End Times 10, Revelation 7:1-8, 144,000 Jews Sealed

Click on the image and see the text. Click on the arrow and see the video; details follow.

I. Introduction.

A. In this article we see a pause between the sixth and seventh seal judgments of the Tribulation. Looking back, we saw the following preceding seal judgments, in order: 1 Antichrist. 2 War. 3 Famine. 4 Death 5. Martyrs’ prayers. 6 Great Earthquakes. We also saw that each seal judgment was released by Christ, the Lamb, on the earth: See Rev 6:1, 6:3, 6:5, 6:7, 6:9, 6:12. Great severity was seen in the fourth seal judgment where one-fourth of the earth’s population died. In the fifth seal judgment we saw the martyrdom of those which were left behind from the rapture, and whom had come to saving faith in Christ. In the sixth seal judgment, we saw great cosmic disturbances.

B. In the opening of this seventh chapter of Revelation we see these words, “after this.” It is at this point in John’s vision, that there is a pause that takes place before the opening of the seventh seal judgment in Rev 8:1. During this pause, John sees the sealing of 144,000 Jews in Rev 7:4-8. The significance of the sealing is that in Rev 14:1 all of the 144,000 Jews that are sealed in Rev 7:1 are still alive; their lives will be sealed from death. These 144,000 Jews are also being sealed for Salvation. In Rev 3:10, we see that the raptured born again believers in Christ will be saved from “the tribulation.” In Rev 14:1, we see that the Jews that were sealed in 7:1 will be sealed and saved “through the tribulation.” The sealing of those that will be raptured (1 Cor 15:50-54) prior to the Tribulation, will take place when they believe in Christ (Eph 1:13); at that time believers are sealed for salvation. Those whom believe in Christ prior to the rapture will be kept “from the hour of testing which will come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on earth,” (Rev 3:10).

C. The opening video shows a discussion of highly acclaimed theologians, Drs. John Ankerberg, Ron Rhodes, Ed Hindson, and Mark Hitchcock. The gentlemen make the point that the 144,000 people that are being sealed are Jews, and that these Jews will preach “the gospel of the Kingdom” (Matt 24:14), throughout the world, at which time the end of the Tribulation will come. Credentials for each of these men are shown in the following link: https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources/

D. The gospel (good news) of the Kingdom is that of, the Abrahamic Covenant (Rev 12:1-3) and of the Davdic Covenant (2 Sam 7:8-16); it is also of the preaching of John the Baptist (Matt 3:2), of Christ (Matt 4:17), of the disciples (Matt 10:7), and of the seventy (Luke 10:1,11). The gospel of the “death, burial and resurrection of Christ” (1 Cor 15:1-8) will also be included in the preaching of the 144,000 Jews, as our Lord will be “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev 19:16), and will teach and rule and reign from Jerusalem (Isa 2:1-4) for one thousand years (Rev 20:4), which will be for the duration of the Kingdom Age.

II. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

III. Text: Revelation 7:1-8.

An Interlude
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

The 144,000
4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

5 from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, 6 from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, 7 from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, 8 from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.

IV. Comments. (MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; NAC = New American Commentary; NKJV= New King James Study Bible; RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; WRC= Walvoord Commentary).

A. (WRC)

The question has often been asked, “Will anyone be saved after the rapture?” The Scriptures clearly indicate that a great multitude of both Jews and Gentiles will trust in the Lord after the church is caught up to glory. Though the children of God living on earth at the time will be translated when Christ comes for His church, immediately a testimony will be raised up to the name of Christ through new converts among Jews and Gentiles. Though these are never described by the term “church,” they are constantly called saints, that is, those set apart as holy to God and saved through the sacrifice of Christ. https://bible.org/seriespage/7-saints-great-tribulation

B. (NAC)

1. 7:1 The interlude of chap 7 begins with the apocalypticist observing the four angels standing at the four corners of the earth engaged in physically restraining four winds, preventing the wind from blowing on the land, sea, or trees.

C. (MSB)

1. 7.2 “seal of the living God.” “Seal” often refers to a signet ring used to press its image into wax melted on a document. The resulting imprint implied authenticity and ownership, and protected the contents (cf. 9:4; Ezek. 9:3, 4). In this case, the mark is the name of God (14:1).

2. 7:4 “One hundred and forty-four thousand.” A missionary corps of redeemed Jews who are instrumental in the salvation of many Jews and Gentiles during the Tribulation (vv. 9–17). They will be the firstfruits of a new redeemed Israel (v. 4; Zech. 12:10). Finally, Israel will be the witness nation she refused to be in the OT (see notes on Rom. 11:25–27). “all the tribes of the children of Israel.” By sovereign election, God will seal 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes, promising His protection while they accomplish their mission.

D. (RSB)

1. 7:3 These judgments are delayed until these 144,000 Jewish people can be “sealed;” i.e., protected supernaturally.
2. 7:4 “one hundred and forty-four thousand.” These are Jews from the 12 tribes (12,000 each) who are protected in order to perform some service for God during these days. Perhaps they are evangelists. The omission of the tribe of Dan may be because Dan was guilty of idolatry on many occasions (Lev 24:11; Judg 18:1; 1 Kings 12:28, 29).

V. Conclusion.

1. God has given us a timeline of events that will occur based on His sovereign purposes. The Tribulation is one of those sovereign events that will occur within God’s plan for the ages. God does not wait for anyone’s thoughts, decisions, or actions to affirm, or negate, His sovereign will. God’s calling, for God’s purpose, is clearly seen throughout God’s Holy Word.

a. Romans 8:28. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

b. Daniel 9:27, “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”

(1) (Mine) This week is a period of seven years, as opposed to a week of seven days. God’s details can not be overlooked, as they relate to God’s purpose. The seven years of Tribulation can not be lessened, or lengthened; neither can the Tribulation be spiritualized., nor negated.

(2) (MSB) These 7 years constitute the 70th week of Daniel. “middle of the week.” This is the halfway point of the 70th week of years, i.e., 7 years leading to Christ’s second coming. The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel (v. 27a), which has resumed its ancient sacrificial system. Three and a half years of tribulation remain, agreeing with the time in other Scriptures (7:25; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:5, called “Great Tribulation,” cf. Matt. 24:21) as God’s wrath intensifies.

2. Consider the following examples of God’s sovereign will for individuals that He has chosen to be instruments of fulfilling His will.

a. Gen 12;1-3. God chose Abraham for salvation and service. Abraham was not seeking God. Abraham was an idol worshiper (Josh 24:2).

b. Jer 1:5. God chose Jeremiah for salvation and service before he was born.

c. Matt 10:1-4. God chose 12 disciples for service; he chose 11 for salvation. (Judas betrayed Christ 10:4).

d. Rom 1:15. God chose Saul (Paul) for salvation and service before he was born.

e. Deu 14:2. God chose national Israel, above all other nations, to be His own possession (God’s chosen people).

f. God will choose 144,000 Jews, whom will be left behind from the rapture, to be sealed for salvation and service.

