with the words of Jesus Himself in-Matthew chapter 24.

In Matthew 24 verse 3 the disciples asked "When will this be? and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" In Matthew 24:6 Jesus said "You will hear of WARS and rumours of wars"--John's second seal, The BRIGHT RED HORSE OF WAR.

In Matthew 24:7 Jesus continued--"There will be FAMINES and earthquakes in various places"--so Jesus foretold that the BLACK horse of FAMINE and the PALE horse of DEATH will precede His final coming.

In Matthew 24:14 Jesus said "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations; and then will the end come"--so, the WHITE horse of Christian EVANGELISM is also there.

5. In verses 9-11 of Revelation chapter 6 THE FIFTH SEAL IS PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS (THE CRY OF THE MARTYRS)

When the fifth seal was opened, verses 9-11 records--

"I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of God and for the witness they had borne." They cried out . . . "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before Thou wilt judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell upon the earth?"

Then they were each given a WHITE robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

Remember that John was writing to encourage Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. In this fifth seal is the clear indication that Christians can expect persecution until Christ comes in the climax of history.

When persecution rages, Christians in every age echo the cry of the martyrs beneath the altar--"Why is this evil allowed to continue?" Christians are being persecuted because of their faith in many lands today. And the answer is given that EACH martyr is given a WHITE ROBE (suggesting PURITY and CONQUEST over sin is more important than vengeance). [51]

The fifth seal depicts PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN ALL GENERATIONS. But WHO ARE THESE MARTYRS BENEATH THE ALTAR?

The Greek word for "MARTYR" is the same word as "WITNESS." There are times in translating the New Testament where we have to choose the meaning of the original Greek word "MARTUS" to be either "witness, or "Martyr." For example, in Revelation 2:13 in the message to the church in Smyrna "Antipas my faithful MARTUS" could equally mean that Antipas was a faithful "WITNESS," or a faithful "MARTYR." The point is that any faithful witness for Christ in John's day, and in our own day must expect persecution from a hostile world, even as Jesus said "Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake--for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." And He also said "As they have persecuted Me, so also will they persecute you." The bringing of the good news of Christ to the world can be costly. It can involve suffering and even death.

The martyrs beneath the altar in this fifth seal I understand to be those who are faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ, whether their witness is in living or dying. The fifth seal depicts persecution of Christians in all generations.

I understand that in the Apocalyptic literature of John's book of Revelation "The MARTYRED DEAD" is a symbol of ALL THOSE WHO GIVE THEMSELVES COMPLETELY TO JESUS CHRIST. It is not necessarily a literal death but a DAILY DEATH TO SIN AND SELF.

Those Christians who live out the significance of their baptism in their daily life in home and social life around them--these are the martyrs beneath the altar of the fifth seal.

Alongside of this interpretation as to who these martyrs are of Revelation 6 we might well consider other scriptures.

Colossians 3:3 "You died, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Romans 6:2 "How can we who died to sin continue to live in it?"

Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I that live but Christ lives in me."

To my thinking this interpretation of the martyrs of the fifth seal as THOSE WHO GIVE THEMSELVES COMPLETELY TO JESUS CHRIST, who live out their baptism in a daily death to sin and self is important in other references in John's book of Revelation. Christians who live out their lives in such a manner will be persecuted by a hostile society in every land and age.

6. In verses 12-17 THE SIXTH SEAL IS CONFUSION AND DOWNFALL OF EARTHLY GOVERNMENT (CONVULSION IN NATURE)

These verses read "When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great EARTHQUAKE, and the SUN became BLACK as sackcloth, and the FULL MOON became like BLOOD.

And the STARS of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. [52]

The SKY vanished like a scroll that is rolled up, and every MOUNTAIN and ISLAND was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the generals and the rich and the strong, and every one, slave and free, hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. Calling to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.' For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand before it?"

This sixth seal of CONVULSION IN NATURE depicts the CONFUSION AND FALL OF EARTHLY GOVERNMENT.

A great EARTHQUAKE, the SUN becomes BLACK, the MOON like BLOOD, the STARS fall from their places, the HEAVENS are removed--this language, as we indicated in our previous notes, is common in the Old Testament to describe revolution and fall of governments. "The Stars that fell" of verse 13, as we noted in our notes from Old Testament references describes the FALL of EARTHLY RULERS, of Revolution and mob anarchy. John no doubt had in mind the destruction and fall of Roman power, but the sixth seal describes the fall of earthly governments and social systems whether liberal or labour, capitalistic or communistic, democratic or dictatorship. The collapse of social, economic and political systems in worldwide human society in the turmoil of human society in 19 79 can well be described in the vivid language of the sixth seal. There is not one stable earthly government or social system in any nation on earth today.

As we read the first four seals alongside the words of Jesus in Matthew 24--so, alongside of the fifth seal--THE CRY OF THE MARTYRS--read Jesus' word of Matthew 24 verse 9 "Then shall they deliver you up . . . and shall kill you." Here is the fifth seal. And alongside of the sixth seal, listen again to Jesus' word in Matthew 24 verses 29 and 30. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the SUN will be DARKENED, and the MOON will not give her light, and the STARS will fall from heaven, and the POWERS of THE HEAVENS WILL BE SHAKEN. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

So, the words of Jesus in Matthew 24 coincides with our interpretation of the SIX seals of Revelation chapter 6. These seals are:

      1. EVANGELISM
      2. WAR
      3. FAMINE
      4. DEATH
      5. PERSECUTION
      6. CONFUSION AND FALL OF EARTHLY GOVERNMENT

With the opening of the sixth seal we are taken to the end of human history and the verge of the final coming of Christ. We would expect that the seventh seal would now be opened. But this is not so. [53]

The next chapter of Revelation now records two visions about the church on earth and the church in heaven before the seventh seal is opened--the reason for these two visions about the church militant on earth and the church triumphant in heaven of Revelation chapter 7 coming before the opening of the seventh seal might well be that Christians might lose heart. They might ask "How can the church survive in such a hostile world as described in the six seals of Revelation chapter 6? The answer is given in the two reassuring visions of the church in chapter 7, before the opening of the seventh seal in Revelation 8 verse 1. We will return to chapter 7 after dealing with the seventh seal in Revelation 8:1.

7. The Seventh Seal--Revelation 8:1--SILENCE IN HEAVEN

8:1 "When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was SILENCE IN HEAVEN FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR"

The opening of the seventh seal is followed by 'silence'--What does this mean?

Much of human history has been revealed in the opening of the six seals. These 6 seals have revealed that before the final coming of Christ there will be evangelism, war, famine, death, persecution and the fall of earthly governments--much of history has now been revealed. BUT NOT ALL. All of God's purposes in human history are NOT REVEALED. The seventh seal is "SILENCE IN HEAVEN."

So, the purposes of God are not to be fully revealed to us here on earth.

God's final purposes are not revealed HERE but HEREAFTER. The complete understanding of the book of God's purposes is not for us in this present life but in the life to come, "when we shall no longer see through a glass darkly, but then, face to face. No longer only know in part but then even as we are known."

"There was silence in heaven for ABOUT HALF AN HOUR"--this is not a literal "half an hour" of time.

In the earlier notes we referred to Jesus' words about "MINE HOUR" as His expression for the time of ACTION and JUDGMENT. Perhaps in John's book of symbols HALF of anything suggests it is a symbol of A BROKEN, or INTERRUPTED PERIOD. "The silence in heaven for about half an hour suggests that the moment of God's action and judgment is interrupted and delayed.

"THERE WAS SILENCE IN HEAVEN." It is so in the revelation of John's book. By careful study we can learn much, but we need to be humble enough to realise that in this life we shall never be able to understand it all. Again and again we come to places and experiences where we cannot know--and there is silence! Much as John was allowed to see of God's purposes in the opening of the sealed book there is yet a limit to the knowledge God allows us. His divine voice says "Thus far and no further." Full knowledge is not ours [54] in this life. There is a limit, and beyond it SILENCE. The time of our Lord's final coming is not told us. There is silence. That moment is known only to God. It is His secret--there is SILENCE.

When we read the 6 signs of the opening of the 6 seals of Revelation chapter 6 and observe that all of these signs are around us today we are apt then to make the terrible mistake of fixing a date for the final coming of Christ. For we observe that if Christ should come today not one of the things revealed in the opening of the 6 seals would remain unfulfilled. But we are warned by the seventh seal of SILENCE IN HEAVEN against fixing a date for Christ's final coming. It is not given to men on earth to know that day or hour. That is God's secret. Let us learn to be humble enough to leave it to God.

The sad story of William Miller illustrates the foolishness of men seeking to be wiser than John in Revelation 8:1 by speaking when God Himself is silent--by fixing the date of Christ's final coming and of the end of history.

William Miller was 50 years of age at his conversion when he began reading the Bible, he linked Revelation 6 and 8:1 with Daniel 8:14 and fixed the date of the return of Christ and of the end of the world at October 22, 1843 (by counting the 2,300 days of Daniel 8:14 as years).

When the 22nd of October, 1843 passed with no end to the world it was discovered that a mistake had been made in calculation by one year. So his followers gathered again and waited on October 22, 1844. Again the world did not end. Then Hiram Edson, one of William Miller's followers, on the next day, October 23, 1844 saw Christ at the altar cleansing the sanctuary in heaven. So, as this vision occurred on a seventh day a new denomination called "Seventh-day Adventism" was created. Their error in interpretation they said was only in the place to which Christ came. The event illustrates the foolishness of men seeking to be wiser than our God Himself who said that no man knows the hour of His return or of the end of the world. Regarding the date of Christ's final coming and end of the world the seventh seal records--"THERE IS SILENCE IN HEAVEN." That silence in heaven of the seventh seal reminds us of Jesus' word in Matthew 24:36 "Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Martin Luther said that "That hour God keeps as His secret in order that we may keep EVERY hour of our life in such a way that at whatever hour our Lord returns we shall be ready."

One further point!

DOES THE SILENCE IN HEAVEN OF THE SEVENTH SEAL TELL US HUMANS OF OUR OWN SPIRITUAL NEEDS?

Even in heaven there is need of silence sometimes. What far greater need there is for periods of silence in this present life where there is so much noise and bustle and din! [55]

We need to Create that silence in God's presence in which we can lift up our hearts "to be still, and to know God." We need as church members to take time and effort to get away from the noise of our daily business and material affairs for quiet devotion--to read God's Word--to obey the command of Psalm 46:10. "Be still and know that I am God." "Take time to be holy"--as our hymn reminds us.

