Revelation 1
Day 1: Background
Written by John, one of the sons of Zebedee, and a disciple of Jesus,
Revelation gives us one of the most awesome pictures of Christ as the final
Victor and Conqueror. Written during the end of the reign of the Emperor
Domitian in about AD 95, the church was being persecuted and feeling the
heat of tribulation. The message of hope and victory must have been an
encouragement to the churches in those days. Revelation promises that we
will be blessed if we read, hear and keep the words of this prophecy so it is
well worth our time to study it.
Read Revelation 1-3 today to get an overall feel for this section.
Day 2: Overview
As you read chapter 1, mark the following words:
Jesus Christ (and all pronouns or references)
God
Spirit (seven spirits)
write
see (seen, saw)
churches
After reading chapter one, answer the following questions.
Who is the book of Revelation about?
__________________________________________________________________
According to verse 1, why was the book given to us? What is it going to tell
us about?
__________________________________________________________________
Who wrote the book of Revelation?
__________________________________________________________________
How was the message delivered to him? Note the progression laid out in
verses 1-2.
__________________________________________________________________
What benefits are associated with hearing and studying Revelation? Note
the verse that mentions them and who will benefit.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
According to verse 3, what type of writing is the book of Revelation?
__________________________________________________________________
Next John reminds us of what Jesus has done for us. He loves us! He proved
it when he freed us from our sins by shedding his own blood. We are free!
Sin has no power over us because the of the victory that Jesus has won for us.
Jesus also gave us the awesome privilege to be a kingdom of priests to God.
In the Old Testament, the priests were the only one who could come in
before God. They would speak and make sacrifices on behalf of the people.
The ordinary people were excluded from this type of relationship. But when
Jesus died, he tore the veil and opened the way for those who come to him in
faith, to have open access to him as priests.
Look up Revelation 5:10 and 20:6. What wonderful privilege will also be
ours because we now hold the title of priests?
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation really is a book telling us how to worship. We will look at several
places in the book where people are one their faces worshipping the King of
Kings. Because of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, John says that
glory and dominion should be his forever and ever!
Glory is where Gods attributes and works are made very apparent for all to
see so that the result is people honor, worship and praise him. Dominion is
the power to rule or control. None other has the authority or the ability to
rule like Jesus. John says Jesus glory and dominion will be forever. Amen!
May it be so!
Compare verse 7 with Daniel 7:13-14. Write down everything you learn
about when Jesus comes in the clouds from these verses.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
This is the picture that we will see of Jesus in the book of Revelation. He is
portrayed as the exalted and glorified Christ. What a wonderful day it will be
when Jesus is revealed and recognized as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
8
Again verses 5-7 tie back in to verse 4. This is the Savior who has extended
grace and peace to us! He deserves our complete worship and adoration
forever!
10
John saw one like the son of man. Daniel used this term in the visions he
saw as well (Daniel 7:13). And Jesus referred to himself in this way in the
gospels.
There is no way that John can describe a glorified vision of Jesus so he uses
imagery.
How was he dressed?
__________________________________________________________________
The robe he was wearing could signify his position as Judge or High Priest.
Isaiah 11 is a prophecy about Jesus. What does Isaiah 11:5 say that his belt
represents?
__________________________________________________________________
In verse 14, what significance do you think is the emphasis on his white
hair? Compare Daniel 7:9.
__________________________________________________________________
In Daniel, God is described as the Ancient of Days. His white hair perhaps is
a reference to the dignity and respect he should receive.
How are his eyes described? The same description is also used in Revelation
2:18 and 19:12.
__________________________________________________________________
Perhaps this refers to inescapable scrutiny. None can hide from his gaze or
escape his examination.
What description is given regarding his feet?
__________________________________________________________________
Jesus voice is described like the roar of many waters. Read Psalm 29:3-9.
What attributes would you ascribe to His voice after reading these verses?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
11
12
13
The fact that Jesus has the keys to Death and Hades shows that he has control
and authority over them.
Read Revelation 20:1-3 and note what will happen because Jesus holds the
keys.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
John has just seen a vision of the glorified Christ. He has seen the Righteous
Judge of all the earth that sees all and knows all. His voice is powerful and
His Word has authority. He has defeated death and now lives forever and He
is standing in the midst of the persecuted churches. John is overcome and
falls down on his face in worship.
Every time in the Bible where people see a vision of the Lord it is because
God has a something He wants them to do. The disciples were to be his
witnesses, and Ezekiel and Isaiah were told to go speak to rebellious Israel.
After seeing Christ in all his glory, all of them obeyed!
What was John told to do?
__________________________________________________________________
Again, verse 19 is a key verse in the book of Revelation and gives us a helpful
breakdown of the book.
Chapter 1 talks about the things you (John) have seen
Chapters 2-3 talk about those that are
Chapters 4-22 will talk about those that are to take place after this.
John understood what he was seeing, but certain aspects of the vision might
have been confusing to him, so Jesus clarifies what he saw.
In verse 20, what do the seven stars in Jesus right hand represent?
__________________________________________________________________
What do the seven golden lampstands represent?
__________________________________________________________________
14
After reading chapter 1, what description of Jesus has been the most
encouraging to you? Why?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What do you think is the theme of chapter 1?
__________________________________________________________________
15
Revelation 2
Day 6: EPHESUS: Revelation 2:1-7
Now we come to the second section of the book of Revelation - things that
are. John is told to write to the seven churches in Asia Minor. The map
below shows their location and they are numbered in the order they are
listed in Revelation. Also, this could possibly have been the order and the
route the carrier of the book took when he delivered Johns message to them.
They are relatively close in proximity to one another (not much more than 50
to 60 miles apart), but each church had their own victories and struggles. The
island of Patmos is just off the coast from the church of Ephesus.
The church of Ephesus was founded by Paul about 45-50 years before this
was written. Paul wrote his letter to them in about AD 60 and the book of
Revelation was written somewhere around AD 95.
16
17
18
So there is no middle ground. We cannot love God and the world at the
same time. They are mutually exclusive. So because the church at Ephesus
had lost its love for God, I think it is safe to say they were loving the world
now instead. They looked good on the outside, but God saw their heart and
knew their works were not motivated by love for Him.
How it grieves God when we turn away from him and choose the world
instead. Here we see Jesus calling the church of Ephesus back to himself.
What instructions does he give the church in verse 5?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The remedy for their loveless state was to remember and repent! Jesus tells
them to remember from where they have fallen. The command to remember
is a verb of continuous repeated action. They were to keep remembering
how they used to love the Lord and had fallen away from him. Then they
were to repent (change their mind about their sin).
When they repented and changed their mind about their sin, what would
follow according to verse 5?
__________________________________________________________________
What works were they doing at first that they were not doing now?
__________________________________________________________________
God is not fooled by our good works. He sees our heart. We may impress
people by the things we do or say, but when not fueled by our love for the
Lord, it is meaningless. Jesus is graciously extending open arms to this
adulterous church. If they will repent and come back to Him, He is eager to
receive them.
What is the warning given to Ephesus if they do not repent?
__________________________________________________________________
Since Revelation 1:20 told us that the lampstands represent the churches,
Jesus is warning that if the church does not repent, he will remove the church.
This does not mean they will lose their salvation. They will still be his church
19
but they will no longer have the opportunity to shine for Him since they have
abandoned their love for him.
In verse 7, write the admonition that is repeated to all seven churches.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jesus is begging this church to listen to Him! Revelation 1:3 promises
blessing to those who hear and put into practice the words in this book.
What promise is given to the overcomer?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The overcomer or conqueror would be the one who had an ear to obey what
Jesus said. Our actions always spring from our faith, so if we are obeying
Christ it is because we are believing His Word. Those who dont overcome
are those who dont believe and therefore their actions reflect that.
According to Genesis 3:22, what will the result be for those who eat of the
tree of life?
__________________________________________________________________
Read 1 John 5:4-5. What makes someone an overcomer?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What do you think is the main point that Jesus wants this church to know?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Go to the page 49-51 and fill in the chart for the church of Ephesus. When
you finish your study of the seven churches, it will be a helpful reference for
you to compare the churches side by side.
What about you? Do your works look good on the outside but inwardly they
are not motivated by Gods love? Examine your heart before the Lord. Look
back at your life a few years ago. Are you more in love with Jesus now than
20
you were then? If so, praise God and keep following hard after Him. If not,
the remedy is as simple as to remember and repent. Jesus is waiting for us
with open arms!
Fill in the information for this church on the chart on p. 53-55.
21
22
23
As followers of Jesus, we are promised to have tribulation in this life and Jesus
himself told us that we will be hated by the world because it hated Him. But
we have nothing to fear! Death has been defeated and even if at some point
we are called to die for our faith, we have the promise of eternal life and
wont be hurt by the second death. Ask God to give you courage so that
whatever happens, you will always be faithful to stand for your Savior.
What do you think is the main point that Jesus wants this church to know?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Fill in the information for this church on the chart on p. 53-55.
25
When we are covered in the the blood of the Lamb, his Word gives us power
over the enemy. How important it is for us to read, understand and believe
the Word of God. It is our only offensive weapon.
What is this church commended for?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does it mean to hold fast to Jesus name? A name represents a
persons character. Look up the following verses and note what we learn
about Jesus name.
Psalm 124:8
__________________________________________________________________
Proverbs 18:10
__________________________________________________________________
Isaiah 9:6
__________________________________________________________________
Matthew 1:23
__________________________________________________________________
How would remembering these things about Jesus help us to hold fast in
difficult times?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
This church was also commended for not denying the faith. Faith is simply
being fully convinced of what God has said even though we cant see it.
Suffering can easily cloud our view of God and in times of hardship, we can
begin to question what we once believed.
In verse 13, who is given as an example of not denying the faith? What did
he do?
__________________________________________________________________
27
This church was living out what they believed even though some of them had
been killed for it. That truly is commendable.
But what does he have against them?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The fact that they held to the teaching of Balaam shows that it was a
continual thing. They continued to give audience to this false teaching.
In Numbers 23-24 we read the story of Balaam. Balak was the king of Moab
who became fearful when the people of Israel were camped near his area.
Everyone had heard stories of what God had done for Israel at the Red Sea
and he was afraid that any encounter he had with Israel would not end well
for him and his people. So he hired Balaam to curse Israel. But God spoke
to Balaam and told him not to curse Israel. So instead, much to Balaks
alarm, the prophet he had hired, pronounced blessings on Israel. When
Balak confronted Balaam about it, he said, Did I not tell you, All that the
Lord says I must do? (Numbers 23:26). But Balaam was corrupted by his
desire for gain.
Read Numbers 25:1-9. Balaam is not mentioned in these verse, but in a
moment, we will see how he had a hand in what happened here. Note what
takes place in these verses.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Now read Numbers 31:16. What does it say about Balaam and the incident
at Peor?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Read 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11. What else do we learn about Balaam from
these verses?
__________________________________________________________________
28
What does it say about the one who is still drinking milk?
__________________________________________________________________
What determines if someone is mature from these verses?
__________________________________________________________________
Someone who is mature is able to distinguish good from evil. The only way
we can do this is by comparing things to Gods Word. If we are unskilled in
Gods Word, we will be easily led astray into false teaching like those in
Pergamum were.
The most important thing you can do as a Christian is to become skilled in
using your sword, the Word of God. Read it, memorize it, pray it, study it
and put it into practice! The more familiar we become with the Word, the
stronger our faith will be and we will not easily be led astray by error. Stay in
the Word!
What is the promise to the one who conquers?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In Exodus 16, we read the account of the children of Israel receiving manna
in the wilderness. The first time they saw it, they said, What is it?
Read John 6:31-35; 47-51. Based on what these verses tell us that manna
represents, what is the church of Pergamum being promised from these
verses?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
There are several ideas about what the white stone represents. Sometimes
stones were used like an entrance ticket to special social events. Also, jurors
used black stones to vote for a persons guilt while white ones were used to
vote for innocence. Whatever the meaning, it seems the point is that those
who have white stones will be accepted and welcomed by Jesus. The fact
that those who have white stones have a new name speaks of a change of
identity. Our new name will identify us with Jesus.
