World Missionary Press

A Bible Study on REVELATION

INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION

    ¹ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, ² who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, and to all things that he saw. ³ Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. —Revelation 1:1-3

    Revelation, the last book of the Bible, has often been contrasted with Genesis, the first book of the Bible. In Genesis we learn of the creation of heaven and earth. Satan appeared; sin, sorrow, and death entered the human race; and access to the tree of life was removed. In Revelation we see that Satan and his works are doomed; sin, sorrow, and death are vanquished; the tree of life is restored to a new earth; and those who believe on the Savior are saved and live in God's eternal heaven.
    The title of the book is The Revelation of Jesus Christ. The word "revelation" or the Greek "apocalypse" means an uncovering, an unveiling, a revealing. Here we see Jesus in all His glory as He truly is, Creator and Lord of heaven and earth. Rather than focus on interpretations of man, we can turn our eyes to Jesus, the central Person of the book. He is worthy to be worshiped and served with all our being.
    We may not know exactly when the events of Revelation take place. But we can be sure that everything written is true and certain. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away" (Matthew 24:35).
    May this Bible study turn our hearts to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. May our response to this study be to worship the Lord Jesus and serve Him with joy. —V. R. Benson  
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©1996 by V. R. Benson

The Bible text used is from the New King James Version © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Used by permission. Cover art by Warner Sallman. Used by permission of Warner Press.

LESSON 1. JESUS BRINGS US A MESSAGE
Revelation 1:4-11

    ⁴John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ⁶ and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ⁷ Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, and they also who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. ⁸ "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 
    ⁹ I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, ¹¹ saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

The Life of Jesus Christ

    1. Jesus had come to earth from the Father as the faithful witness. Isaiah had prophesied: "Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, a leader and commander for the people" (Isaiah 55:4). Jesus Himself said, "For this cause I was born, . . . that I should bear witness to the truth. . ." (John 18:37b).
    2. Jesus was the firstborn from the dead. He was the first person who rose from the dead never to die again. "Death no longer has dominion over Him" (Romans 6:9b).
    3. Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth. He is "the King of kings and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15b).
    4. Jesus loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). Jesus died for us so that His blood could wash our sins away. "For it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul" (Leviticus 17:11b). Do you want your sins to be washed away? Jesus can hear you right now. Confess your sins to Him, repent of them (turn away from them). Ask Him to come into your heart and live in you. Thank Him for forgiving your sins. His Spirit will live in you and help you to overcome sin.
    5. Jesus is coming back to earth with clouds—the same way He ascended into heaven after His resurrection from the dead. "Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, `Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven' " (Acts 1:9-11). When He returns, will you be ready to meet Him? "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming" (1 John 2:28). Those who are not ready to meet Him will mourn. Those who know Him will be glad.

Jesus Christ Is God

    Jesus calls Himself "the Alpha and the Omega." The first letter of the Greek alphabet is "alpha." The last letter is "omega." Thus, Jesus is the first and last: He is eternal. "But to the Son He [God] says: `Your throne, O God, is forever and ever' " (Hebrews 1:8a).

John Shared in Persecution

    The apostle John had been banished to a small island called Patmos because of his testimony for Jesus Christ. "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). The closer we come to the end of the age, the more persecution will come to true followers of Jesus. 
    Earlier John had written Jesus' words: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18). "Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service" (John 16:2b). "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b).

LESSON 2. JOHN SEES THE GLORIFIED CHRIST
Revelation 1:12-20 12

    ¹² Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, ¹³ and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. ¹⁴ His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; ¹⁵ His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; ¹⁶ He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. ¹⁷ And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. ¹⁹ Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. ²⁰ The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches."