VI. Additional information on Rev 7:1-8 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Ep. 25 Gods Faithfulness. Revelation 7:1-8

B. Dr. Andy Woods has a law degree from Whittier College and a PhD in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was a Full-Professor of Bible and Theology at the College Biblical Studies in Houston, TX (2009-2016). He is currently the President of Chafer Theological Seminary and Pastor of Sugar Land Bible Church. Andy also speaks on a variety of topics at Christian Conferences worldwide. Credentials of Dr. Woods can be found on my Equipping Site Page, “About Sources.” I encourage everyone to purchase Andy’s book, “The Coming Kingdom (Andrew M. Woods). Andy’s teachings provide provide a great deal of understanding of the Bible.

VII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. Who are the 144,000, and what power has God given to them?

B. John Ankerberg Show

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Memorial Day – May 25, 2020 – Lest We Forget

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

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Lest we forget (phrase)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lest_we_forget_(phrase)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The phrase “Lest we forget” is commonly used in war remembrance services and commemorative occasions in English speaking countries, in particular Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day.[1] Before the term was used in reference to soldiers and war, it was first used in an 1897 Christian poem written by Rudyard Kipling called “Recessional”. The phrase occurs eight times; and is repeated at the end of the first four stanzas in order to add particular emphasis regarding the dangers of failing to remember.

‘God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far-flung battle line,
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!’

The concept of ‘being careful not to forget’ was already present in the Bible (Deuteronomy 4:7-9):

7″For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy son’s sons ….”[2]

This Biblical quote is probably a direct source for the term in the 1897 poem.[according to whom?] This is consistent with the main theme of the “Recessional” poem – that if a nation forgets the true source of its success (the “Lord God of Hosts” and His “ancient sacrifice” of “a humble and contrite heart”) – its military or material possessions will be insufficient in times of war.[citation needed]

The poem “Recessional” also appears as a common hymn at war remembrance services; and the phrase “Lest We Forget” can hence be sung.[3]

The phrase later passed into common usage after World War I across the British Commonwealth, especially becoming linked with Remembrance Day observations; it became a plea not to forget past sacrifices, and was often found as the only wording on war memorials,[4] or used as an epitaph.

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End Times 9-Revelation 6:9-17-Martyrs And Terrror

Click on the image and see the text. Click on the arrow and see the video.

I. Introduction.

A. In this article we will discuss the fifth and sixth seal judgments that “the Lamb, “Christ,” unleashes upon the earth (vv 7, 9). It is important to remember that Christ is responsible for these judgments being poured out on the unbelievers that are left behind from the rapture. Christ is no longer seen as the “Lamb of God;” per John 1:29, ““Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Christ has become “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” per Rev 5:5, “behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

B. The opening video shows people whom were left behind from the rapture, and have come to saving faith in Christ. These tribulation saints are seen being martyred at the hands of the forces of the antichrist. The “2012” at the end of the video is irrelevant.

1. In the video we see the superimposed words of Matthew 24:13, as follows: “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” [Consider the MSB note on vs 13: endures to the end . . . be saved. Cf. 10:22. The ones who persevere are the same ones who are saved. This does not suggest that our perseverance secures our salvation. Scripture everywhere teaches precisely the opposite: God, as part of His saving work, secures our perseverance.]. The words of Matthew 24 were spoken by Christ to Jews about the conditions that will confront Jews during the Tribulation through the forces of the antichrist; these will be Jews that will be left behind from the rapture. The persecution of the antichrist will also come against Gentiles who are left behind and come to saving faith in Christ.

2. Daniel 9:27 tells us that the antichrist will make a treaty with Israel, which marks the beginning of the Tribulation. Midway through the seven-year Tribulation the antichrist will break that covenant, which will be the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Revelation 12:7-17 tells us about the resulting attack that Satan makes on Israel. Revelation 12:6 tells us that Israel will flee from the forces of the antichrist for three and a half years, which will be until the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:11-21). In Matthew 24:15-20 Christ tells about the Jews fleeing from the antichrist during the Tribulation, which corresponds to Rev 12:6. The reason for the contents of this paragraph is to show that Jews, in total, will be the target of the antichrist throughout all of the Tribulation. The events of the opening video, and Matthew 24:13, relate to all Jews whom are left behind from the rapture, regardless of whether those Jews have will have accepted Christ as Messiah, or not.

II. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

III. Text: Revelation 6:9-17.

The Fifth Seal—Martyrs
9 When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

The Sixth Seal—Terror
12 I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; 13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. 14 The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; 16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

IV. Comments. (MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; NAC = New American Commentary; RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; WRC= Walvoord Commentary).

A. 6:9-11 (NAC)

1. “the souls of those who had been slain.” These are the souls of those who have been slain because of their testimony to Christ, and because of their adherence to the word of God remain in a disembodied state, until all of the saints who are to be killed in the Tribulation have completed their destiny.
2. ““How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” They are asking how long before all of these things will be completed.
3. “there was given to each of them a white robe.” The white robe assigned each of these martyr-spirits as a pledge of future and final glory, and a consoling proof that no judgment awaited them.

B. 12-17. (MSB)

1. 6:12. sixth seal. The force described in this seal is overpowering fear (cf. Luke 21:26). While the first 5 seals will result from human activity that God used to accomplish His purposes, at this point He begins direct intervention (cf. Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25). The previous 5 seals will be precursors to the full fury of the day of the Lord which will begin with the sixth seal (v. 17). The events described in this seal unleash the seventh, which contains the trumpet judgments (chaps. 8, 9; 11:15ff.) and the bowl judgments (chap. 16). “great earthquake.” There have been many earthquakes prior to this (Matt. 24:7), but this will be more than an earthquake. All the earth’s faults will begin to fracture simultaneously, resulting in a cataclysmic, global earthquake. “moon became like blood.” Accompanying the earthquake will be numerous volcanic eruptions; and large amounts of ash and debris will be blown into the earth’s atmosphere, blackening the sun and giving the moon a blood-red hue (cf. Zech. 14:6, 7).

2. 6:13. “stars of heaven fell.” The word “stars” can refer to any celestial body, large or small, and is not limited to normal English usage. The best explanation is a massive asteroid or meteor shower. “late figs.” Winter figs that grow without the protection of leaves and are easily blown from the tree.

3. 6:14. “sky receded as a scroll.” The earth’s atmosphere will be somehow dramatically affected and the sky as we know it disappears (cf. Is. 34:4). “every mountain and island was moved.” Under the stress created by the global earthquake, great segments of the earth’s plates will begin to slip and shift, realigning whole continents.