30
What do you think is the main point that Jesus wants this church to know?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Again, John closes with the repeated admonition to hear what the Spirit says
to the seven churches. God is speaking. We would do well to listen closely.
Fill in the information for this church on the chart on p. 53-55.
31
32
Because of the severity of her sin, what did God say would happen to her?
Read 1 Kings 21:23. Read the fulfillment of this in 2 Kings 9:29-37.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Compare the Jezebel in the Old Testament with the Jezebel mentioned in
Thyatira. What things was the Jezebel mentioned here in Revelation doing?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
False teaching always leads to immorality and idolatry and that is exactly
what was taking place in this church. It seems like her teaching was
pervasive and many were following after her.
Read the following verses and note the dangers and the consequences of
immorality.
Hebrews 13:4
__________________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 6:18
__________________________________________________________________
Proverbs 6:27-35
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Proverbs 7:21-24
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What should this church have done with this woman? See 1 Corinthians
5:1-13
__________________________________________________________________
Sin in the church cannot be tolerated. It has to be cleansed. This church was
tolerating Jezebel and her teaching and they were being led into sin.
33
They also would be given the morning star. Read Revelation 22:16 to see
what this refers to.
__________________________________________________________________
Not only are the overcomers given the authority to reign, they get to enjoy
Jesus himself. The church in Pergamum was given manna which also
represents Jesus. Of all the promises given to the overcomers , Jesus is our
greatest reward!
What do you think is the main point that Jesus wants this church to know?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Fill in the information about this church on the chart on p. 53-55.
35
Revelation 3
Day 10: SARDIS: Revelation 3:1-6
Read chapter three today.
As you read, mark the following words and phrases:
to the angel of the church in _______ write
any references to Jesus
Spirit/seven spirits
conquers
hold fast
repent
throne
How is Jesus described in verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
Do you remember what the seven stars represents? If not, see Revelation
1:20.
__________________________________________________________________
Lets look at everything we find about the seven spirits. Look up the
following verses and note what they tell us. When we have compiled all of
our information, well try to discern what it is saying.
Revelation 1:4
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 4:5
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 5:6
__________________________________________________________________
Now Read Zechariah 4:1-14. Dont worry about understanding everything
in this passage. We are just looking for clues and trying to compare
Scripture with Scripture. What does verse 6 say is the meaning of
36
37
38
And they were to repent. The call to repent is repeated often in the messages
to these churches. They were to change their mind about what they believed.
Basically, this was a call for some in the church to get saved. They had a
reputation for being alive, but God could see the heart and knew that they
were spiritually dead.
What is the warning given to them if they do not wake up?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Compare this with Matthew 24:36-51 and Mark 13:32-37. What will
happen to the servant who is not ready for his masters return?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does Revelation 16:15 say? This is a very similar warning as the one
given to the church at Sardis.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does Jesus commend this church for in verse 4?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
There were only a few in this church who were saved and were worthy to
walk with Jesus.
What does Jesus say will be given to the one who conquers?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
White garments refer to righteousness. Those in white garments have had
their sins forgiven and they are clean.
The book of life is only mentioned in Revelation and once in Philippians 4:3,
but there are a few references in the Old Testament to peoples names being
39
blotted out of Gods book. Look up the following verses and note who is
blotted out of the book.
Exodus 32:31-33 (This took place after the Israelites worshipped the golden
calf).
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Psalm 69:22-28
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In both of these instances it appears Gods book is a register of those who are
living. Those who sin will be blotted out of this book, in other words, they
die. In Exodus 32:26-28, 3,000 men were killed by the Levites for
worshipping the golden calf. And in Psalm 69, David asks God that his
enemies be blotted out of the book of the living.
In Revelation we see another book called the book of life or the Lambs book
of life. Look up the references below and then answer the questions.
Read Revelation 13:5-8 and 17:7-8. What do people do in these verses who
do not have their names written in the book of life?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
For those who do have their names in this book, when are their names
recorded in it? Read Revelation 13:8 and 17:8.
__________________________________________________________________
Now read Revelation 20:12-15. What happens to those whose names are
not in the book of life?
__________________________________________________________________
Who will be allowed into the new Jerusalem? Read Revelation 21:22-27.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
40
So the book of life, is a book of the names of all those who have trusted
Christ as their Savior. Your name is written there before the foundation of the
world. If your name is not in the book, you go to the lake of fire, and if your
name is found in the book, you can enter the new Jerusalem, the holy city.
Unlike in the Old Testament, where people could die and have their names
blotted out of Gods book, in Revelation 3:5, God promises that their names
will never be blotted out of the book of life.
Jesus also promises that he will confess their name before the Father and his
angels.
Read Matthew 10:32-33 and Luke 12:8-9. What do these verses say?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Based on salvation being by faith alone, do you think those who deny Christ
before men are believers or unbelievers?
__________________________________________________________________
Those who are overcomers are also confessers! Because of all that Jesus has
won for us, making us overcomers, the natural result should be that we
become confessers and tell others about Him.
What do you think is the main point Jesus wants to communicate to the
church at Sardis?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Fill in the information for the church of Sardis on the chart on p. 53-55
41
42
Jeremiah 23:5-6
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Luke 1:30-33
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Read Isaiah 22:22. Revelation 3:7 is almost a direct quote from this verse.
Based on what you have learned about Jesus key and his authority, what do
you think the open door refers to in Philadelphia (v. 8)?
__________________________________________________________________
Before David died, God promised him that he would have a descendent who
would rule and reign forever. (1 Chronicles 17:11-14). Jesus is the only one
who fits this description. He holds the keys to the kingdom and has authority
over who is allowed to come in.
The church in Philadelphia was a bit weak; they had but little power. But
what does Jesus commend them for in verses 8 and 10?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Two times it is mentioned that this church has kept Jesus word. They are
commended for their faithfulness.
In verse 9, what group are they facing some opposition from?
__________________________________________________________________
The Jews felt like they were Gods special people because of his covenant
promises to Israel. They considered the Gentiles beneath them. They thought
simply because they were Jews they had favor with God. Here in Revelation
it says these people were lying when they called themselves Jews.
43
Who does God consider to be a true Jew? See Romans 4:16 and Romans
9:8
__________________________________________________________________
What does Jesus say he will cause these people to do?
__________________________________________________________________
We are not told when this will happen, but at some point those who are
persecuting them will be humbled and Jesus will make them come and bow
down before their feet. The Jews felt like they alone were blessed by Gods
special favor, but they would come to understand that Jesus loves this church
too.
Because of their faithfulness, what does Jesus promise them in verse 10?
__________________________________________________________________
Who does it say will be affected by this hour of trial?
__________________________________________________________________
This will be an hour of trial that will be unlike any other seen before because
it is coming on the whole world. The purpose of this hour is to try (test)
those who dwell on the earth.
Look up the following verses from Revelation and note what you learn about
those who dwell on the earth during this hour of trial.
Revelation 11:6-10
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 13:5-8, 14
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 17:8
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
44
So these are unbelievers. They rejoice in the death of the two witnesses, they
are deceived by the beast and the false prophet and their names are not
written in the book of life. God promises this church that they will not go
through any of these events. They will be spared from this hour of trial.
What encouragement does Jesus give this church in verse 11?
__________________________________________________________________
Oh how important it is for us to remember these words today! The time is
short and Jesus is coming soon! We must work hard and redeem the time
because we do not know the hour that he will return. It is also encouraging
to remember that he is coming again and will soon right every wrong. This
life is not all there is! The hope of his return encourages us to press on and
remain faithful.
What instruction and gentle warning does he give the church at
Philadelphia?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What has this church been holding fast to?
__________________________________________________________________
They were to hold fast to Jesus who has the key to the kingdom. He has
given them an open door to his kingdom and they are to continue to hold fast
to His Word and not deny His name.
This is the third time Jesus has encouraged a church to hold fast. In 2:13,
Pergamum was told to hold fast because they were living where Satans
throne was. In 2:25, Thyatira is told to hold fast in the midst of false teaching
and immorality. Now Philadelphia is told to fast so they dont lose their
crown.
Crowns are given as rewards. There are 4 crowns noted in the New
Testament:
crown of boasting (1 Thess. 2:19)
crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)
45
46
47
48
49
Jesus uses another example they would be familiar with - eye salve something that was produced in Laodicea. These people needed their vision
restored so they could see Jesus for who he really is.
Read 2 Peter 1:5-9. What do these verses say a believer can be blind to?
__________________________________________________________________
What causes this blindness?
__________________________________________________________________
1 John 2:10-11. According to these verses, what else can cause a believer to
be blinded?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does Jesus say about how he feels about this church?
__________________________________________________________________
What is the proof that he loves them? See also Hebrews 12:5-7.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What is Jesus instruction in verse 19?
__________________________________________________________________
Instead of being lukewarm, they were to be zealous. To be zealous means to
be deeply committed to something, with the implication of accompanying
desireto be earnest, to set ones heart on, to be completely intent upon.
But this could only happen if they repented (changed their mind) about their
lukewarmness and saw their condition for how it really was.
Verse 20 is often used as a salvation verse, but based on the context, this is an
invitation to fellowship. Jesus is standing at the door and knocking. He is
taking the initiative. He wants our company! Often we are too busy to hear
him knocking and he will not force his way in without us opening the door.
If we open the door, what does Jesus promise?
__________________________________________________________________
50
Eating together in the New Testament was a sign of fellowship. Jesus was
condemned by the Pharisees for eating with tax collectors and sinners.
Jews would not eat with Gentiles. To eat together showed friendship and
communion. Perhaps that is why we remember the Lords death through
communion by eating and drinking.
No matter how far away from the Lord we are, it is only one step back. All
we have to do is open the door! Jesus is reminding the church at Laodicea
that he is just outside the door waiting. All they have to do is invite him in!
I think it is very significant that the remedy for their apathy and lukewarmness
is fellowship with Jesus. He doesnt tell them to get their act together and
start doing good works. He invites them to simply fellowship with him and
get to know him. All good works flow out of our time spent with Jesus.
What promise is given to the overcomer in verse 21?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Only conquerers are allowed to sit on a throne. The comparison is that just
as Jesus conquered and is now seated with his Father on the throne, so those
who overcome will also be given authority to sit on a throne.
Look up the following verses to learn more about this wonderful privilege.
Read Matthew 19:27-28. Who will sit and rule in these verses? Who will
they judge?
__________________________________________________________________
Read Matthew 25:31-32. This will take place after the Second Coming.
Who will sit on the throne here? Who will he rule over?
__________________________________________________________________
Read Revelation 5:10 and 20:6. Where will we reign and for how long?
__________________________________________________________________
51
52
Reproof
Ephesus
Smyrna
Pergamum
53
Reproof
Thyatira
Sardis
54
Warning &
Promise to
Instructions Overcomer
Reproof
Philadelphia
Laodicea
55
Warning &
Promise to
Instructions Overcomer
56
57
From this list, I think it is obvious why Paul tells us in Romans 8:37 that we
are more than conquerers.
Read Revelation 21:1-7. List everything the one who conquers will be given
in these verses.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In verse 7, it says the one who conquers will have the heritage of being Gods
son. The overcomers are welcomed into the Kings family and have all the
rights and privileges that come with being a child of the King.
The word conquer is used 17 times in the book of Revelation. It is a book of
victory and hope. The end has been written and we win because Jesus has
already won the victory for us!
Revelation 17:14 says They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will
conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him
are called and chosen and faithful.
Rejoice, dear one, in all that Jesus has won for you!
58
Day 14
Over the next two days, we are just going to read the rest of the book of
Revelation, the section that talks about things to come.
Today read Revelation 4-11.
Below record your initial thoughts about what happens in each chapter. You
don't have to explain what they mean. For example, you dont have to
explain who the dragon or beast are, just note what they do.
4
__________________________________________________________________
5
__________________________________________________________________
6
__________________________________________________________________
7
__________________________________________________________________
8
__________________________________________________________________
9
__________________________________________________________________
10
__________________________________________________________________
11
__________________________________________________________________
Note any questions that come to mind as you read so we can be sure and
answer them during our study.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
59
Day 15
Today read Revelation 12-22. Again record briefly what each chapter is
about.
