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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 27, 2020 0:00:36 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:4, 26 October 2020
www.wonderful1.comMonday, 26 October 2020 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. Revelation 4:4 John just described the throne where the Lord sits in heaven, now he continues with, “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones.” The idea of a throne is that of rule and authority, just as in the previous verses. There is an order in heaven where God has placed thrones representing the actions of a court as one might find in an earthly rule, such as the “seven princes of Persia and Media” of Esther 1:14, or other such references in Scripture. Jesus speaks of this type of thing in Matthew 19 – “So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’” Matthew 19:28 Whether these twenty-four thrones are actual or symbolic can be argued, but either way, they represent an established authority of some type – actual or typological. From there, John next says, “and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting.” The concept of the thrones was stated first to show the type of category that is filled by the elders. From there, the elders are then mentioned to reveal that they fill that category. The word “elder” is presbuteros. It signifies a mature man, seasoned in judgment. Again, whether these are literal or symbolic of a type of authority that is set in the heavenly realm can be argued. Either way, a state of such authority does exist. With this in mind, Albert Barnes provides a most extensive thought on the matter. Despite being rather long, it is precise and well laid out. Therefore, it is cited here – ---------------------------------------------- Very various opinions have been entertained in respect to those who thus appeared sitting around the throne, and to the question why the number twenty-four is mentioned. Instead of examining those opinions at length, it will be better to present, in a summary manner, what seems to be probable in regard to the intended reference. The following points, then, would appear to embrace all that can be known on this subject: (1) These elders have a regal character, or are of a kingly order. This is apparent: (a) because they are represented as sitting on “thrones,” and (b) because they have on their heads “crowns of gold.” (2) they are emblematic. They are designed to symbolize or represent some class of persons. This is clear: (a) because it cannot be supposed that so small a number would compose the whole of those who are in fact around the throne of God, and, (b) because there are other symbols there designed to represent something pertaining to the homage rendered to God, as the four living creatures and the angels, and this supposition is necessary in order to complete the symmetry and harmony of the representation. (3) they are human beings, and are designed to have some relation to the race of man, and somehow to connect the human race with the worship of heaven. The four living creatures have another design; the angels Revelation 5:1-14 have another; but these are manifestly of our race - persons from this world before the throne. (4) they are designed in some way to be symbolic of the church as redeemed. Thus, they say Revelation 5:9, “Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood.” (5) they are designed to represent the whole church in every land and every age of the world. Thus, they say Revelation 5:9, “Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” This shows, further, that the whole representation is emblematic; for otherwise in so small a number - twenty-four - there could not be a representation out of every nation. (6) they represent the church triumphant - the church victorious. Thus, they have crowns on their heads; they have harps in their hands Revelation 5:8; they say that they are “kings and priests,” and that they will “reign on the earth,” Revelation 5:10. (7) the design, therefore, is to represent the church triumphant - redeemed - saved - as rendering praise and honor to God; as uniting with the hosts of heaven in adoring him for his perfections and for the wonders of his grace; As representatives of the church, they are admitted near to him; they encircle his throne; they appear victorious over every foe; and they come, in unison with the living creatures, and the angels, and the whole universe Revelation 5:13, to ascribe power and dominion to God. (8) as to the reason why the number “twenty-four” is mentioned, perhaps nothing certain can be determined. Ezekiel, in his vision Ezekiel 8:16; Ezekiel 11:1, saw twenty-five men between the porch and the altar, with their backs toward the temple, and their faces toward the earth - supposed to be representations of the twenty-four “courses” into which the body of priests was divided 1 Peter 2:9), and to have alluded to the fact that the priesthood under the Jewish economy was divided into twenty-four courses, each with a presiding officer, and who was a representative of that portion of the priesthood over which he presided. If so, then the ideas which enter into the representation are these: (a) That the whole church may be represented as a priesthood, or a community of priests - an idea which frequently occurs in the New Testament. (b) That the church, as such a community of priests, is employed in the praise and worship of God - an idea, also, which finds abundant countenance in the New Testament. (c) That, in a series of visions having a designed reference to the church, it was natural to introduce some symbol or emblem representing the church, and representing the fact that this is its office and employment. And, (d) that this would be well expressed by an allusion derived from the ancient dispensation - the division of the priesthood into classes, over each one of which there presided an individual who might be considered as the representative of his class. It is to be observed, indeed, that in one respect they are represented as” kings,” but still this does not forbid the supposition that there might have been intermingled also another idea, that they were also “priests.” Thus, the two ideas are blended by these same elders in Revelation 5:10; “And hath made us unto our God kings and priests.” Thus understood, the vision is designed to denote the fact that the representatives of the church, ultimately to be triumphant, are properly engaged in ascribing praise to God. The word “elders” here seems to be used in the sense of aged and venerable men, rather than as denoting office. They were such as by their age were qualified to preside over the different divisions of the priesthood. ---------------------------------------------- In his commentary, Barnes somewhat dismisses the number twenty-four. However, EW Bullinger rightly defines it as “the number associated with the heavenly government and worship, of which the earthly form in Israel was only a copy. We are told that both Moses and David ordered all things connected with the Tabernacle and Temple worship by direct revelation from God, and as a copy of things in the heavens, Hebrews 8:5; 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19. And the sevenfold phrase (in Exo 40) ‘as the LORD commanded Moses’ witnesses to the Divine ordering of all. It was so with the twenty-four courses of priests in the earthly Temple; these were formed on the ‘pattern of things in the heavens.’ In Revelation 4, we read of the twenty-four heavenly elders, who are the twelve Patriarchs from the Old Testament and the twelve Apostles from the New.’” Whether these are actually the Patriarchs and Apostles, or symbolic of them can, again, be debated. However, they are certainly representative of what issued from them – meaning the tribes of Israel, and the body of believers we today call the “church.” Of these men, John says they are “clothed in white robes.” This idea of white robes will be defined later in Revelation 19:8 to indicate “the righteous acts of the saints” (NKJV), or the “righteousness of the saints” (Webster’s). What seems more appropriate is the latter. It is the imputed righteousness of Christ. These elders are purified through Christ and are sanctified for the role they have been appointed. The idea of white garments has already been presented in Revelation 3:4. Finally, John finishes the verse with the words, “and they had crowns of gold on their heads.” This is a reference to the position of ruling authority that accompanied the idea of sitting on thrones. However, this could extend to priestly duties as well. The high priest of Israel had a plate of pure gold on his turban which identified his priestly office. Thus, the crowns may signify both kingly and priestly authority. Again, these beings that are described may only be symbolic, and they could simply be reflective of the single office of Christ. He is the Human who represents all redeemed humanity before God – both Israel of old and the church. This would appear to be wrong based on, for example, verse 4:10 where “the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne.” But as long as the scene is given as only typology, it would be no different than that of the slain Lamb and the four living creatures of verse 5:6. In that verse, the four living creatures (yet to be mentioned) and the twenty-four elders are noted in one verse. As will be seen, the four living creatures will, in fact, represent aspects of Christ. Life application: Jesus is the focal point of all of Scripture. It is important to not take something that is apocalyptic in nature and then dogmatically state that it is describing something that can only be inferred. In the case of the twenty-four elders, they may represent actual humans in the number given. They may represent a body of authority that is reflected in the descriptions given. They may represent all believers from both Israel and the church. Or, they may represent the authority of Christ over the redeemed of both the Mosaic and New Covenants. As such, these may not be literal thrones in heaven with literal people on them. The book of Revelation is carefully describing a heavenly scene in a manner that we can comprehend, and which is to then reveal spiritual truths. In the end, all righteousness (white garments) comes from Christ alone. Likewise, all authority – both kingly and priestly – is derived from Christ alone. With this in mind, we can be secure in our theology even if lesser points are debated over. Lord Jesus, all rule in heaven and on earth belongs to You. To You every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess. Your word states that it is so. Help us to be willing to stand up for these truths and to proclaim that there is one path to salvation and only one way to be right before God. May we never waffle in this matter. Without You, there is no hope. But through You, there is eternal peace and security. Thank You for what You offer to the people of the world! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 28, 2020 1:39:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:5, 27 October 2020
www.wonderful1.comTuesday, 27 October 2020 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 4:5 John is still describing the scene of the throne that stood before him. In the previous verse, there were the twenty-four elders sitting on twenty-four thrones around the main throne. The attention is now directed again to that main throne saying, “And from the throne proceeded lightnings.” The translation is incorrect. The verb is in the present tense to highlight the constant nature of what is occurring – “And from the throne proceed lightnings.” Lightning is given as a display of the power of God. In Job 1:16, what is called “the fire of God” is believed to be describing lightning. It is a consuming fire that can be carefully directed to take life, or to move those close by to fear. Next, John notes “thunderings.” These are probably a result of the lightnings, as one would expect during any large storm. The lightning is the visible display, while the accompanying thunder accentuates the terrifying effects of the display. Thirdly, John says, “and voices.” The content of the voices is not given, but it is probably referring to what is stated in Acts 13:27 – “For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.” In other words, the voices are representative of the prophetic utterances of the Lord going forth, speaking His word from His divine throne. These are accompanied by the lightnings and thunderings in order to display the terror of the word which goes forth. The scene is calling to mind the display seen by Israel at Mount Sinai – “Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.” Exodus 19:16-18 The difference between that account and this one in Revelation is striking. At Sinai, the Lord spoke out of the midst of the cloud and fire. There was no visible form of the Lord to behold. However, John sees the form of the Lord (verse 2 says, “and One sat on the throne”). The unseen Lord, Yehovah, of the Old Testament is shown to be Christ Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God. What was concealed in the Old is revealed in the New. However, it is the same Lord in all of His glorious splendor. John next says, “Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne.” The word is lampas, and it is where our modern term “lamps” is derived from. It signifies a lamp, torch, or light. Seven of them indicates spiritual perfection. It is the perfection of light radiating out of the throne. Of these John says, “which are the seven Spirits of God.” This takes the reader back to verse 3:1 where it says, “These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.” As noted, the seven Spirits are brought forward from Old Testament symbolism – “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” Isaiah 11:1, 2 The seven Spirits of God are these seven Spirits, each accomplishing its own purpose and yet united as one, resting on God’s Christ. As He sits upon the throne of God, the seven Spirits of God issue forth from His throne. Life application: As noted above, the heavenly scene in this verse is calling forth the memory of the Lord’s manifestation of Himself on Mount Sinai. Later in Acts, we read this – “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4 Revelation 4:5 takes the reader to the very place where these past events originated – the throne of God Almighty which is occupied by the Lord Jesus. At Sinai, the people heard the law spoken out which would then be engraved on stone. They were given a law they couldn’t fulfill to demonstrate to them the grace they needed. Those in Jerusalem received the sealing of the Holy Spirit on hearts of flesh. They received the grace necessary for salvation from the Lord who fulfilled the law on their behalf. What proceeds from the throne here in Revelation will be judgment upon the world which has rejected those precepts and the grace offered through Christ. They have decided to do things their own way and they will be judged in the choice they have made. Just, righteous, and holy is the Lord who will judge the unrepentant world during the tribulation period. This time of trouble is drawing near for the people who have rejected Him. Lord, if fallen man only knew the tribulation that is set to come upon the world; if he only knew the absolute holiness of You who created him; if he could only reason out the more important issues of life… Lord, help us to be faithful witnesses to Your grace before the days of judgment issue forth from Your throne. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 28, 2020 23:16:33 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:6, 27 October 2020