4. 6:16. “wrath of the Lamb.” Earth’s inhabitants will recognize for the first time the source of all their trouble (see note on 9:6). Incredibly, prior to this they will be living life as usual (Matt. 24:37–39).

5. 6:17. “great day.” The sixth seal will commence what the prophets call “the Day of the Lord.”

C. (RSB).

1. 6:11. “rest for a little while longer.” I.e., wait a little while. It is difficult for these martyrs to understand why God would allow their murderers to live; yet, God asks these saints to trust Him.

2. 6:12. These cosmic disturbances are predicted elsewhere in scripture (Isa 34:4; Joel 2:30-31; Matt 24:29).

3. 6:16. When the Tribulation comes, men will act as if they believe the end of the world is at hand, not simply talk as if it were.

D. (WRC).

6:17. “Who shall be able to stand?” The answer is obvious: Only those who avail themselves of the grace of God, even though they suffer a martyr’s death in this future tragic period. This is brought out in the next chapter. The given revelation emphasizes the importance of partaking of the grace of God in this present age with the bright prospect of the Lord coming for His own.

V. Conclusion.

A. It is important to know that all of the individuals that are mentioned in the Tribulation are Jew and Gentile unbelievers whom were left behind from the rapture of the church (John 14:2,3,6; 1 Cor 15:50-54; 1 Thes 4:13-18). As I have mentioned in previous articles, the purpose of the Tribulation is to draw unbelieving Israel to saving faith in Christ. Unbelieving Gentiles will be blessed by the judgments that are being poured out on the Jews, and Gentiles. Without the tribulation, all unbelievers would have an appointment with Rev 20:15. It will be through the judgments of the Tribulation that unbelieving Jews and Gentiles will bypass the Great White Throne Judgment (for unbelievers) of Rev 20:15, and proceed to the Eternal State of the new heavens, new earth and new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-3), where they will spend eternity with God. However, those whom come to faith in Christ during the Tribulation will most likely be martyred by the forces of the antichrist.

B. In Genesis Chapters 1 and 2, we see perfection in the creation of God. Whether it was human, animal or natural, there was no flaw present. “There was not a tear to be shed. Neither was there death or mourning or crying or pain,” as will be the condition of the eternal state (Rev 21:4). There were no natural phenomena of disasters; alligators didn’t eat little dogs. But, the perfection that we see in the opening two chapters of Genesis ended with the sin of Adam and Eve. The resulting curse brought about death and flaw, in human, animal and natural. During the Tribulation we see the result of the curse being used by God to draw unbelieving mankind back to the fellowship that was present between God and mankind in the Genesis account of creation, before the onset of the fall and curse. As we view the world now, and later in the Tribulation, we can see that the flawed world “of human, animal and natural,” is not what God had planned for His creation. All of the perfection of Genesis Chapters 1-2 is gone. Such perfection will be present in a limited capacity during the Kingdom Age of the millennial reign of Christ, but will be just as perfect in the Eternal State, as it was in the creation of God (Revelation 21:5, ” “Behold, I am making all things new.”).

VI. Additional information on Rev 6:9-17 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Episode 24. God’s Perfect Timing. Revelation 6:9-17

B. Dr. Andy Woods has a law degree from Whittier College and a PhD in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was a Full-Professor of Bible and Theology at the College Biblical Studies in Houston, TX (2009-2016). He is currently the President of Chafer Theological Seminary and Pastor of Sugar Land Bible Church. Andy also speaks on a variety of topics at Christian Conferences worldwide. Credentials of Dr. Woods can be found on my Equipping Site Page, “About Sources.” I encourage everyone to purchase Andy’s book, “The Coming Kingdom (Andrew M. Woods). Andy’s teachings provide provide a great deal of understanding of the Bible.

VII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. Revelation Martyrs.

B. SmokingAlien3

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End Times 8 , Revelation 6:1-8, Tribulation, 1/4 Of World’s Population Killed

Click on the image and see the text. Click on the arrow and see the video.

I. Introduction.

A. As we move into this sixth chapter of the Book of Revelation, we will consider significant things that are often overlooked. We will look into the reason that there will be a time of Tribulation which will come upon everyone whom will be present on the earth. We will look at the reason for there to be such an emphasis that God has placed upon Israel, as it relates to the Tribulation and the following Kingdom Age of the Millennial reign of Christ. We will also discuss whether any person or nation on earth will be the cause of the Tribulation. A discussion will also ensue that will examine the “who and who not” equation of those whom will be left on earth from the Rapture to dwell upon the earth while the Tribulation will be taking place. In future articles we will examine which groups of people will be present on earth, spiritually and mortally, during the the Kingdom Age and the following eternal state of the new heavens, new earth and new Jerusalem.

B. The opening video is very descriptive of things that will happen during the seal judgments of the Tribulation. The fact of the judgments being caused by Godly actions are severe. Some may wonder why God would be causing so much pain and suffering for “all whom dwell upon the earth;” we will learn of the reason for such Divine acts. We will also learn that it will be God, and only God, Who will be responsible for everything that will happen during the Tribulation. We will learn that the rapture of the church is based on God’s timing, and will have nothing to do with “any action” of mankind, whether individually or as a group. We will also learn that the relationship between God and Israel is the reason, and only reason, for the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Kingdom Age, and the Eternal State. We will learn why the word “mystery,” is key in this study of the end times, and why the key which unlocks the truth of the end times is “God’s love or Israel.” All of these issues will not be addressed in this article. However, a thorough study of each of these God-ordained factors will be addressed as we continue our study of the end times.

II. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

III. Text: Revelation 6:1-8.

The First Seal—Rider on White Horse
1 Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

The Second Seal—War
3 When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” 4 And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

The Third Seal—Famine
5 When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

The Fourth Seal—Death
7 When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” 8 I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

IV. Comments. (RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; SSB=Scofield Study Bible).

A. 6:1–19:21 This lengthy section details the judgments and events of the time of tribulation from its beginning with the opening of the first seal (vv. 1, 2) through the 7 “seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments” to the return of Christ to destroy the ungodly (19:11–21). (MSB)

B. 6:1 Here begins the first of three series of judgments in the book (seals, chap 6; trumpets, chaps 8-9; bowls, chap 16). The three series are consecutive, each succeeding one following the preceding one. (RSB)

C. 6.2 “he who sat on it.” Evidently a reference to the anti-Christ. His method of conquest at first does not seem to include warfare, since peace is not removed from the earth until the second seal is opened (v.e). This corresponds to the description of delusion in 1 Thes 5:3, [While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.”] (RSB)