12
__________________________________________________________________
13
__________________________________________________________________
14
__________________________________________________________________
15
__________________________________________________________________
16
__________________________________________________________________
17
__________________________________________________________________
18
__________________________________________________________________
19
__________________________________________________________________
20
__________________________________________________________________
21
__________________________________________________________________
22
__________________________________________________________________
Note any questions that come to mind as you read so we can be sure and
answer them during our study.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
60
Revelation 4
Day 16: Revelation 4:1-6a
Read chapter 4 again today.
Mark the following words as you read today:
after this
throne
heaven
in the Spirit/seven spirits
God
In chapters 1-3, John saw a vision of Jesus standing in the midst of seven
golden lampstands, the seven churches. He was told what to write to each
church.
According to verse 1, what is the next thing that John sees?
__________________________________________________________________
What does he hear?
__________________________________________________________________
This is the same voice he heard in chapter 1, verse 10. What does the voice
say?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
And so we begin the third section of Revelation, the things to come.
What does it say about John in verse 2?
__________________________________________________________________
What does this tell you about the reliability of his testimony?
__________________________________________________________________
61
62
What is coming from the throne according to verse 5? What does John hear
and see?
__________________________________________________________________
He hears thunder and sees flashes of lightning. It speaks of Gods power. It
reminded me of the description in Exodus when God came to the people on
Mount Sinai during the giving of the law.
Read Exodus 19:16 and compare it with what John saw here. What was the
peoples response in Exodus?
__________________________________________________________________
Who is also before the throne in verse 5?
__________________________________________________________________
As we have seen earlier in chapters 1-2, the seven spirits probably refer to the
Holy Spirit. His presence is noted here at the throne.
Put yourself in Johns place. How would you feel upon seeing a vision of
God like this?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
John sees an awesome vision of God himself. Since it is impossible to truly
describe God in words, John uses terms that we an understand to help us
envision His majesty. We get the picture of brightness when John describes a
sea of glass, like crystal. He describes Gods appearance like the beauty and
brilliance of precious gems like jasper, carnelian and emeralds. It must have
been a sight to behold. There was also thunder and lightning coming from
the throne. The One on the throne commanded attention and worship.
Tomorrow we will look at what takes place before this throne.
63
64
What do the twenty-four elders do when they see the four living creatures
worship God?
__________________________________________________________________
Since the four living creatures worship God night and day without stopping,
we know that the twenty-four elders do the same. God is so great and
awesome that it is only fitting that there should never be an end to his
receiving worship.
What do we learn about worship of God in Luke 19:37-40?
__________________________________________________________________
What do we learn about God in verse 10?
__________________________________________________________________
What do the twenty-four elders do with the crowns on their head?
__________________________________________________________________
Taking off a crown and laying it before another shows your submission before
one who is greater.
What do the twenty-four elders say in their worship to God?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Worthy means pertaining to having a relatively high degree of comparable
merit or worth. It literally means of equal weight. Because God is worthy,
the worship we give him should compare or equal to how great and
awesome he is.
God is worthy to receive glory, honor and power.
Glory - It comes from a root word meaning to make very apparent. So when
God receives glory we should make it very apparent how awesome and
wonderful he is.
65
66
Revelation 5
Day 18: Revelation 5:1-7
Read chapter 5 again today.
Mark the following words and phrases as you read today:
then I saw
throne
heaven
angel
worthy
seven spirits
God
every reference to Jesus (pronouns and different names used)
What does John see in verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What question is asked?
__________________________________________________________________
Who asks the question?
__________________________________________________________________
What is the answer to the question in verse 3?
__________________________________________________________________
What is Johns response?
__________________________________________________________________
What does one of the elders say to John?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
67
Jesus is described as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, meaning he comes from
Israel, from the tribe of Judah. Read Genesis 49:8-12. In these verses,
Jacob blesses his sons before he dies. What does he say about Judah? Are
these descriptions true of Jesus too?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jesus is described here and in Revelation 22:16 as the root of David. In the
Old Testament he is also referred to as the root of Jesse. Jesse was Davids
father.
What do these verses say about Jesus, the root of Jesse?
Isaiah 11:10
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Romans 15:12
__________________________________________________________________
According to verse 5, why is Jesus worthy to open the scroll?
__________________________________________________________________
Who has Jesus defeated? See Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 15:24.
__________________________________________________________________
Read the following verses and note what Jesus has done for us because he
has conquered.
Colossians 1:13
__________________________________________________________________
1 Thessalonians 1:10
__________________________________________________________________
68
69
70
defeat every other kingdom and then He will be recognized as King of Kings
and Lord of lords!
Jesus has also made us priests. In the Old Testament, the high priest was the
only one who could go into the Holy of holies and offer sacrifices for the sins
of the people. Now we all have equal access to the Father through Jesus. He
has torn the veil and now we can come before his throne boldly and with
confidence. We always have his ear and he will never turn us away!
In verse 11, who joins the living creatures and the elders in worshipping the
Lamb?
__________________________________________________________________
This must have been an awesome sight to see countless angels joining in
worship. Jesus is worthy of receiving everything we have to give and more.
People want power and they want the wealth this world has to offer. They
want to be recognized as wise and they want to be honored and praised. But
Jesus is the only one who alone is worthy of all these things.
We see a progression in worship in this chapter. In verse 13, who is
worshipping now?
__________________________________________________________________
Who are they worshipping?
__________________________________________________________________
Not only is God worthy of this type of praise and worship, but he is worthy of
it forever! He will never do anything that will disqualify himself from being
worshipped in this way.
Who was being worshipped in chapter 4?
_________________________________________________________________
Who is the focus of chapter 5? Who is being worshipped?
_________________________________________________________________
What is the theme of chapter 5?
__________________________________________________________________
71
72
Read Psalm 34:1. What does this verse say about worshipping God with our
words?
__________________________________________________________________
This should change how we speak! When you visit with friends, God should
be the focus of your conversation. If he is our very life and the focus of our
day, it should be natural that he should be the focus of our conversation as
well. Even in difficult times, his character and faithfulness should always be
on our lips. The reason we should talk like this is because He is worthy!
Read Psalm 145. This psalm pairs well with the worship we see taking place
in Revelation 4 and 5.
1. In verses 1-12, mark what our responsibility is and what we should do.
Note the verbs.
2. In the whole chapter, with another color, circle what we should praise
God for. Note what he has done and who he is.
3. Draw a box around the descriptions of who is praising the Lord in this
psalm.
4. In another color, mark every occurrence of how long God should be
praised.
1
If you are ever at a loss of how to praise God, come back and read this
psalm! It is full of descriptions of who God is and what he has done for us.
These are things we should be praising God for regardless of our
circumstances. Because he is worthy, he will be praised forever and ever!
Spend some time reflecting on all that God has done and who He is. Write
your thoughts to the Lord below.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
74
Revelation 6
Day 21: Revelation 6
Read Revelation 6 today.
As you read, mark the following words:
conquering, conquer
second seal, third seal, etc.
God
every reference to Jesus
earthquake
This section begins to unfold for us the events that occur during the period
known as the Tribulation.
When the Lamb opens the first seal, who speaks to John and what does he
say?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens when the first seal is opened? Note everything it says.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
We dont have any insight into who this is, other than it is one who comes to
conquer.
What happens when the second seal is opened?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What happens when the third seal is opened?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
75
Wheat and barley are measured here. A denarius was a days wage so it
appears the price of wheat and barley is very expensive. The fact that the oil
and wine are not to be harmed suggests that the wheat and barley are
somehow in short supply.
What happens when the fourth seal is opened?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
One fourth of the earths population is killed in four different ways!
What role do the four living creatures have in the opening of the first four
seals?
__________________________________________________________________
What does John see when the fifth seal is opened?
__________________________________________________________________
What do these souls cry out for?
__________________________________________________________________
What is Gods answer?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
These souls are clothed in white robes, which we have seen earlier,
represents the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:8).
What happens when the sixth seal is opened?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What do verses 16-17 tells us about this day?
__________________________________________________________________
76
People recognize these terrifying events as acts of God. Great and small alike
run for their lives, trying to hide from Gods wrath. These people say that the
day of Gods wrath has come. As terrifying as these events are, as we study
Revelation, we will see that the full cup of Gods wrath isn't poured out until
much later at the blowing of the seventh trumpet. This is just the beginning!
What is the theme of chapter 6?
__________________________________________________________________
Fill in the information for the seven seals on the chart on page 141.
77
Revelation 7
Day 22: Revelation 7:1-8
Read Revelation 7 today.
As you read, mark the following words:
after this
angels
throne
God (and pronouns)
Lamb (and pronouns)
Revelation 7 is an interlude between the opening of sixth and seventh seals.
What does John see in verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What else does he see in verse 2?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does this angel say to the four angels?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The 144,00 who are sealed will be protected when the earth, sea and trees
are harmed. The first four trumpets in chapter 8 are all plagues that affect the
earth, sea and the trees, but because they are sealed, these people are safe.
Who are these servants of God who are sealed?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
78
79
80
In chapter 6, we saw that 1/4 of the earths population was killed. Some of
those killed were saints and now we see them standing as a great multitude
before the throne of God in heaven.
What are these people doing now according to verse 15?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
So far we see two things that we will be doing in heaven - worshipping God
and serving him.
What does it say God will do for them in verses 15?
__________________________________________________________________
What will they be sheltered from in verse 16?
__________________________________________________________________
These were things they probably suffered during the Tribulation. Now that
they are in heaven, they will be sheltered by God himself and will never be
harmed again.
In verse 17, ironically, it says the Lamb will be their shepherd. What will
this shepherd do for them?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In Revelation 22:1-2, where is this living water located?
__________________________________________________________________
Living water symbolizes eternal life. In Jesus conversation with the woman
at the well in John 4, Jesus told the woman that he had water he could give
her that would quench her thirst forever. He described it as a spring of
water welling up to eternal life. (John 4:14). The woman was eager to have
this water so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.
No doubt it was a chore to draw water from a well and Jesus was describing a
spring of water welling up that she wouldnt even have to work for! That
sounded enticing. Jesus quenches our thirst and satisfies us with Himself,
81
and he is eternal life. In heaven we will have the joy of tasting and enjoying
this Living Water forever!
The Lamb, their shepherd will also wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Read Revelation 21:4 that describes why there will be no more tears.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What is the theme of chapter 7?
__________________________________________________________________
82
Revelation 8
Day 24
Read chapter 8 today.
Mark the following words as you read today:
heaven
angel
seventh seal
then I saw/looked
the first (second, etc.) angel blew his trumpet
Lamb
God
What happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal?
__________________________________________________________________
The seventh seal leads into the seven trumpets.
What does John see next in verse 2?
__________________________________________________________________
What does another angel do at the altar before the trumpets are blown?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does the incense stand for in verses 3-4?
__________________________________________________________________
What does the angel do with censer?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens as a result?
__________________________________________________________________
83
84
Revelation 9
Day 25: Revelation 9:1-12
Read chapter 9 today.
Mark the following words:
heaven
angel(s)
God
repent
the fifth/sixth angel blew his trumpet
In the book of Revelation sometimes stars are used as imagery and other
times they are literal stars. The context will help us determine the proper
meaning.
Who do you think the star falling to earth refers to? Read Luke 10:18 and
Revelation 12:9.
__________________________________________________________________
What key does he have?
__________________________________________________________________
The bottomless pit is translated elsewhere in Scripture as the abyss.
What comes out of the bottomless pit when it is opened?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
We are given some clues as to what these locusts are. The biggest clue we
have is found in verse 11? Who is the king over these locusts?
__________________________________________________________________
We are told he is an angel called Abaddon, meaning destruction in Hebrew,
or Apollyon, meaning destroyer in Greek. Since their king is an angel, it
gives us a clue that these locusts are also angels or demons.
85
Also read Luke 8:26-31. What do we learn about demons and the abyss that
might help us understand this section in Revelation?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
How long are these locusts or demons allowed to torment mankind?
__________________________________________________________________
Who are they not allowed to torment according to verse 4?
__________________________________________________________________
How is their torment described?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does verse 6 tell us about these five months of torment?