Neither in heaven nor on earth should we allow the rush and noise of overwhelming events to fill all our thought. Times of quiet as well as times of action go to snake a balanced life. Just as the heart needs the perfect rhythm of beat--rest, beat--rest, to do its work of circulating our life's blood--so do we need times of quiet rest. There is importance in our understanding that in the book of Revelation SILENCE makes up a significant part of life--a time to meditate, a time of quiet when we ask the profound questions about life and its meaning, when we find new insights of true wisdom. Our thoughts become superficial if we are always on the go of action.

The silence In heaven has immense overtones of wisdom which we may well follow in our own pattern of daily living here on earth. [56]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 7

Six of the seven seals which closed the divine scroll have been opened. The record revealed evangelism, war, famine, death, persecution, confusion and overthrow of earthly governments. Before the seventh seal is opened in chapter 8 verse 1 we are given these two visions of chapter 7 lest Christians lose heart.

1. THE SEALING OF THE SAINTS ON EARTH 7:1-8

2. THE SECOND VISION OF THE CHURCH. Revelation 7:9-17

THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT IN HEAVEN

The comforting vision of "The sealing of the saints" in verses 1-8 has taught that the church on earth will never be destroyed by its foes. This new vision shows us THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT IN HEAVEN.

Verse 9.
	"A GREAT MULTITUDE"--In verse 4 it was the church on earth. Here it is the church in heaven. John states that the company of God's people is "INNUMERABLE". In these verses "The great church victorious Shall be the church at rest."
Verse 14.
	"These are they who have come out of the great tribulation." The phrase does not refer to any ONE period of persecution since ALL Christians pass through it. Tribulation is the lot of Christians in EVERY age. Acts 14:22 "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." Revelation 7:9-17 shows the church victorious In heaven. They sing in heaven THE SONG OF THANKFULNESS, for they are forgiven. And verse 15 says "THEY SERVE HIM." Life in heaven is not one of lazy ease but of service. (see also Revelation 22:3). As 1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us--We do not now understand what heaven will be like: but we will not be bored with nothing to do. There will be service to render.
Verses 16-17
	occur in the Christian burial service. They remind us that the church triumphant has overcome all trials. [59]

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 7

The previous vision of the opening of the 6 seals in chapter 6 reminds us that man's own sin brings judgment on himself. Man's greed creates the judgments of war, famine, death, persecution, fall of governments. In such a context the evangel of the gospel is presented.

The call of verse 3 in chapter 7 "Do not harm . . . till we have sealed the servants of God upon their foreheads," is a reminder that one of the bitter things about the worst storms of human life is that we are likely to forget the reality of God in the storms. In the midst of swirling destruction ho w dare men believe that God keeps His eye on those who are true to Him--and that whatever happens to them He gives them inner victory?

The experiences which John has been describing in chapter 6 are likely to shake our faith. It is only in the realisation that WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SEALED BY GOD that we can pass through our testing times without losing our faith. If we are sure that God has already sealed us then we can face and triumph in any disaster.

WHAT OF THE CHURCH DURING THE PERIOD OF THE 7 SEALS?

The two visions of Revelation chapter 7 are introduced between the sixth and seventh seals TO TEACH THE PRESERVATION--THE SAFETY OF THE CHURCH DURING THE WHOLE PERIOD FROM PENTECOST OF ACTS CHAPTER 2 UNTIL CHRIST'S FINAL COMING.

The whole idea of the marking and sealing of the saints upon earth is simple, that God protects His people during all the judgments that befall the world. The sealing of the saints does not take place only in one period of history. The sealing takes place during the whole Christian era.

So, chapter 7 answers the question WHAT OF THE CHURCH DURING THE PERIOD OF THE SEALS?--and the answer given in chapter 7 is PRESENT SAFETY AND FUTURE TRIUMPH.

WHO ARE THE 144,000 SEALED? (Revelation 7:4-8)

In our previous notes we answer--THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The reader is asked to take particular note of our previous study notes on Revelation chapter 7.

WHEN DOES THIS SEALING TAKE PLACE? In our previous notes we answer CHRISTIANS ARE ALL SEALED NOW WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The sealing is of all Christians NOW. And Revelation chapter 7 teaches that Christians are KEPT SAFE through all trials until final redemption.

WHERE ARE THE SAINTS SEALED? In our notes we are reminded from verse 3 "IN THEIR FOREHEADS"--that is, WHERE ALL CAN SEE.

Is the Holy Spirit so manifest in our daily lives that everybody can see WHOSE we are and WHOM we serve? [60] The mark of the Spirit is "Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control" according to Galatians 5:22, 23. if we have been sealed in our foreheads then others will see these marks of God's Spirit in our daily lives. ALL Christians are SAFE NOW. Men may destroy our bodies but our real life is hid with Christ in God. THE SEALING OF THE 144,000 (THE WHOLE CHURCH) TEACHES THAT THE CHURCH CAN NEVER BE DESTROYED.

THE SECOND VISION OF CHAPTER 7:9-17 REVEALS THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT IN HEAVEN

We need to hold in mind that "the great multitude" of this vision is the same as the 144,000 of the previous vision, only there, in this world, and here, at rest in heaven. The great multitude of the church triumphant in heaven is the same as those sealed in the first vision.

In our earlier study notes on verse 14 concerning "Those who have come out of the great tribulation" we stated that this phrase does not refer to any ONE period of persecution since ALL Christians pass through it. I am aware of the interpretation which expects a period of intense tribulation still in the future--but I believe that the phrase "the great tribulation" is something which all Christians pass through now. Acts 14:22 exhorts Christians to continue in the faith, and says that "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." Tribulation is the lot of EVERY Christian in EVERY age.

Verses 10-12 tell us that in heaven the members of the church victorious SING. They sing the song of THANKFULNESS for they have been FORGIVEN.

These outbursts of song are characteristic of the whole book of Revelation. One can judge an interpretation of the Christian faith by its capacity to set people singing. There is something wrong with any Christian church which does not create triumphant music. Paul and Silas singing hymns of praise to God in a prison cell at midnight remind Christians that even in the midst of trials such as the 6 seals of Revelation chapter 6 describe we still have much for which to sing praise to God. God has sealed us for Himself. We too should be able to sing a rolling note of praise for God's blessing, and power, and honour. Tribulation may be ours on earth, but tribulation is not the end of our journey. As those forgiven we too can sing praise to God. We should be able to join in the 7 fold song of praise to God in verse 12 of "Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might, be to our God for ever and ever."

Verses 13-17 bring us some of the finest poetry and deepest theology of the book of Revelation.

      That the SAFETY of God's people is secured
            That Christians are SHELTERED by God
                  That at last they NEITHER HUNGER nor thirst, nor suffer the scorching heat--
                  that all TEARS ARE WIPED AWAY. [61]

These are tokens of God's goodness that have comforted Christians of all generations as they look even at the graves of loved ones, past death, into the great church triumphant in heaven.

Verse 15 states that in heaven "The redeemed SERVE HIM day and night within His temple."

So, life in heaven is not pictured by John as one of lazy ease and idleness, but as one in which THE SERVICE WE BEGAN ON EARTH REACHES ITS HIGHEST FULFILMENT. His servants "SERVE HIM." (We have this same message in Revelation 22:3). Not one of us knows fully what heaven is like. "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him," as 1 Corinthians 2:9 states. But we will not sit around idle all day "For His servants shall SERVE HIM" states verse 15.

The most miserable days we have known are those days when we had nothing to do. Time and life drags very slowly. Life is tedious when there is nothing to do. But when there is service to give time passes quickly and we are happy when we are busy doing things we want to do. "In heaven the redeemed SERVE Him day and night." I find this verse important. On earth we find that those who are always complaining and are miserable are those who are doing NOTHING. Those who are BUSY are the happy folk. On earth as in heaven true Christians find their happiness and satisfaction in serving the Lord day and night.

Is Revelation 7:15 a picture of our own churchmanship?

Can we sing

John's words in verses 16 and 17 of the victorious saints have strengthened the faith and courage of Christians and lifted tear stained eyes with shining hope even when they have stood at the graveside of dear ones--to know that they are now sheltered in the nearer presence of God.

These verses mean--

(1) That in heaven Christians HAVE NO UNSATISFIED DESIRES.

On earth we "hunger and thirst," we have many unsatisfied desires, not only for food and drink but also for such things as perfect knowledge, and full fellowship. Our knowledge and fellowship is to be complete in heaven where we neither hunger nor thirst.

(2) In heaven there is INTIMATE PERSONAL GUIDANCE

The LAMB who was the SACRIFICE is now in the midst of the THRONE and has come to the place of SUPREME POWER. And is also THE SHEPHERD who guides His people like a shepherd leading his flock. Christ is the SACRIFICE and the KING and the SHEPHERD all in one. [62]

This picture is important. Sometimes we emphasise the SACRIFICE of Christ on the Cross where the LAMB was sacrificed for us, and we forget to think of His triumphant REIGN over the lives of completely SURRENDERED Christians in this present world. And too often we forget the tender, INTIMATE GUIDANCE OF CHRIST TODAY.

Here in Revelation 7:17 all three aspects are combined--The Lamb, the King, The Shepherd to guide us are all here in this wonderful verse.

(3) And here is INEXHAUSTIBLE VITALITY

Link John's picture of the Shepherd who guides victorious saints to "SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER" with the 23rd Psalm where He leads to "STILL WATERS." Here, in Revelation 7:17 Christ guides the Christian both in time and eternity to inexhaustible SPRINGS of vitality for living.

(4) And here TEARS ARE ONLY A MEMORY

for "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." This picture of men and women who have forgotten how to weep is full of comfort to those who live in this tear drenched world. In heaven tears have no place. All tears are wiped away. God Himself is the great comforter. There are no tears we shed in this present world which God does not see. He knows our present sorrows and heartaches--He knows it all--and some day, when we cross over from the church militant to the church triumphant in heaven God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.

Truly, if we have now gained some understanding of this 7th chapter of John's Revelation we have already experienced the BLESSING promised in Revelation 1:3.

"Blessed is he that readeth . . ." [63]

1. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 8:2, 9:21 and 11:14-19

The vision runs parallel with that of the 7 seals and concerns judgment of the world. Both these visions present the same fact of judgment but from different standpoints. The judgments presented in the two visions of the 7 seals and of the 7 trumpets are the inevitable outcome of man's own sin. Man's own actions creates the consequences of war, famine, etc. of the 7 seal judgments. This vision of the 7 trumpets shows God acting in these judgments not to punish men but yearning to bring man to repentance by His mercy displayed even in the judgments which man brings upon himself by his own sins.