D. 6:3-4 Everything about the second seal judgments bloodshed (e.g., “red horse, take peace from, sword.”) (RSB)

E. 6:5 “black horse.” Black signifies famine (cf. Lam. 5:8–10). Worldwide war will destroy the food supply which spawns global hunger. “pair of scales.” The common measuring device—two small trays hung from each end of a balance beam—indicates that the scarcity of food will lead to rationing and food lines. (MSB)

F. 6:6 “quart of wheat.” The approximate amount necessary to sustain one person for one day. “denarius.” One day’s normal wage. One day’s work will provide enough food for only one person. “three quarts of barley.” Usually fed to animals, this grain was low in nutrients and cheaper than wheat. A day’s wage provides enough for only a small family’s daily supply. “oil and the wine.” Although the point could be that these foods will not be affected by the famine, a more straightforward meaning is that bare staples—oil was used in the preparation of bread, and wine was considered necessary for cooking and purifying water—suddenly will become luxuries that have to be carefully protected.(MSB)

G. 6:6 A daily wage will buy food for only one person, who will have to share with his family. (RSB)

H. 6:8 “pale horse.” “Pale,” the Gr. word from which the Eng. word “chlorophyll” comes, describes the pale, ashen-green, pallor characteristic of the decomposition of a corpse. God grants this horseman the authority to bring death to 25 percent of the world’s population. “Hades.” See note on Luke 16:23. The place of the dead, which is identified as a common and fitting partner for death (20:13; see note on 1:18).

I. 6:8 “ashen” = a sickly, yellowish-green. Probably representing the inevitable result of disease that accompanies war and famine. “Death” claims the bodies, and “Hades” the souls and spirits of one-fourth of the world’s population in this single judgment.

J. Notice that each of these first four of the seal judgments are brought about by Christ (v.1,3,5,7), and not by Satan or the anti-Christ. Anyone who brings about any kind of persecution or judgment in the Tribulation is used as a tool of God for God’s purposes.

K. In 16:1, the bowl judgments begin. The words, “the seven bowls of the wrath of God,” are taught by some to indicate a pre-wrath rapture. Such a late catching up of believers in Christ would have those who accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, prior to the Tribulation, to remain on earth during each of the seal and trumpet judgments, then be raptured to Heaven. But, as Andy says in his sermon, Christ is not going to beat up on His bride “on the way to the Marriage.” Also, as Andy Woods states in his referenced sermon of this article, all of the judgments (seal, trumpet, bowl), are God’s wrath. As I have stated many times in my previous articles, “there is no reason for the church to go through the Tribulation, which was designed to bring Israel to saving faith in Christ ( Mt 23:39, Zech 12:10). If the church were to be left behind from the rapture, none of the judgments could make the saints (whom are as spiritually pure as Christ) to become any more righteous by being subjected to the judgments that God will cause to be poured out on a world of unbelievers (cf. 3:10).

L. In order to understand the Tribulation, it is important to understand the two key parties, whom are the anti-Christ and Israel. For most Christians, John 3:16 is supreme, and the end of the road. But, when we view God’s plan for the ages in its completeness, there are other key verses that tell of such Divine design, and completion.

M. Matthew 3:2 offered the promise of the Kingdom to Israel. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Conditions of the Kingdom were taught in Isaiah 65:25. 698 B.C. (SSB). Notice that peace will reign in Israel during the Kingdom. “The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will do no evil or harm in all My holy mountain,” says the Lord.”

N. Christ taught the Jews about the Kingdom; He went to the Jews: (John 1:11) “He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.” If the Jews had accepted Christ as Messiah, they would have gone immediately into the Kingdom Age of the Millennial reign of Christ…..and….. we wouldn’t be here today.

O. The message of Christ to the Jews dealt with the Kingdom. The Kingdom, in relation to national Israel, was given in the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. But, in order for any Jew to be able to enter the Kingdom, “they must have been born again;” they must be spiritually cleansed by God’s Holy Spirit. 1. See the following prophecy (Ez 36:24-29) from 587 B.C.(Scofield Study Bible). 2. John 3:3-5 is taught by many as being a requirement for Christian baptism. But, in verses 5-8, Christ explains that the new birth is a spiritual act of God, which is similar to Ez 36:24-29. The teachings of Ezekiel 36 and John 3 were addressed to the Jews about personal entry into the Kingdom age. The church didn’t even exist in either times of those teachings. 3. Paul also addressed the new birth in 2 Cor 5:17, in regard to Spiritual regeneration. Paul’s teaching deals with the Kingdom age of the Millennial reign of Christ, which will follow the Rapture and Tribulation. 4. It is important to know that the new birth guarantees those whom have been born again, an eternity with Christ in the Eternal State (Rev 21:1-3).

1. Ezekiel 36:24-29
24 For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28 You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God. 29 Moreover, I will save you from all your uncleanness; and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will not bring a famine on you.

2. John 3:3.
Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

3. 2 Cor 5:17.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

4. Rev 21:1.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.

P. Consider the following verses that relate to Christ’s teachings about the Kingdom.

Matt 4:17, From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matt 4:23, Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom…”

Q. In the sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7; Luke 6:20-49), Christ’s teachings (to Jews) were about the Kingdom age.

R. There was no prophecy of the church in the Old Testament. When the church was first mentioned in the New Testament, per Eph 5:32 “This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church,” it was discussed as a mystery because the church had not been mentioned by the Old Testament prophets. [Rom 11:25 note: “In scripture, a mystery is not a truth difficult to understand, but a truth previously unrevealed (and therefore unknown), which is not publicly proclaimed.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament.]

S. Going back to John 1:11, it was Christ’s mission to tell the Jews about the good news of the Kingdom (the Gospel of the Kingdom). In John Chap 4, Christ engages a Samaritan woman in conversation, and identifies Himself to her as being the Messiah (John 4:25-26), but does not discuss the Kingdom. Samaritans were the northern ten tribes that broke from the southern Kingdom in 931 B.C. (1 Kings 12:25); they were conquered by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. (2 Kings 17:6). The people of the northern tribes were taken from their land and carried them away into Assyria. The Assyrians moved non Jews into the vacated Jewish lands. When thode displaced Jews began to return to their former lands, they intermarried with the pagans who took the Jews’ lands. Therefore, the more pure Jews of the southern Kingdom had great disdain for their northern “half breed” Jewish relatives. (Everybody remembers the story of “the good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37).

T. In John 12:20-26, Greeks who were attracted to Judaism, and worshiped in their synagogues, and attended Feasts but were not proselytes, asked to see Jesus; but He denied their request.

U. The Jews had been taught about the Abrahamic covenant’s promise of a promised land, which will extend from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Iraq (Gen 15:18-21). They had also been taught about the Davidic covenant, where the Messiah would rule and reign in the Kingdom from Jerusalem (2 Sam 7:12-16). The Jews had been taught about the conditions of the Kingdom (Isa 2:1-4). Christ taught the Jews about the Kingdom on the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7, Luke 6:20-49).