__________________________________________________________________
We are given a stark picture of five months of destruction and torment
inflicted upon people of the earth. It seems that it is demonic in nature and
so painful that people will want to die, but death will escape them. But this
is only the first woe, and two more are yet to come.
When the sixth angel blows his trumpet in verses 13-14, where is the voice
coming from and who is it speaking to?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________`
The four horns on the altar refer to the altar of incense in the temple
described in Exodus 30:1-6.
What does the voice say?
__________________________________________________________________
What was the job of these four angels?
__________________________________________________________________
86
When the four angels are released it seems they release mounted troops.
10,000 times 10,000 is 100,000,000. Twice that number would be
200,000,000. Thats two hundred million! Im not sure if this is a literal
number or if it is just making the point that there are many, many of them.
Read the description of these mounted troops. Do you think they are literal
horses or demonic beings like we saw earlier? Explain you answer.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
According to verse 18, how is a third of mankind killed by them?
__________________________________________________________________
What does it say about those who were not killed by these plagues?
__________________________________________________________________
Describe the peoples actions and lifestyle according to verses 20-21.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
We definitely see things intensifying with the last two trumpets. It appears
they are both demonic in nature. Despite the terrible torment and 1/3 of the
earths remaining population being killed, people still refuse to acknowledge
God and repent of their sin.
What is the theme of chapter 9?
__________________________________________________________________
87
Revelation 10
Day 26
Read chapter 10 today.
Mark every occurrence of the words:
then I saw
angel
heaven
God
Chapter 10 is another interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets.
What does John see next? Describe the angel from verse 1.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Where does the angel come from?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens in verses 2-3?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What instruction is John given in verse 4?
__________________________________________________________________
In verse 5, the mighty angel raises his right hand towards heaven and swears
by the Lord.
How is God described in verse 6?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
88
God is the Almighty Creator. He created heaven and all the angels in heaven
and everything here on earth. According to Revelation 4:11, that is why God
is worthy to be praised. Because he created it all, he alone has the right to
control the events we see taking place here in Revelation. He has all
authority and power because He created everything from nothing!
The might angel swears that that there would be no more delay. What does
he say will happen after the seventh trumpet?
__________________________________________________________________
In the Bible, a mystery is something that has previously been spoken about,
but not fully understood. What could this mystery be? What have the
prophets foretold but not fully understood? Hold on to that question and we
will come back to it after we look at all the events surrounding the seventh
trumpet.
What is John told to do in verse 8?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Read Ezekiel 3:1-3. What does eating the scroll symbolize?
__________________________________________________________________
Gods Word is often described as sweet. Psalm 19:10 describes Gods Word
as sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.
What happens to John after he eats the scroll and takes in Gods Word?
__________________________________________________________________
Perhaps it made his stomach bitter because he saw what was to come as God
poured his wrath out on sinful man.
What was John commanded to do after he had eaten the scroll?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What is the theme of chapter 10?
__________________________________________________________________
89
Revelation 11
Day 27: Revelation 11:1-14
Read chapter 11 today.
Mark the following words:
every reference to God or the Lord
nations
conquer
heaven
woe
the seventh angel blew his trumpet
every reference to Jesus
What is John given and told to do in verses 1-2?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
After reading this chapter, where is this temple located?
__________________________________________________________________
It is important to ask yourself where things occur in the book of Revelation
because the scenes jump between heaven and earth. The events described in
verses 1-14 take place in the city of Jerusalem (v. 2,8).
What does it say in verse 2 that the nations will do to Jerusalem?
__________________________________________________________________
In verses 2 and 3 we see the designations of forty-two months and 1,260
days. Both of these equal 3 1/2 years. Since the Tribulation is 7 years long,
this marks the midpoint of the Tribulation. We will see this will be a very
significant point in the book of Revelation.
What important people do we meet in verse 3?
__________________________________________________________________
90
There has been much speculation about who these two witnesses might be.
Some think they are Moses and Elijah, but their identities are never revealed
for us. More importantly, we will focus on what they do.
They are given authority by God to prophesy during the first 3 1/2 years of the
Tribulation. They are clothed in sackcloth which symbolizes mourning. They
mourn because the people on earth do not accept their message and are
rejecting God.
In verse 4, how are these two witnesses described?
__________________________________________________________________
Read Zechariah 4. Zechariah was given a vision of these two witnesses, but
didnt have the complete picture. The way the two witnesses are described in
Revelation ties back to Zechariahs vision in chapter 4. In Zechariah they are
referred to as the two anointed ones which literally means the two sons of
fresh oil. Olives produce oil which is used to light lamps. Perhaps their
testimony is to give light to Jerusalem. God is sending his witnesses up to the
very end, always giving people a chance to repent.
What are the two witnesses given power to do?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Verses 7 says when they have finished their testimony, (after 1,260 days or 3
and 1/2 years) what happens?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
We will look more at the beast in chapter 13.
How long will their dead bodies lie in the streets of Jerusalem?
__________________________________________________________________
91
92
93
94
Revelation 12
Day 29: Revelation 12:1-9
Read chapter 12 today.
Mark the following words as you read:
dragon, serpent, devil, Satan
heaven
God
angels
throne
conquered
Lamb, Jesus
The events described here could be what John saw at the blowing of the 7th
trumpet. They lead up to what happens before the third woe.
First John sees a great sign in heaven.
Read verses 1-6 and write down everything you learn about the woman.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Based on this description, who do you think the woman represents?
__________________________________________________________________
The woman probably refers to Israel. The crown of twelve stars on her head
could be the twelve tribes of Israel. The baby she gives birth to is Jesus as
Jesus came from the nation of Israel. He will one day rule with a rod of iron
(Revelation 19:15).
95
96
It seems strange to think of Satan being in heaven, but we see in Job that
Satan presented himself before the Lord. (Job 1:6-7; 2;1-2)
Here we see Gods angel, Michael fighting against the dragon. Read Daniel
12:1. What does this verse tell us about Michael? Who is it that he is
responsible for?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens to the dragon and his angels?
__________________________________________________________________
What other names does the dragon have in verse 9?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Satan is thrown down to earth and no longer allowed access to heaven after
this point. He is called the deceiver of the whole world and we will see
during the second half of the Tribulation how he does just that. People are
deceived and worship the beast, who gets his power and authority from
Satan.
97
99
So we see from this chapter that Satan is thrown down to earth during the
middle of the Tribulation, after the seventh trumpet is blown. He persecutes
Israel and those who are believers in Jesus. We will see that from this point
on, things get worse for people living on the earth.
What is the theme of chapter 12?
__________________________________________________________________
Fill in the information for the seven trumpets on the chart on page 141.
100
Revelation 13
Day 31: Revelation 13:1-10
Read chapter 13 today.
Mark the following words as you read:
and I saw, then I saw
beast
dragon
God
heaven
conquer
Lamb
The events described in this chapter take place after the 7th trumpet is blown
and Satan is thrown down to earth. They occur in the last 3 1/2 years of the
Tribulation.
What does John see described in verses 1-2?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
This beast will have seven heads and ten horns. Read Revelation 17:8-13
then answer the following questions.
According to verses 9-10, what does it say the seven heads of the beast
refers to?
__________________________________________________________________
The seven heads refer to seven mountains and seven kings. Mountains
represent power so we see a reference here to seven kingdoms. Five of
whom have already passed, one is in existence at the time John was writing
and one is yet to come. If we look back at the countries that came to power
in the Old Testament, we see Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece and
Rome. The first five would have been before Johns time and the Roman
101
Empire would have existed while John was living. The seventh power
represents the one that exists when the beast comes to power.
What does verse 11 tell us about the beast?
__________________________________________________________________
What do the ten horns of the beast represent?
__________________________________________________________________
What does it say about the relationship these ten kings have with the beast?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
So the seven heads refer to seven different kingdoms that ruled throughout
history. But the ten horns refer to 10 kings who are in power simultaneously
and they give their power and authority over to the beast during the
Tribulation.
Now back in Revelation 13, the beast is described as a leopard, maybe
referring to speed and how quickly he rises to power. He has powerful feet
like a bear to crust those under him. His mouth is like a lion, loud and
powerful, and he uses it to blaspheme God.
In Revelation 11:7, at the blowing of the 7th trumpet it says the beast kills the
two witnesses. Because no one was able to harm them for the first 3 1/2
years that they are prophesying and the beast finally kills them, perhaps this
is the catalyst that allows the beast to be recognized and gain power.
What does verse 3 say about one of its heads, one of the kingdoms?
__________________________________________________________________
One of the kingdoms seemed to have a mortal wound. This seems to indicate
that one of the kingdoms was defeated, but then regained power. Some
believe that the last kingdom is a revived Roman empire. We will look at
this more later, but in Daniel 9:26, there is a prophecy about Jerusalem being
destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. In that verse it says that the people of
the prince who is to come will destroy the city of Jerusalem. So it appears
since Rome destroyed Jerusalem, this prince will also be from Rome. It could
102
be that he is not from the actual city of Rome, but from the kingdom of
Rome. Below we see a map of the Roman Empire at its height. Today this
includes some of the modern day countries in Europe, North Africa and the
Middle East. Perhaps the Antichrist will be from a nation that has control of
some or all of these countries.
What do we see in verses 3-4 to peoples response to the beast and the
dragon?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
103
Because their doom is sure, what are the saints called to do during this
time?
__________________________________________________________________
When the beast comes to power at the midpoint of the Tribulation, he will
make war and conquer the saints. Things will certainly be difficult for any
believer in Jesus during these days. The saints are encouraged to endure and
continue in their faith because Satans time is short! (Revelation 12:12).
They were to take comfort and find hope in the fact that Jesus will eventually
be victorious!
105
What six things are the seventy weeks decreed to accomplish? What is the
purpose?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The first 7 weeks (49 years) occur at the the beginning of the rebuilding of
Jerusalem in 444 BC. In Nehemiah 1:1-2:8, we see a decree by King
Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem. It would have been completed in 395 BC.
Though Nehemiahs wall construction project took only 52 days, it may have
taken many years to remove the citys debris (after being desolate for so long),
to build adequate housing, and to rebuild the streets and a moat.
The next 62 weeks (434 years) take place between the completion of the
rebuilding of Jerusalem until the Messiah is cut off, referring to Christs
crucifixion.
Then we see a gap between the 69 weeks and the last week, the 70th week.
Verse 26 mentions the people of the prince who is to come. What will
these people do?
__________________________________________________________________
The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Jesus
prophesied about this in Matthew 24:1-2. He said that not one stone of the
temple would remain standing. This was fulfilled when Titus destroyed
Jerusalem and the temple and killed thousands of Jews.
So if the Romans are the people of the prince who is to come, this prince
must be from a revived Roman empire.
In verse 27, what does it say this prince will do in the last week (seven
years)?
__________________________________________________________________
107
Because the vision Daniel sees concerns the Jews, it seems likely that this
prince will make a covenant with the Jews during the 7 years of the
tribulation.
But what will he do for half of the week (3 1/2 years)?
__________________________________________________________________
During the last half of the Tribulation, he will break his covenant with Israel
and he will put an end to sacrifice and offerings. In Revelation 11 we see
that the two witnesses who have been prophesying for 3 1/2 years are killed
by the beast and they are killed in Jerusalem. This must be when he breaks
his covenant with Israel.
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. Instead of allowing worship in the temple, what
will he do during this time?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Daniel 9:27 refers to abominations and desolations. Read Matthew 24:15.
Based on what you read in Daniel and in 2 Thessalonians, what does the
abomination of desolation refer to?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
After the beast or the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel halfway
through the Tribulation and sets himself up to be God, what is Israel told to
do in Matthew 24:16-21?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
This corresponds to Revelation 12:13-14 where we see the woman (Israel)
fleeing into the wilderness. Matthew 24:21 says that during this time there
will be great Tribulation such as has never before been seen on the earth.
Again, to put this in context to our timeline in Revelation, the beast or the
Antichrist will come to power at or shortly after the seventh trumpet has been
blown halfway through the Tribulation.
108
109
Verse 43 tells us that he will be the ruler of great wealth, treasures of gold
and silver.
According to verse 45, where will he set up his kingdom?