THE ORIGIN OF EVIL

THE REALITY OF HELL

II. MEDITATION-Revelation 8:2, 9:21 and 11: 14-19

As we have said in our previous notes we are not to think of the judgments of these seven trumpets as following AFTER the events described in the seven seals of chapter 6. Rather the seven trumpet judgments are looking at the same events from a different viewpoint. Man's own sin brings judgment. This vision shows us God acting in those same judgments NOT TO PUNISH MEN BUT TO LIMIT THE JUDGMENTS TO one third of their natural severity. In His mercy God seeks to win men to repentance.

Note that the seven trumpet judgments are introduced in verses 2-5 by THE PRAYERS OF CHRISTIANS. Surely these are introduced to teach Christians to pray for the world. When will Christians all realise that the best thing we can do for the world is to pray for it?

We notice too in these verses that WHAT GOES UP from THE EARTH AS PRAYER RETURNS AS FIRE FROM HEAVEN. It is a remarkable fact that in the midst of the rushing movement of the book of Revelation John always finds time to set each experience in perspective. By prayer, by worship Christians gain perspective. Great events begin in prayer.

We also observe that the woes and judgments of the seven trumpets closely resemble the plagues in Egypt which are described in Exodus chapters 7-11.

1. THE FIRST TRUMPET--verse 7--A Third of the EARTH WAS BURNT UP.

The point is that although man's sin brings judgment on himself God's mercy LIMITS the destruction man has inevitably brought on himself. God LIMITS the destruction to one third because He seeks to turn men to repentance.

2. THE SECOND TRUMPET--verses 8 and 9--Affects the SEA

Whether John had in mind a particular nation as "the burning mountain which is thrown into the sea and destroyed after it had destroyed other kingdoms I do not know. Nor do I think it wise to speculate as to what nation is meant here.

THE SEA, as we point out in our previous notes is a symbol of the NATIONS ON EARTH.

3. THE THIRD TRUMPET--verses 10 and 11--Affects the RIVERS

The STAR which is described as falling from heaven is Satan himself. His star polluted the RIVERS.

To my mind these RIVERS of fresh water are symbols of National Prosperity. As fresh water is a requirement of national health and life--so this third trumpet judgment tells of the EMBITTERING AND POISONING OF THE SPRINGS OF HEALTH AND LIFE. THE SOURCES OF HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY ARE POLLUTED. [68]

Those who drink the water die. Those who try to live without God find that the very sources of ongoing life become contaminated. When men turn to wickedness they have tampered with something much more profound and powerful than they had dreamed. They failed to realise that their godlessness was an attack on the very water supply upon which their life depended. As rivers and springs are essential to health and life--so these are poisoned by godlessness.

In our notes we have suggested that when the educational system becomes polluted, poisoning mental health by misuse of press and other media, we may well be seeing the third trumpet judgment which affects the rivers.

4. THE FOURTH TRUMPET--verse 12--Affects the SUN, MOON AND STARS.

Isaiah refers to the darkening of light as troubled times when men are mixed and confused in mind and unable to see the difference between good and evil. This fourth trumpet judgment is drawn from Exodus 10:21-23 in the plague of darkness.

I understand the symbolism of this fourth trumpet as the darkening of the minds, and understandings, and moral discernment of mankind as being a direct result of man's own sinfulness, pride and perversity. Modern man seems unable to have light by which to make sane judgments.

The point needs to be made in the fourth trumpet judgment of the darkening of sun, moon and stars that it is man's own sin which brings this inevitable judgment. These judgments are not the arbitrary acts of God. They are man reaping what he himself has sown. Yet still God acts in mercy to limit to one third the destruction man has brought upon himself.

When we read these four trumpet judgments of Revelation chapter 8 it is like reading the UNDOING of creation.

These trumpet judgments are not at some future time in history. These judgments are going on NOW.

The message of these four trumpets recognises that these judgments are only what man's own sin has made inevitable. Yet God limits the destruction to one third in His mercy. Such is the philosophy of life which is part of the Christian message.

The last three trumpets are worse still, and each is called "A WOE."

5. THE FIFTH TRUMPET--9:1-11--THE HORROR OF EVIL.

In the previous study notes on this chapter 1 have stated my reasoning which leads me to believe that "the STAR fallen from heaven to earth" is Satan. And that "THE SMOKE" that came from the opened shaft of the bottomless pit" is THE DIABOLICAL SPIRIT OF HATRED and CRUELTY DIFFUSED THROUGH THE WORLD. [69]

It is "OUT OF THIS SMOKE"--that is, out of this diffused spirit of hatred in the world that there "came locusts which preyed on all mankind who were not sealed by God" (we learned in chapter 7 that Christians are sealed by God now).

The only mercy shown is that the scourge is limited according to verses 5 and 6 to "5 months" that is, HALF OF TEN--A LIMITED AND INCOMPLETE TIME.

I leave you to consider the meaning of the symbolism of those locusts. Don't think of them as literal locusts. I refer you to my earlier notes on the locusts.

Actually material locusts, as we know them, represent a kind of impersonal destructiveness. They destroy everything. Perhaps John is trying to say in this symbol that these loathsome creatures arise from the source of concentrated evil of hate and malice to do their awful work. It is of no use to try to have a peace congress with locusts. It is useless to try to appease them. Their very nature is malignant malice. The locusts represent something which with dark and malignant purposes manages to enter the lives of the world of men.

John described the wars and strifes on earth as coming from hell. If God is not permitted to control a man the devil takes over control. To John both heaven and hell were real. Both good and evil were realities. Both worlds are striving for mastery over the souls of men. Whether or not we understand who and what these locusts are which arise out of the smoke of the bottomless pit we do know that the smoke of the pit of hell is all around us today. Those sins of ours, the ill-temper, the uncharitableness, the harshness, the unkindness, the slanders, the gossip, the quarreling and strife, the malice and suspicion which surround us--these are the locusts bred of that spirit from hell which is sensual and devilish.

In 1 John 2:11 this same writer, John, wrote "He that hateth his brother is in darkness," that is, walks in the smoke of the bottomless pit. We need to pray constantly and thoughtfully "From envy, hatred, malice and all uncharitableness, Good Lord deliver us."

6. THE SIXTH TRUMPET--9:12-12--THE HORROR OF LAWLESSNESS

In this woe terrible horses are let loose in lawlessness to destroy human society on earth.

The barrier of the river Euphrates which separated Israel from the pagan world is dried up and invading forces rush in.

This sixth symbol is saying that mighty and malicious forces of lawlessness are let loose among men by their own rejection of God. Some day the barriers by which destruction has been held back by God will be removed and the world will be overtaken by the raging unhindered forces of man's own lawlessness. Law and order in human society is destroyed. Mob violence takes over. [70]

The idea of men being under the control of Satan is laughed at by modern pagans. But John says that there is a power abroad on earth which makes men IN-human. Even as men can be controlled by a good spirit--so men can also be controlled by an evil spirit and become inhuman.

Just as there is an interlude between the sixth and seventh seal vision as we saw earlier--so there is an interlude of 3 visions in chapters 10 and 11 before the seventh trumpet sounds. (We will return to these chapters later).

7. THE SEVENTH TRUMPET--11:14-19--THE END OF THE WORLD

This trumpet brings us to the end of the world. The final coming of Christ. Verse 15 announces the victory of Christ "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER."

Notice Christ's victory is complete "He shall reign forever," At the birth of Jesus Luke 1:33 records "Of His kingdom there shall be no end."

We pray "Thy kingdom come." Do we realise that we have work to do to complete that prayer? How much of our interests are rather centred on the things of this present world which will pass away. Now that you are sealed by God "The kingdom is already within you" (Luke 17:21)--is that always true of us?

Man has his dreams of Utopia but John tells us that such hopes can only become real as part of the kingdom of God. No earthly Utopia is possible unless and until the will of Christ is done on earth as it is in heaven. John does remind us that the kingdom of God will prevail. And in verse 19, in the vision of final things we are reminded of the Ark of the Covenant in the midst of the temple. God's ancient promises are not forgotten. But all of God's promises have moral conditions attached to them, conditions all too often repudiated by men. And so, not only is the Ark of the Covenant seen in the temple, it is surrounded by flashes of lightning and the earthquakes. Here is a reminder that it is the divine covenant which gives the deepest meaning and fullest promise to all human pledges. Let the kingdom of God be coming to us in our hearts and lives now, coming personally and individually, coming in a continual increase if we would be ready for the great day to which Revelation 11:15 refers--Let us share in preparing for that day when "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of God and of His Christ, and HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER--AMEN." [71]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 10-11:13

Between the sixth and seventh trumpets come the three visions of THE LITTLE BOOK, THE MEASURED SANCTUARY, and THE TWO WITNESSES.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 10 and 11:13

(1) The Little Book chapter 10

(2) The measured sanctuary 11:1, 2

(3) The two witnesses 11:3-13

Just as there are consoling visions about the safety of the church in chapter 7 between the sixth and seventh seals so there are comforting visions of the church in the world between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments. [74]

1. CHAPTER 10 records John's vision of THE LITTLE BOOK

John heard a "voice of seven thunders"--a symbol of the perfect revelation of God's purposes--but John was not permitted to write that complete message. God does not reveal His secret yet to men. John was only allowed to write the message which is in the little book in the hand of the angel. This book is part of God's plans which He makes known. This is a different book from the previous book of 5:1 which was sealed. This book of chapter 10 according to verse 7 reveals the "mystery" of God's purposes. (This word "mystery" is used in the same sense as used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:7--as the purpose of God in history which man's own reasoning cannot know but which God has REVEALED TO MEN IN JESUS CHRIST AND IN HIS GOSPEL.)

John, at the bidding of the angel ATE the book. It was sweet to his taste, but it became bitter in his stomach. Does this mean that in God's revelation the sweet mingles with the bitter?--God's mercy on His people and also God's judgment on evil? (Romans 11:22 reminds us that "the goodness and the severity of God are both included in God's counsel.)

As mentioned in our notes it is important that we learn to accept and DIGEST the Word of God in its entirety. The bitter of judgment on evil as well as the sweet of mercy. Both judgment and mercy are included in His word.

This little book vision begins a new set of visions in John's book of Revelation. In this new set of visions we are shown not only the sweet of God's protection of His church but also the bitter of the failure and worldliness of the church.

(1) It is true of THE WORD OF GOD

John's experience of eating the book which was sweet in the mouth at first but became bitter in the stomach is a reminder that God's Word is two-edged. It brings judgment on failure to obey God, as well as bringing blessing on acceptance and obedience. The whole counsel of God includes "the goodness and the severity of God."