V. The Jews were fully expecting a Kingdom of Jews, that would be ruled by a Messiah, also a Jew. But, in Matt Chap 8:11, they were probably astonished when Christ, being all-knowing said to them, “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” Christ knew that the Jews would reject Him as Messiah, and that Gentiles would accept Him as Messiah. (Ryrie note: Gentiles will be included in the blessings of the millennial reign of Christ on this earth.)

W. Despite the prophecies of the Messiah, and the personal teachings of Christ, we see His being rejected by Israel in Matt 21:1-23:39. The words of Christ to the Pharisees were very pointed:

1. 21:43: “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it.”
Ryrie note. “taken away from you and given to a people, i.e., taken from the Jews and given to the church, which is composed largely of Gentiles (1 Pet 2:9).

2. 23:39, For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Ryrie note. “from now on you will not see Me. I.e., I will no longer teach publicly. “until you say.” At the second coming of Christ, Israel will recognize and welcome their rejected Messiah (Zech 12:10).

X. Throughout Christ’s time with the Jews, His message to them was based on Old Testament prophecies. He should have been known by the Jews as, “God with you,” (Isa 7:14, Matt 1:23).

1. Micah 5:2. born in Bethlehem. Fulfilled in Matt 2:5-6. John 7:42.

2. Isaiah 7:14. born of a virgin. Fulfilled in Matt 1:23.

3. Psalm 118:22-23. rejected by His people. Fulfilled in Matt 21:42-43.

4. Isaiah 53:5. died for Israel’s spiritual healing. spoken to Israel (Isa 1:1), “our” “our” “our” (53:5). Fulfilled in Zech 12:10.

5. Isaiah 53:12. suffered for Israel, and for Gentiles through the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:3).” Fulfilled in Matt 27:38. Mark 15:2. Luke 23:32-33.

6. Isaiah 35:5-6. performed miracles. Fulfilled in John 11:47. Luke 7:21.

7. John 14:9. a direct statement to Jews of Christ’s deity. “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.”

Y. It is important to keep in mind that the Old Testament of the Bible, which includes the four Gospels and Acts 1, relates to Israel. The New Testament has not pushed God’s chosen people aside (Deu 14:2; Rom 11:1, 29). Gentiles will be blessed through the Jews (Gen 12:3). 80% of the Bible is OT, and covers 4000 years; 20% is NT, and covers about 62 years. I used a page count from my 1977 NASB, which has few notes on each page, to determine the percentages of OT vs NT. This is not to say that we are under the Law. If you will read the sermon on the mount you will see OT teachings. With that in mind, consider whether you believe that we are held to Luke 6:30, “Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.” Here is food for thought. Consider going to a John Deere dealership and demanding a tractor, based on Luke 6:30.

V. Conclusion.

A. We opened this discussion of Matt 3:2, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” From that point forward, if the Jews had accepted Christ as Messiah, Israel would have gone into the Kingdom Age. The scriptures show that Gentiles had noting to do with Israel accepting, or rejecting, Israel’s gift of the Kingdom; it was all about Christ and the Jews.

B. When Israel rejected the gift of the Kingdom, the door became open for Gentiles to “also” inherit the Kingdom, which will come from a combination of: (1) the rapture/resurrection and, (2) the return to earth with Christ after the Tribulation, which Christ discussed in Matt 24:3-31.

C. Because the Kingdom has been set aside for the Jews (Matt 21:43), the Tribulation will be used by God to draw Jews to saving faith in Christ (Matt 23:39), at which time the Jews will enter the Kingdom and will be governed by Christ (Zech 12:10, 13:9, 14:9, 2 Sam 7:10, 16).

D. The Tribulation is seen in a capsule view in Matthew 24. The expanded view of the Tribulation is seen in Revelation 6-19. The Millennium/Kingdom Age, is seen in Revelation 20, Zechariah 14:8-21, and other Old Testament scriptures.

VI. Information on Rev 6:1-8 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Episode 23 – Our Deepest Longing. Revelation 6:1-8

B. Dr. Andy Woods has a law degree from Whittier College and a PhD in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was a Full-Professor of Bible and Theology at the College Biblical Studies in Houston, TX (2009-2016). He is currently the President of Chafer Theological Seminary and Pastor of Sugar Land Bible Church. Andy also speaks on a variety of topics at Christian Conferences worldwide. Credentials of Dr. Woods can be found on my Equipping Site Page, “About Sources.” I encourage everyone to purchase Andy’s book, “The Coming Kingdom (Andrew M. Woods). Andy’s videos provide provide a great understanding of the Bible, as they have given me many fresh thoughts that have entered into articles that I have written.

VII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. The Four Horsemen of the Bible | Revelation 6

B. The Bible and the Earth

VIII. Please follow this site.

End Times 7-Revelation 5:11-14-Belief In Christ

Click on the image to see the text. Click on the arrow to see the video. Video details can be found at the bottom of this page.

I. Introduction.

A. In the opening video we hear the words of Isaiah 9:6-7. Listen very carefully to the words of the song. The first line of v.6 tells of the first coming of Christ. The remaining lines of v.6, and all of v.7 tell of the second coming of Christ, and His power and majesty which will rule over the whole earth for 1,000 years. V.7 also tells of the fulfillment of the Davidic Kingdom, as it is described in 2 Samuel 7:8-16. As with the forming of the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12:1-4), and confirmed (Gen 13:14-17, 15:1-7, 15:18-21, 17:1-8), both of these covenants are unconditional in fulfillment, which means that God will make sure that these covenants will be fulfilled, regardless of anything that may oppose God’s plan for the ages. In our world today, there is great opposition to God and Israel. But, God “will fulfill” the promises that he made to His Chosen People, Israel (Deu 14:2). God will choose the measures that are necessary to protect Israel, and His plans for Israel. Consider Isaiah 37:33, 35, 36. “33 “Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, ‘He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield, or throw up a siege, 35 ‘For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake, 36, Then the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men arose early in the morning, behold, all of these were dead.’” Ryrie Note. 36,”The Lord used a sudden outbreak of a particularly plague to slay the Assyrian army…The army was infected by mice (or rats) (See 2 Kings 19:35). The Abrahamic Covenant will not be fulfilled until when Christ returns at the end of the Tribulation (Ryrie note. Gen 15:18-21).

B. In the following verses of Isaiah Chapter 9, notice the names that refer to Christ, which show that He is part of the God-head, and that “He is God with us,” as is written in Isa 7:14 and Matt 1:23.

6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

C. Consider the comment of the MacArthur Study Bible on Isa 9:6-7. Notice that only the first line of v 6 relates to Christmas.