www.wonderful1.comWednesday, 28 October 2020 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. Revelation 4:6 John continues the heavenly scene around and before the throne saying, “Before the throne there was a sea of glass.” The word “glass” is an adjective and should read “glassy.” It describes the appearance rather than what the sea is made of. The word is only found in Revelation. This glassy sea is said to be “like crystal.” This would then indicate its purity and clarity. As this sea is “before the throne,” it indicates that it must be crossed in order to reach the throne. The ark symbolized the throne, or dwelling place, of God in the tabernacle and temple. Therefore, the comparison is possibly being made to the bronze laver (a basin used for ceremonial ablutions) in the tabernacle and the bronze sea at the temple. The laver and the sea were used to hold water for ceremonial washing of the priests as they performed their duties. They were to “wash with water, lest they die. 21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die” (Exodus 30:20, 21). This washing purified the priests externally so that they could minister. What then appears to be the meaning of this glassy sea reflects the absolutely pure and undefiled state of the One on the throne. It being like crystal would then indicate that it is reflective in nature. Thus, the purity and wholly undefiled state would, through God’s light, sanctify those who come near to the throne, just as the laver/sea were used for such (external) sanctification. There is the power to transform those who approach into the purity of the image of Christ. Next, John says, “And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures.” Concerning this wording, Albert Barnes appears to correctly analyze the Greek – “Not occupying the throne, but so as to appear to be intermingled with the throne, or ‘in the midst’ of it, in the sense that it was beneath the center of it. The meaning would seem to be, that the four living creatures referred to occupied such a position collectively that they at the same time appeared to be under the throne, so that it rested on them, and around it, so that they could be seen from any quarter. This would occur if their bodies were under the throne, and if they stood so that they faced outward. To one approaching the throne they would seem to be around it, though their bodies were under, or ‘in the midst’ of it as a support. The form of their bodies is not specified, but it is not improbable that though their heads were different, their bodies, that were under the throne, and that sustained it, were of the same form.” If his analysis is correct, it would then correspond to the construction of the sea used in Solomon’s temple – “And he made the Sea of cast bronze, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference. 24 Below its brim were ornamental buds encircling it all around, ten to a cubit, all the way around the Sea. The ornamental buds were cast in two rows when it was cast. 25 It stood on twelve oxen: three looking toward the north, three looking toward the west, three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; the Sea was set upon them, and all their back parts pointed inward.” 1 Kings 7:23-25 Of these living creatures, it says that they are “full of eyes in front and in back.” The thought here is that nothing is out of their view – they can see in all directions. Further, the implication is that they are open, signifying that they are always seeing and never resting. All that is done is taken in by them and evaluated by them. They would have discernment in all matters, physical and spiritual. Their gaze misses nothing, and they are ever vigilant. Life application: Due to the apocalyptic nature of Revelation, there will obviously be a wide variety of ideas about what the symbolism of various scenes and events is conveying. Some can be more surely identified than others, but it is good to stick as closely as possible to a conservative evaluation. If Scripture elsewhere provides insights, it is to be used. If it does not, then take each symbol only so far and don’t run off on wild speculation. Considering the nature of God, when properly understood, will often give helpful insights – He is pure, undefiled, holy, merciful, etc. Transferring those attributes to symbols is an acceptable way of making the symbolism come alive to the reader. And so, sticking with what is known, and not going too far in one’s own mind, is a sound way of looking at, and evaluating, the depictions. Lord God, it is wonderful to know that someday faithful believers will actually gaze upon the throne of our Lord and see His majesty revealed to us. To think on His glory is simply beyond our comprehension. But You have given us advanced insights into the heavenly throne room in Your word. How wonderful is the depiction presented in its pages! Someday, our eyes will behold that wonderful scene. May that day be soon. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 30, 2020 1:22:08 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:7, 29 October 2020
www.wonderful1.comThursday, 29 October 2020 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. Revelation 4:7 In this verse, we have the continued description of the four living creatures brought into the narrative in the previous verse. John describes them in terms that have already been hinted at, or even explicitly seen in Scripture. Taking the various accounts and weaving them together, we can determine the meaning of the symbolism. In Numbers, the tribes of Israel were encamped around the tabernacle in a very specific order. On each side, one main tribe was named, and it was accompanied by two other tribes that fell under its degel, or standard. What each degel was is left unstated. However, it can be deduced by taking later passages in Scripture and combining what is said into one overall theme. This includes where we are now in Revelation 4:7. Tradition says what they are – which is often a tad more than useless, and which normally leads to something meaning whatever one wishes – but the Bible also alludes to each. First is the standard of Judah, the Lion. Only one time in the Bible is the Lion specifically connected to Jesus. That is in Revelation 5:5 – “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5 The obvious connotation then is that the Lion is specifically connected to Judah. This confirms what was stated in Genesis – “Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s children shall bow down before you. 9 Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?” Genesis 49:8, 9 If we can determine one other standard, then we can form a pattern. And it can be done. Ephraim is represented by an ox several times in Scripture. The first time is in Deuteronomy 33. In the blessing of Joseph, of which Ephraim was the preeminent son, he is equated to a wild ox in verse 17. In Hosea 10:11, Ephraim is called a “trained heifer,” meaning an ox. He is again called a bull in Jeremiah 31:18. These are sufficient to give two standards based on a vision of four living creatures seen in Ezekiel 1 – “As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. 11 Thus were their faces.” Ezekiel 1:10, 11 Ezekiel beheld a vision of four living creatures, each with four faces. The faces are described first as a man. Thus, it is the one Ezekiel is seeing first. To the right is a lion. The right from Ezekiel’s position then corresponds to the east as the tribes are laid out. Thus, the man would be to the south, facing him, where the tribe of Reuben would be. On the left, meaning the west, was an ox. That matches where the tribe of Ephraim, the ox, is according to the camp layout. And that leaves the eagle facing north, where the tribe of Dan is. Thus, we can, with all certainty, see the four standards of the tribes – Judah is a Lion; Reuben is a Man; Ephraim is an Ox; and Dan is an eagle. From there, we can see the intended order of these in a numerical sequence from this verse from the book of Revelation – “The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.” Revelation 4:7 The order of the faces is described by John in the same order as the layout of the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew describes Jesus as the great Son of David, and thus King. The symbol of a king is a lion. The king is equated to a lion in Proverbs 19:12 – “The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.” Kings are again equated with lions in Jeremiah 50:17 – “Israel is like scattered sheep; The lions have driven him away. First the king of Assyria devoured him; Now at last this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has broken his bones.” The symbolism of the lion representing a king is found in Ezekiel 32:2, and elsewhere, also. Next, Mark focuses on Jesus the Servant. The ox is considered a servant animal. In the third Gospel, Luke focuses on Jesus’ humanity, calling Christ the Son of Man. He uses the term 26 times in this way. And finally, John focuses on Christ’s deity, calling Him the Son of God, specifically 10 times, but alluding to the Father/Son relationship continually. The eagle is thus a symbol of John’s Gospel, reflecting the Divine nature of Christ. The camps are laid out by four standards in Numbers; the standards are revealed to us in Ezekiel; and their order is given to us in Revelation – an order that matches that of the four gospels. Thus, the four sets of tribes, consisting of twelve individual tribes, branching out from the tabernacle to the east, west, south, and north are reflective of the four gospels. They are the witness of the Lord who came and tabernacled among us. What is recorded there reveals what was anticipated throughout the Old Testament, and that is then explained in the rest of Scripture, as to His Person, His work, and how it pertains to us. The four creatures around the throne are representative of the four gospels. The eyes all around them are emblematic of the eternal witness of Christ and His fulfillment of the gospels. Everything He did was witnessed and testifies to His sinless perfection. Their being “in the midst of the thronech, and around the throne” signifies that they are the central point of the record of Christ – His coming, His fulfillment of the promise of God, His faithful witness, and His centrality to the testimony of God in relation to humanity. Life application: In the end, everything points to Jesus either directly or indirectly. What is veiled is there for us to unveil as we read and meditate on Scripture. The Person of Jesus Christ is the full and complete revelation of God to us in a form that we can understand. He is the glorious image of the invisible God. He is Jesus. How wonderful it is to see our Lord and Savior revealed in the pages of the Holy Bible. Thank You, O God, for opening up wonderful pictures of Jesus to us in a manner we can understand and appreciate. Surely, You are a great and awesome God! You are full of splendor and majesty, and You are worthy of all of our praise and devotion! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Oct 31, 2020 1:52:58 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:8, 30 October 2020
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Friday, 30 October 2020
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!” Revelation 4:8
Continuing with the symbolism of the four living creatures of the previous verses, John describes them further, saying, “The four living creatures, each having six wings.” As noted, these four creatures represent the four gospels. They speak of the living Christ who came to accomplish His mission. The number four in Scripture speaks of creation. EW Bullinger defines it as –
“...that which follows the revelation of God, namely, His creative works. He is known by the things that are seen. Hence the written revelation commences with the words, ‘In-the-beginning God CREATED.’ Creation is therefore the next thing—the fourth thing, and the number four always has reference to all that is created. It is emphatically the number of Creation; of man in his relation to the world as created; while six is the number of man in his opposition to and independence of God. It is the number of things that have a beginning, of things that are made, of material things, and matter itself. It is the number of material completeness. Hence it is the world number, and especially the ‘city’ number.”
Of the number six, he then says it “has to do with man; it is the number of imperfection; the human number; the number of MAN as destitute of God, without God, without Christ.” That may seem inappropriate for a being before the throne of God, but it is the symbolism that is being relayed that is what is to be focused on. To get a further clue as to these beings, Isaiah 6 provides the following –
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!’” Isaiah 6:1-3
In this, we have a representation of the four gospels – the message of Christ that goes throughout the whole world (the created order) to all peoples (the human number). Those who respond are covered by the kanaph (the Hebrew word for “wing”), meaning an edge or extremity. The covering of the face would signify reverence and humility, covering the feet would indicate obedience and possibly modesty, and flying with two wings swiftness in executing God’s commands. Their wings then testify to the state of the redeemed in the world where the gospel has gone forth. With this understanding, John continues, saying they “were full of eyes around and within.”
It is not the wings that are full of eyes, but the creatures. The idea is that their view remains unhindered even with the movement of the wings. The eyes are that which behold. In this case, and because the eyes are all over the creatures, they never stop viewing the Lord. Because of the glory they see, John says, “And they do not rest day or night.”
As the creatures represent the gospel going forth to the people of the world, it is the continuous state of that since it was first given. It is an eternal message that never ceases to be proclaimed. The eyes speak of what it beheld in the gospels concerning the glory of God. What is displayed there is beheld by man and the response is that the creatures then say –
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
It is through the gospels that the nature of God – His Triune nature – is finally revealed to man. Thus, the call is known as the Trisagion, or “Thrice Holy.” In the gospels, man discovers that God is Father, God is Son, and God is Holy Spirit. Each is Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokratōr, or Lord the God the Almighty, and all are displayed through the Son. He is the focal point of our understanding of the Godhead. It is He who reveals the unseen God to us through the record of the gospels. As fully God, He is the One, “Who was and is and is to come.”
The phrase takes the reader back to Revelation 1:4 & 1:8. To understand the terminology, you can refer to the commentary there. In the end, it is Jesus Christ who is on display to the whole world. Man is lost, and without Him, there is no hope. But through the message of the gospels, man can comprehend the nature of God who sent the Son to redeem him. The proclamation of “Holy, holy, holy” continues on forever because man who has come to Christ will live forever in the presence of God to declare His praise. It will be an unceasing chorus proclaiming His glory for all eternity.
A notable difference between Isaiah’s vision and John’s is when the seraphim in the temple at Jerusalem spoke, they said, “The whole earth is full of His glory.” However, the angels in John’s vision say, “Who was and is and is to come.” The difference is that Isaiah was on earth and God’s presence in the temple was radiating out through the world, illuminating it with His splendor. John, however, was taken to the heavenly throne room. Instead of speaking of His illumination of the creation (something already implied in the “four” gospels), the creatures proclaim His eternality – He is the one who transcends time, space, and matter which comprise His creation. He is infinitely and timelessly holy.
Life application: In the vision Isaiah beheld, the four living creatures are called seraphim. This word means “burning ones,” and their burning appearance certainly comes from reflecting the glory of God. This is similar to Moses’ face when he spoke with God. Afterward, his face shone radiantly. These creatures are always in the presence of God and therefore burn intensely. Therefore, they behold the glory of God directly and they are continuously strengthened in their being. They are ever being revitalized from the glory of what they see and will be eternally awake, alert, and responsive to what they behold.
God is infinitely holy, or infinitely separated from what is fallen and sinful. In this repetition of “holy, holy, holy,” there is an emphasis on God’s supreme holiness. But holiness doesn’t just separate “from,” it also separates “to.” When someone or something is dedicated and purified, there is a separation “to” God. The perfect separation to God for humans is to be united to Him through Christ and His work on our behalf.
In coming to Christ, the transfer from “condemned” to “saved” is made. This is not of ourselves, but because of God’s work in Christ. He alone can make the change in fallen man because He alone is JESUS.