(2) It is true of THE WORK OF GOD

In our Christian work we have sweet joys of seeing the results of souls to whom we have witnessed turning to accept Jesus Christ as God and Saviour. We taste the sweetness of seeing lives renewed and transformed. But with that sweetness there is always the bitter experiences of seeing many who refuse to respond in obedience to Jesus Christ. We experience the bitter of seeing many who used to serve Christ turning away from Him back to the world.

(3) It is true OF OUR DISCIPLESHIP

It is sweet to find pardon and peace in Jesus. It is sweet to rest in His love, grow in His knowledge, and rejoice in His grace and blessing. [75]

But our discipleship also calls us to accept the bitter of hardship and sacrifice in Christ's service. Many Christians readily accept the sweet of salvation, but are not ready to accept the bitter of real service in Christ's church. We accept the sweet of the communion table on Sunday morning but we are not prepared to accept the bitter of any sacrifice of our ease and comfort, of time and energy in attendance at the Sunday evening gospel service, or in Christian service during the week. This vision of the little book which was sweet to the taste, but bitter in the stomach reminds Christians that we cannot have the sweet of salvation without the bitter of sacrificial service.

I am reminded of the little girl who was asked to say what her father's religion was. She replied "Oh He's a member of the Church of Christ but he isn't practising his religion just at present." That's a statement we might well ponder ourselves.

2. CHAPTER 11:1, 2 records the vision of THE MEASURED SANCTUARY The question is implied by John as he waits for the seventh trumpet--HOW WILL THE CHURCH FARE IN A WORLD WHERE SUCH JUDGMENTS ARE FALLING?

The reply is given in the two visions of chapter 11:1-13.

Verses 1 and 2 give us the vision of THE MEASURED SANCTUARY. As stated in the notes on this chapter it is our view that IT IS THE POSITION OF THE CHURCH IN THIS PRESENT AGE THAT IS DESCRIBED HERE. John was given a measuring rod and told to

(1) "rise and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship there."

(2) "But do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample over the holy city for 42 months."

"Rise and measure THE TEMPLE OF GOD"

The Greek word for "temple" here is "Naos" and can only mean the inner shrine or sanctuary. The word "Naos" is used in the New Testament for "the spiritual temple," which is the church, as in 1 Corinthians 3:17, or Ephesians 2:21. For the temple buildings as a whole the quite different word "hieron" is used.

John is also told to measure "THE ALTAR"--the place of incense (of prayer). The place of burnt offerings of sacrifice. Also John is told to measure THE WORSHIPPERS. As mentioned in our earlier notes STANDARDS ARE [76] IMPORTANT. The person who, with John, has eaten and digested the book has a measuring rod by which to measure all worship and service. The church is not measured by the world's standards of size of membership, prestige or money but by the Word of God. You will recall that in chapters 2 and 3 each of the 7 churches is measured by "knowing and doing the Word of God." There is the measuring standard. In verse 2 John was told "Do not measure the court outside the temple, leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample over the holy city for 42 months." We repeat that the main idea is of the true church as the sanctuary, the altar, its worshippers on the one hand--and on the other hand the court of the Gentiles OUTSIDE the sanctuary in which a pagan society treads down and desecrates the true church during the time from Acts 2 until the final coming of Christ.

We meet here in verse 2 for the first time that period variously described in John's Revelation as "42 months," "1260 days, "also as "A time, two times, and half a time"--that is 3½. All refer to the same period the "3½"--that is, the broken "7." As "7" is the symbol of the perfect and eternal in John's book "3½" is the broken, limited time between Christ's first coming and His final advent. The 42 months, 1260 days, 3½, years is a reference to this Christian dispensation.

John is saying here that the contamination of the church by a pagan society will only be for the limited, broken period of this present age. It is this event of the nations treading down the outer court during this present age to which Jesus referred in Luke 21:24 "And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."

There are two important things for us in these first two verses of chapter 11.

(1) As we look at the temple we first see THE SANCTUARY carefully measured, the outer court left out, yet both forming part of the temple buildings. Here is a striking picture of the church as she is today. For the church, the visible church, has two parts--THE TRUE CHURCH--"The blessed company of all faithful Christians." And the outer part--Those who profess and call themselves Christians but who have only "a name to live" the merely nominal church members. The line of demarcation is plain. Only in the sanctuary of the true church is found safety.

(2) Second, we look at the ALTAR of INCENSE. We learned in chapter 8 verses 3 and 4, that this is the symbol of the PRAYERS of Christians. It tells that communion with God is the centre of the church's life. The ALTAR of BURNT OFFERING of SACRIFICE, we see as teaching the great fact of the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary as the centre of church life. So, we learn that the altar of PRAYER and SACRIFICE must hold place if we are part of the true sanctuary. We need to "present ourselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God" (Romans 12:1). [77]

We ask--Is prayer and sacrificial service the centre of our life? Is the atoning death of Jesus Christ the centre of our faith? Have we "in full and glad surrender" yielded ourselves fully to Jesus Christ as Lord? The church may be trodden down by a pagan world, but only for a LIMITED time. "Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a more exceeding weight of glory" such is the certain hope created by John's vision of the measured sanctuary.

3. CHAPTER 11:3-13 records John's vision of THE TWO WITNESSES

We are still in the period between the sixth and seventh trumpets and we are still thinking of the fate of the church amid all these trumpet judgments.

Another question now arises--WHAT WILL BE THE TASK OF THE CHURCH ON EARTH DURING ALL THIS PERIOD?

The reply is given in these verses.

It may enable understanding of the vision of the two witnesses if WE FIRST IDENTIFY THESE TWO WITNESSES.

If we have grasped the symbols of John's book we will understand THAT THE TWO WITNESSES ARE THE SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF THE CHURCH HERSELF IN HER WORK OF WITNESSING TO HER LORD.

These two witnesses embody in vision the words of Acts 1:8 "You shall be My witnesses." The two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-13 symbolise the church fulfilling this task in all ages. They are TWO in number because they embody the truth expressed by Jesus in John 8:17 "In your law it is written, that the witness of two men is true."--so, the two witnesses of John's vision symbolise the church fulfilling her task in all ages.

Note that the speaker in Revelation 11:3 is Christ. "I will give unto My witnesses." The idea is that Christ gives the great commission, including the message, the power and all that is needed for the work of witnessing.

"And they shall PROPHESY"--that is, in the true sense of FORTH TELLING and not fore-telling (see also Matthew 26:68) "FOR 1260 DAYS"--the same period as "the 42 months" of verse 2, that is, the period from Acts 2 until the final coming of Christ.

And the dress of the witnesses "clothed in sackcloth" indicates a church mourning over the sins of the world. The true church's attitude is penitential rather than judgmental on earth.

In verse 4: The two witnesses are described as "the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before God." So, the church is described as fruit-bearing and light-giving.

The olive trees feed the lampstands with oil--and so is shown the double function of Christ's witnesses--"to shine as lights in the world," and to be channels of blessing helping others to shine in the place of service. [78]

POWER was given these two witnesses, greater than the powers given to Moses or Elijah.--The implication being that there will be marvellous signs of God's power in the church when men and women are remade by the Holy Spirit.

The vision of the two witnesses teaches that throughout the period of all the trumpet judgments the church will continue its witnessing work.

The vision reminds Christians of

(1) THEIR PRIVILEGE

The privilege of witnessing for our Lord. This is our task. Yet it is often the task we fail to do. We know from Acts 8:1 and 4 that in the church's early days EVERY Christian was a witness to the Lord wherever they went. In our day we too often leave the task of witnessing to the paid minister. Witnessing is the privilege of every Christian. When we have such a true MUTUAL ministry then the church will be a greater blessing in our world.

(2) THEIR POWER

Power is given to the witnesses. The power of the Holy Spirit is given to us. A power far greater than to slay men with fire, or to prevent rain, or to turn water into blood. The power which enables souls to be saved, to fill human hearts and lives with divine love and grace, to turn sinners from death to life. There are no miracles in all the world's history so great as these. To effect these the power of God is at our disposal today, if only we will fulfil our privilege and claim that power.

(3) THEIR PERSECUTION

The two witnesses were persecuted--and it is still true that Christians will face persecution of various degrees in their work of witnessing. Paul tells us in Acts 14:22 that "Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God" and, as 2 Timothy 8:11, 12 states "All who would live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This vision tells us that we must be prepared to suffer in our task.

(4) THEIR PRESERVATION

"Not until they shall have finished their testimony" does the pagan world silence the two witnesses. The Christian is immortal until his work is done. The church is kept through all trials.

But the last word is the BEST word. Verses 11 and 12 describe the RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of the two witnesses.

Evil never has the LAST word. Evil did not have the last word at Calvary, it never does. A breath from God gives life to the dead witnesses. The fact is that THERE ARE SOME THINGS MAN CANNOT SLAY. The unbelieving world is glad when the church is weakened, but this vision teaches the church that when evil seems to have wiped out goodness God takes such [79] moments to bring His witnesses back to life. Man's extremity is God's Opportunity. "Truth, crushed to earth will rise again; belt error, wounded, writhes in pain, and dies among its worshippers."

God never leaves Himself without witnesses on earth. Whenever men and women are needed to witness to the truth, they always appear at the right moment.

The story of earth is completed in heaven. The carnival of evil is followed by the upward look into heaven and the complete victory of goodness. Heaven acted, and, like Stephen in Acts 7:56 the two witnesses cry "Behold, l see the heavens opened."

The LAST WORD IS WITH GOD and not with evil. So the three visions of chapters 10 and 11 teach that THE CHURCH WILL BE KEPT SAFE THROUGH ALL THE JUDGMENTS WHICH AN UNBELIEVING WORLD BRINGS ON ITSELF.

"The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church of God."

In Revelation chapters 1-11 we have seen two main sections.

Again and again in human history events have taken place which correspond with things John has portrayed. The fact that the events of this book have been identified with event after event through the centuries is proof of the sureness with which John understood the PRINCIPLES which decide God's government of His world, and of the appropriateness of the symbols which John uses.

In this "Unveiling" John describes the bankruptcy of materialism and the doom that comes on a materialistic world that refuses to repent. In this book John describes those PRINCIPLES and CERTAINTIES by which God's will is realised in the present; and then describes the climax--The end event--when "the kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He shall reign forever."