9:6 Child . . . Son. These terms elaborate further on Immanuel, the child to be born to the virgin (7:14). The virgin’s child will also be the royal Son of David, with rights to the Davidic throne (9:7; cf. Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31–33; 2:7, 11).

9:7 throne of David. The virgin’s Son will be the rightful heir to David’s throne and will inherit the promises of the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:12–16; cf. Ps. 89:1–37; Matt. 1:1).

D. Consider the comments of the Ryrie Study Bible on the Davidic Covenant of 2 Sam 7:12-16. This great covenant that God graciously made with David included the following provisions.

1. David would have a son who would succeed him and establish his kingdom (v 12).

2. David’s son (Solomon), rather than David, would build the Temple (v 13a).

3. The throne of Solomon’s kingdom would be established forever (v 13b).

4. Though David’s sins justified chastening, God’s “lovingkindness” would be forever (vv 14-15).

5. David’s house, kingdom, and throne, would be established forever (v 16).

6. The covenant did not guarantee uninterrupted rule by David’s family, but it did promise that the right to rule would always remain with David’s dynasty. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of these promises (Luke 1:31-33), and at His second coming He will assume this throne.

E. In this article, we will see the raptured (1 Thes 4:16-17) believers in Christ in Heaven, as they are worshiping God, Father and Son. Beginning with the next article, we will see the Godly judgments and persecutions that will come upon all whom will have been left behind from the rapture. Those in heaven during the Tribulation will worship God because of the Truth that He is. Those whom will be left behind will find themselves in a “forced worship” of the anti-Christ, “who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2 Thes 2:4). Consider Rev 13:8, “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” Consider the note from the Walvoord Commentary 13:8, “the names of those who would be saved were written in the book of life from eternity past. This was made possible by anticipation of the future death of the Lamb on their behalf. The ultimate meaning is that all who are not saved will worship the beast and that those who are saved will not worship him.” Rev 21:27, “the Lamb’s book of life,” clarifies the meaning of “the book of life of the Lamb.” Those whom are left behind from the rapture, but accept Christ during the Tribulation, will most likely be martyred. From Walvoord Commentary, 13:9-10, “In that day, true believers in Christ will be separated from this world religion and will be the objects of its fearful persecution.”

II. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

III. Text: Revelation 5:11-14.

11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands,

12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”

13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”

14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

IV. Comments. (RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; MSB=MacArthur Study Bible).

5:11. “ten thousand times ten thousand.” Lit. “myriads of myriads.” The number is to express an amount beyond calculation. The Gr. expression can also be translated “innumerable” (Luke 12:1; Heb. 12:22). (MSB).

5:12. “power . . . and blessing.” This doxology records 7 qualities intrinsic to God and to the Lamb that demand our praise. (MSB)

5:13. All creation joins in praise to God and the Lamb (RSB).

5:14. The heavenly scene in chaps. 4 and 5 give heaven’s perspective on the need for the awful judgments to follow, for Christ’s right to reign must be realized and sin must be punished (RSB).

V. The following notes come from a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

See YouTube: “Revelation Episode 22. The Right Response. Rev. 5:8-14”

A. Dr. Andy Woods has a law degree from Whittier College and a PhD in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was a Full-Professor of Bible and Theology at the College Biblical Studies in Houston, TX (2009-2016). He is currently the President of Chafer Theological Seminary and Pastor of Sugar Land Bible Church. Andy also speaks on a variety of topics at Christian Conferences worldwide. Credentials of Dr. Woods can be found on my Equipping Site Page, “About Sources.” I encourage everyone to purchase Andy’s book, “The Coming Kingdom (Andrew M. Woods). Andy’s videos provide provide a great understanding of the Bible, as they have given me many fresh thoughts that have entered into articles that I have written.

B. John is looking forward to a future event, when the rapture (John 14:2.3, 6) of all believers in Christ takes place; those whom have been raptured are the 24 elders that John saw in his vision of heaven. The 24 elders are singing praises of their salvation. In Isa 6:5 a view of heaven is also shown, with God and angels being present in the scene. Notice that there are no “24 elders” seen in Isaiah’s vision. The reason is that the church has not yet been raptured; therefore, the elders are not recorded as being in Isaiah’s vision of heaven. The number 24 is a number relating to the priesthood, the priesthood of all believers.

C. Let’s touch on the subject of Christ forcing the Church to go through the tribulation, or through any part of it. Christ is the Bridegroom, and the Church is the Bride (2 Cor 11:2). Christ gave His life for His Bride (Eph 5:25). As Christ is taking His Bride to His Father’s house (John 14:2,3,6), He is not going to beat her up on the way by submitting her to the Judgments that He will be pouring out on the entire earth. Nothing of the Tribulation will make the Bride anymore righteous than she has already been stated as being (2 Cor 5:21). The purpose of the Tribulation is to bring Israel to saving faith in Christ (Jer 30:7; Ps 118:25-26; Matt 21:9; Matt 23:39; Zech 12:10).

VI. We will now take a quick look forward from where we are in Revelation Chapter 5, to the end of God’s written Word. This area of study relates directly to the following Chapters of Revelation.

A. Beginning with the next article, we will see the judgments of God being opened on a world of unbelievers. The judgments (Seal, Trumpet, Bowl) will be unleashed on the entire world, which will consist of those whom will be left behind from the rapture of the church (1 Thes 4:13-18). All of the raptured saints in heaven will have previously been given eternal heavenly spiritual gifts (2 Cor 5:10); they will have been taken by Christ to the Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-8). The saints in heaven will remain there with Christ “in His Father’s house” (John 14:2,3,6) until Christ is called on by Israel to save them at the end of the Tribulation (Matt 23:39, Zech 12:10). Then Christ, the saints, and angels will return to Earth for the Battle of Armageddon (Zech 14:1-4, Matt 24:29-30, Rev 19:11-21). The Kingdom Age of the Millennium will begin, and Christ will rule and reign over the whole earth for 1,000 years (Zech 14:9, Rev 20:4). At the end of the 1,000 years the present earth will be destroyed (2 Pet 3:10); then, there will be a new heaven, new earth and new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-2). All of God’s people will spend eternity with “God and the Lamb” (Rev 21:3,22), in perfection (Rev 21:4). Those whom will not have been born again will not be present in the eternal state (Rev 21:8).

B. We will now examine scriptures that relate to those whom will, and will not, be allowed into heaven. The starting point in this conversation begins with the new birth. There are three passages that clearly state that in order for anyone to be in heaven, they must have been born again. The first two passages were stated in Old Testament scriptures. The third passage was stated in the New Testament. The first two passages were addressed to Jews. The third passage was addressed to all whom have been born during the church age. The new birth provides each new born person with a spirit that is as righteous as the Spirit of Christ (2 Cor 5:21). The first of the following verses explains the cleansing of the spirit by God. The third passage describes the old and new human spirits. The old spirit was flawed; the new spirit is righteous. There is a fourth passage that states that we, whom have been born again, whom were formerly darkness are “in God” because we are no longer darkness, due to new birth. The fifth passage explains the darkness that “we all were,” prior to our new birth.