Simply unimaginable! O God, to gaze upon Your infinite glory and beauty is the desire of our hearts. Now we have Your word to meditate upon and to see what Your glory is like, but in the future, we will know intimately that which we now only see in our minds’ eye. We long for that wonderful day when we behold You through our own living eyes! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 1, 2020 2:21:35 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:9, 31 October 2020
www.wonderful1.comSaturday, 31 October 2020 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, Revelation 4:9 John just said that the four living creatures do not rest, both day and night, as they praise the Lord God almighty. Now, it says, “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks.” The Greek is in the future tense. It more rightly says, “Whenever the living creatures shall give...” Taking the thoughts from the two verses together from English versions, it seems to say that this is an endless cycle – praise and then result; praise and then result. And it is true that this is something that will occur forever, but the wording in English translations fails to give the full sense. The word “whenever” is the Greek word hotan, (at the time when the condition is met). Thus, this doesn’t indicate a rote form of worship, but rather it comes at different levels, and it occurs periodically but continuously. Whenever these living creatures give glory – at any time, be it day or night – then the words here will come to pass. They shall give (future tense) doxan, or “glory.” This word forms our word “doxology.” Thayer’s Lexicon says this is to “give or describe glory to God, why and how being evident from each case in the context: thus by declaring one’s gratitude to God for a benefit received.” They also give timen, or “honor.” This is described as “the honor which one has by reason of rank and state of office which he holds.” And, they also give eucharistan, or “thanks.” This forms our word “Eucharist.” The case in which this word is used indicates “the giving of thanks for God’s grace” (HELPS Word Studies). Each of these is directed “to Him who sits on the throne.” The verb “sits” is a present participle. For all eternity, meaning the ages of ages, what is described here shall come to pass. As was previously explained, this is speaking of Jesus. He stated it in verse 3:9 – “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” To confirm that this is speaking of Jesus, John adds in another descriptor, saying it is He “who lives forever and ever.” That is explained by Jesus in verse 1:18 (and elsewhere) – “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” Life application: A similar phase to the one in this verse is used several other times in the book of Revelation. The point being made is that God has determined that Jesus Christ is to be the focal point for all of humanity to praise Him. Jesus Christ is the one who makes all things new. We normally have the human form of Jesus firmly fixed in our minds, and when we hear that glorious and exalted name, it is this human form that we tend to mentally reflect on. But Jesus Christ is also fully God and He is the “image of the invisible God.” In other words, all of the glory of God is revealed through the Person of Jesus Christ. Every good and wonderful thing we see with our eyes came from God, and it is therefore only a minute reflection of the infinite glory of our Creator – the Creator who is our eternally glorious and worthy Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we never fail to remember that He is wholly worthy of our glory, honor, and thanks. He is great. He is glorious. He is JESUS. What an amazing and glorious King of the Universe is revealed to us in the pages of the book of Revelation. If the heavenly creatures stand in awe of the splendor of the Lord, how much more should we. Let us never forget that the One who washed the dirty feet of the disciples is also the Lord of all Creation. He is Jesus. Hallelujah and Amen!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 2, 2020 0:24:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:10, 1November 2020
www.wonderful1.comSunday, 1 November 2020 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: Revelation 4:10 The verse here should be taken together with the previous verse, but – like the previous verse – all of the verbs are actually in the future tense. They will be underlined to reflect this – “Whenever the living creatures shall give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders shall fall down before Him who sits on the throne and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and shall cast their crowns before the throne, saying:” Revelation 4:9, 10 At the intervals where the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the Lord, John tells us that “the twenty-four elders [shall] fall down before Him who sits on the throne.” As Ellicott says, “The future tense (shall give glory, &c.) implies the eternal repetition of the act.” And again, as Bengel states, “Each future expresses a simultaneous act of giving of glory on the part of the beasts and on the part of the elders: and, at the same time, it has a frequentative force: As often as the beasts give glory, immediately the elders fall.” It is to be noted that the homage paid by the twenty-four elders is directed to the same One as is the glory and honor and thanks given by the beasts. Both verses refer to “Him who sits on the throne.” The four beasts (symbolically representing the four gospels) direct their worship toward Jesus Christ. He is the one on display throughout them. The twenty-four elders (the heavenly government and worship) respond in accord with the attention focused on by the gospels. In other words, what the gospels proclaim and call out for in glory, honor, and thanks is then confirmed by the heavenly government in worship as well. Jesus Christ is the God/Man who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth, and all worship is to be directed to Him. Understanding this, John next says, “and worship Him who lives forever and ever.” Again, the same phrase is repeated from the previous verse. The gospels testify to the eternality of Christ, and the heavenly government and worship are directed to this One who is eternal. Everything centers on the fact that Christ is this eternal being. As He said in Revelation 1:18, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.” It is He who came from the eternal realm, it is He who prevailed over death, and it is He who lives forevermore. This is testified to in the gospels, and this is what is acknowledged by the heavenly government. Because of this, the response of the elders is that they “cast their crowns before the throne.” What they will say is found in the coming verse. For now, the note of them casting their crowns signifies that this is understood and acknowledged as such. The casting of these royal crowns signifies that the honor of the heavenly authority belongs to the One on the throne. There is the sense of humiliation before the King. No creature, even the heavenly government, possesses any glory apart from Him, and to Him it alone belongs. Life application: The elders in this verse have been given golden crowns, signifying their right and authority to rule, but they defer the honor to the One who seated them. In like manner, Jesus is the One who bought each person back from a state of spiritual deadness and restored to him the blessing of eternal life. Therefore, whatever crowns we shall possess are gracious bestowals from a gracious King. In the end, any honor we possess – from now and throughout all eternity – is because it was granted to us by the Lord. In all ways, what we have comes from Him. He gave us life as the Creator, He gave us freedom from the law as our Redeemer, He gave us the power to grow in holiness as the One who sanctifies us, and He has given us the future promise of glorification. Jesus was there at the beginning, He is here now, and – being eternal – He will always be before us. Some commentaries state that the One on the throne to whom the elders cast their crowns is God the Father, but as noted before (and as will be noted again in the coming chapters) Jesus is the One who reveals the unseen God. Therefore, every manifestation of God that we see is Jesus (the Son) continuously revealing what the Father has ordained. Lord God, we stand amazed at who You are and in what You have done. The marvel and intricacy of the universe displays Your glory, and yet You were willing to unite with humanity in Christ, lowering Your station to redeem us from our sins. How can such love exist? What is it about man that brought this to pass? Our hearts are full of wonder at Your workings, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 3, 2020 2:16:19 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:11, 2 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comMonday, 2 November 2020 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11 The words here are those uttered by the twenty-four elders noted in the previous verse. When the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the One on the throne, the elders fall down before Him in worship, cast their crowns before the throne, and utter these words, beginning with, “You are worthy, O Lord.” Here, some manuscripts say, “our Lord and our God,” instead of “O Lord.” Others say, “the Holy One.” Despite the variations, the attention is focused on the One on the throne. This is Christ Jesus – fully God and fully Man. He is worthy because He is God. As such, it is right and proper that He “receive glory and honor and power.” It is true that there are heretics who deny the deity of Christ, and thus deny that He is the one being referred to. However, the contents of this verse, and those of verses ahead in Chapter 5, will refute that notion. First, the words here change from those of verse 4:9, which said, “glory and honor and thanks.” Instead, “thanks” is changed to “power.” God has all power. And yet, here it is said that the one on the throne receives power. That is reflective of the words of Matthew 28:18, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” With authority comes the power to exercise that authority. Likewise, Paul says in Ephesians 1 – “which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” Ephesians 1:20, 21 The idea here is that the humanity of Christ is exalted above all things in the creation that He in His deity created. He never stopped being God, and yet in the incarnation, He united with creation in order to redeem. That will be seen in Chapter 5. For now, the focus is on the creative aspect of God in Christ. As it next says, “For You created all things.” The New Testament evidence of Christ the Creator is overwhelming. But two citations are enough – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” John 1:1-3 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:15, 16 Understanding that God in Christ is the Creator, the elders next proclaim, “And by Your will they exist and were created.” Here, the creation is said to “exist.” The verb is in the imperfect tense. It is a way of saying that a state of existence (or an action) was still going on in the past. As Cambridge translates and explains it, “Read they were: not exactly ‘they came into being,’ but ‘they had their being.’” In the fact that these things came into existence by Him, and because they still exist now, it indicates that not only were they created, but they continue to be sustained by Him. In other words, there is implied in the doxology the thought of continuance. That is reflected in what is said of Christ Jesus in these verses – “And *he* is before all, and all things subsist together by him.” Colossians 1:17 (Darby) “who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:3 It is God in Christ Jesus that accomplished the creative effort, and it is He who continues to sustain the creation now and forever. As the Creator, He is before all things, and therefore all things owe Him the acknowledgment of this. We are wholly dependent on His will, and to Him alone is praise and honor and glory and power to be ascribed. Life application: As noted above, this verse forms the first doxology of praise from the twenty-four elders, and it encompasses the concept of creation. In the next chapter, there will be a doxology referring to redemption. These same concepts form the reason for the fourth of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and then in Deuteronomy 5. Further, they are given in the same order. Thus, these doxologies are tying the Lord (Jesus) of Revelation in with the Lord (Yehovah) of the Old Testament. He is the Creator, and He is the Redeemer. Reviewing those verses will show us this – “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11 “And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:15 Jesus is the One who was there at the beginning – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). If He created these things, then He was there before they came to exist. He created what is from what was not (creation ex nihilo) and therefore He was before they came to be. Everything was in His mind and then He spoke it all into existence. Because of this, everything belongs to Him and the purpose of His act of creation is to bring Himself glory. And not only did He create all things, but He is currently and continuously sustaining all things. Man doesn’t need the Bible to understand the necessity of a Creator and a Sustainer. These concepts can be thought through, understood, and supported by reason and intellect alone. Once these things are grasped, then all mankind needs to do is to search out where this infinite Mind has revealed Himself. There is only one text that accurately defines what we can know about this glorious Creator – the Holy Bible. Reason alone excludes all other religions and religious texts on earth and confirms the God of the Bible as the One true God. Jesus Christ is the full, complete, and only proper revelation of this Creator. He is the Lord God Almighty… He is JESUS. Oh God! To plumb the depth and riches of Your word, the Holy Bible, is something that we will be able to do forever. There is no end to the wisdom and beauty of what You have given us in its pages. You are worthy, O God, to receive glory, and honor, and praise, and power. Amen!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 4, 2020 1:25:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:12, 3 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comTuesday, 3 November 2020 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Revelation 5:1 Chapter 5 begins with a scene that reveals an instance that was previously described in Chapter 4. There it said – “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne...” Revelation 4:9, 10 As noted then, the word “Whenever” signifies “at the time when the condition is met.” Thus, this doesn’t indicate a rote form of worship, but rather it comes at different occasions. Also, it indicates that it occurs periodically but continuously. All of Chapter 5 is such a scene, fulfilling the meaning of “whenever.” This is seen in the last verse of Chapter 5 – “Then the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever” (5:14). Understanding this, the heavenly scene begins with, “And I saw in the right hand of Him.” The Greek reads epi, or upon. “And I saw upon the right hand of Him.” One can think of someone with a scroll in their hand. As an offer to another to take it, the hand is extended forward, and the fingers relax from holding it. Thus, it is now “upon” the hand and offered without restraint. The imagery of this is important for what will continue to be said in this heavenly scene. That which is offered is open and accessible to be taken. This is in the hand of the One “who sat on the throne.” This is God in Christ making an offer available to be taken. There is nothing from His aspect that will restrain what is in His hand. The scroll is upon the hand, and all that needs to happen is for someone to take it. And that which is offered is “a scroll written inside and on the back.” This scroll is what is known in the times of John as an opisthograph, meaning a scroll written on both sides. This is reflective of what is stated in Ezekiel 2 – “Now when I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me; and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. 