But this event is Not all FUTURE. It is also a present experience of the church as she suffers with a sinful world yet shares in her Lord's Kingship. Here and now on earth the church militant and witnessing is givers the certainty of victory. And so, the reading of John's Revelation brings encouragement and hope and faith to the Christian as he works and prays "Thy kingdom come." [80]

Regarding this section of the book of Revelation we will all be agreed at least on ONE point. That this is a most difficult section to understand. When we come to interpret these chapters we will expect to differ. A Christian principle is to allow each other LIBERTY IN MATTERS OF OPINION. We each need to pray for wisdom to find the truth, and FOR CHRISTIAN GRACE AND LOVE TO AGREE TO DIFFER IN OUR INTERPRETATIONS. When we differ in our interpretations it may not be that one is right and the other is wrong, but rather that we are looking at the same truth from different viewpoints. (It is well to remember that John himself in this book of Revelation is doing just that. In these series of visions he is looking at the same facts from different angles). Before we criticise each other's interpretations we should realise that there are always many different ways of looking at any truth.

In the previous visions of Revelation we have seen the more OUTWARD aspects of the conflict between good and evil in this world. In chapters 12 to 20 we are shown that there is a conflict between the SPIRIT of God and an evil spirit. It is this spiritual aspect that is depicted in this section.

There is a mistaken idea that once a person yields to Christ he quietly and naturally grows in Christlikeness. But these chapters of John's Revelation describe the Christian life as a constant battle for spiritual existence. Every Christian is a battleground in which God and the devil fight for mastery.

Put alongside these chapters of John's description of the real but UNSEEN spiritual conflict those words of the Apostle Paul's in Ephesians 6:10-13. (J.B. Phillips trans.). This scripture is in complete accord that Christian growth is the result of the kind of struggle depicted by the symbolism in John's Revelation. Not only is there a struggle WITHIN the Christian but God and the devil fight for control.

J. B. Phillips heads the verses 10-13 of Ephesians chapter 6 with this word "Be forewarned and forearmed in your spiritual conflict."

Nowhere else besides the book of Revelation do we find such a clear picture of the issues of life. No other book so clearly portrays the real antagonists in life. No other book so clearly shows God contending to the very end for those whom He has redeemed. No other book in the world so plainly reveals the final victory of Christ.

Because this section of John's Revelation is so puzzling to ordinary readers we will devote more space to study notes of explanation than to Meditation points. And we will give a brief general summary at the beginning of chapters 12, 13 and 20 describing how we interpret these difficult chapters. [82]

I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF MAIN SYMBOLS

The Woman, crowned with 12 stars is THE TRUE CHURCH

The Child, she brings into the world is CHRIST

The Dragon--(The first enemy of the church) is SATAN, THE DEVIL

The devil is cast into the earth and seeks to destroy Christ.

When the devil failed to destroy the infant Christ at Bethlehem, and at the temptation, and at Calvary he continues his attack against the woman and her children (that is, against the church and her members--Satan seeks to destroy the Christ in the church). This attack continues for the whole period of the church on earth. (From Pentecost of Acts 2 until the final coming of Christ). And in a strange way, as the earth swallowed up the river of persecution, so the universe is ultimately on the side of goodness. And during this whole period of the Christian dispensation the true inner life of Christians who are sealed by God's Holy Spirit is protected even though their bodies may be killed.

John had no doubts about the reality of the devil as the chief enemy of Christians and the church. Modern man finds it difficult to accept John's teaching that the devil is man's main foe. The devil has won a major victory when he creates in man the idea that "the devil doesn't exist."

Someone, looking at the strifes and strikes and wars on earth wrote these lines:

II. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 12

III. MEDITATION--Revelation 12

The devil lost the decisive battle to destroy Christ at the temptation in the wilderness and at Calvary; but the devil continues to attack Christ by conflict in the church, in the individual lives of Christians.

But the thrilling message of Revelation chapter 12 is that heaven is made secure by the sacrifice of Christ. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

The devil still continues to attack Christ by attacking His church and her members but evil will have its end. The victories of evil are deceptive and temporary.

We have seen great evils rising "like a flood" in our own day, but they are "swallowed up"--Hitler came, but his time was short. Other evils come--and will go. In the long run the earth is on the side of goodness, this verifies Revelation 12:16. It may be a severe test of faith to believe in our atomic age that all nature ultimately turns against those who misuse goodness; but it is a faith worth maintaining, and it is the faith of Revelation chapter 12; which is also the faith and certainty of the whole of this book. [87]

I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF MAIN SYMBOLS

The devil works through two agents against Christ and His church.

II. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 13:1-10

The purpose of Chapter 13 is to describe the second and third enemies of the church.

      "A beast of the sea," (verse 1).

      "Another beast out of the earth" (verse 11)

The dragon (the devil) attacks the church by delegating his power to these two beasts (verse 4) and (verse 11). [88]

There is no surprise so terrifying as an indirect attack. When evil comes, not in some familiar shape for which one is prepared, but in some unforeseeable form, then he is at a loss as to how to fight this evil. The surprise of revelation 13 is that the devil--the great red dragon, does not attack the church directly but he employs the roundabout way of delegating his power to another, and delegated power is harder to combat than any direct attack just because it is so difficult to recognise it.

THE FIRST BEAST: Verses 1-10. It is important to note his origin.

Verse 1 "Out of the sea"--(see also Daniel 7).

"The sea" represents THE RESTLESS MASS OF HUMAN KIND (see 17:15--"The waters are peoples, and multitudes, and nations.").

Individuals, like the waves of the sea, swayed by impulse or passion make up this sea (see Isaiah 57:20). This beast rising out of human kind is not to be confused with "the living creatures" of 4:7 where the Authorised Version incorrectly translates as "beasts."

WHO IS THIS BEAST?

Most scholars see here a symbol of THAT WORLDLY POWER WHICH IS CONTROLLED BY "THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD." This wild beast is the symbol of ALL worldly power built on passion, greed and selfishness. It is not merely Rome of John's day, nor any one form of earthly government, it is the general influence of the world so far as it is opposed to God. The influence of the beast is not confined to any party, system, sect or age. Wherever in human society, or group or individual, men are ruled by material interests instead of by God, there this beast is to be seen (see Ephesians 6:12).

THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS BEAST

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 13:11-17

THE SECOND BEAST Revelation 13:11-17.

Whereas the first beast rises out of the sea (verse 1)

This second beast comes up "out of the EARTH" (verse 11)

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 13:11-17

THE IMPORTANT THING

This is the important thing--

      THERE IS A SPIRIT WHICH WORKS IN ALL NATIONS,
            WHICH KNOWS NO NATIONAL BOUNDARIES,
                --WHICH OPERATES IN ALL CLASSES,
                    --WHICH WORKS IN MAN.

THIS IS THE ATTITUDE THAT MAN CAN RUN THIS WORLD ON HIS OWN, WITHOUT GOD. [93]

There you will find the number of the Beast.

Man's short-coming 6, even when tripled by the THREE enemies of the church--the dragon and the two beasts animated by him is the awful "666". Perhaps it is best expressed by the one word "WORLDLINESS".

We can be sealed with the mark of God.

We can also be sealed with the mark of the devil.

So, in blunt words we can put what John is saying in this way--

"Commercial, industrial, social life can become so involved in the current idolatry of materialism that one cannot succeed in business and society without the mark of the beast. One is not permitted to work unless he holds a union ticket. One cannot succeed in business without conformity to unethical standards in business. This conformity to unethical standards in commercial, industrial and social life is to have the mark of the beast upon the right hand and forehead."

We must choose either to have the mark of God's Holy Spirit, or to have the mark of the beast. [94]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 14:1-5

The picture of Chapters 12 and 13 might tend to discourage Christians. Chapter 14 presents a vision to encourage Christians.

THE LAMB ON MOUNT ZION Verses 1-5.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 14:1-5

VERSE 2 IS WONDERFUL--A DESCRIPTION OF THE VOICE OF GOD

In this verse John says three wonderful things about the voice of God.

(1) "And I heard a voice from heaven LIKE THE SOUND OF MANY WATERS"

John's symbol reminds us of the POWER of the voice of God.

There is no power quite like the crash of mountainous waves on the beaches and cliffs. A power that can batter and shatter to fragments the strongest works of man.

(2) "And LIKE THE SOUND OF LOUD THUNDER"

Here John's symbol reminds us of the UNMISTAKABLENESS of the voice of God. Loud thunder insists on being heard. God's voice is a sound against which no man can close his ears.

(3) "And LIKE THE SOUND OF HARPERS PLAYING ON THEIR HARPS"

The voice of God has MELODY. There is a wonderful power in the harmony of music to soothe and calm a troubled heart.

These three wonderful things which John says in his symbolism in verse 2 give us an indication of the kind of endless inspiration the reader will find throughout life, if, in his reading he keeps consistency in interpreting the symbolism of John's book. Such a reader will always be discovering new and wonderful blessings in the book. [96]

(1) First, PURITY, verse 4. R.S.V. "They are chaste." That is, they have renounced all unfaithfulness to God and to divine truth which is described in the Old Testament as spiritual adultery.

The meaning of Revelation 14:4 is that "they are chaste"--"they have renounced all sin" (see also 2 Corinthians 11:2).

(2) OBEDIENCE, verse 4--"They follow the Lamb wherever He goes." This means full consecration, complete obedience. They obey His command. "Follow Me" in all circumstances of prosperity and adversity. It is well to weigh that word "WHEREVER"--that we may check the reality of our own Christian life. Jesus did say "Whoever forsaketh not all he has cannot be my disciple." The simplest definition of a Christian is to say "A Christian is a follower of Christ." "Follow Me" was the command always upon His lips.--To Philip, John 1:43. To Matthew--to the rich young ruler--to Peter--"Follow Me" "He left us an example that we should follow in His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).

(3) REDEMPTION, verse 4. "These have been redeemed from mankind as first-fruits for God and the Lamb." In this the whole church is the "first-fruits" for the time is coming when the whole creation shall be delivered (see Romans 8:21 and James 1:18).

(4) TRUTHFULNESS, verse 5. "In their mouth no lie was found, for they were spotless."

Various sects claim to be the 144, 000 but these four characteristics clearly describe the real marks of true Christians who constitute the universal Christian church. [97]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 14:6-20

In verses 6 and 7 John sees "an angel" (a messenger) PROCLAIMING AN ETERNAL GOSPEL TO ALL ON EARTH TO LEAD MEN TO FEAR GOD, TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD AND TO WORSHIP GOD.

These two verses remind us of THE REAL TASK OF THE CHURCH. It seems to some of us that the modern church with its trends to brighter services and discussion groups needs to guard against the neglecting of the real task of the church as outlined in these verses--To preach an eternal gospel, to lead men to fear God, to glorify God, to worship God.

This preaching of the church (like the two-edged sword which cuts both ways of previous visions) brings blessings to those who repent and also judgment to those who reject the gospel. This is the lesson of verses 8-20.

THE HARVEST AND VINTAGE OF THE EARTH.