Something to Do

    Write or print your answer to each question. Look for the answers in the Bible passage above. The number after each question refers to the verse number in the Bible lesson where the answer is found. Check your answers by referring to the list of answers inside the back cover.
    1. One like the Son of Man was in the middle of the ____________ golden lampstands (verse 13). These golden lampstands were the seven ________________ (verse 20). [Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation contain letters Jesus dictated to these seven churches.]
    2. The One like the Son of Man was clothed with a garment down to the ___________, and girded about the chest with a _______________ band (verse 13). [This clothing shows the divine royalty and the priesthood of Jesus.]
    3. His head and hair were _______________ like wool, as white as ______________ (14). 
    [When Daniel saw a vision of God (described in Daniel 7:9), he said "the hair of His head was like pure wool." He called this awesome Being "the Ancient of Days," indicating that God is eternal. Here in Revelation, John's vision of Jesus, the Son of Man, shows that Jesus is the Eternal One. In Micah 5:2, the prophet described the One coming out of Bethlehem to be ruler in Israel as One "whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Jesus was God appearing as man.]
    4. His eyes were like a ___________ of __________(14). [The eyes of the Lord see and search out everything. "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3). "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry" (Psalm 34:15).]
    5. His feet were like fine ___________, as if refined in a furnace (15). [The brass feet speak of judgment. In Old Testament times the bronze altar, where animals were sacrificed, was the place where sin was judged.]
    6. His voice was as the sound of many __________ (15). 
[ "The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful" (Psalm 29:3, 4a).]
    7. He had in His right hand seven __________ (16). The seven stars are the __________ of the seven churches (20). [ "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3). Jesus holds His servants as stars in His hand. They are witnesses in this dark world.]
    8. Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged __________ (16). 
    [God's Word comes from the mouth of Jesus. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God judges us.]
    9. His countenance was like the __________ shining in its strength (16). [One of the names for Jesus is "Sun of righteousness." "But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings" (Malachi 4:2a). 
    Once while Jesus lived on earth, He was transfigured before three of His disciples, and His face shone like the sun (Matthew 17:2).]
    10. When John saw the Son of Man, he fell at His feet as ___________ (17). 
    [Of Jesus' twelve disciples, the apostle John had been closest to Jesus when He was on earth. But the sight of the glorified Christ was too much for him. The Lord Jesus is worthy of deep reverence. But Jesus told him not to be afraid.]
    11. Jesus said that He had the keys of ___________ (hell) and of __________ (18). [Once Jesus had said to Peter that not even the gates of hell would stop Him from building His Church (Matthew 16:18).]
    12. John was told to write three things (19):
    (a) "the things which you have __________" (in the past).
    (b) "the things which ___________" (in the present).
    (c) "the things which will take place _________ _______" (in the future).

Jesus Is Alive Forever

    Jesus had been killed by crucifixion for our sins according to God's plan. "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He [Jesus] might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:14, 15). 
    But three days later Jesus rose from the grave, victorious over death. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:25b, 26a). "Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19b). Praise God!

LESSON 3. JESUS' LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS
Revelation 2:1-7

    ¹ "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, `These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ² "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. ⁶ But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ⁷ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." ' "

Jesus Examines Each Church

    Jesus walks in the middle of seven churches of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), examining their spiritual condition with eyes of fire. "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17a). Jesus judges the Church before He judges the world.
    A church may be praised by men or despised by men. That does not matter. What matters is: What does Christ think of each church? To each church, Jesus says, "I know your works."
    What would Christ say about your church today? These letters to the churches give us much food for thought.
    Jesus' message to each church is addressed to the "angel" of the church. The word for "angel" also means "messenger." It could refer to the leader of the church. In each message Jesus chooses a description of Himself that has special meaning for that church. Most of the letters commend virtues of the church. All but two letters also contain rebukes.
    Each letter contains a special promise to "overcomers" or true believers in the church. May each of us be overcomers by God's grace. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" (1 John 5:4). "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death" (Revelation 12:11).

Something to Do

Fill in the blank spaces with the correct missing word.
1. Description of Christ: "These things says He who holds the seven ___________ in His right hand" (verse 1). [How wonderful to be held in God's right hand! "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:28).]
2. Commendation: "I know your works, your __________, your __________________, and that you cannot bear those who are ________" (2). "You ________ the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate" (6). [The word "Nicolaitans" means "conquer the people." Perhaps too great a separation was being made between the clergy and the laity (common believers). "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not . . . as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2, 3).]
3. Rebuke: "I have this against you, that you have left your __________ __________" (4). [Zealous activity, good works, and keeping sound doctrine can never take the place of our love relationship with Jesus Himself.]
4. Promise to overcomers: "To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the _________ of ___________, which is in the midst of the _________________ of God" (7). [How wonderful to spend eternity in the presence of God!]