1. Ezekiel 36:24-29. 24 For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. 28 You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God. 29 Moreover, I will save you from all your uncleanness; and I will call for the grain and multiply it, and I will not bring a famine on you.

2. John 3:3. Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

3. 2 Corinthians 5:17,21. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

4. 1 John 1:5. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

5. John 1:9. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

C. There are two passages that describe the lifestyles of those whom have not been born again. A persistent lifestyle describes a person whom has, or has not, the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit in their spirit. A person that has been born again, will have God’s indwelling Holy Spirit prompting them to righteousness (John 14:26; 16:7-8). The first passage was given during the church age. The second passage was given at the end of the Millennium.

1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 . 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

2. Revelation 21:8. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

D. It is easily identifiable that Rev 21:8 has some lifestyle issues that may be confusing. Such as, why would anyone be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15), if they are cowards or liars? A key word that must be considered in this verse is “unbelieving.”

E. During the 1,000 year reign of Christ (Rev 20:4), there will be many people who will be born of “survivors of the Tribulation” (“those whom accepted Christ during the Tribulation”). These Tribulation saints will be given born again spirits, and will be allowed to enter the Kingdom Age of the Millennium (Matt 25:31-34) in mortal bodies that God will make perfect before they enter the eternal state (Rev 21:1-2). Because tribulation saints will enter the Millennium in mortal bodies, they will have children. Any person that will be born during the Millennium will be born having flawed/perishable “spirits, souls, and bodies” (1 Thes 5:23). But, to enter into Heaven, everyone must have been born again (John 3:3) and have a resurrection body, which is described in 1 Cor 15:50-54 as being imperishable.

F. During the church age, born again believers in Christ (dead or alive) will receive imperishable bodies at the time of the rapture. Those dead, will be raised and given immortal/resurrection bodies; those alive will be caught up and given immortal/resurrection bodies (1 Thes 4:16-17). Tribulation saints who enter the Millennium will be given resurrection bodies so that they can enter the eternal state of the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-2).

G. Christ will rule and reign during the Millennium, and will teach the Word of God (Isa 2:1-3). No one will enter the Millennium from the Tribulation that will not have been born again (Matt 25:31-33, 41; Zech 14:21). No one will be able to enter the eternal state of the new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-2) without having been born again. Those that will be born during the millennium will have to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, or they will suffer the condemnation of Rev 20:15. Old Testament saints will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation, and will rule and reign with Christ in the promised land of Gen 15:18-21, (Dan 12:1-3; Matt 19:28). New Testament saints (1 Cor 6:2) and Tribulation saints (Rev 20:4) will rule and reign with Christ outside of the promised land (Zech 14:16-19). Martyred Tribulation saints will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation (Rev 20:4). The promised land of the Abrahamic Covenant was a promise to Israel (Gen 15:18-21, Ryrie and MacArthur notes), and extends from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Iraq (1 Kings 4:21, Ryrie note).

H. Not all of the people whom are born during the Millennium will come to saving faith in Christ, even though they will have been under His teaching, and will have been in His Presence (Isa 2:1-3). This situation relates to Rev 21:8, “unbelieving.” Because Christ will be visibly present to all whom reside on the Earth, and will teach all whom reside on the earth, no one will have an excuse for being a part of, “the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars,” of Rev 21:8. The truth of John 3:18 fits well into the scenario of these unbelieving people, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

I. The truth of the unbelievers of the Millennium is made very clear. After the Battle of Armageddon, Satan is bound for 1,000 years; then he will be released for a short time (Rev 20:1-3). When Satan is released, he will lead a rebellion of the unsaved of all of the world, against Jerusalem and the people of God (Rev 20:7-9). These rebels will be those whom will be born during the Millennium; they will be in the visible Presence of Christ, and will hear His teachings. Still, these Millennium rebels will continue to be “unbelievers,” not accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, thereby refusing the promise of eternal life that is guaranteed in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

VII. Video Details.

A. We Glorify The Lamb // Terry MacAlmon // Pikes Peak Worship Festival

B. Terry MacAlmon Official

VIII. Please follow this site.

End Times 6 – Revelation 5:1-10 – A Book With Seven Seals

Click on the image to see the text. Click on the arrow to see the video. Video details can be found at the bottom of this page.

I. Introduction.

A. As we consider the words of the opening video, we should take with us an attitude of worship as we continue our study of the text, and as we go about every duty, detail, and day of our lives, whether we are inside of a church sanctuary, or elsewhere. As we consider the words of this article, it is important for every born again believer in Christ to understand that the teachings of Revelation Chapters 4 and 5 will be real. The things that we read in these two chapters, WILL HAPPEN! This is a reality that should encourage all whom know Christ as Lord and Savior “to live for that day,” when WE WILL BE caught up in the sky by Christ, and taken to the special place in Heaven that our Lord called “My Father’s House” (John 14:2).

B. Consider being in the Presence of God the Father, God the Son, the angels, and all of the other raptured saints who continue in the worship of God, as was described by Christ in John 4:23-24. 23: “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” 24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The KJV translation is, “God is a spirit.” God “is not” one spirit among many, which the KJV states. God “IS” Spirit, having no competitors being “Spirit,” or other competing Gods, per Deu 6:4, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” From Strong’s Hebrew And Aramaic Dictionary, consider the meanings of Deity in Deu 6:4: LORD=Yahweh, God=Elohim, LORD=Yahweh. https://biblehub.com/lexicon/deuteronomy/6-4.htm

C. Worship is a response to truth. When we find ourselves in Heaven, in the Presence of God the Father and God the Son, we will see the Words of John 14:6,”being made truth to us, far beyond the truth of any written words on any other sheet of paper that we have ever seen. Consider the action words of John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

D. It will be through our faith in Christ, and through our flight to Heaven, where Christ will take us, that we will find ourselves in Revelation Chapters 4 and 5, in true worship of God the Father and God the Son, “forever and ever.” In the following verses, the elders are all born again believers in Christ. Angels are not redeemed.

1. Rev 5:13b “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

2. In the above verses, the elders are all previously raptured, born again, believers in Christ; they are not angels.

3. Gal 3:28, “…there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

E. Christ is planning a trip that He will be piloting into “far outer space…to Heaven.” There will be passengers on that space craft, “The Godship 3:16.” But, who will be on that space ship? Not just anyone will be taken by Christ to heaven. Only those having an intimate relationship with Christ will find themselves being taken to heaven where they will be “the chorus of the eternal heavenly singers” of Revelation Chapters 4 and 5. Our Lord won’t be selling or collecting tickets; He’s already paid for everyone’s fare. But, to get on board, “ya gotta know Em!” Consider the following verses.