__________________________________________________________________
Some translations says seas which some understand to be between the
Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. This would be at Jerusalem, at the
glorious holy mountain, Mount Zion.
Verse 45 simply says that when he comes to his end, no one will be there to
help him. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 says that Jesus will kill him by the breath of his
mouth. He will not be able to fight against the King of kings and he will be
defeated!
110
Verses 11-12 do give us a hint, though. In verse 11 how long does it say it
will be from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the
abomination of desolation is set up?
__________________________________________________________________
This is 30 days longer than indicated in other places of Scripture, so perhaps
the last 30 days extend into the Millennium. We will study the Millenium
more later.
Who does it say will be blessed in verse 12?
__________________________________________________________________
This extends 75 days past the three and half years. Those who make it past
this time of Tribulation into the Millennium under Christs reign will be
blessed.
So we see that what Daniel tells us about the beast is the same as what we
read about in the book of Revelation. Tomorrow we will go back to
Revelation and see what else we learn about the beast.
112
113
According to verse 15, what will happen to those who do not worship the
image of the beast?
__________________________________________________________________
What else does this other beast do according to verses 16-17?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Verse 18 tells us this beast is not symbolic of a country or a world power, but
he is a man. His number is 666, the number of a man.
We dont know the identity of the second beast other than it appears it is
another man who receives his power from Satan and performs miraculous
signs in order to deceive people. The second beast causes people to worship
the first beast and to take his number so that they can buy and sell. The first
and second beast work together.
Read Revelation 19:20. What is another name for the second beast?
__________________________________________________________________
So Scripture has a lot to say about the Antichrist. He is referred to as the
beast, the little horn, and a king. He will come from a revived Roman Empire
although we dont know what exactly that will look like. He will get his
power from Satan. At the beginning of the Tribulation, he will make a
covenant with Israel, but then he will break it half way through. At the end of
3 1/2 years (the midpoint of the Tribulation), he will kill the two witnesses
and then come to power. Apparently there will be a temple in Jerusalem and
he will put an end to all sacrifices half way through the Tribulation and will
instead set himself up to be worshipped as God. People will marvel at him
and will be deceived as they follow him. He will speak blasphemous things
against God and he will persecute Israel and the saints. During the last half
of the Tribulation people will be forced to take the mark of the beast in order
to buy and sell. Those who do not worship the image of the beast will be
killed. Although he is given great power for a short time, ultimately he will
be defeated by the Lord Jesus.
114
Again to put this in context, the events surrounding the beast take place after
the 7th trumpet is blown and Satan is thrown down to earth. This is half way
through the Tribulation.
What is the theme of chapter 13? _____________________________________
115
Matthew 24
Day 36 : Matthew 24:1-14; Luke 21:5-24
For the next couple of days, we are going to take a quick break from
Revelation and tie in some events that Jesus talked to his disciples about and
see how they relate to Revelation.
Read the verses in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.
In Matthew 24:1, Jesus and his disciples were leaving the temple and the
disciples were commenting on how magnificent the temple was. This was
the temple that Herod built and it was large and impressive.
In verse 2, what does Jesus say is going to happen to the temple?
__________________________________________________________________
This happened in 70 AD when the temple was destroyed by the Romans. In
their greed for gold in the temple, the Romans separated each stone, thus
fulfilling Jesus words.
Naturally, the disciples were curious about when this would happen and how
they would recognize that it was near. From Mark 13:3, we are told
specifically it is Peter, James, John and Andrew who ask Jesus about this
privately. For them, having the temple destroyed seemed like the end of the
age was near. But Jesus is going to answer their question in the first 14 verses
of things that are going to happen leading up to the destruction of the temple,
not the end times.
In verses 5-7, what does Jesus say will happen that are the beginning of birth
pains, but the end is not yet? Compare this with Luke 21:8-11.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
116
In verse 9, what did Jesus say would happen to the disciples? Compare this
with Luke 21:12-19.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Read Luke 21:20-24 again. From the context of the disciples question and
Jesus answer, do you think the events described here take place in 70 AD or
during the end times?
__________________________________________________________________
Unlike in Matthew 24, there is no reference to the abomination of desolation
and it is not described as a time of tribulation unlike the world has ever seen.
Luke 21:22-23 describe it as a time of vengeance and wrath against the Jews.
This is not who Gods wrath will be directed toward in the end times.
Read Luke 19:43-44. Why does Jesus say that Jerusalem will be surrounded
and the temple destroyed like this?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
It is a judgment against the Jews because they did not recognize the Messiah
when he came to them.
What will happen to the Jews during this time according to Luke 21:24?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jesus says this persecution of the Jews will continue until the times of the
Gentiles is fulfilled. It seems this begins in 70 AD and continues through
church age when God focuses on the Gentiles.
Luke 21:25-28 describe what happens at the end of the times of the
Gentiles. What occurs to show the Jews that the their redemption is near?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
117
The Second Coming will conclude the times of the Gentiles. When we get to
the Millennial reign, it is during this time that God will turn his attention back
to the Jews.
In Matthew 24:10-12, what does Jesus say will be true of some believers
leading up to the destruction of the temple?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
According to Matthew 24:14, what does Jesus say will happen before the
end comes?
__________________________________________________________________
So these verses we studied today, occurred in 70 AD and fill in the gaps a
little bit for us. In the verses we will look at tomorrow, Jesus continues his
discussion about what will happen in the end times, but the disciples did not
understand that there would be many years between the destruction of the
temple and the coming of the Son of Man.
118
119
120
Revelation 14
Day 38: Revelation 14:1-13
Read Revelation 14 today.
Mark the following words:
then I looked, then I saw
Lamb, Jesus
heaven
throne
God
angel
beast
wrath
Spirit
In chapter 13, we saw people take the mark of the beast; in chapter 14 we
see the 144,000 sealed with the Lamb and the Fathers name on their
forehead. The mark or seal that people take shows where their allegiance is
and who they are following.
Who does John see standing on Mt. Zion?
__________________________________________________________________
Verse 1 starts on earth, but the rest of the chapter takes place in heaven.
What does he hear in heaven in verses 2-3?
__________________________________________________________________
Who is singing the new song?
__________________________________________________________________
What do we learn about the 144,000 from verses 4-5?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
121
The events that take place in the rest of this chapter are all in preparation for
the 7 bowls of Gods wrath to be poured out.
In chapter 14, we will see six different angels. What is the first angels job
in verse 6?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does this angel tell the people who dwell on the earth in verse 7?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Underline the phrase the hour of his judgment has come. This is a very
significant point in the book of Revelation and marks the beginning of the
Day of the Lord. Later this week, we will look at the Day of the Lord more in
depth.
The first angel warns people to repent because Gods wrath is going to be
poured out in full strength during the 7 Bowls. God in his mercy, is still
giving people a chance to repent by sending this angel as his messenger to
those who dwell on the earth.
What does the second angel announce?
__________________________________________________________________
We will study more about Babylon in Revelation 17-18, but for now, we are
told that its doom is sure.
What do we learn about Babylon in verse 8?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does the third angel say about those who take the mark of the beast?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
122
These people will experience the full brunt of Gods wrath and will be
tormented forever. This seems to be a clear reference to their eternal
punishment in the Lake of Fire. See the descriptions of the lake of fire in
Revelation 19:20 and 20:10.
Because these peoples doom is sure, the saints are encouraged to persevere
and endure.
How are the saints described in verse 12?
__________________________________________________________________
Those who follow after the beast, worship him and take his mark. The saints
are obedient to Jesus and follow Him.
Because of the Great Tribulation that is taking place, some of the saints my
have to endure even to death. In Revelation 13:15 we are told that those
who do not worship the image of the beast will be killed.
What encouragement does John hear from the voice from heaven in verse
13 about those who die in the Lord?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Obviously this refers to the saints spoken of in verse 12 who have trusted in
Jesus. Read Revelation 20:4-6. What blessing awaits these people who are
killed for their faith during the Tribulation?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
It certainly will be a blessing for any saint who dies during the Tribulation.
Through death, they will escape the persecution from the beast and they will
not be hurt by the second death. Death has no power over them and cannot
harm them. Their reward will be reigning with Christ during the Millennium.
It may have been cause for alarm to hear that the time for Gods wrath to be
poured out had come, but for those who trusted Jesus, even if they died, they
had nothing to fear.
123
124
People would have understood the picture of a winepress. They would put
the ripened grapes in a huge vat and then stand in the vat and trample the
grapes. There was a hole in the vat that flowed into another container below
that would collect the juice from the grapes. But here instead of grape juice,
the picture is of blood. It indicates that there will be great bloodshed when
Gods wrath is poured out on mankind.
Where does verse 20 tell us this winepress is located?
__________________________________________________________________
Perhaps this is a reference to Jerusalem.
What are we told about the blood that flows out of the winepress?
__________________________________________________________________
A horses bridle is roughly four feet high and 1,600 stadia is about 180 miles.
This is probably not a literal river of blood, but it gives us a graphic picture of
the bloodshed that is going to come.
Read Isaiah 63:1-6. Who is described as treading the winepress in these
verses? What is the result?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In Revelation 19:13 Jesus is described as wearing a robe that is dipped or
sprinkled in blood which could also be a picture of him treading the
winepress.
Even though it seems like sin and evil reigns on the earth right now, the hour
will come when Gods wrath will be poured out and mankind will be judged
for their sin.
What is the theme of chapter 14?
__________________________________________________________________
125
126
What is the purpose of the Day of the Lord according to verses 9 and 11?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What will peoples response be when the Day of the Lord comes? See
verses 6-8.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What will be the signs in heaven during this time? See verses 10 and 13.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What will be happening to people on earth? See verses 14-18.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Isaiah 13 is an oracle against Babylon. We saw in Revelation 14:7-8 that
Babylon is fallen when it is announced that the hour of Gods judgment has
come.
In Isaiah 13: 19-22, what does it say will happen to Babylon during the Day
of the Lord?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Compare this description with Revelation 18:21-24. What happens to
Babylon here?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
127
128
These verses tell us what happens at the end of the Day of the Lord. The
heavens and the earth will pass away and be burned up.
So the Day of the Lord covers a significant period of time. It is a time of
Gods wrath poured out on sin and the man of lawlessness, the Antichrist will
be revealed and have power during this time. We see that it begins at or
shortly after the blowing of the 7th trumpet and includes the last half of the
Tribulation. We will study this more later in Revelation, but there will be a
battle against Jerusalem, known as the Battle of Armageddon and then Christ
will return. He will set up his Millennial kingdom where he will reign for
1,000 with a rod of iron. After the dead are judged, the heavens and earth
will pass away and that will conclude the Day of the Lord.
We will study each of these events more in detail as we get farther along in
Revelation, but this gives us a good overview of what will happen during the
Day of the Lord.
129
130
Do any of the events you listed that occur at the seventh trumpet match up
with the description given in verse 18?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
With the blowing of the seventh trumpet, it says that Gods wrath came, and
as we have seen about the day of the Lord, it is a time when Gods wrath will
be poured out. In Isaiah 13:9 and 11, it says the purpose of the day of the
Lord is to destroy sinners and to punish the world for its evil. In verse 18 it
says the purpose is to destroy the destroyers of the earth. So as we compare
Revelation 11 with some descriptions of the Day of the Lord, we begin to see
some clues emerge.
The mystery of God might be the prophecies given about the coming wrath
and judgment of God. The seventh trumpet begins the day of the Lord and
brings forth the seven bowls of Gods wrath. The wrath of God is finished
(Revelation 15:1; 16:17) when the seventh bowl is poured out.
A mystery fully discloses something that was spoken about earlier. Maybe
some questions that people have had down through the ages will be
answered at this time.
When will the day of the Lord occur?
Why hasnt Jesus set up his kingdom yet?
How can God be in control and yet still allow evil to exist?
It seems like the mystery could answer some questions surrounding the Day
of the Lord. But whatever the mystery is, it will be finished and fulfilled when
the seventh trumpet is blown.
131
Revelation 15
Day 42: Revelation 15
Read chapter 15 today.
Mark the following words:
Then I saw, and I saw, after this I looked
heaven
seven angels
wrath
conquered
This chapter gives us some details of what occurs right before the seven
bowls of Gods wrath are poured out.
