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Thread: REVELATION (Part 2)

  1. #121
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:10-11 Then he instructed me, "Do not seal up the prophetic words you have written, for the time is near.

    (11) Let the one who is doing wrong continue to do wrong; the one who is vile, continue to be vile; the one who is good, continue to do good; and the one who is holy, continue in holiness." [NLT]



    The angel instructed John not to seal (conceal, close-up, hinder access to) the prophetic words, he had seen, heard, and written. For the time written about was near. [Rev. 22:10] Review post # 119 for the discussion on time in God's view vs the view of mankind.

    The time frame of "near" or "soon" is relating to the Church Age; many Biblical scholars consider this time frame to cover from Pentacost to the Rapture of the Church. The Church Age is also said to be positioned between the 69th and 70th week of Daniel. It is that period of time that God is building His Church, from people of every nation, tribe, and tongue.

    This period of time has been going on for more than 2000 years. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. [2 Peter 3:8, 9-16; Psalm 90:4 NIV] Many have constructed time lines that are basic to advanced, attempting to conceptualize a time line. The most common time frames include the Age of the Gentiles, Messiah being cut off (69th week of Daniel), the Church Age, The 7 Year Period of Tribulation, The 1000 Year Milennium, and Eternity.

    Constructing a so called time frame, is complicated by the various theological view points, calendars used, etc. of those developing the models. Jesus warned those looking for the time of his return to watch and be prepared, as no one knew the day and hour of his return, or the end of the age. [Matthew 24:36, 25:13]

    Revelation is the only book of the Bible that promises a blessing to those who read, hear, and keep the words written therein. [see Rev. 1:3, 22:7] It is apparent from these verses of Scripture that God wants this prophetic word unsealed, revealed, seen, heard, understood, and kept. Interpretaton aids are included throughout the book; and God even sent an angel to help John to understand.

    God does not force anyone to follow him, worship him, or believe in him. He gives each person total free will in the matter. The angel sent from God told John to let those who were doing wrong, or were vile, to continue as they were doing. Also that those who were good or holy were to continue as they were doing. [Revelation 22:11]

    When the Lord adressed the Church of Laodicea, he rebuked them only, because they were neither hot or cold. They were lukewarm, causing the Lord to spue them out (spit them out) of his mouth. [Revelation 3:14-22]

    They were/are/will be, a comfortable church, a church that blends with the world, a church of consensus, a politically correct church, a religious church, and a church that denies the power of God. The Lord wants us hot or cold; sinner or saint; christian, jew, muslim, gentile, pagan, atheist, agnostic.

    Jesus, during his earthly ministry, was accused by the religious, luke warm leaders, of being "a glutton, a drunkard, and friend of the worst kinds of sinners." Jesus stated, "They that are healthy do not need a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." [Luke 7:34, 5:31-32 NLT, KJV]

  2. #122
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)



    Quote Originally Posted by burgyeb View Post
    Jesus, during his earthly ministry, was accused by the religious, luke warm leaders, of being "a glutton, a drunkard, and friend of the worst kinds of sinners." Jesus stated, "They that are healthy do not need a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." [Luke 7:34, 5:31-32 NLT, KJV]

    Wanted to make a few additional comments on this statement by Jesus. Luke 15 further reveals that tax collectors and sinners were actually attracted to Jesus.

    "Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." [Luke 15:1-2 NIV] Jesus did not condone sin, but he welcomed the sinner. Compassion and love caused Jesus to reach out to sinners. (John 3:16-17) He understood the end product of sin; that sin conceived brings forth death. (James 15:13-15)

    Jesus had no sin (2 Cor 5:21) and he was empowered to minister in the midst of sinners. Jesus responded to the muttering and criticism of the religious leaders by telling three stories (parables). The story about the lost sheep. Jesus said if someone had 100 sheep, but lost one; he would leave the 99, and look for the lost sheep. Once he finds his lost sheep, he would call his friends to rejoice with him. Jesus said that in the same way, there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over 99 who are righteous. [Luke 15:3-7]

    The story about the lost coin. Jesus told a story of a woman who had 10 silver coins, but lost one. She would search her house diligently until she found her silver coin. Once she finds the coin she would call her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her. In the same way there will be rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. [Luke 15:8-10]