1. John 8:32, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” The “truth” of this verse relates to the word “know.” To simply “know about” Christ will not make us free from sin, and eternal separation from God, from which we must be made free (Rom 3:23) in order for us to find our eternity in the immediate Presence of God. We must have a “knowing of intimacy” with Christ that will free us from the penalty of sin (Rom 6:23) give us eternal life with Christ.

2. Consider the Greek meaning of the word “know:” 1097 ginṓskō – properly, to know, especially through personal experience (first-hand acquaintance). 1097 /ginṓskō (“experientially know”) is used for example in Lk 1:34, “And Mary [a virgin] said to the angel, ‘How will this be since I do not know (1097 /ginṓskō = sexual intimacy) a man?'”
https://biblehub.com/lexicon/john/8-32.htm
https://biblehub.com/greek/1097.htm

3. John 17:3, “3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” The Ryrie Study Bible provides a simple explanation of this verse: “This is Christ’s definition of salvation, especially if we add what is clearly understood; “sent” to be the Savior of the world (John 3:16, 4:42, 6:33; 1 John 4:14, 5:20). Mine. I see a simple message of salvation, having an intimate relationship with God the Father, through God the Son, being empowered by God the Holy Spirit.

4. All that is stated in the above verses on “knowing God,” can be wrapped up in this key verse: John 3:3,”… unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

5. “To know God…to be born again.” Let me add this verse. John 3:16, “16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” To be born again is to believe in Christ; to believe in Christ is to be born again; both mean to have an intimate relationship with Christ.

6. John 3:18 adds information on the word “belief.” “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Consider The MacArthur Study Bible note. This phrase (Lit,”to believe into the name”) means more than mere intellectual assent to the claims of the gospel. It includes trust and commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior which results in receiving a new nature (v.7) which produces a change in heart and obedience to the Lord.

7. Romans 8:1 “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” MacArthur Study Bible note. No sin a believer can commit—past, present, or future—can be held against him, since the penalty was paid by Christ and righteousness was imputed to the believer. And no sin will ever reverse this divine legal decision.

8. The Judgment that is stated in John 3:18, and the condemnation that is addressed in Romans 8:1, are waiting in the Tribulation (Rev 6-20) for all whom do not have an intimate relationship with Christ. The Tribulation is reserved, “night now,” for those whom have not been born again. The only way to cancel such a reservation in the tribulation is to come to saving faith in Christ through a relationship of belief.

9. The mercy ship to Heaven, as piloted by Christ, our Lord and Savior, will provide a wonderful one-way-trip to eternity. But, to get on board, we must “know the Pilot.”

II. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

III. Text: Revelation 5:1-10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

1 I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5 and one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they *sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

IV. Comments.

A. 5:1. “a book.” Lit., a scroll. This may be called the “Book of Redemption,” as it contains the story of man’s fall through sin and rise through Christ. See Heb 2:5-9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=heb+2%3A5-9&version=NASB (Ryrie Study Bible)

B. 5:2 strong angel. The identity of this angel is uncertain, but it may refer to the angel Gabriel, whose name means “strength of God” (Dan. 8:16). (MacArthur Study Bible)

C. 5:3 heaven or on the earth or under the earth. A common biblical expression denoting the entire universe and not intended to teach 3 precise divisions. (MacArthur Study Bible)

D. 5:5. “the lion of the tribe of Judah.” The noblest and victorious of the kingly tribe (cf. Gen 49:9). “the Root of David.” The one who fulfills the covenant with David (cf., Isa 11:1, 10). The Messiah, John is assured, is competent and worthy to break the seven seals and open the scroll to release the plagues. (Ryrie Study Bible)

E. 5:6. “as if slain.” Christ, the Lamb, bears the marks of His death (see Luke 24:40; John 20:20, 27) even in His glorified state. “horns” are a symbol of strength (cf. 1 Kings 22:11; Zech 1:18). (Ryrie Study Bible)

F. 5:8. “Bowls,” like saucers. (Ryrie Study Bible)

G. 5:8. prayers of the saints. Specifically, these prayers represent all that the redeemed have ever prayed concerning ultimate and final redemption. (MacArthur Study Bible)

H. 5:9-10. The Lamb is worthy because He died in the past to pay the ransom price for the sins of the world, positioned us in the present as a kingdom and priests before God, and gave us a promise of reigning on the earth in the future. (Ryrie Study Bible)

V. The following notes come from a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.). See YouTube, “The book of Revelation Episode 21. A Reason for Optimism. Rev. 5:1-7.” Credentials of Dr. Woods can be found on my Equipping Site Page, “About Sources.”

A. In Rev 4, we see the God-head member being the Father, with His role being “Creator,” with the reason for His being worshiped due to His role in Creation (Rev 4:11).

B. Rev 5, we see the God-head member being the Son, with his role being “Redeemer,” with the reason for His being worshiped due to His role in Redemption (Rev 5:9, 12).

C. 5:5-6. The elders = the redeemed church in Heaven (the Jews have not been redeemed yet). “The Lamb (Christ) is worthy to open the scroll. 1. He is from the right tribe (Gen 49:10; Judah). 2. He is from the right lineage (2 Sam 7:12-16; David). 3. He has the right victory (John 16:33, has already overcome the word). 4. He has the right mission (John 1:29, has taken away the sin of world).

D. 5:6. The seven spirits represent the fullness of “God, the Spirit of God, God’s Holy Spirit” (Isa 11:2, John 4:24).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isa+11%3A2&version=NASB
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+4%3A24&version=NASB

E. 5:7. Christ, God the Son, takes the scroll out of the hand of God, the Father. The scroll, the book, contains the judgments of God that will be poured out on the earth by Christ and the angels (Seal Judgments, Trumpet Judgments, Bowl Judgments) beginning in Revelation Chapter 6. These judgments are not a matter of accident of occurrence, or an act of Satan, or an act of the anti-Christ. Satan will be defeated and judged (Rev 20:10); unsaved Israel will be drawn to saving faith in Christ (Zech 12:10).

VI. The sin of unbelief. John 1:29, “The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” It is the “sin” of unbelief (singular) that keeps someone from eternal life, and is the only sin that will keep us from eternal life. Once we believe in Christ, we enter eternal life. John 17:3, “this ‘is’ eternal life, that they may know you.” Stealing a car is a sin, but will not keep a person from eternal life. A repeated history of stealing cars (or other repeated sins) may show that such a person has not been born again.

VII. Video Details.

A. All The Glory // Terry MacAlmon // Pikes Peak Worship Festival

B. Terry MacAlmon Official

VIII. Please follow this site.