Ephesus: The Church Which Left Its First Love

    Ephesus was a major city of Greek culture and pagan idolatry. It contained one of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the temple of the goddess Diana (Acts 19:35). Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos had worked in this city, and Paul had once taught there for three years. The book of Ephesians is Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. Later the apostle John ministered in Ephesus for thirty years.

When Love Grows Cold

    The church at Ephesus seemed to be on fire for the Lord. They were busy about their service to God. They stood strong in defending the truths of God's Word. But Jesus saw that something was missing. They had left their first love for Him. Serving God can never take the place of loving God. Do you remember Martha? She was distracted with much serving, while her sister Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His words. Jesus said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41b, 42).

    What is your first love? What can you do if you discover your love for Christ has grown cold? Jesus tells us what to do:
    1. Remember from where you have fallen. Jesus once told a parable about a son who wasted his inheritance in wrong living. "But when he came to himself, he said, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!' " (Luke 15:17).
    2. Repent. The prodigal son in Jesus' parable decided to forsake his wrong ways and returnto his father. "I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you' " (Luke 15:18). 
    3. Do the first works. "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).
    Maintaining a close relationship with Christ should be our first priority in life. If you leave your first love for Christ, Jesus says He will "remove your lampstand from its place." A church or an individual can lose the ability to be a light or a witness. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered" (John 15:6a).

Jesus Wants Us to Listen

    Jesus repeats these words to each church: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." When we really hear God's Word, we are like good ground receiving seed. "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matthew 13:23).

LESSON 4. JESUS' LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA
Revelation 2:8-11

    ⁸ "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, `These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: ⁹ "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ¹¹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." ' "

Something to Do 

Fill in the blank spaces with words from the Scripture above. 

    1. Description of Christ: "These things says the ________ and the ____________, who was __________ and came to _____________" (verse 8). [For a church suffering great persecution and martyrdom, what a comfort it must have been to have a message from the resurrected Christ, who had conquered death!] 
    2. Commendation: "I know your works, ______________, and ______________ (but you are __________)" (9). [The one who lays up treasure for himself is not rich toward God (Luke 12:21). "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" (James 2:5).] 
    3. Rebuke: None. [Persecution often purifies a church. Jesus found no fault with this persecuted church.] 
    4. Promise to overcomers: "He who overcomes shall not be ________ by the second ____________" (11). [The second death is the lake of fire, prepared for the devil and his angels, into which the unsaved are thrown (Revelation 20:14).] 

Smyrna: The Persecuted Church 

    The word "Smyrna" refers to "myrhh," a plant which must be crushed to give out its fragrance. The Roman laws against Christianity were strongly enforced. The persecution of believers in Asia seemed to center in Smyrna. Polycarp, friend of the apostle John, was burned to death there. 

    The early Church went through ten periods of persecution under various Roman emperors. It is thought that about five million believers were killed. The last period under Diocletian lasted ten years. Believers were hunted down in caves and forests. They were burned, thrown to wild beasts, and put to death by all kinds of torture. But Diocletian's own wife and daughter accepted Christ. The persecuted Church spread forth a sweet fragrance to God. "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place" (2 Corinthians 2:14). 

Do Not Fear Persecution 

    While He lived on earth, Jesus said to His disciples, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also" (John 15:20b). Persecution comes in many forms: slander, ridicule, false accusations, discrimination, imprisonment, beatings, death. 
    Persecution comes from Satan or man's sinful nature. Satan may use those who call themselves brothers but really are children of the devil. "In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother" (1 John 3:10). 
    We need not fear persecution, because God is with us. "So we may boldly say: `The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?' " (Hebrews 13:6). What a wonderful promise Jesus gives to those who are faithful even to the point of death! He will give them the crown of life—eternal life with Him. Jesus also was faithful to the point of death. "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). 
    Others around you may fall away because of persecution. Jesus once explained, "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles" (Matthew 13:20, 21). We need to be deeply rooted in the Word of God and learn to trust Him in every circumstance. His grace is sufficient for every time of need.