10 Then He spread it before me; and there was writing on the inside and on the outside, and written on it were lamentations and mourning and woe.” Ezekiel 2:9, 10 For other options besides this being an opisthograph, and for some of the possible meanings of what this scroll is, Reading Acts provides a detailed analysis of it at this link - readingacts.com/.../revelation-5-what-is-the-scroll/Of this scroll, it then says that it is “sealed with seven seals.” Of this arrangement, Vincent’s Word Studies notes – “Sealed (κατεσφραγισμένον). Only here in the New Testament. The preposition κατά denotes sealed down. So Rev., close sealed. The roll is wound round a staff and fastened down to it with the seven seals. The unrolling of the parchment is nowhere indicated in the vision. Commentators have puzzled themselves to explain the arrangement of the seals, so as to admit of the unrolling of a portion with the opening of each seal.” In the link provided above from Reading Acts, several viewpoints on what the scroll and what its contents signify are given. The important point to consider is not merely the seals themselves, nor what is written upon the scroll, but equally so is what is stated about it here in Chapter 5. In taking in what is said concerning it here, the symbolism becomes evident. This is especially so in the doxology of praise found in verses 5:9, 10. It explains what is contained within the scroll, and its significance goes back to the Garden of Eden itself, but the typology is beautifully revealed in the book of Ruth. To understand that book, and what it is typologically picturing, you are invited to watch the 13-part series (written or on YouTube) presented by the Superior Word. In understanding that, the contents of the scroll are made clear. In short, and as an acceptable explanation, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown states – “The roll, or book, appears from the context to be ‘the title-deed of man's inheritance’ [De Burgh] redeemed by Christ, and contains the successive steps by which He shall recover it from its usurper and obtain actual possession of the kingdom already ‘purchased’ for Himself and His elect saints. However, no portion of the roll is said to be unfolded and read; but simply the seals are successively opened, giving final access to its contents being read as a perfect whole, which shall not be until the events symbolized by the seals shall have been past, when Eph 3:10 shall receive its complete accomplishment, and the Lamb shall reveal God's providential plans in redemption in all their manifold beauties. Thus the opening of the seals will mean the successive steps by which God in Christ clears the way for the final opening and reading of the book at the visible setting up of the kingdom of Christ.” Life application: As noted, the One seated on the throne – the Lord God Almighty, is Jesus. It is He who continuously reveals the unseen God to us. As we continue, other representations of Him will be interacting with each other, but all of them are Jesus. There is no contradiction here. Rather, each is simply one aspect or another of God revealing Himself to us through Him. The scroll being in the right hand of the One on throne signifies the position of authority. It is where Jesus rules from (see Acts 2:33 for example). This indicates that He has the authority over what is in the scroll. The scroll is “written inside and on the back.” Normally, scrolls only had writing on one side, especially if they were papyrus scrolls. This is because of the way they were made. The pen used for writing would easily catch on the vertical cracks of the back side of a scroll. This scroll then is of great importance because John specifically notes that it has writing on both sides. Concerning the scrolls, ancient Roman wills were sealed with seven seals, and this is certainly what is being referred to here – a will or title deed. A parallel from the Old Testament comes from Jeremiah 32 where Jeremiah is told to purchase land and the deed is recorded on a scroll – “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Take these deeds, both this purchase deed which is sealed and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may last many days.’” Jeremiah 32:14 This account occurred when the land of Israel would be lost due to their rebellion and the forces of evil Babylon would take control of it. But Jeremiah was given a sure promise – “For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.’” Jeremiah 32:15 Just as fallen man lost the right to the title deed of the land he was given, Jesus regained that right, having purchased it with His own death after fulfilling the Law in Himself (the earthen Vessel where the law was kept). “For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Hebrews 9:16 O God! That You had a plan, even from the very beginning to restore us to Paradise through the life, death, and resurrection of Your own precious Son, our Lord Jesus – it is beyond marvelous. He came and dwelt in an earthen vessel so that we might be reconciled to You. How amazing are Your ways, O God. Glory to You in the highest! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 5, 2020 1:41:10 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 4:11, 2 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comWednesday, 4 November 2020 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” Revelation 5:2 A scroll has just been openly presented to whoever could take it from the hand of the One seated on the throne. This was certain because it was “on” His right hand. Thus, it could be taken without hindrance. But now, a caveat is brought into the heavenly scene. John says, “Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice.” This angel may, likewise, be a presentation of Christ Jesus. The reason this is so is that the word aggelos, or “angel,” simply means “a messenger.” The word corresponds directly to the Hebrew word for messenger which is used when speaking of the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament, including that of Jesus – the malak, or “Messenger” – in Malachi 3:1 – “’Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,’ Says the LORD of hosts.” There, the same word is speaking first of John the Baptist – “My messenger” – and then of Christ Jesus – “the Messenger of the covenant.” The reason this “angel” may be another revelation of Christ is because of the description of another angel in Revelation 10:1-4 that reflects the attributes of the Lord. However, as nothing more is said of this messenger here, it could simply be a created angel that makes proclamations before the Lord, such as the angel Gabriel. And, indeed, it has been surmised that this is the angel Gabriel who has been the bearer of God’s revelation to certain people throughout redemptive history. He specifically appeared to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary, and may have appeared at other times as an unnamed herald of God’s message. Gabriel means something like “mighty one of God,” and this would fit the description here of a “strong angel.” The matter, either way, stands as speculative. What is of great importance is what this angel proclaims with his loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” The idea here is of moral entitlement. Who is morally fit to open the scrolls? This is reflective of John the Baptist’s statement in John 1 – “John answered them, saying, ‘I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.’” John 1:27, 28 The reason it is certain this speaks of moral entitlement is because the offer is made from the Most Holy One sitting upon the throne. He is pure and undefiled, and in Him is only righteousness, justice, and holiness. As this offer is made from Him, anyone that approaches Him must be, likewise, in such a pure and undefiled state. The offer is made. Who, if any, will come forward to accept it? Life application: In the previous verse, we were introduced to the scroll sealed with seven seals in the “right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” This scroll had writing on both sides and is the will or title deed to which Adam lost the right when he disobeyed God. Since that time there have been many billions of humans on the earth. The question is now put forth asking if any are found worthy to come forward, accept it, and open its seals. Is anyone who has lived since Adam qualified to restore and accept responsibility for that which he willfully lost? The words are waiting to be unsealed. This implies that they were at one point sealed, that they have been sealed since then, and that someone is expected to unseal them at some point. In Daniel 12:9 there is a parallel thought concerning sealed words – “And he said, ‘Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.’” This statement was precipitated by the following words – “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3 Daniel was told about the events of a coming day that would be centered on the nation of Israel, but which would encompass the entire world in mass destruction. This time is known as the Tribulation Period, and it comes more clearly into focus throughout the rest of the Bible…if only someone is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals. Stay tuned. Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals? Lord, we – Your people – know that we are not. Where Adam failed, we continue to fail. We have come short of Your holiness and have not been perfect. But thank You, O God, that our sins are covered by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We know that because of Him, our sins are forgiven. Thank You, O God, for Jesus! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 6, 2020 1:21:56 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:3, 5 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comThursday, 5 November 2020 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. Revelation 5:3 The scroll has been presented (5:1) and the call has gone forth, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” (5:2). With that accomplished, the answer is given. John mournfully says, “And no one in heaven.” The Greek contains an article, “And no one in the heaven.” This means that in the highest heaven, even those with direct access to the throne of God, none is found worthy. This would include Enoch and Elijah who were both translated to heaven, and who minister before the Lord as is revealed in Zechariah 4 – “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” Zechariah 4:2, 3 & “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:14 This would also exclude even the great angels that stood before the Lord, such as Gabriel – “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” Luke 1:19, 20 These, and any other beings who occupy positions in the heaven, are found to be not worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals. As a point of doctrine, the KJV says, “And no man in heaven.” Saying, “no man,” instead of “no one” or “none,” could leave open the door for the allowance of Mary being considered a co-redemptrix as argued for by certain cults (such as the RCC). Using “no one” will also avoid any error of theology concerning angels being qualified. It will also ensure that the state of Christ, being the God/Man is understood as such. Next, John says, “or on the earth.” No being on the earth is found worthy. As this is a heavenly scene, time is irrelevant. From Adam until the last human to be conceived within the stream of time, none are found worthy who dwell upon the earth. This is confirmed in the next words, saying, “or under the earth.” This would be speaking of Hades (or Sheol of the Old Testament Hebrew). It is the place where the souls of the dead go. In that place, none are found worthy who have ever existed. Their lives were lived, they died, and they were set to remain in Hades for all eternity, unable to undo what Adam had done. As John says, “no one was able to open the scroll.” The word translated as “able,” signifies having power, and thus ability. Even the most noble person, the most moral person, or the most intelligent person who ever existed would still not have the sufficient power to come forth into the presence of God and undo what had been done to cause the scroll to be rolled up and sealed. And further, John adds in the final words of the verse, “or to look at it.” These words signify total unworthiness. Not only could they not take it into their hand, nor loose its seals, but they were unworthy to even take a momentary glance at the scroll. The state of either positional or moral unworthiness of all beings in creation excluded their even looking at it. Angels, for example, may be morally qualified, but their position as spirits excludes them. Humans may be positionally qualified, being of the seed of Adam, but their moral state as fallen beings who have inherited original sin excludes them. None are found worthy. Life application: (1) No one in heaven – No human being who has ever lived and who is currently in the heavenly realms is qualified. Enoch, the seventh man from Adam, was translated directly to heaven because he “walked with God” – unworthy. Elijah, the great prophet of Israel, also went directly to heaven in a chariot of fire – unworthy. No angel in heaven as well. Due to their state in creation – unworthy. (2) No one on the earth – Think of the people on the earth today who you may admire. Billy Graham – unworthy; the US president – Unworthy; some other noted pastor or politician – unworthy; you – unworthy; me – unworthy. Repeat this for the other 7 billion people on earth – all unworthy. (3) No one under the earth – Every human who has ever existed since the creation of Adam and who is now resting in the dust from which they came… just think about it! Great men of God; great world leaders; missionaries; evangelists; heroes of the Bible – all unworthy. And not only are all unable to open the scroll, we aren’t even worthy to look at it. All humans have inherited Adam’s sin directly in three ways: Legally – we are legally in Adam because He is our federal head. Potentially – the very fact that we could exist as human beings brings us into direct contact with Adam. Seminally – all humans who actually exist (from the very moment of conception) are stained with Adam’s sin, having inherited it as a result of the fall. Death, which is the wages of sin, proves this. Even infant babies aren’t excluded. As an important note, this verse disproves the immaculate conception of Mary. If Mary were born and had remained in a sinless state, then she would be worthy. But no one, including Mary the mother of Jesus, is worthy. This frightening passage should leave all of us humbled. We have no claim to boast before God because we are unworthy. Lord, when we get thinking too highly of ourselves, simply looking into Your word reminds us that we are unworthy – wholly and completely. Our very existence testifies against us and we stand condemned. That You would send Jesus to cleanse us has all the more significance when we see our own fallen state. Thank You, O God, for Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 7, 2020 1:09:34 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:4, 6 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comFriday, 6 November 2020 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. Revelation 5:4 In response to finding that none were worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals, John literally burst into tears. As he says, “So I wept much.” In the Greek, the pronoun is emphatic, and the verb is in the imperfect tense. One might say, “And I, even I, just kept weeping exceedingly.” When he realized the state of man before the holiness of God, he understood the eternal disconnect that stood between the two. What seems like an easy walk in the presence of God while on the earth is found to be a catastrophic, unhealable wound when standing before Him in heaven. As such, John wept uncontrollably “because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll.” The contents of the book are hidden from the eyes of all men. Not even one is worthy to reclaim the inheritance lost by Adam. Thus, only life in a fallen world, followed by death and separation from God, is the result. The contents of the scroll are to remain forever out of the reach of the fallen sons of Adam. So great is this barrier that John finishes the thought with, “or to look at it.” Not only are all unworthy of opening and reading the scroll, not even a momentary glance will ever be offered. Even the most pious, humble, God-fearing man who ever lived will be denied a mere glance at the contents of the scroll. The infection of sin precludes even this. Woe to man without God’s Christ. Life application: John was overwhelmed at the reality of what he was being presented with through this heavenly vision. He had been told in verse 4:1, “I will show you things which must take place after this.” But now that he was in the heavenly throne room, it appeared that what must take place is simply eternal condemnation for all humanity. The effects of sin permeated every person who was ever born. Only a sinless being would be qualified to replace the failings of Adam… but no one came forward. No one else was worthy. Even John who was “in the Spirit” (4:2) wasn’t found worthy. But John, in his overwhelming grief, had forgotten the glory of what Christ came to do. He was so consumed with the misery of fallen humanity, that anguish was all he could feel. And yet, the words of Paul as recorded in Philippians 2:9-11, tell us of the glory John had momentarily forgotten – “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” There is a name that is above every other name and One to which all of creation will bow. This One came and fulfilled the Law on behalf of Adam’s seed. Being born of a virgin, he didn’t inherit sin as other humans do. He is, therefore, qualified to face the devil head-on. He prevailed where Adam had failed and so He can now speak on behalf of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth. Don’t weep John; there is an answer to your immense grief. He is coming and His name is Jesus. That Name above every other name fills our souls with joy. When we think on our sin and fallen state, we can also look around and see that everyone else is just like everyone else. We all fall short of Your glory, O God. And it makes knowing Jesus all the more precious. In all of human history, only One has gone without sin, and it is to Him that we shall direct our praise, honor, and thanks. He is Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 8, 2020 0:54:33 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:5, 7 November 2020
Saturday November 7, 2020
But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5
John, overcome with anguish at the unworthiness of all created beings, and their inability to open the scroll or even to look at it, is now given the greatest of encouragements. While standing there and mourning, it says, “But one of the elders said to me. Do not weep.”
The identity of the elder is not stated, and it is thus irrelevant. The various possibilities of who these elders are were evaluated in verse 4:4. Regardless as to his identity, he is aware of something that John needed to know. And what that is contrasts to the state of mournful emotion that John was overwhelmed with – “Do not weep.” If the unworthiness of those in creation to open the scroll is what brought John to his current state, then the words “Do not weep” must provide a remedy to that state.
And so, he conveys the most magnificent of words to the mournful apostle, beginning with, “Behold, the Lion.” The lion is used at times as a symbol of kingly authority in Scripture, such as in Ezekiel 32:2 (and elsewhere) –
“Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say to him:
‘You are like a young lion among the nations,
And you are like a monster in the seas,
Bursting forth in your rivers,
Troubling the waters with your feet,
And fouling their rivers.’”
Further, the Lord (Yehovah) of the Old Testament is equated to a lion in Jeremiah 25:38 (and elsewhere) –
“He has left His lair like the lion;
For their land is desolate
Because of the fierceness of the Oppressor,
And because of His fierce anger.”
But more to the point, the words of this elder are certainly tying the title ascribed here in Revelation to the prophecy made in Genesis 49 concerning the coming Messiah –
“Judah is a lion’s whelp;
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?