    The story about the lost son. Jesus told a story of a rich man who had 2 sons. The younger son requested his portion of the inheritance. He left home, and squandered his inheritance on wild living. After ending up in poverty, he accepted a job feeding pigs, and ate portions of the pig's food. Finally his sense came back to him, and he decided to return to his father's household. His father received him with open arms, and called all to celebrate his son's return. The older son was furious, because although he remained with his father, no celebration had been made for him. Jesus stated that the father said, 'But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' [Luke 15:11-32 NIV]

    "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." [John 3:16-17 NIV]

  3. #123
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:12-13 "See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay all according to their deeds.

    (13) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
    [NLT]



    Jesus is speaking directly here, for the second time in Revelation 22, that he is coming soon. God's time frame for soon was addressed in post #121 above (Revelation 22:10, 12) The nature of the reward spoken of, appears to be dependent upon the deeds or work rendered by the recipient. Repayment, for what is owed or deserved, based on one's deeds. It appears that judgement will be based upon deeds done, works; upon what has been done by the recipient (all). The final judgement, the Great White Throne Judgement, describes a process of judgement that is based on deeds or works. (see Rev. 21:11-15; Rev. 22:12)

    Jesus self identifies his very essence, who he is. He stated, "I am the Alpha and the Omega". In essence he is stating, he is the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and everything in between. (Rev. 1:8,11; Rev. 22:13 NLT, KJV) "........the First and the Last....." Jesus identfied himself to the 7 Churches of the Province of Asia in Revelation chapters 1-3, utilizing this title. (Rev.1:11,17; 2:8 NLT, KJV) ".....the Beginning and the End.....(Rev. 1:8; Rev. 22:13 NLT, KJV)

    "I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One." (Rev. 1:8 NLT, KJV)

  4. #124
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." [NIV]



    Blessed, is a state of being that is more than being happy. Happiness is an emotion, that is rooted in circumstances. When things are going well, we feel happy. If you or a loved one receives a financial windfall, gets a promotion or award, recovers from an illness, wins an election; these events or circumstances would tend to make one feel happy.

    To be blessed, is a state of ultimate and unconditional well-being. It is characterized by spiritual joy, that is rooted in relationship to Jesus Christ, his salvation, and one's share in the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed, is the first concept (state of being) listed for each of the Beatitudes, of the Sermon on the Mount (Jesus' Inaugural Address). [see Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23]

    Those who are said to be blessed, are those who have washed their robes. [Rev 22:14] "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." [Revelation 7:14] Following Jesus' direct message to the 7 Churches of the Roman Province of Asia [Revelation 1-3]; Jesus (the Lamb of God) was presented with a scroll with 7 seals, that only he could open. [Revelation 5]

    The Lamb of God, who was slain, and with his blood purchased men for God (Rev. 5:9-10); opened the first 6 seals of the scroll [Rev. 6] Afterwards, 144 thousand from the 12 Tribes of Israel were sealed in their foreheads. [Rev. 7:1-8]

    Then the scene shifted, "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes......." [Rev. 7:11-12] "Then one of the elders asked me, 'These in white robes--who are they, and where did they come from?" [Rev. 7:13] "And he said, 'These are they who have come out of great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.' " [Rev. 7:14]

    They are blessed because they have a right to access the the tree of life; and to go through the gates of the city, the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. [Revelation 22:14] "........And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." [Revelation 7:14]


  5. #125
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:15 "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolators and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." [NIV]




    This verse of scripture in Revelation is in stark contrast to the verse just above (vs 14). Those who were blessed, were given access to the tree of life, and were allowed into the city through the gate. This verse starts with the term or concept "outside". To be outside, is to be not included, not connected, not belonging to; in this case the Kingdom of Heaven, the family of God.

    The use of the term "dog" in the Scriptures is used to describe ceremonially/spiritually unclean persons or Gentiles. A classic portion of scripture demonstrating the true meaning of dog, is found in Matthew 15:21-28. Here, a Caananite Woman approached Jesus, asking Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus replied, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel"..........."It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." [Matt. 15:24-26] Jesus had called this woman a dog (a Gentile); that could have caused a fight from some. However, this woman was persistant, and her attitude was right. She stated, "Yes Lord.......but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." [Matt. 15:27] Jesus probably smiled and shook his head. Jesus stated, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. [Matt. 15:28]

    A marvelous account is found in Acts 10--11, where God sends the Apostle Peter to a Gentile named Cornelius, and makes a way for Gentiles to be granted repentance unto life. This priviledge was granted following the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the promised gift of the Holy Spirit being granted in Act 2.