LESSON 5. JESUS' LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS 
Revelation 2:12-17 

    ¹² "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, `These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: ¹³ "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. ¹⁴ But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. ¹⁵ Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. ¹⁶ Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. ¹⁷ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' "

Something to Do 

Fill in the blank spaces with words from Scripture. 
    1. Description of Christ: "These things says He who has the ____________ two-edged _____________" (verse 12). [The Word of God was especially needed because of the false doctrine that had crept into the church.] 
    2. Commendation: "You hold fast to My ______________, and did not ________ My faith" (13). [Though Antipas was martyred there, the church was faithful.] 
    3. Rebuke: "You have there those who hold the doctrine of ___________" (14). "You also have those who hold the doctrine of the __________________, which thing I hate" (15). 
    [Balaam was a prophet who was hired by an enemy-king to curse Israel. Although God did not allow him to do so, he subtly incited the people of Israel to commit sexual immorality and worship idols (Numbers chapters 22-25). "They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness" (2 Peter 2:14b, 15). This church, like Balaam, taught doctrines that led Christians into idolatry and adultery. In Lesson 3 the church in Ephesus hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans. The church at Pergamos accepted their doctrine.] 
    4. Promise to overcomers: "To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden ___________ to eat. And I will give him a _________ stone, and on the stone a new _________ written" (17). [In Old Testament times God sent manna (a wafer-like food) from heaven to feed the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus likened Himself to that miraculous bread. "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst" (John 6:35b). 
    A white stone was used in ancient days to cast a vote of approval or acquittal ("not guilty"). Receiving a white stone and a new name from Christ signifies acceptance and approval by God. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1, 2).]

Pergamos: The Worldly Church 

The word "Pergamos" means "married." The church in Pergamos was in close alliance with the world. The city was called "Satan's throne" because of the Babylonian mystery cults that had their headquarters there. Jesus told this church to repent, or He would come quickly and fight them with the sword of His mouth, the Word of God. Only the Word of God can combat false doctrine. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Paul commended the church at Berea because they "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11b). Are you searching the Scripture daily so that you will not be deceived by false teaching?

LESSON 6. JESUS' LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA 
Revelation 2:18-29 

    ¹⁸ "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, `These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: <sup>19</sup> "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. <sup>20</sup> Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols. <sup>21</sup> And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. <sup>22</sup> Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. <sup>23</sup> And I will kill her children with death. And all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. <sup>24</sup> But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they call them, I will put on you no other burden. <sup>25</sup> But hold fast what you have till I come. <sup>26</sup> And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—<sup>27</sup> `He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the potter's vessels shall be broken to pieces'—as I also have received from My Father; ²⁸ and I will give him the morning star. ²⁹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "

Something to Do 

Fill in the blank spaces with words from Scripture. 
    1. Description of Christ: "These things says the Son of _______, who has _________ like a flame of fire, and His _________ like fine brass" (verse 18). [The Savior's searching eyes discern evil. His feet stamp out evil with judgment.] 
    2. Commendation: "I know your works, ______________, _____________, __________, and your _______________; and as for your works, the last are more than the ____________" (19). 
    3. Rebuke: "You allow that woman ______________, who calls herself a ___________________, to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual ____________________ and eat things sacrificed to _________" (20). [Idolatry and immorality usually go together. Both picture unfaithfulness to God.] 
    4. Promise to overcomers: "He who overcomes, and ________________ My works until the end, to him I will give ____________ over the _____________" (26). "I will give him the morning ___________" (28). [The saints will reign in Christ's kingdom. "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him" (2 Timothy 2:12a). In Revelation 22:16 Jesus describes Himself as the "Bright and Morning Star." "We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:19).]

Thyatira: The Church of the False Prophetess 

    Thyatira was the hometown of the apostle Paul's first convert in Europe. "Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul" (Acts 16:14). Thyatira was famous for its female-dominated dye and cloth industry. The church there seemed to be tolerating a false prophetess whom Jesus refered to as Jezebel. She was leading the church into false doctrine and evil acts just as wicked Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, had led Israel astray to worship Baal and had persecuted the servants of God (1 Kings 16:29-33 and 1 Kings 18:13). 
    The teachings of Jezebel are described as "the depths of Satan." Jesus had given this prophetess time to repent, but she had not. Now she was to be judged. The faithful who did not follow her teachings are told to hold fast till Jesus comes. 
    "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:1-7). Jesus says He will give to each one according to his works. For this church it meant great tribulation and the death of their children. We need to take the warnings of God's Word very seriously. 