(The Lord gathers the HARVEST of His own people.

An Angel gathers the VINTAGE of judgment).

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 14:6-20

Surely we will be more earnest and urgent in our preaching of the gospel when we understand the implications of Revelation 14.

This point is worthy of notice.

      THE HARVEST OF THE GOOD is gathered in by Christ Himself.
      THE VINTAGE OF THE BAD is gathered by another angel.

This suggests that the ministry of MERCY is Christ's chosen work, and the ministry of JUDGMENT is Christ's stern necessity. He puts forth the sickle of ingathering for the good, but "another angel" is used to put forth the sickle of judgment and destruction. Surely this has implications in our task of proclaiming the gospel today! [100]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 15

Before John describes the 7 last plagues in chapter 16 he introduces them by describing two visions of the scene in heaven in chapter 15.

      --The vision of the redeemed--15:1-4<
      --The vision of the angels of wrath--15:5-8 1.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 15

Can we sing the SONG OF DELIVERANCE referred to in verses 3 and 4?

We observe in this song of praise in these verses that there is not one word about the achievements on earth of the singers. Their song is all about God and His greatness and goodness.

Heaven is a place where men and women forget themselves and remember only God. In heaven self is forgotten. In heaven we will see at last the great plan and purpose of God and we will realise our own littleness. In heaven all self-importance is lost in the presence and glory of God.

III. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 16

THE SEVEN BOWLS are closely similar to the 7 seals and the 7 trumpets in that they affect the same things. But the destruction that followed the seals and the trumpets was limited to one third for they were given as warnings [102] pleading with men to repent. The destruction that follows the pouring of the 7 bowls is complete on the enemies of God. These are "the last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is ended." (15:1).

IV. MEDITATION--Revelation 16

The seven bowls of judgment are symbolic pictures to tell us this truth--that if man sins against God, then the whole universe becomes man's enemy. While the seven bowls describe evil as being destroyed everywhere Christians need to heed THE-WARNING GIVEN BY GOD HIMSELF IN VERSE 15.

1. We must WATCH

      --Lest we become indifferent
      --Lest we become merely nominal church members
      --Lest we fall away from Christ.

We must watch for every opportunity to serve Christ--for every opportunity to serve our fellow men.

2. We must KEEP ON THE GARMENTS WHICH CHRIST GAVE US

--else others will see our shame, for our own righteousness is only as filthy rags. [106]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 17, 18 19:1-10

Chapter 17, 18, 19 and 20 are difficult chapters. To outline every detail in these study notes would probably confuse the reader; so we present here our personal view of the meaning of these chapters.

At the close of chapter 16 we reached the end of the three series of judgments which form the main part of the book of Revelation (the 7 seals, the 7 trumpets, and the 7 bowls). Now begins another series of visions of the fall of Babylon--which is looking at the same events from another point of view. And deals with the same "little season" of the whole Christian era--One needs to get John's picture by first reading the whole of Chapters 17, 18 to verse 10 of chapter 19.

The fact that John does not want us to think of the events he describes in order of historical time is shown by the fact that twice before he has told us of Babylon and her doom. As we have explained before, in each series of visions John brings us to the end of all things and then in the next series of visions John takes us back to look at the same events from another viewpoint. That this is John's method is clearly shown in the vision of the fall of Babylon which he describes in such detail in these chapters now before us. If we return to 14:8 and 16:19 we realise that whilst the fall of Babylon was described in these earlier visions the same event is now being described in closer detail.

The main questions connected with interpretation of these 3½ chapters are WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY "THE BEAST?" AND WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY THE TERM "BABYLON?"

THE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT WE MUST CHOOSE WHICH SIDE WE ARE ON.

Whether we understand all the details of John's vision in chapters 17 and 18 is not important. It is important that we make our choice aright. Either we belong to the New Jerusalem or to Babylon (that is, either we are members of the Bride of Christ or of the harlot). Either we are faithful to Christ or we are unfaithful. We cannot be neutral. We are committed on the side of Christ--or on the side of the devil. We cannot serve God and mammon.

Those earthly governments which treat God with scorn rather than obedience--which legislate to please the lower desires of popular vote rather than to obey God's moral and spiritual law, all these governments will perish. But God's throne is not subject to the dizzy change of popular opinion.

The story of the battle between evil and good is repeated again and again in the book of Revelation. Sometimes the battle is in heaven, sometimes it is here on earth. Always the arrogant forces of evil are defeated. Here in chapters 17 and 18 the forces of the beast and the harlot (or worldliness both in political and religious spheres) are defeated by Christ. [109]

CHAPTER 18.

An angel proclaims the fall of Babylon--the city of confusion--of world-power--The fall of humanism (the belief that man can rule this world himself without God or obedience to God). Chapter 18 describes THE COMPLETENESS OF HER FALL.

The main thought of the chapter is that it teaches that man's pride and belief that he can rule without God is the sin by which man has destroyed himself. Christians need to heed the call of verse 4. "Come out of her my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues."--As Lot was called out of Sodom, so Christians who are required to live in a corrupt and worldly society are called to be "IN the world but not OF the world." (John 17:15, 16) "Be not confirmed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." (Romans 12:2)--Christians should be different from the world, but are we? Chapter 18 describes the destruction of a civilisation built on worldliness. In verses 9-20 there is the lament of kings, merchants and sailors and the mourning of those whose profits have gone.

Then in verses 21-24 SIX TIMES, like a funeral knell the words "ANY MORE" or "NO MORE" are repeated. As we read these verses:

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 17, 18, 19:1-10
      --HALLELUJAH CHORUS

We are accustomed to think of the Hallelujah chorus in the setting Handel has given us.

1. "Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."

This is the important fact which arises from the fall of Babylon and the marriage of the church to Christ. [111]

In the light of this fact we should ask ourselves WHAT IS THE BIGGEST FACT OF LIFE FOR ME AT THIS MOMENT?
      Is it my HOME?
            or my WORK?
                  or my HAPPINESS AND SECURITY?

If so, there is something wrong with me.

For the great central important fact of life for a Christian is this--"THE LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT REIGNETH."

This involves freedom from our worries
      --the defeat of sin
      --the comfort of sorrow.

2. When we grasp the fact that "The Lord God omnipotent reigneth" then, as verse 7 has it:
      "LET US REJOICE AND EXALT AND GIVE HIM THE GLORY"

John's vision of the fall of the harlot and the marriage of the bride reminds us of Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55:

Surely the members of the church of God have every reason to
      PRAISE THE LORD!

The Hallelujah chorus is Introduced in verse 4 "And the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures fell down and worshipped God who is seated on the throne, saying, AMEN. HALLELUJAH!"

The 24 elders and the 4 living creatures symbolise the whole church and all mankind. John describes their worship in the two words "AMEN, HALLELUJAH". What do these words mean?

"Amen" means "So let it be." "God's will be done."

"Hallelujah" means "Praise the Lord, the Almighty."

James Stewart suggests that these two words remind us of the four notes of all real worship.

The "Amen" of worship means firstly ACCEPTANCE of God's Will; and secondly the COMMITMENT of ourselves to DO that will. The "Hallelujah" of worship means--a sense of FELLOWSHIP with God, and also a sense of JOY in the ASSURANCE of God's victory. Our worship as Christians involves our acceptance of the will of God for our daily lives--and our commitment to do God's will. The "Amen" is not a groan of resignation to God's will but a shout of resolution. [112]

And our worship involves the Hallelujah of praise and joy.

If we have lost our joy in the pressures of modern living with our cares and troubles--then we need to recapture in our worship the Hallelujah Spirit of Revelation 19:4

"Amen, Hallelujah!"--"For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth!"

There are immense personal implications in Revelation 19: verse 6.

That God's will is supreme in every sphere of life--and I am not.

That God is the power in the universe.

That God who acted in the past, and present, will also act in the future.

That God will bring the climax of creation and judgment--God is supreme and I am not.

Neither you nor I have the right to act as if we owned the world and its goods.

You and I must be God-centred and not self-centred.

God is supreme; and fate, material possessions and death itself is not supreme. To respond to the implications of the Hallelujah chorus is to sing and act accordingly.

III. MEDITATION--Revelation 17, 18, 19:1-10
      --BABYLON AND ITS FALL

Visions of Babylon and its fall.

These chapters are confusing to ordinary readers but the general idea is clear.

THE BEAST referred to is the same as the beast described in chapter 13:1-10. He is WORLD POWER which is ANTAGONISTIC TO CHRIST.

John saw world powers as receiving a death wound at Calvary, but continuing in death throes to attack Christ's people.

The WOMAN HARLOT is described as controlling and drawing sustenance from the worldly power. My interpretation is that BABYLON is the HARLOT who controls and draws sustenance from this city of worldliness and is the FALSE or NOMINAL church. Babylon, as described in Revelation chapters 17 and 18 is a symbol--not of any one literal city. past, present or future. The modern Babylon "City of Confusion" is here now. [113]

Plainly man cannot run modern cities successfully without God and obedience to God's laws. There is growing and utter confusion in the economic, social and political affairs of our cities. There is utter confusion as to how to put things right. There is confusion as how to correct inflation of currency--how to create employment--how to give social justice. John foretells the ultimate fall of all godless materialism in this vision of the fall of Babylon. [114]

This is the last main section of the Book of Revelation. Here we have described to us the visions of The Conquering Christ (19:11-16), the judgments of the beast and of the false prophet and of Satan (19:17-20;10), the judgment of the wicked (20:11-15), the visions of the New heaven, the New earth and the New Jerusalem (20:16-22;5). And the LAST WORDS (22:6-21).

But first--THE CONQUERING CHRIST

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 19:11-16
      --THE CONQUERING CHRIST

John saw heaven opened and a RIDER UPON A WHITE HORSE verse 11. We noted the first appearance of a WHITE HORSEMAN in chapter 6:2. There we interpreted as "CHRIST EVANGELISING". There is no doubt that THE RIDER ON THE WHITE HORSE In 19:11 IS CHRIST. "WHITE" is a symbol throughout the book of Revelation for PURITY and VICTORY.

This rider is called "FAITHFUL AND TRUE"--"faithful" because we can depend on His promises. He is "true," for He is the answer to all our hopes. Unlike the kings of the earth who wage war in selfishness, "in righteousness He judges and makes war."

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 19:11-16

Link with John's vision of Revelation 19:11-16 a meditation on the Hymn "Crown Him with many crowns" and also the stirring Hymn "Onward Christian soldiers." Read the verses thoughtfully.