    The specific vices (works, actions) mentioned in Revelation 22:15 are among the things that would hinder a person's access to God. Sin is sin to God; there are no little sins or big sins. The wages of sin is death. Various scriptures describe similar sins that would separate a person from God. See following scriptures below:

    Romans 1:29-32 wickedness, evil, greed, depravity, envy, murder,strife, deceit, malice, gossipers, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, boastful, invent ways of doing evil, disobedient to parents, senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

    Romans 13:13 engage in orgies and drunkeness, sexual immorality and debauchery, dis-sension and jealousy.

    1 Corinthians 5:9-13 [Addressing those who call themselves "a brother" (Christian)] - sexually immoral, greedy, idolator, slanderer, drunkard, swindler.

    1 Corinthians 6:9-10
    2 Corinthians 12:20-21
    Galatians 5:19-21
    Ephesians 4:31
    Ephesians 5:3-7

    Colossians 3 - Guidelines for holy living and Christian households

    1 Timothy 1:8-10 On the purpose of the Law

    2 Timothy 3:1-9 Godlessness in the Last Days - lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, --- having a form of godliness but denying its power..........

    Revelation 21:8 .....the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolators and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.


    The above referenced scriptures describe the state of those who are outside of God's will and His Family. The scriptures clearly reveal God's purpose for mankind. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." [John 3:16-17]

  6. #126
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." [NIV]



    Jesus is speaking to John, telling him that he sent his angel to him, to give him this testimony for the churches. John was in essence to testify or act as a witness to the things he had heard and seen. John was to share his eye witness account with the seven Churches of the Roman Province of Asia, as well as the Universal Church. John was to testify of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. [Rev. 1:1-2]

    Jesus identifies himself here as "the Root". (Rev. 22:16) A root is the part of a plant or tree, that positions them firmly in place.The root draws and holds water and nourishment to sustain the plant or tree. Jesus had also indicated that he was the vine, and his followers were the branches. As long as his followers remain connected to him, they will bear much fruit. Just as the root sustains the plant or tree, with life producing water and nourishment, the vine sustains the branches. (see John 15:1-8)

    Jesus said, "I am the Offspring of David". (Rev. 22:16) The genealogy or lineage of Jesus was linked to David. "A record of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: ......... (Matthew 1:1-17) Luke started Jesus's genealogy from Joseph husband of the Virgin Mary. "He was the son, so it was thought , of Joseph..........the son of David, the son of Jesse........the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham.........the son of Seth.........the son of Adam........the son of God. (Luke 3:23-38)

    The Prophet Isaiah spoke of a Branch from the stump or root of Jesse, would arise and bear fruit in the last days. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand. Many Bible scholars consider Isaiah's prophesy to be describing the Messianic Age of Jesus Christ. (see Isaiah 11)

    Jesus also said that he is
    "the bright Morning Star". (Rev. 22:16) Prophets of old spoke of a coming star. Balaam son of Beor, proclaimed in his fourth oracle concerning Israel......"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." (Numbers 24:17) Some Biblical scholars consider this passage of scripture to have been initially fulfilled in King David; but its ultimate fulfillment will be in Jesus Christ the Messiah.

    The Prophet Isaiah described a scene that many believe was the fall of Satan. "How have you fallen from heaven, O morning star........you have been cast down to the earth........You said in your heart......'I will make myself like the Most High'......But you have been brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit." (Isaiah 14:12-15) The morning star, in this verse is translated Lucifer, the light bearer. He wants to be like the Most High, but he is not the Most High. Jesus Christ is the true Morning Star. (Revelation 22:16)

  7. #127
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. [NIV]

    Jesus had told John in verse 16, that he had sent his angel to him, to give the churches this testimony. (Revelation 22:16) It is noteworthy that "the churches" have not been mentioned in Revelation specifically since the end of chapter 3. Some say that the rapture of the Church occurred in Revelation 4:1. "After this.......was a door standing open in heaven.........and the voice......like a trumpet said, "Come up here...." Also, some hold the position that Revelation 7:9-17 is describing the raptured Church. "The great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language; who had come out of great tribulation." (Rev. 7:9) These view points are considered to be pre-tribulation or mid-tribulation.