Jesus Knows Those Who Are His 

    "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own" (John 10:14). "But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him" (1 Corinthians 8:3). "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: `The Lord knows those who are His,' and, `Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity' " (2 Timothy 2:19).

LESSON 7. JESUS' LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN SARDIS 
Revelation 3:1-6 

    ¹ "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, `These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. ² Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. ³ Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. ⁴ You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. ⁵ He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. ⁶ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "

Something to Do 

Fill in the blank spaces with words from Scripture. 
    1. Description of Christ: "These things says He who has the ___________ Spirits of God and the __________ stars" (verse 1). 
    [Isaiah spoke of the seven-fold Spirit of God which would rest on Jesus. "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD" (Isaiah 11:2).] 
    2. Commendation: "You have a few _____________ even in Sardis who have not _____________ their garments" (4). 
    [Only a few in this church were living holy lives.] 
    3. Rebuke: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are __________, but you are ___________" (1). "I have not found your works _____________ before God" (2). 
    [The church in Sardis had a reputation that it was alive, but in God's sight it was dead. Jesus calls us to be perfect—to be mature in Christ-like attitudes because God's Spirit lives in us. "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4).] 
    4. Promise to overcomers: "He who overcomes shall be clothed in ___________ garments, and I will not _________ out his name from the ___________ of _________; but I will ______________ his name before My Father and before His angels" (5). 
    ["Fine linen" is the righteous acts of saints (Revelation 19:8)— "the righteousness which is from God by faith" (Philippians 3:9b). "Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God" (Luke 12:8b).]

Sardis: The Dead Church 

    The patron deity of Sardis was supposed to have power to restore the dead. How sad that the church in this city was dead! Life comes only through Jesus Christ. 
    The church in Sardis was challenged to remember what they had received and heard, to hold it fast, and repent. "But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:13-15). We need to study the Scriptures daily and memorize them. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). God's Word can keep us from sin. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (John 17:17). 
    "Sardis" means "remnant." Praise God that even here there were a few who in God's sight were not defiled. "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!" (Psalm 119:1). What defiles a person? "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man" (Mark 7:21-23). "Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Hebrews 12:14, 15). 

Jesus Will Come as a Thief to Some 

    Jesus urges us to watch, so we will be alert to the time of His return. For those who are not watching, He will come as a thief in the night—very unexpectedly. But Christians will not be taken unaware. "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. . . . And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. . . . Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3b-6).

LESSON 8. JESUS' LETTER TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA 
Revelation 3:7-13 

    ⁷"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, `These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": ⁸ I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. ⁹ Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. ¹⁰ Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. ¹¹ Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. ¹² He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. ¹³ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "

Something to Do 

Fill in the blank spaces with words from Scripture. 
    1. Description of Christ: "These things says He who is _________, He who is ________, He who has the _______ of David, He who _________ and no one ___________, and __________ and no one ___________" (verse 7). 
    [Jesus was holy. "And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin" (1 John 3:5). Jesus was true. "We are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:20b). The treasurer of David's house bore the key of David. "The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open" (Isaiah 22:22). Jesus, the son of David, has kingly authority.] 
    2. Commendation: "You have a little ________________, have kept My _______, and have not _________ My name" (8). "You have kept My command to __________________" (10). 
    [Those who keep Christ's words have a special relationship with Him. "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (John 14:23b). How important it is not to deny Jesus! "But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:33).] 
    3. Rebuke: None. 
    [Jesus did not rebuke their weakness.] 
    4. Promise to overcomers: "He who overcomes, I will make him a ____________ in the temple of My God, and he shall ___ _____ no more. I will write on him the __________ of My God and the name of the _________ of My God. . . . And I will write on him My _______ name" (12). 
    [Two special pillars were in the Old Testament temple. "Then he set up the pillars by the vestibule of the temple; he set up the pillar on the right and called its name Jachin [literally, He Shall Establish], and he set up the pillar on the left and called its name Boaz" [literally, In It Is Strength]" (1 Kings 7:21). The faithful Christian, having stability and strength, will be given a place of service and honor. God seals the believer with His Spirit as a sign of His ownership. "Who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a deposit" (2 Corinthians 1:22).] 