The armies of the church militant on earth, and the church triumphant in heaven are not engaged in physical battles of guns and bloodshed, but in spiritual struggles for control of the minds and spiritual forces of men and women. To us, as His soldiers, Christ says "As My Father has sent Me so send I you." (John 17:18). The weapons of this warfare are described in Ephesians 6:12.

Let us rejoice as we serve in this army.

If we had to find another title for the Book of Revelation to describe its message--then it would bear the title--
      "King of kings and Lord of lords."

For everything in this book begins and ends in Christ. In our day men prophecy "the end of Christ's church", but Christ's Word is mightier than any word that men can utter. Let us rise up to serve The King of kings.

III. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 19:17-21
      --THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET ARE JUDGED

This is the most difficult chapter of the whole book of Revelation to understand. Fortunately our salvation and growth in Christian grace does not depend upon our understanding of what is meant by "A millennium"--"the 1000 years reign of Christ." If our salvation depended on our understanding this symbol, then God would have made it much plainer.

It is in this chapter that most of the sects have their origin. My understanding is that "the 1000 years reign of Christ" is a symbol NOT of any period of time BUT IS A SYMBOL OF THE COMPLETE AND ABSOLUTE RULE OF CHRIST OVER THE LIVES OF ALL COMPLETELY SURRENDERED CHRISTIANS AND THAT CHRIST THUS REIGNS NOW.

All numbers in the Book of Revelation are symbols.

It makes nonsense of the book if we interpret some numbers as literal and others as symbols. As, for instance, the "666" of chapter 13:18 is clearly symbolic so also is "the 1000 years" of chapter 20.

In the following pages we will study chapter 20 more closely.

This is a much debated chapter. But with all its difficulties and with all the differing opinions regarding this chapter, its main point is clear: SATAN IS JUDGED.

It helps us to see that the main thought of these verses is not the reign of 1000 years, but the judgment of Satan. If we cannot understand all the details of this chapter let us hold fast the main truth--Satan will be judged. Every understanding of this vision is beset with difficulties and will meet with opposition from those whose opinions differ. Whatever interpretation we adopt we need to speak with caution because none of us knows the whole truth. We need to speak with love to those who honestly understand this chapter differently from ourselves. Diverse interpretations of this chapter have created serious divisions of the Christian church and formed the basis of many sects. Tolerance with those holding views differing from our own is very necessary. If the Lord meant us to understand the significance of the detailed events described in Revelation Chapter 20 concerning the 1000 years reign [118] of Christ, and if our salvation and growth in Christian grace depended upon such understanding then He would have made it much clearer and more easily understood.

It is Christ's command that we love one another whether or not we agree with each other's interpretations. If we only have fellowship with those who agree with our opinions "What thanks have ye? for sinners also do the same. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:32-37).

It is a Protestant Principle to allow liberty of opinion. One of the watchwords of Churches of Christ is "in things essential, UNITY; in matters of opinion, LIBERTY; in all things, LOVE."

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 20

Before we begin our study on chapter 20 we need to emphasise THAT THE REIGNS OF 1000 YEARS IS NOT THE MAIN THEME OF THESE VERSES--BUT THE JUDGMENT OF SATAN. (The Latin word for "1000" is "millennium").

THE MAIN THOUGHT OF REVELATION 20:1-10 IS THAT THE DEVIL WILL BE FINALLY JUDGED.

--So the three enemies of Christ and His church will be judged and forever removed from being able to harm God's children.

In verse 2 the devil is called "the dragon" because he is fierce, and "the serpent" because he is subtle. The devil is bound and shut in the pit for a thousand years.

II. THREE MAIN THEORIES--Revelation 20

There are three main theories of interpretation.

Each has its difficulties. Each has endless variations. Each has its firm advocates. We must never presume to claim that our view is God's view. We must never condemn those Christians who hold different views from our own particularly as regards this chapter of scripture. [123]

We must observe that the second coming of Christ is not expressly stated in Revelation chapter 20. It is possible to fit it in before the millennium, after the millennium, or after the "little while" of verse 3.

Whatever interpretation we make of Revelation 20 we must be cautious, humble, scriptural and loving.

This chapter does not state when Christ will come in relation to the millennium. The chapter leaves this to be a matter of opinion. We should do the same. We repeat--If the Lord meant us to know, or if our salvation and growth in grace depended upon our knowing, He would have made it plainer.

Whichever of the three main theories of interpretation we accept we must accept that other sincere Christians will differ from us. We must always be ready to grant liberty of opinion and not be critical of each other.

These are the three main alternative views. We are free to choose between them. [126]

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 21:1-22
      --THE NEW JERUSALEM

What a lovely part of our Bible this is! First read this whole passage to let John's picture into our minds.

Like the quiet beauty of a sunset after a day of storm, this lovely scene of the new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem follows the long struggle depicted in the book of Revelation. This is the climax of the visions of victory.

This whole passage IS A MEDITATION FOR US.

II. MEDITATION--Revelation 21:1-22
      --THE NEW JERUSALEM

Probably most of us have always thought of "the holy city"--"The new Jerusalem"--"coming down from heaven from God"--as something still in the future. I agree that we are now looking at final things in the closing chapters of John's book of Revelation, but haven't we seen all through John's book that he is dealing with things not only of the past or future but also with the things that ARE NOW TAKING PLACE? Recall chapter 1:19 "Write the things which are NOW" taking place as well as "the things which shall be hereafter."

Have we yet caught John's vision of the church"--Your church today--as "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, which CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN FROM GOD"--God's gift to redeemed believers AT PENTECOST? We sing John Newton's hymn--

This hymn we've been singing for years is based on Revelation chapters 21 and 22. The hymn is saying--"IT IS HERE NOW." "The holy city, the new Jerusalem HAS COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN FROM GOD." The church is here. True, there is yet to be, in the future at Christ's final coming, that event described by Paul in Ephesians 5:25-2 7 when Christ "will present the church to Himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. "This is something still future. But till then, with all her faults the church is God's gift coming down to the redeemed. God made this gift at Pentecost. When we see the church as the holy city, the [133] new Jerusalem It deepens our love for the church. And we realise that the greatest privilege we have in this world is to be a member of Christ's church. And that our greatest responsibility is to be worthy of that privilege of church membership.

When we realise that the church has come down from heaven to us as God's gift we sing with deeper meaning

Think how many hymns would have to be left out of our Hymn book if the holy city--the new Jerusalem, is not here In the church! For instance, we sing Isaac Watts' hymn--

I. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 22:6-21
      --THE SEVEN BEATITUDES

It is significant that TWO of the SEVEN BEATITUDES of the Book of Revelation appear in verses 7 and 14 of these last words of the book.

II. STUDY NOTES--Revelation 22:6-21
      --THE LAST WORDS

And we look now at the last words of this book and we notice that they are:

III. MEDITATION--Revelation 22:6-21
      --THE RIVER OF LIFE

For our closing meditation we look at THE RIVER OF LIFE (verses 1 and 2). And Jesus' thrice repeated promise, in verses 7, 12 and 20 "I AM COMING SOON."

First--THE RIVER OF LIFE--verses 1 and 2.

"Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Through the middle of the street of the city, also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its 12 kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

Remember that this description of the river of life flowing through the city of God is part of the description of the church. In chapter 21 verses 9 and 10 John was shown the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Part of that description which follows of the holy city includes these verses about the river of life. And there also is the tree of life bearing its 12 fruits for 12 months (Notice the "12"--Always a symbol of the church.) Link John's vision of the river of life with Psalm 46 verses 4 and 5--

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most high. God is in the midst of her. She shaft not be moved."

We observe that no great cities can exist without rivers. Rivers bring life and health to a city. Rivers carry away impurities. Surely there is symbolism in John's picture of the river of the water of life which flows through the church (the city of God)! What is this river? It is the love of God--The grace of God--Grace is the free love of God bestowed on those who have not merited d--John expressed God's grace--the river of the water of life--in other words in John 3:16 "God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Here is this last chapter of the Bible we are shown the river of God's love bringing eternal life and spiritual health to believers, and also carrying away all of our impurities--our sins. God's love, God's grace, bestowed on undeserving sinners, is the river of the water of life in Revelation 22:1, 2. Carefully note three things--

1. Note THE SOURCE OF THIS RIVER.

It flows "FROM THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB"

See what this is saying! It is telling us that God's love alone can give us the power to make a better world. Power must come DOWN from God else all of man's schemes to save our world will come to nothing. No great rivers can flow through cities or bring life to and plains except there are high mountains as sources of those rivers. No river of water of life and health can bring life to [140] the desert of man's life unless it takes its source in the inexhaustible heights of the throne of God. Left to man himself no such river is possible. But in the holy city--the church--the river of the water of life--The love of God--the grace of God--takes its source from above--from the throne of God.

2. Note that this river of the water of life CARRIES AWAY OUR IMPURITIES (OUR SINS)

3. The river BRINGS HEALTH AND LIFE

Our present world society has become a barren desert with spiritual and moral impotence. But the river of the water of life is flowing. God's love from His throne.

So with a warmer love for the church and a deeper dedication in the service of our local congregation as a part of that great church--realising that the river of water of life is flowing now--we will sing with truer understanding--

Have we found this river in our personal churchmanship?

The only way I know to experience the blessing of the river of the water of life in our present day is to keep in close fellowship with Jesus. Keep going back to the manger and the Cross. God's grace is free, but to have this river the conditions are faith, prayer, meditation on the Word of God, dedication of oneself in the mission of the church.

Have you ever linked Revelation 22 verses 1 and 2 with Ezekiel's vision in chapter 47 of his prophecy?

In Ezekiel's vision the river of water DEEPENED the further it flowed. A third of a mile from its source the river was ankle deep. At two-third's of a mile the river had deepened to the knees. At one mile the water was to the loins. And at one and a half miles from its source the river was one to swim in. The river deepened the further it flowed. [141]

There is important symbolism here. There is something wrong with our religious experience if it is not an ever deepening experience. Look back over the years since you found Jesus Christ as your Saviour and first committed yourself to Him. Has your discipleship been an ever deepening experience?--An ever deepening river?--The river of the water of life which began for you at your conversion should be a far deeper experience now. You should be making fresh discoveries about Jesus Christ which you had never known before--Is your experience ankle deep--or, "a river to swim in?"

Don't dream of the river of the water of life only as in a future heaven. The river of the water of life is here NOW. When we realise this truth we will be able to sing--

The river of God's grace brings a wonderful redemption. Takes away our sin, brings eternal life (not merely everlasting existence, but the quality of God's fife in our souls).

So, read Revelation 22 verses 1 and 2 with understanding.