    So, "......for the churches........"is considered by some to be those from the seven churches or The Universal Church, who will remain after the rapture or catching away of the Church. This would then be the apostate church who is left behind, during the great tribulation. This period of time is to occur sometime during the last 3.5 years of the 7 year tribulation.

    In Revelation 22:17 the Holy Spirit and the bride (the redeemed Church), are seen here extending an invitation to any and all," to come". To whoever who hears; to whoever is hungering and thirsting after righteousness, "to come". To whoever will, "to take of the free gift of the water of life". The free gift, that the Holy Spirit and the bride were encouraging all to accept and receive, was eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman, of the living water that came from him, that leads to eternal life. (see John 4:7-14)

  8. #128
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:18-19 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.

    (19) And if anyone removes any of the words of this prophetic book, God will remove that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. [NLT]


    The Book of Revelation begins with a special blessing and concludes with a specific warning. We are told that....."Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophesy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3 KJV) The New Living Translation (NLT) translates......"God blesses the one who reads this prophesy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen." (Rev. 1:3 NLT)

    This warning here is specifically related to the testimony of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:1-2, 22:18-19 NLT, KJV) Similar warnings can be found throughout the Scriptures, in reference to God's Word and the Law. Moses repeatedly urged Israel to obey the laws and regulations of God. Moses warned......."Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the LORD your God. Just obey them." (Deuteronomy 4:2 NLT)

    The revelation that God gives is sufficient. That revelation (revealed message) is not to be deliberately altered to fit one's belief system or comfort level. There is a difference between being unsure of the meaning of portions of Scripture, and deliberately altering the meaning to agree with one's opinion. The Apostle Paul explained,....."that now or at the present time, we know and prophesy in part.........we see things imperfectly.......our knowledge of God and his word are partial and incomplete......until we see God face to face....then we will know, as we are known." (I Corinthians 13:9-12)

    Even though no one understands fully the ways of God or his Word; it is apparent that God wants us to read, hear, and obey his revealed will. He has provided his Word, the Holy Spirit, and angelic beings to increase understanding of his will, and past, present, and future events. God knows the heart of each person. He is just and good; he would never condemn a person for not being able to fully understand his Word or ways. He is fully aware of our limitations and frailties. However, we are encouraged in the Word of God to......"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)

  9. #129
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    REVELATION 22
    (Continued)


    Revelation 22:20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! [NLT]




    The faithful witness in this verse is Jesus Christ. "This is a revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him concerning the events that will happen soon. An angel was sent to God's servant John so that John could share the revelation with God's other servants. John faithfully reported the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ---everything he saw." [Revelation 1:1-2 NLT]

    So Jesus Christ is the faithful witness and the Apostle John is the faithful servant of God. John reflects the faithfulness of Jesus, whom he loves and follows. The faithful witness, Jesus Christ said......."Yes, I am coming soon!" This is the third time in Revelation 22, that Jesus said that he is coming soon. [Revelation 22:7, 12, 20] Review posts # 121 and # 123 for God's view of time and the time frame of "soon". Three is a holy number; this promise of Jesus is sure. Jesus Christ is faithful, trustworthy, and true.

    The Apostle John said "Amen!" (so be it or even so). John may have said this, as the Day of the Lord or the Day of the Lord's coming, is described as a day of darkness, disaster, and judgement. [Amos 5:18-20; Zech. 12:3-9; Malachi 4:1-3; Matthew 24, 25:31-46] John in essence was saying, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" [Revelation 22:20 KJV]

  10. #130
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    Default Re: REVELATION (Part 2)

    Ava, it looks like you are almost finished with the book of Revelation and I have enjoyed it very much. You have done a lot of research and may God bless you greatly for it. I pray that many others have and will be blessed too. Thanks and Blessings in 2013.
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    God Bless and have a great day!!!!

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