Philadelphia: The Church of the Open Door 

    "Philadelphia" means "brotherly love." Jesus had a special love for the people of this faithful church (verse 9). The church of Philadelphia had doors of opportunity for Christian witness and missionary outreach. Paul, in prison, once asked for prayer for a door of opportunity, knowing God can open them. "Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains" (Colossians 4:3). 
    Doors of opportunity and faithful service can bring opposition. "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Corinthians 16:9). Satan will not stand idly by while the work of God prospers. "The synagogue of Satan" included sincere, misled, religious people used by Satan to oppose God's work. But Jesus says He will cause them to know how loved these faithful Christians are. "He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday" (Psalm 37:6). 
    God always keeps His loved ones through trials. He will spare believers from the judgment of wrath which will come upon unbelievers, just as He delivered Noah and Lot before judgment fell. ". . . The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment" (2 Peter 2:9). What God Can Do Through Weakness When you are weak, you can look to God as your strength. "We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12b). Jesus wants us to abide in Him, because He knows that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5). "God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty" (1 Corinthians 1:27b). "And He said to me, `My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10). This "weak" church was the strongest and most loved church! "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). 
    Even though we may have only a little strength, we know that God will not give us more testing than we can bear. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). He gives us ALL that we need to be spiritually strong. "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him" (2 Peter 1:3a). 
    Only weak people know their utter dependence on God for strength. God's people through faith ". . . out of weakness were made strong" (Hebrews 11:34a). God Himself is the strength of His people. "My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26).

LESSON 9. JESUS' LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS

Revelation 3:14-22

    ¹⁴ "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, `These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: <sup>15</sup> "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. <sup>16</sup> So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth. <sup>17</sup> Because you say, `I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 
    ²² "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "

Something to Do 

    A. Fill in the blank spaces with words from Scripture. 
    1. Description of Christ: "These things says the ________, the ____________ and ________ Witness, the Beginning of the ______________ of God" (verse 14). 
    ["Amen" refers to something that is "firm" and "trustworthy." As "the Amen," Jesus establishes all God's promises. "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Jesus is the origin and source of all creation. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created . . . . And He is before all things" (Colossians 1:15-17a). Jesus is also head of the new creation (believers). "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17a).] 
    2. Commendation: None. 
    3. Rebuke: "I know your works, that you are neither _____ nor ______" (15). "Because you are __________________, I will _________ you out of My mouth" (16). "You say, `I am ___________, have become _______________, and have need of ________________'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, ____________, ______________, and _____________" (17). 
    [These people were self-righteous and self-sufficient compared to believers in Smyrna, who lived in poverty but were spiritually rich.] 
    4. Promise to overcomers: "To him who overcomes I will grant to _______ with Me on My ___________, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (21). 
    ["Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name" (Psalm 91:14). "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him" (2 Timothy 2:12a). "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).] 
    B. Write out and memorize: Revelation 3:20. 

Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church 

    "Laodicea" means "rights of the people" or "people ruling." It implies an extremely democratic church that no longer follows the authority of spiritual leaders or the Word of God. 
    Laodicea was located in a valley near Colosse and Hierapolis. The apostle Paul told how Epaphras had a great zeal for the churches in these cities (Colossians 4:12, 13). Hierapolis boasted hot waters known for their medicinal qualities. Colosse was known for its cold, pure water. But Laodicea received water by aqueduct. By the time water arrived at Laodicea, it was lukewarm and provoked nausea. Jesus describes the church at Laodicea as lukewarm. The works of the Laodicean church were as sickening to Jesus as the city's lukewarm water. Though this church commended itself highly, Jesus has no words of commendation for it. 

The Dangers of Wealth 

    Apparently the church was caught up in the wealthy spirit of Laodicea and did not know its desperate spiritual need. 
    Scripture gives very serious warnings about the perils of wealth. "And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness" (1 Timothy 6:8-10a). 
    If you have wealth in this world, remember that it is God who gives power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Do not set your heart on it. Let God guide you in how to use it to help people in need and to build God's kingdom. You will find joy and blessing. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). 

How to Get Out of Spiritual Poverty 

    The church in Laodicea was spiritually poor, blind, and naked. But Jesus counsels them on what to do: 
    1. Buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich. (See a section below explaining each of these points.) 
    2. Buy from Me white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.    
    3. Anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. How appropriate these word-pictures are for a church in a city famous for banking, cloth production, and eye medicine! 
    Through the prophet Isaiah, God once invited Israel to "buy" spiritual food and drink, but not for money. When we come to God and listen diligently to Him, we will have spiritual plenty. "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance" (Isaiah 55:1a, 2b). 