      The river of the water of life is here NOW
      It comes DOWN from God as its source
      It carries away our impurities (our sins)
      It brings eternal life and spiritual health
      And, it is available to us NOW--The grace of God which brings
      salvation and blessing in Christian discipleship.
      A river that deepens the further it flows. And it ever flows from age to age.

SECONDLY, in our Meditation point we refer you to verses 7, 12, 20 of Revelation chapter 22 in which there is THE THRICE REPEATED PROMISE OF JESUS CHRIST "I AM COMING SOON".

We briefly referred to this promise in the Study notes on this chapter under "5"--"WORDS OF HIS COMING."

Three times in this last chapter of the Bible Jesus makes the promise "I am coming soon."

1. At some FUTURE time (a time known only to God) there will be THE FINAL COMING OF CHRIST. [142]

When at His final coming Christ will be seen by every eye--When He will bring human history to its end and climax--When Christ will triumph and "the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of God and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever."

To this the New Testament bears witness in every page. I see little need to stress the clear teaching of the New Testament to the promise of the final coming of Christ. What 1 am seeking to stress is that CHRIST'S PROMISE "I AM COMING SOON" refers to more than His final coming. We should not forget that the religious leaders of the Jews who considered that they knew all about the Old Testament promises of the first coming of Christ made such a terrible mistake that when He came as a babe to Bethlehem they rejected and crucified Him. I am concerned lest Christians today should be so caught up in prophecies about Christ's final coming that they become blind to the reality of His present coming to Christians in daily life NOW.

2. If we have come to understand what John has taught on the whole book of Revelation, then we will understand that Christ's promise "1 am coming soon" refers also to the fact of DAILY EXPERIENCE--THAT CHRIST DOES COME. HE FULFILS HIS PROMISE TO EVERY CHRISTIAN IN DAILY LIFE.

In our times of crises and need, Christ comes to guide, strengthen, encourage and help. Surely in our experience we have all known the fulfilment of His promise "Lo, I am with you always": Christ's promise "I am coming soon" takes my thoughts back to the experience of two disciples on the road to Emmaus that first Easter Sunday, as recorded in Luke 24. They had had the bitter experience of having all their highest hopes shattered. They had actually seen goodness in the form of Jesus nailed to a Cross on Good Friday. They were bewildered and broken as they walked the 7 miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

A stranger CAME to them, and talked with them, lifted up their hopes and faith, "but their eyes were holden and they did not know Him."

How like those two disciples are we! Christ COMES to us, knowing all our griefs and burdens. He comes to bless us. One thing an understanding of John's book of Revelation will do for us is that our eyes are now open to the truth that Christ has, and continues to fulfil His promise "I am coming soon."

He comes to guide, strengthen, encourage and help us.

And Christ comes to us today in every call to DUTY and Christian service.

Do you remember Tolstoy's story about Martin the cobbler who had been reading about Christ and wishing that Christ would come to him? He fell asleep and heard a voice "Martin, look into the street tomorrow, I will come." The next day Martin looks out of his window saying to himself "Was it just a dream--or will He come indeed?" During the day the old man brings in a sweeper from the street, gives him tea, warms him at the fire. Then he brings in a soldier's wife who was trying to wrap a bag about her baby to keep it warm. He gave her warm clothing and food. Then he brought in a poor apple woman and a boy and sorted out their problems. The last scene shows Martin sitting at the table on which burns a solitary candle. "The day is nearly over and He hasn't come." And as Martin sits there, the figure of the cold snow sweeper rises before his eyes--The figure of the woman and her baby--the woman and the boy--and a voice is heard. "I have come. I was the sweeper, the woman, those in need." And the truth dawns on Martin the cobbler that Christ does fulfil His promise to come again when Christians respond to the call of duty. As Christians serve they find the Christ who comes.

That story of Tolstoy's is not just a story. It presents a fact.

Personally I never see a vision. I never hear a voice. But I know that Christ Himself comes. HE HAS COME TO ME. I have found His presence when I have forgotten self in service to others.

I see no profit in date fixing or sign watching for the future event of Christ's final coming. That is a secret known only to God. I am concerned lest we overlook the present fact taught in John's Revelation that Christ does come to the Christian NOW. His promise "I am coming soon" is continually being fulfilled. As Christ comes to live in us as the power, the inexhaustible resources of God to enable us to live this present life triumphantly. It's a wonderful thing to be a Christian, to be sure that we are not alone--but that "The Lord is near,"--and that we are not left to face life alone.

True Christianity does not postpone the presence of Christ to the future, nor recall His presence from the past, but lives in the conscious sense that Christ IS. Christ COMES. Christ LIVES in the present tense, and truly blessed is the reader who has grasped this truth.[144]

We have reached the end of this singular but most instructive book of the Bible. Christ's last message to His church written in symbolic language. The church's marching orders written in code language. It is possible to find the KEY to understanding this code--the symbols used throughout the book of Revelation. Those who use this KEY consistently throughout this book of Revelation in interpreting the symbols will find that they have been blessed.

With all its difficulties we will continue to read the book of Revelation, finding fresh heart, and faith, and courage in this book which more clearly presents Christ's victory and the fall of sin than any other book in our Bible. That the principles upon which we have interpreted the Revelation of John should be generally accepted by readers is probably too much to hope for.

We believe that whatever method of interpretation is adopted by the reader of John's book of Revelation, that interpretation must take note that the book is dealing with what is happening NOW as well as what will happen in the FUTURE. Chapter 1 verses 1 and 19 make this fact plain at the outset. John was told to write "what must soon take place--what you see, what IS and what is to take place hereafter." Plainly, the book deals in symbolic language with events which are taking place NOW. They are not only to be fulfilled in the future but ARE BEING FULFILLED all the time. The events described in the various visions of the book are taking place now. The victory is always with God. In the finality of the future all evil will be destroyed. Only the good is eternal. As we interpret the book John's Revelation is the most thrilling and hopeful philosophy of life that any person can hold.

It is important that the reader tries to be consistent in interpretation. We must avoid the confusion of using numbers, or things, or persons as symbols in one instance and as literal in other instances. The book can only be understood when the reader realises that he must be consistent in interpreting its symbols.

John's Revelation became the book with a blessing to us when we found the KEY to the interpretation of its symbolism which we have tried to share with you in these study notes. The reader who uses this KEY to the symbolism of John's Revelation will find that whenever he turns to this book he discovers new and thrilling messages of hope and faith suited to his life's experiences.

The truths of the book are never ending. They reach into eternity. God continues to reveal greater truth from this book of the Bible according to our capacity to receive it. [145]

We hope at least that our treatment of the book may help you to read with greater profit this part of God's Word.

The preparation of these studies in the book of Revelation has brought a deepening faith and joy to us. Many difficulties in interpretation have not been dealt with in these notes. We do not claim to have yet seen all the truth which God intends us to see in this book. Also, as the seventh seal of chapter 8: verse 2 reminds us, "there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Much of God's purposes are revealed to us in this world but not all. God's final purposes are not revealed to us here but hereafter. "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him."--By careful study we learn much from John's book but we need to humbly acknowledge that in this present life we shall never be able to understand everything.

Again and again we come to places and experiences where we cannot know--and there is silence!

It is our experience that the book of Revelation will no longer be the neglected book of the Bible but it will begin to glow with the very life and power of God in the soul of every reader who learns how to consistently use the KEY to the symbolic language of the last book of the Bible.

As you read John's "Book with a blessing" you may think of G. Rawson's hymn (Churches of Christ Hymnbook 1974, No. 188):

And also G. Briggs' hymn (Churches of Christ Hymnbook 1974, No. 191)

And also T. Clark's hymn (Churches of Christ Hymnbook 1974, No. 472):

Such great hymns of the Christian church are in accord with our interpretation of John's book of Revelation in these studies. They leave us with this conviction--That the greatest privilege anyone can have in this world is to be a member of Christ's church, and that our greatest responsibility in this world is to be a worthy and active member of Christ's church.

A basic understanding of John's Apocalypse brings to the reader a steady faith in the unfailing purposes of God and in His final victory over all unrighteousness. The future belongs to God and Jesus Christ our Lord.

The greatest experience of our lives is found in the fulfilment of our prayer "Marana--tha" ("Come, Lord Jesus").

His parousia (Presence) does come. We are caught up, not in the sky, but in His purposes, hopes and yearnings. We become friends and co-workers with Him here on earth "Immanuel."

We repeat--One truth the reader of the book of "Revelation" will realise is that the greatest PRIVILEGE anyone can have in this world is to be a member of Christ's church. And the greatest RESPONSIBILITY we have is to be a worthy member by loyalty and faithfulness.

Truly, John's book of Revelation will become "The Book with a blessing" to those readers who are consistent in the use of the KEY to its symbols.

Whenever you turn to this last book of the Bible you will find new and thrilling truths of hope and faith suited to your life's experiences. The truths of the book are never ending; they reach into eternity. God continues to reveal greater truth from this book of the Bible according to our capacity to receive it. [147]

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      HOW TO GROW AN AUSTRALIAN CHURCH--Gordon Moyes
      YOUR CHURCH: WHERE TO FROM HERE?--Graeme Chapman
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THE BOOK WITH A BLESSING has proved its value even before it has been printed. In duplicated form the substance of this book has been used with great benefit by groups and individuals in various congregations. People have found that the last book of the Bible has come alive to them. In this printed edition Harold Norris has given some additional notes and expanded his helpful meditations on the message of the book.

Many Christians have ignored the book of Revelation because they have not been able to understand the visions in it. This book will help them greatly for the author explains the background of the chief images that are used. Not everyone will agree with all the views put forward, but Harold Norris rightly has taken seriously the fact that Revelation belongs to the tradition of apocalyptic literature. The basic emphases of John are highlighted in ways that do justice to the original setting of the work but that also allow us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches today through it.

HAROLD G. NORRIS graduated from the College of the Bible, Glen Iris, Victoria in 1933. His 44 years of full-time ministry have been all in nine South Australian Churches of Christ, Central Eyre Peninsula circuit, Dulwich, Tumby Bay-Ungarra circuit, Unley, Kilburn, Grote Street, Adelaide, Magill, Blackwood and Aldgate Valley where his ministries were blessed by God.

He served in a number of South Australian Churches of Christ Conference Departments including Home Missions, Overseas Missions, Christian Education and Christian Union. For eighteen years he served as a member of the Federal Overseas Mission Board. During World War II he served in combat areas as a chaplain in 2/10th Australian Infantry Battalion.

He shares his retirement at Aldgate, S.A. with his wife Reta, and rejoices that all his five children are active in the life of the church. His son Allan is a graduate of the College of the Bible and his daughter Glenys is married to Dean Hamilton, minister of Launceston Church of Christ.

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