What sign does John see in heaven in verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
What are we told about these seven plagues?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Describe what John sees in verse 2?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
It appears that these are those who have been killed by the beast during the
Tribulation. Even though they died, it says they conquered. See Revelation
12:11.
They sing the song of Moses. Moses sang a song of praise to the Lord in
Exodus 15 after the Lord overthrew the armies of Egypt in the Red Sea. The
Lord showed his power in a mighty way then, and these people are also
praising the Lord for what he has done.
132
133
Revelation 16
Day 43: Revelation 16
Read chapter 16 today.
Mark the following words:
then I heard, and I heard, and I saw
wrath
God (including other names and pronouns)
angel
the first (second, etc.) angel poured out his bowl
beast
throne
heaven
dragon
Babylon
John hears a voice from the temple telling the angels to pour out the bowls.
What do the bowls contain?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens when the first bowl is poured out?
__________________________________________________________________
Who did it affect?
__________________________________________________________________
In Revelation 14:9-10, we read that an angel promises that those who have
taken the mark of the beast will drink the wine of Gods wrath. In the first
bowl, we see Gods wrath specifically directed at these people.
What happens when the second bowl is poured out?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens with the third bowl?
__________________________________________________________________
134
Why does it say in verses 5-6 that the sea and the rivers and springs turn to
blood?
__________________________________________________________________
So the second and third bowls are to avenge the blood of the saints that have
been shed down through the ages. God says they are deserving of this
judgment because they have killed his people.
What do verses 5 and 7 tell us about Gods judgments?
__________________________________________________________________
Just here is actually the same Greek word for righteous. God is right and holy
to enact this kind of judgment on them.
What happens when the fourth bowl is poured out?
__________________________________________________________________
What was peoples response to this?
__________________________________________________________________
The word for cursed here literally is blasphemed. They spoke against God
and reviled him, refusing to repent or give God glory even though His power
is being displayed in an awesome way.
What happens with the fifth bowl?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
As we read in the Old Testament, the Day of the Lord is a day of darkness and
gloom and we see that fulfilled though the fifth bowl. This darkness seems
different than normal darkness because it causes anguish. Perhaps it is also
some sort of spiritual darkness as well.
It seems like the bowls are cumulative because people are still feeling the
affects of the first bowl (painful sores) when the fifth bowl is poured out.
135
138
139
140
Seven Seals
Seven Trumpets
141
Seven Bowls
Revelation 17
Day 45: Revelation 17:1-6
Read Revealtion 17 today.
Mark the following words:
angel
in the Spirit
beast
Babylon
any names of Jesus
God
The next two chapters deal with the harlot, Babylon. Here we are given more
detail about her fall at the seventh bowl of Gods wrath. Lets just observe
what the text tells us and see what we can understand about Babylon.
What does the woman (Babylon) represent according to verse 18?
__________________________________________________________________
In chapter 16, when the seventh bowl is poured out, verse 19 says the great
city was split into three parts and God remembered Babylon the great, to
make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. So chapters 17
and 18 are giving us more detail about the great city that fell at the seventh
bowl in chapter 16.
So the first thing we see is that it appears that Babylon is a literal city because
it was struck by an earthquake during the seventh bowl.
Read Revelation 11:8. What city here is called the great city?
__________________________________________________________________
From observing the text in Revelation, Babylon could be the city of
Jerusalem. In Revelation 11, it says that Jerusalem is symbolically called
Sodom and Egypt, both places known for their sin and their disregard for
God. But lets keep observing the text and see if we find any more clues.
142
In verse 1, what does the angel tell John he is going to show him?
__________________________________________________________________
What does it say the kings of the earth have done with the great prostitute?
__________________________________________________________________
What effect has this had on the dwellers of the earth?
__________________________________________________________________
When you are drunk, you are under the influence and control of something
else. At the end of time, the people of the earth will be controlled by sexual
immorality. This could be literal, or it could be a picture describing false
worship. In the Old Testament, many times God said of Israel that they were
an adulterous nation because they were following after false gods.
What does John see in verse 3?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The beast we saw earlier is the Antichrist. In verse 3, it says that the beast
(Antichrist) carries the prostitute (Babylon). The Antichrist will use the great
city for his own purposes, but then will turn against her (verse 16-17).
Perhaps this is an indication that this city is where the Antichrist has set up his
headquarters.
Earlier when we studied the beast, we saw that he will make a covenant with
Israel, but then half way through the Tribulation he will break that covenant.
He will put an end to sacrifices in the temple and set himself up to be
worshipped as God. This is certainly an abomination as described in chapter
17.
We are given another clue that perhaps Babylon represents Jerusalem.
Where is John carried to when he sees the woman Babylon?
__________________________________________________________________
143
Compare Revelation 11:6,14. Who did the woman fleeing into the
wilderness represent in these verses?
__________________________________________________________________
So we are given another clue that perhaps Babylon represents a city in Israel.
What does verse 4 say about how the woman was dressed?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The woman is pictured as being attractive and adorned with jewels. It seems
people flock to her. In verse 1, the prostitute is described as being seated on
many waters.
According to verse 15, what do the many waters represent?
__________________________________________________________________
And in verse 18, this great city has dominion over the kings of the earth. So
we see a powerful city, one that has influence over people and kings. If the
Antichrist set up his kingdom in Jerusalem, it would make sense that it
becomes a city of power because people are drawn to the Antichrist and
marvel at him.
What is the prostitute holding in her hand from verse 4?
__________________________________________________________________
Abominations means that which is utterly detestable and abhorrent.
Impurities here means pertaining to being ritually unacceptable, either as
the result of defilement or because of the very nature of the object itself (for
example, ritually unacceptable animals)defiled, ritually unclean.
So the city of Babylon will be characterized by detestable and defiled
worship. If Jerusalem is where the Antichrist sets himself up as God, this
would fit with the description given of the prostitute. Jerusalem was a place
to come and worship the one true God and instead it is being used to
worship a counterfeit god, the Antichrist.
144
145
146
147
Babylons destruction will be complete. She will become desolate and laid
bare. In Revelation 17:4, we see Babylon clothed in purple and scarlet, but
all her beauty will be stripped away.
We are also told that her flesh will be devoured. This seems literal. Read
Revelation 19:17-21 and note what it says.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Finally, Babylon will be burned with fire. This is restated in Revelation 18:8.
God can use anyone for his purposes and it is his plan for the Antichrist and
these ten kings to be united in thought and to come together to destroy
Babylon.
What is the theme of chapter 17?
__________________________________________________________________
Tomorrow we will add to our picture of Babylon in chapter 18.
148
Revelation 18
Day 47: Revelation 18:1-24
Read Revelation 18 today.
Mark the following words as you read:
angel
heaven
Babylon
God
How does the angel describe Babylon after her fall in verse 2?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 50:39 tells us that no human being will live in Babylon. Verse 2
gives a picture of an abandoned city, overrun with demons and animals. This
is pretty remarkable since it was once a powerful city of influence and
wealth.
Verse 3 reiterates that the nations have become drunk from the wine of her
immorality (Revelation 17:2). What new information do we learn about
Babylon from this verse?
__________________________________________________________________
Chapter 18 focuses more on her financial strength and her great riches.
What instruction is given to Gods people in verse 4?
__________________________________________________________________
What fate awaits Babylon in verses 5-6?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
149
Unlike Gods people whose sins are not remembered anymore, God will
remember Babylons sins and pay her back double for what she has done.
According to verses 6-8, what is the reason for the Lords swift judgment
upon Babylon?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Compare these verses with Isaiah 47:1-9. What similarities do you see in
how Babylon is described?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
How fast is judgment enacted upon her in Isaiah 47:9? Compare that with
Revelation 18: 8,10,17 and 19.
__________________________________________________________________
We see three groups of people who look on Babylons destruction. We see
kings of the earth (v.9), merchants (v.11,15) and shipmasters and sailors (v.
17). What reaction do all of them share when they see Babylons
destruction?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Where are they standing when they observe her devastation? (v.10,15
and17).
__________________________________________________________________
The fact that they stand far off and can still witness her demise speaks of
Gods power and how great a fall it is. It also shows they do not want to be
near her because the destruction is so great. Verse 10 says the kings of the
earth stand far off because they are in fear of her torment.
150
Verse 9 mentions that Babylon lived in luxury. Verses 12 and 13 detail how
rich Babylon was. But what are we told in verse 14 about her riches?
Compare this with Zechariah 14:14.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Read verses 3 and 19. What do both of these verses tell us about Babylon?
__________________________________________________________________
Merchants and ships have grown rich by Babylons wealth. It seems perhaps
Babylon is an economic capital of the world. So when she falls, it is
shocking and men mourn over her destruction.
Verse 8 tells us that Babylon will have death, mourning and famine and that
she will be burnt with fire. In verses 9 and 17, the kings and shipmasters
weep when they see the smoke of her burning from afar. What is left a is a
desolate place. Her riches have completely vanished and she no longer has
any commerce. People no longer live there and it is left desolate and
haunted. God has paid her back double for the sin of adultery against him,
for her great pride, and for shedding the blood of the saints. Her destruction
is swift - in a single hour and in a single day.
Even though men of earth mourn for Babylon, who rejoices over her
judgment in verse 20?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does the mighty angel do in verse 21 to illustrate Babylons fall?
__________________________________________________________________
As we saw yesterday, her downfall will be violent and will result in utter
devastation.
Verses 22-23 describe what Babylon will be like after this. What will be
gone from Babylon when she falls?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
151
In 18:7, we see God punishes Babylon for her pride. According to verse
23, what is another reason that she is judged?
__________________________________________________________________
Babylon has led all the nations of the earth astray by her sorcery. Sorcery
here describes using magic spells by the power of Satan. In chapter 13, we
see the false prophet performing great signs, even making fire come down
from heaven. This has always been seen as an act of God. (God sent fire
down from heaven when Elijah called to him before the prophets of Baal).
But the false prophet will do the same thing by the power of Satan and cause
people to be deceived. He also appears to give life and breath to an image of
the beast and as a result, people worship the beast. Because Babylon has led
others astray, she will be judged.
In verse 20 and 24, what is another reason that God judges her?
__________________________________________________________________
God avenges the blood of the saints, apostles and prophets. Because they
persecuted and killed his people, God destroys Babylon. See Revelation
16:6. It is a just judgment and what she deserves.
It is encouraging that God stands up for his people. So often it seems like evil
wins and sometimes it seems like God stands silently by while His people
suffer. But there will come a day when God will rise up and defend His
people and those who have harmed and killed them will have to pay.
What is the theme of chapter 18?
__________________________________________________________________
152
153
Read Jeremiah 51. Again note what these verses tell us about Babylon and
any similarities you see in Revelation 17-18.
Jeremiah 51:1-5
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:7
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:11-14
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:27-28
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:37
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:41-44
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:6,45
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:48-49
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 51:58
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
154
155
The identity of Babylon is not the main point of these passages, though. The
main point is that this city will be righteously judged by God. We see that it
is a center for sexual immorality, evidenced by idolatry and the worship of
false gods, namely the Antichrist. It is a city full of abominations against
God. Perhaps it is the Antichrists religious and economic capital. It is a city
of immense wealth. The fact that its prophecy was foretold long ago and that
it comes to pass in Revelation is what is most significant. She will be judged
for her adultery, pride and for shedding the blood of the saints. She has
enticed other nations away from God by her sorcery. Gods judgment on her
is swift, sure and astounding to all those who see it.
156
Revelation 19
Day 49: Revelation 19:1-10
Read Revelation 19 today.
Mark the following words as you read today:
heaven
God and all other names and pronouns
Jesus and all other names and pronouns
throne
angel
wrath
beast
In chapter 19, we see a change in focus from the previous chapters. The rest
of the book will detail for us Christs victory, Satans defeat and the joy to
come for believers.
Who is the first group we see praising God?
__________________________________________________________________
What are they praising him for?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
When this multitude in heaven sees that Babylon is defeated, they can do
nothing else but praise God. His judgment on Babylon is described as true
and just.