10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
Nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
Until Shiloh comes;
And to Him shall be the obedience of the people.” Genesis 49:10
Understanding this symbolism, the elder continues with, “of the tribe of Judah.” This clearly identifies the One being spoken of as the fulfillment of the prophecy from Genesis 49. It then ties in with other messianic prophecies seen in the Old Testament, such as the promise of an everlasting throne being bestowed upon the line of David in 2 Samuel 7. It is to Judah that these great promises were made. Thus, this Lion of the Tribe of Judah is the fulfillment of those prophecies.
He is further described as “the Root of David.” This term is wrongly applied by scholars to say that Christ is a root which springs out of David. This is incorrect. A root is the basis for what springs out of it. A seed first goes down into the soil to find anchoring and moisture. From there, the roots are established, and the plant then proceeds upward.
Elsewhere, the Messiah is called a Branch, signifying One who would come from a plant, extending out. This would be a descendant. In this case, however, the Root refers to One who comes before. Thus, not only does this One descend from Judah (and obviously from David who was given the kingly promises), but He is the Source of David – the Root. This is confirmed later in Revelation 22 where Christ says He is both “the Root and the Offspring of David.” It is what is referred to in Matthew 22 –
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?”
They said to Him, “The Son of David.”
43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying:
44 ‘The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’?
45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore. Matthew 22:41-46
Jesus was showing that not only was the Christ to come from David, but He is also the Creator of David. It is of this One that the elder then says that He “has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
Here, in these words, the fifth chapter of Revelation corresponds to the fifth letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet. The fifth letter, he, signifies “to reveal.” The opening of the scroll will reveal its contents. The One referred to by the elder “has prevailed.” The Greek word signifies to overcome, overpower, stand victorious. It is a word that implies the fighting of a battle. This One has been in a battle, and He has prevailed (see Revelation 3:21). In His prevailing, He has earned the right “to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
That which was sealed and inaccessible can now be made manifest. The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has been found worthy!
Life application: What appeared to be a loss for humanity has become a victory – but only because of the intervention of God. The incarnation of Jesus Christ was the only hope for man because all men are conceived in sin through Adam, receiving his fallen nature. All of the other beings in creation – be they spirit or animal – are in a different category, and they are unworthy to accomplish for man what man had to do.
And so, Jesus came through a woman (He is fully Man) and by the Holy Spirit (He is fully God). In this, He did not inherit Adam’s sin. He was qualified to accomplish the task set before Him. From there, the gospel shows that He was also capable of doing so. He was born sinless, and He lived without ever sinning. In this, He prevailed. He is the great King. He is JESUS!
Lord, when things seem out of control in our lives and we are at our moment of greatest sadness and despair, You are there and in complete control. What have we to fear when You have gained the victory? You not only conquered death and defeated the devil, but You have promised to include us in Your great plan for the ages to come. Praises belong to You alone, O God. Amen!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 9, 2020 2:04:00 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:6, 8 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comSunday, 8 November 2020 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Revelation 5:6 In the previous verse, John heard the voice say, “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Expecting to see a kingly figure when he raised his eyes from weeping, it says, “And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures.” Remembering the symbolism of the four living creatures, that of them representing the four aspects of Christ in the four gospels, one can mentally prepare for what is being depicted in this heavenly scene. Then John continues, saying, “and in the midst of the elders.” As noted in verse 4:4, these twenty-four elders signify heavenly government and worship. Again, this helps us to understand what will next be said. In the midst of the presentation of the four gospels, and in the midst of the heavenly government and worship, there “stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.” Here, the word translated as “stood” is a perfect participle. It should say, “standing.” There is standing a Lamb, and yet it is as if it had been slain. The words are paradoxical. How can a Lamb be standing despite being as if it had been slain? But this is the point. The focal point of everything presented in the gospels presented to man on earth, and the focal point of all governmental attention in the heavenly realm, is... a Lamb as if it had been slain. A moment before, He had been heralded as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and yet John sees a Lamb “as though it had been slain.” The word translated as “Lamb” is the diminutive form of a sheep, thus it is a little lamb. There are two aspects to this then. The first is innocence. In the sacrificial system of Israel, this was what was required for the Passover lamb – “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year.” Exodus 12:5 Further, the same thing is said of the twice-daily offering at the tabernacle/temple – “Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs of the first year, day by day continually. 39 One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight.” Exodus 29:38, 39 Being of the first year, there is conveyed the idea of innocence. It is weak, cannot protect itself, and would normally anticipate each new day ahead as it continued to follow its mother along innocently. However, the description of the Lamb in John’s vision is an innocent Lamb “as though it had been slain.” The word translated as “slain” is sphazó. It signifies butchery for food or sacrifice. Here, the Lamb is seen to have been sacrificed. The two thoughts together anticipate that an innocent lamb used for Israel’s sacrificial system was given in anticipation of the coming work of the Messiah. This Lamb in Revelation, then, is the fulfillment of those anticipatory pictures. The focus of both the heavenly government and the earthly witness of God’s dealings with man is directed to this Lamb that was as if it had been sacrificed. And of this Lamb, John says it is “having seven horns and seven eyes.” In the Old Testament, the horn comes from the word qeren. That is from the verb qaran, signifying “to send out rays,” meaning “to shine.” This then conveys the idea of prominence, exaltation, and strength. And this is how the horn is used in 2 Samuel (and elsewhere) – “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; 3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence.” 2 Samuel 2:22:2, 3 The eye, or in Hebrew ayin, is that which is outflowing, and thus that which gives appearance. For example, a spring or fountain is called “an eye” because it is where water issues forth from. Using this idea of appearance, the eye is used along with many descriptors – “an evil eye,” “a bountiful eye,” “the lust of the eyes,” “eyes full of adultery,” and so on. In this case, the appearance of the Lamb is that of innocence and substitutionary death which is radiated out in power and exaltation. Seven is the number of spiritual perfection (completeness). John takes these two things together, horns and eyes, and says that they “are the seven Spirits of God.” These seven spirits of God reflect His perfect power, exaltation, and appearance. In other words, this Lamb reflects those attributes of God perfectly. In His being a Lamb – innocent, and in His being slain -substitutionary death, these attributes of God are perfectly revealed. One can see a reflection of what the Lord said to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Just as Christ’s strength is made perfect in weakness,” through the apostle, the perfection of God’s strength is displayed in the humility of Christ, the Lamb. It is this depiction of Christ by which the seven Spirits of God are “sent out into all the earth.” It is the innocence (sinlessness) and death of Christ by which God has most purposefully revealed Himself. Despite all of the power, wonder, and majesty of the created order, the highest representation of Himself, in all of time and in all of His handiwork, is in the innocent crucified Christ. Life application: The scroll which is to be opened is a will or title deed and as was previously noted, Hebrews 9:16 says, “…where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.” Jesus Christ gave up His perfect life to establish the New Covenant and to regain the title deed to fallen humanity. The scroll which is to be opened will contain judgments upon the world, and the One who opens it will be the executor of those judgments. When they come, the people of the world will not be able to ask why the executor isn’t also participating in these judgments. His scars testify that He already has. He already took the judgments that the world can now expect, and He prevailed over what He was given. He gave His life in the task before Him and, being sinless, He was resurrected. Those who call on Him will likewise be given eternal life. Those who don’t will receive what they deserve for rejecting His gracious offer. The slain lamb that comes forward has “seven horns and seven eyes.” These are explained as being “the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” In verse 4:5, we read, “Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” In other words, these “seven Spirits of God” that burned before the throne – illuminating the splendor of God – have now become the active agents of the Lamb that will go forth in judgment. The eyes see every hidden thing and the horns will execute the judgment upon the unrepentant world. This Lamb will no longer be the meek and mild suffering Servant. He will become the One who comes to bring destruction on all who have rejected Him. He is the Lion and the Lamb. He is Jesus. Lord God, when we think on the slain Lamb, innocent and spotless, standing in the heavenly throne, we can’t help but praise You. In humility and kindness, You came to this world, and in love, You have offered peace and restoration. And yet the world has mocked, ridiculed, and rejected You. Surely, You are righteous in the judgments to come. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 10, 2020 2:38:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:7, 9 November 2020 www.wonderful1.comMonday, 9 November 2020 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Revelation 5:7 In the Greek, there is a changing of the tenses of the verbs which is skipped by most translations, and yet it makes the entire scene much more graphic. The Greek goes from the aorist to the perfect tense – “And He came, and He has taken the scroll out of the right hand of Him who is sitting on the throne.” With this understood, it can be analyzed more precisely. John begins with, “And He came.” One can imagine anyone approved to do so coming before the throne, just as is seen in any royal setting. For example, Esther was granted permission to stand before King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther – “Now Esther spoke again to the king, fell down at his feet, and implored him with tears to counteract the evil of Haman the Agagite, and the scheme which he had devised against the Jews. 4 And the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king.” Esther 8:3, 4 In this heavenly scene of Revelation 5, the Lamb came before the One on the throne. He has been granted this royal privilege. But there is a specific reason for His approach. It next says, “and He has taken the scroll.” One can see the definitive nature of the act. Not only did the Lamb come forward, but when He came, He is shown to be worthy. The completed and definitive act of receiving the scroll – has taken – demonstrates that it occurred, and it is fully accomplished. Worthy is the Lamb! At this point, some scholars devolve into over-speculation of what is being presented – “How can a Lamb that doesn’t have hands take a scroll.” From this, all kinds of fanciful analyses are whipped up and presented as tasty treats for the reader to consider. Such things are wholly unnecessary. John is using apocalyptic terminology, but that terminology is used to reveal the many aspects of Christ Jesus. We are not to get bogged down in what is not said, but to mentally consider what is said. Christ is as a Lion. He is as a Lamb. He is the One on the throne. And so on. God is revealing Himself through His Christ, but the account is using apocalyptic symbolism to convey aspects of Him. A lamb, for example, speaks of innocence. A slain lamb speaks of sacrifice. The innocence and the sacrifice are what have made His coming forward and taking the scroll possible. Getting bogged down in unnecessary speculation is what will cause the reader to miss the overall point of what is being portrayed. Next, this innocent One who was sacrificed (but who is obviously alive), is said to take the scroll “out of the right hand.” As has been seen, the right hand is the position of power and authority. Again, as cited before, this looks back to Jesus’ own words at the end of the book of Matthew – “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 The scroll in the right hand has transferred from “Him who sat on the throne” to the Lamb who died and yet rose again. This is exactingly explained by Paul in Philippians 2 – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 God has returned this title deed to Himself through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He is the One on the throne, and He is the Lamb that was slain. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is on full view in this heavenly scene. We can see that what is presented in Revelation 5 is a similar expression to what was already presented to Israel in Daniel 7 – “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13, 14 Life application: The right to receive and to open the scroll has been given to the Lion of the tribe of Judah who is the King of kings, and the right has been given to the Lamb of God who fulfilled the law on behalf of fallen man and then paid the penalty for their sins at the Cross of Calvary. His blood was shed as a substitution for those who are willing to accept Him. The guilt is transferred, and the sins are removed; the righteousness is thus transferred from God to man. Jesus has won the victory and gained the right to the title deed and He has paid the price for those who call on Him. He offers mercy based on His paying this price, and He has provided the grace by exalting all who accept the call. The choice is made and now the scroll can be opened. When it is, the entire earth will be affected by the result. Get ready, big events are on the horizon. The Lion has prevailed, and the Lamb has been found worthy. He is great, and He is glorious. He is JESUS! All hail the great and exalted name of Jesus. He is the Lord God Almighty who rules the universe; He is the Lion of Judah who rules the earth; He is the Lamb of God who provides atonement for His people; and He is the One to open the scroll and let loose judgment upon an unrepentant world. He is Jesus – Hallelujah and Amen… He is Jesus!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 11, 2020 2:48:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:8, 10 November 2020 www.wonderful1.comTuesday, 10 November 2020 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Revelation 5:8 In the previous verse, the Lamb came forward and had taken the scroll out of the right hand of the One who sat on the throne. From there, John continues the scene. He says, “Now when He had taken the scroll.” The verb reverts to the aorist tense here and should say, “Now when He took the scroll.” This is the moment of victory. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed, and He did it in the form of an innocent, slain Lamb. Through death, the victory has been obtained and the right to the scroll has been obtained. With this, “the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.” The act signifies worship. Normally it would be a fully prostrate position. However, the next words would seem to preclude that. Either way, they fall down before the Lamb in “glory and honor and thanks” (verse 4:9). This then explains the meaning of the word “whenever” in 4:9. At such a marvelous moment, such as now with the Lamb taking the scroll, the words of that verse come to pass. The symbolism of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders falling down is that of 1) the gospel message (the four living creatures, thus signifying any who have received it) and 2) all of the heavenly government (symbolized by the twenty-four elders). In this, they acknowledge the Lamb for His glorious achievement. John next says of them (probably only meaning the twenty-four elders), “each having a harp.” The word is kithara. The word is found only in 1 Corinthians 14:7 and three times in Revelation. Vincent’s Word Studies explains it – “Κιθάρα harp signifies an instrument unlike our harp as ordinarily constructed. Rather a lute or guitar, to which latter word kithara is etymologically related. Anciently of a triangular shape, with seven strings, afterwards increased to eleven. Josephus says it had ten, and was played with a plectrum or small piece of ivory.” The word is the root of our modern word “guitar.” These are not the harps of David’s time, known as gittiyth and kinor. Nor are they the Greek style of lyres. Instead, these are more closely associated in sound and style with guitars. In the Bible, harps and similar instruments are seen in connection with service to God, prophesying, and so on. The harps here would be used in connection with the worship and praise of the Lamb. Next, John says, “and golden bowls full of incense.” The word is phialé. One can see the etymological root of the word vial in it, but the word vial as is used today does not convey the idea of what is being seen. Rather, it signifies a shallow, flat bowl. The incense in these vessels is then explained for us, saying, “which are the prayers of the saints.” Because the incense is explained here, there is no need to go beyond this to find any other meaning. However, the symbolism is also explained in this manner elsewhere – “LORD, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. 2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141:1, 2 Life application: Until now, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders have fallen down before the One on the throne – the eternally existent God and Creator of all things, who is Jesus. But now it says they “fell down before the Lamb.” Jesus is God united with human flesh. This will always be so. He will never cease to be other than the God/Man. As such, it is to Him that our attention, thoughts, allegiance, and worship are to be directed. This is the point of the symbolism we have been given. Jesus has prevailed! As a point of doctrine, the symbolism of the incense representing the “prayers of the saints,” it is important to understand that God only accepts the prayers of true believers. In the Old Testament, authorized incense was never to be mixed with any other. When it was, the people offering it died. This lesson is important for us – we are never to pray with non-believers in inter-faith prayer gatherings. By doing so, we are telling them that their prayers are as valid as ours. In this, we – by default – are condoning the false god they worship. Only one type of prayer is acceptable to God and that is prayer offered to, and through, Jesus Christ. The Lamb is worthy. He receives worship, He receives petition, and He receives prayers. He is the Prophet, Priest, and King. He is JESUS! How marvelous is Your plan, O God! You have never lost control! When we thought all was lost, Your plan was being carried out in the Person of Jesus Christ. The Lamb of God has prevailed and we are saved! Praises be to You for the marvelous workings of Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 12, 2020 3:19:00 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:9, 11 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comWednesday, 11 November 2020 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, Revelation 5:9 In Chapter 4, the living creatures and the twenty-four elders were seen to fall before the One on the throne, saying – “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11 That was a doxology of praise to the Lord for His creative efforts. Now, in Chapter 5, the living creatures and the twenty-four elders are seen to fall before the Lamb. In this, it says, “And they sang a new song, saying.” The verb is in the present tense – “they are singing.” The song of creation has been sung, but creation was marred by the sin of man. Paul referred to the fallen state of creation in Romans 8 – “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.” Romans 8:22, 23 Fallen things must be redeemed. Now, the heavenly scene shows that the Creator, Jesus Christ, has become the Redeemer. The song that the heavenly chorus sings is an ongoing song that begins with, “You are worthy to take the scroll.” The Lamb is worthy because He had done what no other creature in all of creation could do. He alone was able to approach the throne of God and to receive the scroll that none other could touch, or even look at. The Lamb prevailed and earned the right “to open its seals.” Not only could He take the scroll, but He has the power to break the seals and to effect the purposes of the holy God upon the world. None other could because no other was found worthy. But the Lamb could because, as the heavenly chorus testifies, “For You were slain.” As in verse 5:6, the word here signifies to butcher. In this case, it was in sacrifice. The Lamb became an offering before God. This doesn’t mean that there is nothing else worthy in the Lamb except the sacrifice, but that the sacrifice is the highlight and consummation of all other worthiness. In other words, the Lamb had to be pure and undefiled to be acceptable. The slaying of the Lamb highlighted that fact. Everything about Jesus Christ and His worthiness comes into focus at the cross of Calvary. It is the cross that revealed His infinite worth in all other areas. This is confirmed as the song continues with, “And have redeemed us.” The word translated as “redeemed” is agorazó. It signifies the act of buying in a marketplace, and thus to purchase. Christ has come into the “marketplace of the world,” and purchased His people back “to God.” In other words, it was through the slaying of the Lamb that the purchase was made, and that act was acceptable to bring fallen man back to His Creator. Thus, it was an act of redemption. And it was accomplished, as it says, “by Your blood.” Rather than “by,” the Greek reads “in.” Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, has redeemed man to God in His blood. The purchase was made through the slaying, but the price paid is His blood. It is reflective of the words of Peter – “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:17-19 It is the blood of Christ that has paid the price to redeem fallen man to God. The implication is that no other price is acceptable, and it confirms the words of Jesus of John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” If Satan possesses the right to fallen man, and the price paid to bring us back to God is the blood of Christ, then all either belong to the devil still, or they belong to God because of Christ. There are no other options available. The church, meaning the people of God, are brought near to Him through this transaction. Again, as Paul noted in Acts – “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28 It is the incarnation of God in the Person of Jesus Christ who has made this possible. And in His sacrifice, He has redeemed people, “Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” The word translated as tribe is phulé. It is the root of our modern words that begins with “phyl,” such as phylum, phylogeny, and so on. It signifies a tribe of people, such as race or lineage. It is used to refer to the twelve tribes of Israel, but here it extends to every tribe of people. The next word, translated as “tongue,” is glossa. It refers to any known languages. The third word, translated as “people,” is laos. Here, it signifies people in general, even a crowd. Finally, the fourth word, translated as “nation,” is ethnos. It refers to any race, people, or nation found throughout the world. The use of these four descriptors is to show the all-encompassing power of the blood of Christ to redeem, and the all-effectual nature of the redemption. No person or group of people who fall into some particular category is excluded, and all are included in the possible redemption. For those who come to God through Christ, they go from “potential redemption” to “actually redeemed.” It is to be noted again (as was noted in verse 4:11) that in the giving of the Ten Commandments, as is recorded in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 4, the reason for the giving of the Sabbath follows the pattern of the doxologies of Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 of Revelation – Creation and then Redemption. This can be seen when they are placed side by side – “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11 “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:13-15 One can see in this that the “rest” of God which was first referred to after the six days of creation is finally realized in God’s act of redemption through Jesus Christ. All who come to Christ “do enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:3). In other words, the Sabbath of God is not a day of the week, but a state of existence. Israel’s weekly Sabbath was given as a type, or shadow, of what is offered in Christ. Now that Christ has come, those who believe in Him enter the true rest of God. Thus, Paul reveals that we now exist in a state that the Sabbath, and the other Old Covenant types, only anticipated – “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16, 17 Life application: Worthy! The Lamb is worthy; the Lion has prevailed; the scroll will be opened after all. The Creator is now the Redeemer. Before, the call was made to all humanity – “Is there no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth who could open the scroll, or look at it?” Everything appeared to be lost, and all humanity was unworthy – dead in sins. But then came Christ Jesus! The slain Lamb stepped forward – the One who redeemed us to God by His own precious blood. God’s plan for the ages is fulfilled in the God/Man – Jesus Christ. And this plan isn’t for a certain group of people only. Jews are covered – yes, of course. They are the line from whom Jesus can trace His earthly lineage. But this isn’t just about the Jews… This is about “every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Do you dislike someone because he is Asian? Jesus has shed His blood to redeem him too. Do you feel somehow superior to the Mexicans who moved in down the road? Jesus’ life was given so that they too can have the offering of eternal life. Does the thought of sharing a table with an African upset you? Jesus has offered them a seat at the Feast which is coming – a heavenly banquet. When you were stationed in the Philippines, did the customs of the locals make you long for home to get away from such people? Jesus has sent them an invitation as well. If you are bearing some ill will towards a different ethnic group, culture, nation, or language, you need to re-evaluate your thinking. They are God’s image-bearers and equal with you in all ways. Acts 17:26 bears this out – “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” We all came from one man – Adam. We are all one group – human beings. And we are all given the same opportunity to call on the name of Jesus. God is no respecter of persons. The Lamb died for all. The Lamb prevailed for all. The Lamb is JESUS! Lord, it is true that we have held bitterness towards people of other cultures. Most of us have felt ill will towards them. In this, we have failed to look at the greater picture – that they are, in fact, a part of the same human family. We came from the same father, Adam, and each bears Your image too. Give us the sense, the will, and the heart to love those whom we have not loved in the past. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 13, 2020 2:48:42 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:10, 12 November 2020
www.wonderful1.comThursday, 12 November 2020 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:10 This verse continues and completes the doxology sang by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders concerning the triumph of the Lamb. In it, there are several significant differences between source texts. Placed side by side, they read – “And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” NKJV “You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Holman The latter text certainly fits what is being presented far better. The living creatures and elders are in heaven. Therefore, to say “we” makes no sense, unless they are taken as representing the people of God as a whole. If so, then “we” instead of “they” can be allowed. Further, the previous verse said, “Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Therefore, to say “they” instead of “we” again makes the most sense. Finally, instead of “kings and priests,” it reads “a kingdom and priests.” Again, as Christ is the King, and as His people are given the priestly duty of sharing the gospel, this makes by far the most sense. It is, therefore, from this perspective that this verse should probably be considered. And so, with that understood, they first sing forth, “You made them a kingdom and priests to our God.” It is reflective of the words of Revelation 1:6 – “and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--the glory and dominion are His forever and ever. Amen.” Holman As noted in the commentary of verse 1:6, that verse (and indeed countless other verses also), as well as this verse, are misused by hyperdispensationalists in their claim that there are two gospels – one to the Jews and one to the Gentiles. They claim that the kingdom belongs to the Jews, as do the priestly services. Such claims are false. The idea of being part of a kingdom permeates Paul’s writings, the term “kingdom” being applied to believers almost fifteen times. It would be rather stupid to have a kingdom without a King. Further, the idea of being priests is not limited to the Jewish people and a Jewish kingdom. Paul uses the term in the book of Romans, saying – “But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:15, 16 (NASB) Paul shows that preaching the gospel is a priestly duty in the New Covenant. He then says this to those at Corinth – “Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:13 Again, Paul directly equates preachers of the gospel to the priests who ministered in the temple under the Old Covenant, demonstrating that they were only types of what would come in the New Covenant. Thus, this is speaking of all in the church who are a part of the kingdom of Christ and who share the gospel as priest. This is in service to God. Understanding that, the doxology finishes with, “and they will reign on the earth.” The verb is in the future tense. However, Vincent’s Word Studies says, “Read βασιλεύουσιν they reign. Their reigning is not future, but present.” This makes complete sense. The kingdom of God that is being referred to is not an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual one. Even now this kingdom reigns. This does not, however, negate a literal kingdom in the millennium where Israel will be exalted above the nations. However, the spiritual kingdom spoken of in the epistles is referred to both in the sense of here and now, and also in the future. Paul speaks of it as “right now” in verses such as Romans 14:17. He refers to it as a future reality in verses such as 1 Corinthians 15:50. Life application: Care must be taken when evaluating differences in verses from various source texts. Without taking the whole counsel of God into consideration, false doctrines – such as hyperdispensationalism – are an inevitable result. Always be ready to consider variations with an open mind when they are supported by Scripture elsewhere. In the end, let us trust that the differences that do exist can be explained, and let us trust that the word we have is sufficient for all matters of doctrine and understanding the greater plan of redemption that is found in the pages of Scripture. What a wonderful Lord! What a wonderful Savior! You brought us out of the chains of sin and condemnation, and You have freed us to be Your servants. But even more, You have given us the right to serve You in Your kingdom – even now – if we will just step forward and participate. We stand up and praise You, O God. Thank You for the precious gift of Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 14, 2020 1:31:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:11, 13 November 2020 www.wonderful1.comFriday, 13 November 2020 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, Revelation 5:11 After the song of praise from the living creatures and the twenty-four elders, John’s attention is again redirected. As he says, “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders.” The Greek reads ēkousa phōnēn, “I heard a voice.” It is singular. One can imagine this immense heavenly host breaking out in a single united voice. Further, it is as if he didn’t even see these angels before. His attention was so captivated by the vision of the scroll, the Lamb, and so on, that the angels were completely out of his focus, but now, because of their voice, they come into clarity of vision. Once in focus, John was certainly awed at what he saw, describing the scene in a superlative way, saying, “and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand.” In this, the Greek reads, myriades myriadōn, or “myriads of myriads.” A myriad signifies ten thousand. So, a literal reading would be ten thousands of ten thousands. If counted exactly, it would be one hundred million. However, the term in the plural is simply given to express an immense, or even unlimited number. That this is a superlative, and not an exact number, is then seen in the addition of the next words, which say, “and thousands of thousands.” The Greek reads, chiliades chiliadōn, or “thousands of thousands.” The word chilias signifies one thousand. Saying “thousands of thousands” is again a way of expressing a superlative. By adding it to the previous number, the idea is that John is viewing an inexpressible multitude. It is a number he wouldn’t even attempt to exactingly count. Such a heavenly multitude is described elsewhere in Scripture, such as – “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, Even thousands of thousands; The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.” Psalm 68:17 In the end, the number of the heavenly host that is around the scene set before him is immense, and what their purpose in the divine vision is will next be seen. Life application: People write songs about the voices of angels, knowing that they must be the sweetest sound of all – like a heavenly concert. In this vision, there weren’t just a few. Rather, their number went on and on and on. The sight that John saw encompassed a number of angels that was simply impossible to count. Think on what is being relayed. Jesus, before His crucifixion, said, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” (Matthew 26:52-54). All of the power of the heavenly hosts was at Jesus’ disposal, and yet He willingly suffered for the sins of fallen man. If you wonder what you are worth to Jesus, it is reflected in this thought today. All of the power of heaven could have been brought to save Jesus from the cross, but He died for you. Jesus said something else on similar lines, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). In other words, all of the riches of the world are not worth one human soul. What we cannot always see clearly is brought into absolute clarity of focus at the cross of Jesus. And so, the angels’ voice is raised to proclaim the majesty they beheld. As this is so, shouldn’t we likewise proclaim the magnificence of our Lord! He is worth all of our praise, because He is JESUS! Lord, when I have doubts about my own worth, all I need to do is to reflect on the cross. What You did for fallen man includes each of us, unworthy as we are. We are so sorry for the sins of our lives, and we are sorry that they necessitated Your sacrifice. We will forever sing Your praises as we gather around Your glorious heavenly throne. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 15, 2020 1:41:20 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:12, 14 November 2020www.wonderful1.comSaturday, 14 November 2020 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12 What is recorded here is based on what was said in the previous verse – “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice...” With that context understood, the voice of the many angels is described now as megalē. It is variously translated as loud, mighty, great, and so on. Some translations also change the word “saying” to “singing,” to convey the idea that this doxology is actually sung out. Either way, their words are words of great exaltation and laud concerning the event that took place before them, beginning with, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” Like the previous doxology from the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, the focus is not merely on the Lamb, but that He was slain. What is implied is that the Lamb was worthy prior to having been slain, but that the slaying of the Lamb completes the idea of worthiness. In other words – The Lamb was born worthy; pure and undefiled, and qualified to complete a mission. The Lamb lived worthily without ever sinning. He remained qualified throughout His life. The Lamb died in sinless perfection. Thus, He was not only qualified to take the scroll, but He was now worthy of doing so as well. Death was a necessary part of the Lamb’s mission. Until death in a sinless state occurred, the argument by someone could be made that the Lamb could potentially sin. Thus, the scroll would need to be withheld from the Lamb based on this “what if” scenario. However, in His death of sinless perfection, the mission came to an end. There could never be a challenge to the right to take the scroll. In Christ’s death under the Law of Moses, the law was fulfilled. In fulfilling the law, it was annulled (Hebrews 7:18), made obsolete (Hebrews 8:13), and taken away (Hebrews 10:9). Paul gives the appropriate symbolism in Colossians 2 – “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13, 14 Nobody walked up to the cross of Christ and nailed a copy of the Law of Moses to it. Rather, the symbolism Paul is conveying is that Christ, the embodiment (and thus the fulfillment) of the law, died on the cross. As He embodies the law, and as He died, the law died (annulled, made obsolete, and taken away) with Him. In Christ, His people likewise die to the law. This is what is being conveyed in the doxology. It is the slaying of the Lamb that makes this possible. In His death, He who was qualified and capable of receiving the scroll also become worthy: “To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Power – (Note: there is an article in the Greek before “power.” It is “the power.”) As the Creator, He was entitled to all power and authority, but He set that aside to walk and dwell among us. However, after the resurrection, He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). With authority comes power. Jesus has complete and absolute power over the created order because of His having prevailed. Riches – This includes every tangible part of the creation. Not only does He have rule over the creation, but He is the owner of it. He is the Creator and He is the Redeemer. Everything belongs to Him alone. We are only His servants participating in the abundance of His wealth. Wisdom – In 1 Corinthians 1:24, Christ is called “the wisdom of God.” What God has done has been done through Jesus Christ. This includes the way creation occurred and how it continues to work and be sustained. Further, the way God has preordained the plan of redemption demonstrates the execution of His infinite intelligence. The depths of His wisdom are embodied in the Person of Jesus. Strength – The concept of strength belonging to God permeates the Bible, such as in the psalms – “To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises” (Psalm 59:17). Jesus Christ is worthy to receive this honor because it came from Him and is now returning to Him as the Victor. Honor – This includes reverence, respect, and worship. Because He prevailed, Jesus has the right to all of these now and forevermore. When we bow before God, when we proclaim the majesty of God, when we pray to God, we do these things through Jesus Christ. Glory – In God, there is no darkness. He is the infinite brightness of splendor and radiance. Jesus Christ is the One who reveals this to us. Towards the end of Revelation, it says, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light” (Revelation 21:23). Jesus Christ receives and directs the full glory of God. He is the very light that dispels the darkness. Blessing – There are two types of blessing that should be noted. The first is the blessing from a greater to a lesser, such as when a father blesses his son. The other blessing is the one spoken of here and can be equated with “praise.” Jesus is worthy of all blessing and praise. He created us, and therefore He is to be blessed. He redeemed us, and therefore He is to be blessed. He sustains us, and therefore He is to be blessed. Life application: The heavenly choir of angels – an innumerable number of them – joins with the living creatures and the elders to proclaim the infinite worth of the Lamb. This Lamb was slain, and He bears the marks of His death as a testament to the ages that He paid the price for the people of the world. They call out seven ways in which He is worthy. He is to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing. Yes! Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is Jesus! For all eternity, may the souls of God’s people bless the Lord! He is great, He is glorious, and He is worthy! He is JESUS! O Lord our God, You are infinitely worthy of power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! May we never fail to give You these through the Person of Jesus. He is the One who humbled Himself even to death so that we may have life. Through Him we ascribe to You the splendor and majesty that You are due! Amen. See Less
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 16, 2020 2:57:12 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:14, 15 November 2020www.wonderful1.comSunday, 15 November 2020 And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13 Two doxologies have come forth. The first was from the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders before the throne. The second was from the angelic host around the throne. Now, the direction is focused out to the very extent of the earth itself, saying, “And every creature.” The word is ktisma, and it signifies a created thing. Thus, it includes all of the product of the material creation, and anything that is created but immaterial. It is an all-encompassing thought that includes that “which is in heaven and on the earth.” There is an article before “heaven.” It is “the heaven,” and it signifies not merely the skies above man, but the heavenly area of God. Thus, the statement is all-inclusive of every created thing, without exception. This further includes all that is “under the earth.” This is certainly speaking of those departed dead who are in Sheol (Old Testament), the place of the dead (Hades in the New Testament). This is spoken of throughout the Old Testament, such as this account in Numbers 14 where “the pit” is referring to Sheol – “Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. 33 So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly. 34 Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, ‘Lest the earth swallow us up also!’” Numbers 14:31-34 In the New Testament, Paul refers to Hades in relation to the exact heavenly scene being seen in Revelation right now. He speaks of the victory over this pit – “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ 55 ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 The term “under the earth,” surely also includes the demonic spirits that are awaiting their own fate, such as are referred to in 2 Peter, using the term Tartarus (translated as “hell”) – “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment.” 2 Peter 2:4 Though it may seem contrary for a condemned demon to call out in praise, it would be the natural thing for it, or for any consigned to separation from God, to acknowledge their rightful judgment and condemnation. To see the glory of what God has done through Christ will demand that they so acknowledge God’s glory, and also Christ’s position sharing in that glory. John next continues with “and such as are in the sea.” The Greek reads “on the sea.” This then is an all-inclusive statement of every creature that is both at the top of the sea and that resides in the deep. Every single creature is a part of this heavenly chorus, and their praise is in accord with the words of Paul in Romans 8 – “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” Romans 8:20-22 The creation itself, including every creature, is delivered by the work of Christ. The heavenly scene is given here in anticipation of that glorious day when all will be returned to a state of incorruptible perfection. Because of this, John says, “and all that are in them, I heard saying.” All of creation sees the marvel of the work of God in Christ and responds. The jubilant words call out, “Blessing and honor and glory and power.” There is an article before each word in the Greek – “The blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the power.” In the previous verse, it said the Lamb, who was slain, is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. In this verse, what He was worthy of receiving is acknowledged as received. But it is not a general sense of receiving blessing, honor, glory, and power. Rather, the articles before each word clearly indicate that He has received the substance of what the words mean. Any blessing, honor, glory, and power essentially belongs “to Him who sits on the throne.” This is speaking of God in Christ, from whom all things find their source. He is the Creator and the Sustainer of all creation. Further, these honorifics (the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the power) belong “to the Lamb.” Not only does God in Christ possess them, but Christ in His humanity as the Redeemer of man likewise possesses them. It is reflective of the words of Paul to the Colossians – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:15-20 God in Christ created, and He redeemed. To Him belong the very definition of what these honorifics mean. And this is not something that will ever change. Instead, it is, and it will be “forever and ever!” The Greek reads eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn, “or to the ages of the ages.” It is a way of saying “time without limit,” or as we say in English, “forever and ever.” Such is the nature of the magnificence of what God has done. There shall never be a time that He is not praised and that He does not possess the right to that praise for what He has done in Christ. Life application: Take time today to read Psalm 148 and think on all the worth that God is due. It is we who turned from Him, and it is we who disrupted the very fabric of creation through our rebellion. And yet, He took it upon Himself to restore what was marred, and He did it through accepting the punishment of our wrongdoing in Himself. Surely, He is worthy. He is great. He is magnified in power and in glory. He is JESUS! Oh Lord Jesus, may You be praised and held in the highest honor among Your people! You are the King of glory and are worthy of every blessing and honor that can be given. All things come from You and to You are all things. Glory to God in the highest! Glory to the Lamb of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 17, 2020 2:16:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 5:14, 16 November 2020 Monday, 16 November 2020
Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. Revelation 5:14
The words of this verse take us back to the previous chapter –
“Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne.” Revelation 5:9, 10
Here it notes that “the four living creatures said ‘Amen.’” It is a note of confirmation concerning the doxologies of glory and honor just called out in the previous verses. With that noted, it then says, “And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.”
This is fitting because it is these living creatures and the twenty-four elders who began this cycle of praise in verse 5:8 in reaction to the Lamb taking the scroll. First came their song, then that of the many angels, and then that of every creature. Now, the cycle completes, beginning with the response of the four living creatures.
The response by the twenty-four elders to that action is exactly as noted occurs at the various times when such glory and honor is given by these four living creatures. Though not stated, it can be assumed that this is also one of the times that they also cast their crowns before the throne. The Lamb has proven His infinite worth through the shedding of His blood, and the response is to acknowledge His preeminence in all things.
Life application: The heavenly scene has come full circle from where it started in chapter 4. The attention was focused to the One on the throne who lives forever and ever, and then to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, and then to the Lamb who was slain. And now, after demonstrating that He is the qualified Redeemer who descended from David, and yet was David’s Source, the attention is redirected to Him as He sits on His rightful throne and to Him who is the Lamb. As these praises are proclaimed to both equally, the imagery is that of the God/Man.
The term “Him who lives forever and ever” is used seven times in Revelation and it shows us the eternality of the Lord. Here in the last verse of Chapter 5, it is repeated to remind us that everything we have experienced in this heavenly scene is given to show us the magnificence of Jesus. He is our Creator. He is the One who directed history toward the people of Israel and then to the tribe of Judah. From the tribe of Judah, redemptive history came more clearly into focus in the great king, David. And from David, the genealogy continued (as is recorded Matthew 1 and Luke 3) to the Christ – our Lord Jesus.
The gospels then tell us of His work, His death, and His resurrection. The establishment of His church is recorded in Acts and then the importance of His work is explained in the epistles. Here, in the book of Revelation, we have the ongoing unveiling of Him in His entire majestic splendor – showing us in apocalyptic form marvelous views of who He is. And now our attention is refocused on the throne from which He came – eternity itself.
Jesus stepped off of this throne and united with human flesh to do His amazing work and then He returned to it – there in heaven to “sit at the right hand of God” with “angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him” (1 Peter 3:22). He is our all in all. He is our Source of life and our eternal hope of life forevermore. He is JESUS!