In verse 3, what does it say about God in light of the fact that the smoke
from Babylons destruction goes up forever and ever?
__________________________________________________________________
157
The punishment for people who followed Babylon will be eternal in the lake
of fire.
Whenever we see worship expressed in the book of Revelation, often it
involves the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures. They are in
agreement with what the multitude has said about God.
In verse 5, what else do we hear?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
There are fourteen accounts of worship recorded for us in the book of
Revelation and in verses 6-8 we come to the last one.
How is the voice of the multitude described in verse 6?
__________________________________________________________________
Roaring water and peals of thunder are both loud, commanding noises that
get our attention. What an awesome sound it must have been for John to
hear this great multitude of people praising God with one voice.
What do they say about God in verse 6?
__________________________________________________________________
God has just crushed the strongest city in the world and brought it to nothing.
He is the one who will soon reign unopposed.
In verses 7-8, what has the time come for?
__________________________________________________________________
It is finally time for the Bride of Christ, the Church, to be united with Jesus! If
you are married, do you remember how excited you were on your wedding
day? I believe that feeling will pale in comparison with the joy we will feel at
the marriage of the Lamb.
How is the Bride of Christ described?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
158
In the Bible, weddings typically had three phases. First, the parents would
pay the wedding price and enter into a legal contract with the groom. Next,
the groom would come to claim his bride and take her to live with him.
Finally, there would be a wedding feast.
When believers are saved during the church age, that would represent the
first phase. When the church is raptured and brought to Christs home in
heaven would be the second phase. This marriage supper would be the third
phase.
Where is this wedding supper to be located? People are divided as to
whether it takes place in heaven right before the Second Coming, or if it takes
place on earth during the Millennial reign. Given the fact that it is mentioned
before the Second Coming, leads me to believe it will be in heaven. But the
location itself is not the most important thing. The main point is that it will be
a grand celebration!
In verse 9, it alludes to the fact that at this marriage between Jesus and his
Bride, there will be invited guests. What is a wedding without guests?! Who
might these guests be?
Read Matthew 22:1-13 and Matthew 25:1-13. Here we read two parables
about a wedding feast.
These parables were spoken to the Jews. In both of these stories, they are not
portrayed as the Bride, but they are invited to the wedding feast. So perhaps
Israel or the Old Testament saints are the invited guests at the marriage supper
of the Lamb. The point of both of these passages to the Jews is that they
should be prepared and waiting when the Bridegroom comes, otherwise they
may miss the feast. Perhaps the guests could also include the great multitude
of those who are saved out of the great Tribulation and are in heaven now
(Revelation 19:6-9).
So the marriage supper will include the groom (Jesus), the bride (the Church)
and the invited guests.
159
160
161
162
163
Read Matthew 24:36-42. What do we learn about the Second Coming from
these verses?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Now lets go back to Revelation 19.
Who does the angel summon in verse 17?
__________________________________________________________________
With Jesus victory imminent, the angel summons all the birds to come and
eat the flesh of the fallen armies of the earth, both small and great. Compare
this with Matthew 24:28.
Verse 19 describes for us what happens when the sixth bowl is poured out
and the armies of the earth gather at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation
16:16).
It seems like it is hardly a battle because in the next verse we see the beast
and the false prophet are captured. They are no match for the King of Kings
and Lord of lords!
These two are the great deceivers. What is their fate in verse 20?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens to the rest of those who were assembled to fight against the
Lord?
_________________________________________________________________
Jesus has defeated them all. The command of His Word alone is enough to
win the victory!
Chapter 19 ends with a rather gruesome picture. I picture the whole plain
littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers and the birds are gorging on their
flesh. There are no survivors.
So lets piece together what we have learned about the Battle of Armageddon.
In Revelation 16, when the sixth bowl is poured out, evil spirits come out of
164
Satan, the Antichrist and false prophet and they go abroad to the rest of the
world, summoning kings to fight against Israel and ultimately the Lord Jesus.
The armies of the earth assemble to fight against Jerusalem (Zechariah
14:1-2). Near the end of the battle, Jesus will return physically to earth and
stand on the Mount of Olives and the Mount of Olives will be split in two
(Zechariah 14:3-4). Jesus will save Israel and the armies of the earth will be
completely defeated. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be thrown into
the lake of fire and we never hear from them again! (Revelation 19).
What is the theme of chapter 19?
__________________________________________________________________
165
Revelation 20
Day 51: Revelation 20:1-6
Read chapter 20 today.
Mark the following words:
angel
heaven
any references to Satan
thousand years
throne
beast
What does John see in verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
The bottomless pit is mentioned several times in the book of Revelation.
From verse 1, we see that God has complete control over it.
Lets see what Revelation tells us about the bottomless pit. Look up the
following verses and note who comes out of it.
Revelation 9:1-10
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 9:11
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 11:7, 17:8
__________________________________________________________________
The bottomless pit is the source of all evil and seems to be the abode of Satan
and his demons. Here in chapter 20, we see it is the place where Satan will
be bound for 1,000 years.
What four names do we see for Satan in verse 2?
__________________________________________________________________
166
they went to until Christs death on the cross. In Ephesians 4:8, it says about
Jesus that When he ascended on high he led a host of captives. Some
believe that when Christ raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, he
took those righteous souls with him to heaven. Since these people have not
experienced a physical resurrection yet and they are not a part of the church,
it seems that the Old Testament saints will be resurrected at the time of this
first resurrection described in Revelation 20.
Verse 5 tells us that there will be another resurrection after the Millennial
reign. These are described as the rest of the dead. This will be the unsaved
who died during the Millennial reign.
What does verse 6 say about those who participate in the first resurrection?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
So those believers who died during the Tribulation are raised to life and given
the privilege to reign with Christ.
Now read Revelation 2:26 and Revelation 5:9-10. Who else will be reigning
with Christ during the Millennium?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
So we see two important events that take place before the 1,000 year reign of
Christ. First, is Satan is bound so that he cannot deceive the nations any
longer. Next, there is the first resurrection where believers from the
Tribulation and perhaps the Old Testament saints are raised to life. Tomorrow
we will take a closer look at the Millennial kingdom.
168
help a Jew during the Tribulation would show that that Gentile had become a
believer in Jesus Christ. By taking this kind of stand, a believing Gentile will
put his life in jeopardy. Obviously, his works cannot save him; but his works
will express the belief he has in Christ.
The goats are those who do not believe in Christ and as a result, their actions
represent that and they do not help the Jews during the Tribulation.
According to Matthew 25:34, what will happen to the sheep?
__________________________________________________________________
According to Matthew 25:46, what will happen to the goats?
__________________________________________________________________
Read the following verses and note what they tell us about Jesus as King.
Luke 1:32-33
__________________________________________________________________
Daniel 7:13-14
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Isaiah 9:6-7
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Zechariah 14:9
__________________________________________________________________
Read the following passages to learn what this Christs kingdom will be like.
Read Isaiah 2:1-6.
Where will the center of the kingdom be? Where will people want to go?
__________________________________________________________________
Where will Gods Word go forth from?
__________________________________________________________________
What will Jesus do for the nations and the people during the Kingdom?
__________________________________________________________________
170
Read Zephaniah 3:14-20. What promises are given to Israel during the
Millennial reign in these verses?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Read Zechariah 8:1-8. What will take place during Christs reign according
to these verses.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
So we see from all these verses that the Millennial kingdom was promised to
Israel. In Acts 1:6, after Jesus arose from the dead, the disciples asked Jesus if
now he was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. It was a logical question.
It was something every Jew looked forward to. They were familiar with the
Old Testament passages that looked forward to the day when Jesus would be
recognized as King, they would be saved from their enemies and would live
in peace. In Revelation 20, we are given the time table of when this will
happen and given the completed picture.
172
v.33-35
__________________________________________________________________
v.37-38
__________________________________________________________________
Read Ezekiel 37.
Ezekiel sees a vision of a valley full of dry bones. According to verse 11,
what do these dry bones represent?
__________________________________________________________________
Israel and Judah were divided into two kingdoms, but in verse 22, God
promises that one day they will again be joined as one kingdom. This has not
taken place yet, but will be fulfilled during the Millennium.
What promise is given in verse 21?
__________________________________________________________________
What will happen in verse 23?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In verses 24-25, God promises that David will be king over them. This is a
reference to Christ since Christ is the only one who will have an eternal
kingdom.
What will come to pass according to verses 26-28?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34 explains what it will look like when all Israel is saved.
What do these verses tell us will happen for Israel?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
175
No wonder the disciples asked Jesus if he was going to set up his kingdom
after he had risen from the dead! (Acts 1:6). They looked forward to this in
the same way that we anticipate the Rapture. God definitely is not finished
with Israel and one day every promise he has ever made to them will be
fulfilled. According to Ezekiel 36:23, God will do this so that the nations
will know that I am the Lord.
176
These armies will come against Jerusalem which is the capital of Christs
Millennial kingdom. How foolish of these people to think that they can fight
against God and win.
We are not given too many details about this battle, but what happens in
verse 9?
__________________________________________________________________
What happens to Satan at this time?
__________________________________________________________________
Satan joins the beast and the false prophet who have already been in the lake
of fire for 1,000 years. But verse 10 tells us that those thrown in the lake of
fire will be tormented forever. The last foe is finally vanquished!
What does John see next in verse 11?
__________________________________________________________________
What else happens at this time according to verse 11?
__________________________________________________________________
This world will not last forever. The earth and sky will undergo great
devastation during the Tribulation, and there will come a time when they will
pass away.
Read Psalm 102:25-26. What do these verses say about the heavens and the
earth?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does 2 Peter 3:10 tell us about this event?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
In verse 11 we see what is commonly referred to as the Great White Throne
judgment. From other Scriptures that we have looked at earlier, we saw that
the believers have already been resurrected. This judgment will be for the
178
spiritually dead, those unbelievers through all the ages who have not
believed and trusted in Christ.
In verse 12, we see there are books that record what these people have done
and there is also the book of life.
If these peoples names are not in the book of life, then what is the purpose of
judging them according to their deeds? Will all unbelievers receive the same
punishment? Scripture gives us some answers.
Look up the following verses. What do these verses tell us about different
degrees of judgment?
Matthew 10:5-15.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Matthew 11:20-22
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Mark 12:38-40
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What does Revelation 22:12 tells us?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Recompense means payment or wages. So it does appear that those who
have not trusted Christ will be held accountable for their works, according to
what they have done and they will be judged and punished accordingly.
In verse 13, where do these people who have died come from?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
179
The bodies of those people who have died will be joined with their spirits
which were already in the lake of fire. The degree of their punishment will be
determined by the works that they have done.
What happens to those whose names are not found written in the book of
life?
__________________________________________________________________
After the dead are judged, Death and Hades are also thrown into the lake of
fire. Hades is the present location of the unbelieving dead.
What does Matthew 25:41 tell us about the lake of fire?
__________________________________________________________________
This shows you Gods love for people. He prepared the lake of fire for the
devil and his angels, not for those he created. But since God is a righteous
judge, he has to judge sin. For those who choose not to accept Christs
judgment for their sin, their punishment also becomes the lake of fire.
What is referred to as the second death?
__________________________________________________________________
The first death is when people die physically. Most of the human race will
experience this. But only those who have not trusted Christ as their Savior
will experience the second death. The second death is eternal separation
from the God that created them. This death is experienced in the lake of fire.
Death is the final enemy to be defeated. The best is yet to come!
What is the theme of chapter 20?
__________________________________________________________________
180
181
182
Revelation 21
Day 56: Revelation 21:1-8
Read Revelation 21 today.
Mark the following words as you read:
heaven
God (including pronouns)
in the Spirit
Lamb
city
Following the Millennial reign, and after Satan is cast into the lake of fire
and the there is the final judgment, what happens next in verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
We are given very little information about the new heaven and new earth
other than it will not be our current earth renovated. Verse 1 tells us that the
first heaven and earth pass away.
What will be different about this new earth according to verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
Most of the earth now is covered by water, but the new earth will have no
sea. Verse 23 also tells us there will be no sun or moon.
What does John see in verse 2?