Lord God Almighty! It all makes sense when we stand back and look at what is presented from a historical perspective. Yes, it all comes into focus! Through Jesus Christ, all things are from You, belong to You, have been accomplished by You, and they return to You. You are the entire focus of it all. May our eyes never be directed away from the splendor of Your glory! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 17, 2020 21:41:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 6:1, 17 November 2020 www.wonderful1.comTuesday, 17 November 2020 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” Revelation 6:1 Chapter 5 ended with the great praises of the heavenly host, worshiping the Lamb. Chapter 6 now begins with the Lamb exercising His right to open the scroll. In this, John says, “Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals.” What John is actually seeing here is debated. Is it a depiction drawn on the scroll itself so that each time a seal is broken, that is what is seen? Is it a written depiction on the scroll that can be read after the seal is broken? Is the seal broken and then a visual image appears? The text does not say and being dogmatic over this is therefore pointless. But because verse 5:1 says that the scroll was “written inside and on the back,” a logical assumption might be that John is able to read what is written there. The point is that when the seal is broken, John understands the imagery and conveys it to us. When we read Revelation, our minds see what he has conveyed. From there, we then interpret (rightly or wrongly) what the imagery signifies. Even the heavenly scene itself is apocalyptic in nature and merely represents spiritual truths intended to convey to us things that have or will actually occur. Understanding this, with the opening of the first seal, John next says, “and I heard one of the four living creatures saying.” This is one of the creatures first described in verse 4:6. Again, it is speculation to guess which creature is being referred to, but if it follows the order outlined in verse 4:7, then it would be the lion. As the next three identify which beast is speaking, this makes that thought much more likely. Further, it seems to be the case because John next says, “saying with a voice like thunder.” Here, it uses the word phóné, or sound. It can be a voice, a language, or a noise. Being described like thunder would be characteristic of a lion, and only in this one verse does it say this. The next three do not give this graphic statement. From there, John relays what is said, it is “Come and see.” Some manuscripts simply say “Come.” If so, rather than asking John to come and see, it would be a call for the rider on the horse of the coming verse to come forth. This actually seems to make more sense because in the opening of the fourth and fifth seal there is no call to “Come and see.” But if John had to come forward to see the first four writings on the scroll, he would also need to come forward to see the others as well. Further, John is asked to come in verses 17:1 & 21:9. But the word there, deuro, is completely different than the one used here. In this verse, it is the word erchomai, “to come,” but meaning “to go.” In other words, it signifies moving from one place to another. In this, the call to “Come” is calling forth the entity mentioned in the next verse in order to go out. We can imagine a soldier in his barracks being called by his commander, “I need you to come. The battle has been joined.” In this, the soldier comes out and goes. This appears to be the intent of what is being conveyed in the coming verses. The beasts are calling forth the executors of judgment in succession, instructing them to go and accomplish their tasks. As the four creatures reflect one of the four aspects of Christ displayed in the gospels, this meaning of “Come” (to go out) seems all the more likely. Life application: From this point on, even until chapter 19 (with some interesting inserts along the way), the main context of the text will be a viewing of the seven years of tribulation which will come upon the whole world. This is the “seventieth week” of Daniel’s seventy weeks, just as was revealed to him in Daniel 9:24-27. This is the correct view – that the events are yet future and are centered on the people and nation of Israel. As Daniel was told – “Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city,” Daniel 9:24 Daniel was a Jew and Jerusalem is Daniel’s holy city. No other interpretation is acceptable as an evaluation of what is to be depicted. The lesser imagery can be debated over, but the overall theme of what is presented is the fulfillment of this final seven-year period. The fact that this is future is perfectly evident from a proper study of those four verses in Daniel as they are revealed in human history and as is confirmed throughout the rest of the Bible. The Lord Jesus was born, lived as, died as, and was resurrected a Jew. He ascended from the Mount of Olives and promised to return at some future point – and His return will be to that same spot, literally and physically – “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.” Zechariah 14:4 When He returns, it will be to His people – Israel. Only a poor interpretation of the Bible, and faulty presuppositions, will arrive at any other conclusion. From the opening of the seven seals, and through the trumpet judgments and bowl judgments, there is an immense amount of disagreement as to the timing and meaning of what is occurring. Because these things are future, it would be inappropriate to be overly dogmatic about much of the interpretation. A careful evaluation of what will be presented is needed, but there are many things that cannot be known for certain. Like all of prophecy, it is only fully understood when it is accomplished within the stream of time. What is past is certain and what is clear is certain. That which is veiled will be fully understood only when it happens. Of the events now beginning to be portrayed, John’s eyes will behold, and his pen will write out the details of what is coming. The world is being warned in advance. God has graciously offered us to see these future events. When they arrive, no one will be able to say that what happens isn’t what was prophesied, and none will be able to say they were not warned. The events will be clear enough that those left behind after the rapture will have choices to make. Lord Jesus, open our eyes and our hearts to appreciate the prophecies given in Your word. As we peer into things written there, but which are yet to be fulfilled, help us to understand them properly. May our study of Your word help us to more fully appreciate that You are in complete control of the future and that nothing coming upon the world happens apart from Your will. We thank You for Your perfect plan of the ages. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 19, 2020 2:16:49 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 6:2, 18 November 2020 www.wonderful1.comWednesday, 18 November 2020 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Revelation 6:2 Verse 6:1 saw the opening of the first seals and the voice like thunder calling out. The response to that leads to John’s words, saying, “And I looked.” This signifies a new part of the vision. His attention is directed away from the living creature and to what has been called forth by it. With that accomplished, he says, “and behold, a white horse.” Here we have to separate emblems to consider. The horse in Hebrew is the word sus. It also means a swallow (the bird) and swiftness. One can see the similarity between the two as a horse darts and leaps around swiftly like a swallow in the air does. The horse is used at various times to signify battle or war. Two of the many such examples are – “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31 & “He devours the distance with fierceness and rage; Nor does he come to a halt because the trumpet has sounded. 25 At the blast of the trumpet he says, ‘Aha!’ He smells the battle from afar, The thunder of captains and shouting.” Job 39:24, 25 Psalm 147:10 shows that a secondary aspect of the horse is that of strength. Taken together, one sees that this is a symbol of strength in battle. The color white signifies purity, innocence, righteousness, and the like. That has already been seen in verses 3:4 & 5, and elsewhere. It was also the color of royalty at John’s time. The commanding officer would ride a white horse. That continued throughout history. With this understood, John next says, “He who sat on it had a bow.” The bow is an implement used in hunting, in battle, and so on. As it is held by one on a horse, it is here reflective of an instrument of war. At times, commentaries make a to-do about there being no arrow mentioned. The reason for this is to justify their position that this rider is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who has a bow but no arrow. This is an argument from silence. First, a bowman implies a man who will use a bow. Further, a bowman without an arrow would be a rather dull person. Going into a battle with a gun and no bullets makes as much sense as a tennis puck. Secondly, time and again in Scripture, the bow is mentioned without noting arrows with it, such as – “I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you, also the two kings of the Amorites, but not with your sword or with your bow.” Joshua 24:12 Having a bow implies having arrows. The bow stands as representative of the weapon, just as having a machine gun implies having the capability to fire bullets. John next says, “and a crown was given to him.” The stephanos, or “crown,” is a symbol of royalty, honor, and victory. Christ wore such a crown of thorns in His crucifixion. He the victorious King. The gospels mention the crowns of rejoicing, righteousness, life, and glory. Each is a symbol of honor. The twenty-four elders of Revelation have such crowns of royal heavenly governance. Thus, such symbolism is seen here as well – royalty, honor, and victory. Of this rider, John next says, “and he went out conquering and to conquer.” Of this, Albert Barnes says, “John saw in him two things: one, that he had the aspect or port of a conqueror - that is, of one who had been accustomed to conquest, and who was confident that he could conquer; the [o]ther was, that this was clearly the design for which he went forth, and this would be the result of his going forth.” This is correct. The horseman is summoned forth to wage war, to do so under the guise of purity and royal authority, and who anticipates victory. To understand the symbolism further, the vision of Zechariah and four horses should be reviewed. That ancient symbolism is being brought forth again in Revelation. In Zechariah 1, four variously colored horses were sent throughout the earth as it rested quietly. These were followed by four horns (symbols of power and strength) that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. They were followed by four craftsmen. Of these, it said – “These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head; but the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.” Zechariah 1:20 The four horses are jointly sent on a mission, just as the four horses of Revelation are sent. They have a unified purpose. Understanding this, the symbolism of this rider on the white horse is identified by scholars in various ways – he is Jesus, he is the church, he is the antichrist, he signifies the Roman empire of ages past, and so on. As this rider is united with the other three coming horses, it is not Jesus. Jesus will return on a white horse after the tribulation period. It is not the church; they are already taken out at the rapture. He is not the Roman empire of ages past. However, he is associated with Rome, in that he is the coming antichrist. In Daniel 9:27, it says of the coming antichrist – “Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” This coming person is described further in Daniel and elsewhere. He will be a man of war, but he will also supposedly bring peace as a great ruler. Being antichrist, he will be the hope and expectation of what the world anticipates of the Prince of Peace, but He is actually the one to lead them away from any peace at all. To read an almost astonishingly detailed analysis of all of the aspects of the symbolism of this verse, one can refer to the commentary on it by Albert Barnes at this link - www.studylight.org/commenta.../bnb/revelation-6.html. He does a great job with the symbolism, and he gives countless references to support his analysis. However, his final conclusion is incorrect. He identifies it as the old Roman empire. The problem with this is that it fails to take into consideration the idea of dispensations. The tribulation period, now being described in Revelation, occurs after the church age, not during it. His conclusion is correct to a point (that Rome is involved), but he could not foresee Rome being revived as a power. He thus inserted the past, not the future, into his analysis. Despite this, the analysis is excellent. This rider on the white horse is not Jesus, but the false Christ who will come prior to the return of Jesus. The breaking of the first seal is not to bring peace to the earth, but judgment on the earth. This rider is going forth to make war. Along with him, three other terrifying riders will come forth as well. Life application: This rider has been given authority to do his work during the time of the tribulation period. Eight more times in the coming chapters, the term “was given” is used to indicate an allowance of evil power, so the argument cannot be made that this is Jesus from that term. The term “anti” when applied to the antichrist means “instead of.” And this is certainly what is expected during the tribulation period based on the figure mentioned in Daniel 9:26 – “the prince that shall come.” This prince is anticipated to come in the final seven-year period mentioned in Daniel’s vision, and that seven-year period is still future; it is the tribulation period of Revelation. The figure in this verse then is this coming antichrist – going out conquering and to conquer. To avoid being here when he arrives on the scene, be sure to call out for Jesus now. In believing in His gospel, you will be saved. When the rapture occurs, you will be taken from the world before this terrible time comes. The timeline is set by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 – 1. Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you: not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, 2. as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. [warning] Let no one deceive you by any means; 2a for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition The “falling away” and the “man of sin” being revealed is being stated based on “the day of Christ,” not “our gathering together to Him.” In other words, the rapture will occur. Only then will the antichrist be revealed who will sign the seven-year peace deal with Israel. During that seven years, he will fulfill the symbolism of this rider on the white horse. We are not to look for the antichrist. Rather we are to have our eyes fixed on JESUS. Lord, the best part about reading Your word is to know that we know we are already safe in You. The antichrist who is coming has no authority over us because we are Yours! Hallelujah and amen to this! Lord, we pray for our family and friends who still don’t know you. Please move in their lives now to desire calling on You and to believe in Your gospel message, so that they will be spared from this time of trial to come. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Nov 20, 2020 1:28:49 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 6:3, 19 November 2020 www.wonderful1.comThursday, 19 November 2020 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” Revelation 6:3 The focus goes now from the white horse and its rider to the scroll saying, “When He opened the second seal.” The breaking of the seals allows for judgment upon an unrepentant world, and so that is what can be anticipated again with the breaking of this seal. Understanding this, John says, “I heard the second living creature.” This would be the one resembling a calf (verse 4:7). He speaks forth, “Come and see.” Like the previous seal, manuscripts vary here. Rather than, “Come and see,” as if a command to John, other manuscripts simply say, “Come.” This would be a calling forth of the entity held by the seal. If this is correct, and it appears to be the more likely translation, it is a call for the entity to come forth, and thus to go out, like with the first seal. Life application: The living creatures around the throne are named in the same order as the gospels, and they are calling out in the same order as the gospels. What is revealed in the four gospel accounts is the Person and work of Jesus Christ. For those who accepted the message before this time of tribulation, pardon of sins has been granted, and eternal life has been given. They were taken at the rapture, escaping the things to come. But now, those same gospels that were rejected by the remaining people on earth, testify against them. The living creatures are calling out the destroyers, one by one, who will bring judgment on the earth to those who are left behind to endure the tribulation. There is an order to all things, and God displays His divine order in the Bible. It is consistent and it is verifiable. Because of this, His judgments also follow His divine order. We need to carefully handle the gift He has given us in the pages of the Bible. They demonstrate the great wisdom of our Creator and they show His plan for us. Let us take heed to the words given. Thank You Heavenly Father for the great book You have revealed to us – the Holy Bible. It is one of comfort, of wisdom, of joy, and of blessing, if we handle it properly. Help us to do so, and also give us the wisdom to study it and love it all the days You have set before us. Amen.
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