__________________________________________________________________
It seems the focal point of this new heaven and new earth is this holy city. It
is described as a bride adorned for her husband, indicating its great beauty. I
think it also speaks of the great care and time taken to prepare this city. Not
many brides show up to their wedding with dirty clothes and messy hair. We
used to be missionaries over in Papua New Guinea, and even there, the
brides were adorned and decorated in a special way on their wedding day.
183
In verses 2-8, you should have marked all the references to God. He is the
focus of this beautiful city!
What does John hear in verse 3?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
This is one of my favorite verses in the whole Bible because it shows Gods
desire to dwell with us finally fulfilled. God has always relentlessly pursued
us and has gone to great lengths to make it possible for us to know him. In
Revelation we see the culmination of that.
In the garden, God wanted a relationship with Adam and Eve and would
walk in the garden in the cool of the day to visit with them. Sin marred that
relationship and the man and woman were cast out of the garden. But God
continued to pursue a relationship with man and in the Old Testament, he
gave Moses detailed instructions on how to build a tabernacle so that the
people would have a place to come and worship God. His presence was
seen in their midst with the cloud by day and the pillar of fire at night. In the
New Testament, he sent His own Son to dwell among us. He taught and
healed and pointed people to the Father, eventually dying in our place so we
could once again be made right with God. He then sent the Holy Spirit to
live inside us as an ever-present Comforter and guide. One day God will live
with us for eternity, far away from the corruption of sin. God created us to
know him and have a relationship with him forever and this will one day
finally be realized. We will be his people and He will be our God.
What are we told in verse 4 about this new heaven and new earth?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Everything terrible about his present heaven and earth will be gone! I cant
wait for that day!
What does God tell John in verse 5 about the things that he has told him?
__________________________________________________________________
184
Ten times in the book of Revelation we are told that either Jesus or his words
are true. This book describes some pretty awesome events, but we can be
assured that they are all true, because God is true to his Word and he will
always be true to us.
In verse 6, God says, It is done! His plan of redemption is finally
culminated when one day we will be free from the penalty, power and even
the presence of sin forever!
Three times in the book of Revelation God is referred to as the Alpha and the
Omega. He is the beginning of life and He alone puts an end to sin and
death.
What does he promise those who are thirsty for Him?
__________________________________________________________________
In verse 7, God makes a promise to the one who conquers. Way back in the
beginning of Revelation in our study of the seven churches, we talked a lot
about the conquerers. What important detail does this verse say describes
the one who conquers?
__________________________________________________________________
The one who conquers will have a special heritage. He will be known as
Gods son. I think this is the best thing about being called a conquerer!
What contrast do we see in verse 8?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
The conquers get to enjoy Gods presence forever. Those whose actions
displayed their lack of faith, will be separated from him forever. They will
experience the second death in the lake of fire and sulfur.
185
186
We are told this city has a very high wall and in verse 17, we are told it is
144 cubits, which is about 216 feet. This would have to be the thickness
because in verse 16, we are told the length width and height of the city are
all 12,000 stadia or 1400 miles! This is a huge city!
What do we learn about the gates of the city? See verses 12,13 and 21.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What do we know about the wall of the city? See verses 14 and 18-20.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What are the city and the streets made of according to verses 18 and 21?
__________________________________________________________________
Both Israel and the Church are represented in the description of the city. The
12 tribes of Israel are inscribed on the twelve gates and on the 12 foundations
are written the names of the 12 apostles. The apostles represent the
beginning of the Church age. Both Jews and Gentiles together will worship
and serve the Lord forever in this magnificent city.
What else do we learn about the city in verse 22?
__________________________________________________________________
In the Bible, the temple was merely a visible representation of God with
articles in the temple representing certain things about Christ and his
sacrifice. Hebrews 9:23-24 tells us that the articles in the temple were simply
copies of the heavenly things. They were a shadow of things to come. There
will be no need for a temple in the new Jerusalem because now we will be
able to see the Lord face to face.
Why will there be no need for a sun according to verse 23? Compare this
with 1 John 1:5.
__________________________________________________________________
Verse 25 underscores the fact that there will be no night in this city because
there is no darkness in God at all. Darkness will not exist here!
187
What do we learn about the nations who come into this city from verses 24
and 26?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Its gates will never be shut because there will be no need for protection from
anything evil. There will be open access to this city at all times.
Who will be the inhabitants of the city according to verse 27?
__________________________________________________________________
Compare Hebrews 12:22-24. List all those mentioned in these verses who
will be in the city.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
From chapter 21, we see a city of amazing brilliance and radiance because it
holds the glory of God. It is a city made of pure gold and adorned with
jewels. There is no night, no sin, no tears, pain or death. Its gates are always
open and no unclean thing will ever enter into it. There is no need for a
temple because God himself will be dwelling with us forever.
Just think for a moment that this is where we will be forever! It is hard to
comprehend, but when life gets hard and I dont always like my
circumstances, it is always nice to be able to read Revelation 21 and remind
myself that this is not all there is. I have something far better to look forward
to. Come, Lord Jesus!
What is the theme of chapter 21?
__________________________________________________________________
188
Revelation 22
Day 58: Revelation 22:1-5
Read chapter 22 today.
Mark the following words as you read:
angel
God (and all pronouns)
Jesus, Lamb (and pronouns)
Spirit
prophecy
come, coming
Chapter 22 begins with a continuing description of the holy city.
What does John see in verse 1?
__________________________________________________________________
Where does this river flow from?
__________________________________________________________________
Life only comes from God so it is appropriate that this river flows from His
throne. This river flows through the middle of the street in the city.
What else do we see in the city from verse 2. What is unique about it?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What benefits does this tree give?
__________________________________________________________________
There will be no sickness in this city so the word healing can also be
understood as health-giving. We get the English word therapeutic from the
original word in the Greek. The leaves of the tree give eternal health to the
nations.
189
The curse that God pronounced in Genesis is finally removed! What is the
reason the curse is gone from verse 3?
__________________________________________________________________
What is one thing that verse 3 says we will be doing in heaven?
__________________________________________________________________
In verse 4, we learn that we will get to enjoy God face to face. John 1:18 and
1 John 4:12 tells us that no one has ever seen God and 1 Timothy 6:16 says
that no one can see God. But there will come a day, when the curse of sin
will be removed and we will see see him as he is (1 John 3:2).
The words of the old hymn by Carrie Breck express it wonderfully.
Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to facewhat will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?
190
1Pierson,
191
The chart below shows how Revelation brings to a culmination the things that
began in Genesis.
Genesis
Revelation
Every wrong will finally be made right and we will have the wonderful
privilege of living in his presence forever!
192
193
In verse 14, what blessing is given to those who have washed their robes,
those whose sins have been forgiven?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Verse 15 reminds us that every kind of evil will not be permitted in the new
Jerusalem. Specifically, all those who practice these things will be in the lake
of fire.
In verse 17, it seems the Spirit and the bride of Christ, the church, both are
asking the Lord Jesus to come. We eagerly await his return.
In verse 17, what invitation is given?
__________________________________________________________________
There is still time and an invitation is extended to anyone who is thirsty for
eternal life to come and drink from the water of life for free. The price has
already been paid and it is available to all.
What warning is given in verses 18 and 19?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
These verses do not indicate the possibility to lose your salvation, but indicate
that someone who would do this, would not be a believer in the Lord Jesus.
The book of Revelation closes with the promise that Jesus is coming soon.
Amen! May it be so! Come, Lord Jesus!
What is the theme of chapter 22?
__________________________________________________________________
194
195
196
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. What event is described that will save us from
the wrath to come?
__________________________________________________________________
The Tribulation is described as a time of Gods wrath. (Revelation 6:16-17;
11:18; 14:10,19; 15:1,7; 16:1,19; 19:15 ). So if Jesus saves us from the wrath
to come, it seems that the Rapture would have to take place before the
Tribulation.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.
Right after Paul talked about the Rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4, in chapter 5 he
begins to discuss the day of the Lord. Perhaps this is a subtle indication of
the order of events.
What does Paul mention again in 1 Thessalonians 5:9?
__________________________________________________________________
Read 2 Thessalonians 1-2.
In chapter 1, this church has been undergoing some persecution and in verse
6, Paul reminds them that God is just and will repay those who are afflicting
them.
What event does Paul describe in verses 7-10? From your study of
Revelation, is it the Rapture or the Second Coming?
__________________________________________________________________
What event does Paul reference in 2 Thessalonians 2:1? What does the
phrase being gathered together with him remind you of?
__________________________________________________________________
In verse 2, it seems that there was some teaching going around that the Day
of the Lord had already come and they had missed being caught up
together with the Lord. This obviously was causing them some alarm. But
Paul reassures them that the Day of the Lord has not occurred yet.
197
What will happen before the Day of the Lord starts? (v. 3-4)
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
What is the purpose of the Tribulation? Read the following verses.
Revelation 3:10
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 6:10
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 14:7
__________________________________________________________________
Daniel 11:31-35; Zechariah 13:7-9. For what purpose will Israel go through
the Tribulation?
__________________________________________________________________
The purpose is to judge and avenge those on the earth who are not believers.
Gods wrath is poured out on them. For Israel, it is to make them pure and
refined. There does not seem to be a purpose for the Church to go through
the Tribulation since we are saved from the wrath to come and the Church is
distinct from Israel.
Based on our study and the book of Revelation, when do you think the
Rapture will occur?
__________________________________________________________________
198
199
Revelation 11:1-12
__________________________________________________________________
Eighth event: The seventh trumpet. There are several things that happen at
the seventh trumpet. Look up the Scriptures below and note what they are.
Revelation 12:7-9
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 13:1-8
__________________________________________________________________
Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4;
__________________________________________________________________
Matthew 24:21-22 What does Jesus say about these last 3 1/2 years?
__________________________________________________________________
Daniel 7:21; 25; Revelation 12:17
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 13:16-18
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 16
__________________________________________________________________
Ninth event: Revelation 16:12-16; Revelation 19:11-19 (This is actually
included in the sixth bowl)
__________________________________________________________________
Tenth event: Revelation 18 (This is actually included in the seventh bowl)
__________________________________________________________________
Eleventh event: The Second Coming. There are several things that take place
at this time. Read the Scriptures below and note what they are.
Zechariah 14:4
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 19:20
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 20:1-3
__________________________________________________________________
Revelation 20:4-5
__________________________________________________________________
200
Matthew 25:31-33
__________________________________________________________________
Zechariah 14:9-11
__________________________________________________________________
Romans 11:26-27. What happens to Israel at this time?
__________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34. What covenant is completely fulfilled here?
__________________________________________________________________
Twelfth event: Revelation 20:7
__________________________________________________________________
Thirteenth event: Revelation 20:8-9
__________________________________________________________________
Fourteenth event: Revelation 20:10
__________________________________________________________________
Fifteenth event: Revelation 20:11-15
__________________________________________________________________
Sixteenth event: Revelation 21-22
__________________________________________________________________
Special note: You will notice that I did not include a spot for the Rapture in
the order of events. There is some debate among Christian as to when this
will occur. From your study of Revelation and the Rapture, when do you
think it will take place? Be sure to include it in your timeline tomorrow.
201
202
I get the impression from this verse, that serving the Lord will not be easy.
Timothy is told to endure and to fulfill his ministry. Perhaps we might be
tempted to give up and quit when people wont listen. It will be discouraging
to see people choose a life of sin instead of a life of obedience. We will
probably be hurt, taken advantage of, and misunderstood while we serve the
Lord, but we are told to press on! Paul has come to the end of his life and
been a good example of a faithful soldier. He has kept the faith!
What do we have to look forward to in verse 8?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Read Hebrews 9:28. What should be our attitude regarding the Lords
coming?
__________________________________________________________________
We must live our lives with eternity in view. Jesus is coming back!
Sometimes we get so caught up in what is going on in our lives here on earth,
and eternity seems so far away that we forget about what is to come. Thats
why God took the time to write the book of Revelation for us, so that we
would know what must soon take place. If we remember these things, it
will change how we live. Blessed is the one who keep the words of the
prophecy of this book. (Revelation 22:7). Those who keep the words of the
book of Revelation will be those who redeem the time and eagerly await his
return. Come, Lord Jesus!
205