(1) "Gold" Refined in the Fire 

    In God's sight, what is more precious than gold? "That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love" (1 Peter 1:7, 8a). Fiery trials of life test how genuine our faith is and enrich us spiritually. This brings us joy and honors Christ. 

(2) "White Garments" to Hide Our Shame 

    What spiritual garments do we need? "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me" (Job 29:14a). Jesus gives us salvation and the robes of His righteousness. 
    When Joshua, a high priest in Old Testament times, was opposed by Satan, God rebuked Satan and called Joshua a "brand plucked from the fire." "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, `Take away the filthy garments from him.' And to him He said, `See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes' " (Zechariah 3:3-4). God removes our filthy garments of sin and gives us the rich, beautiful robes of His righteousness. What a wonderful gift of His grace! We cannot think that our own righteousness is a fit covering. Only Christ can fulfill in us the righteousness God demands. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). 
    How can we receive His righteousness? ". . . If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation" (Romans 10:9, 10). We receive Christ's righteousness by believing on Him, by receiving Him into our hearts. He died for us and was raised to new life, so that we also might be dead to sin and alive to righteousness (Romans 6:10, 11). 

(3) "Eyesalve" that Brings Sight 

    When Jesus was on earth, He restored sight to blind men. Jesus came also to restore spiritual sight to those who are spiritually blind. "But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them" (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4). As sinners, we walk in darkness. "But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness" (1 John 2:11a). But when Christ comes into our hearts, darkness is turned to light, and we can see clearly. "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12b). 

Jesus Chastens Those He Loves 

    Has Jesus ever rebuked you or chastened you? He does this because He loves you. "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction; for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights" (Proverbs 3:11, 12). "But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world" (1 Corinthians 11:32). Our heavenly Father disciplines us in love "for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness" (Hebrews 12:10b). Thank God for His tender correction and chastening in love! 

Listen to What the Spirit Says 

    When Jesus was on earth, He left a promise with His disciples: "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26). Jesus promised that His followers would know the Holy Spirit, because not only would the Spirit be with them, He would also live in them (John 14:17). When the Holy Spirit lives in you, He will convict you of sin and He will comfort you in trials. "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His" (Romans 8:9b). 
    Perhaps you are like some of the Laodiceans, and this lesson has made you realize that you are spiritually poor, blind, and naked. You realize that the Holy Spirit of God does NOT live in you. But you long for spiritual riches of faith, for spiritual sight, for the clothing of Christ's righteousness. You long to be a new creation, with Christ living in you. Is this the desire of your heart? Then this letter from Jesus has good news for you. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20). He stands at the door of your heart, knocking. He wants to experience fellowship and friendship with you. Will you open the door of your heart right now? Just ask Him to come in. If you need help to pray, this prayer can guide you. What joy and peace will be yours!

Dear Lord Jesus, 
    Thank You for dying on the cross to take away my sins. I confess I am a sinner. I am sorry for the wrong things I have done. I ask Your forgiveness. Create in me a clean heart and grant me, Lord, Your righteousness. I receive You, Jesus, into my heart to be my Savior and Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

LESSON 10. JOHN IS CAUGHT UP TO THE THRONE OF GOD 
Revelation 4:1-11 

    ¹ After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." ² Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. ³ And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. ⁴ Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. ⁵ And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. ⁶ Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. ⁷ The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. ⁸ And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!"      
    ⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ¹¹ "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." 

The Throne of God 

    "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19). What a comfort! How wonderful to see that a rainbow encircles the throne! After God sent the flood of judgment upon the wicked earth in Noah's time, He set a rainbow in the clouds as a sign of mercy. "It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh" (Genesis 9:14, 15). God remembers! Even in wrath God remembers mercy (Habakkuk 3:2).     
    The 24 elders sit on thrones, representatives of the redeemed, having white robes and crowns (rewards)—made kings and priests to reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9, 10). 
    The four living creatures who declare God's holiness day and night were seen also by the prophet Ezekiel. He identified them as cherubim—angelic beings (Ezekiel 10:20). 
    The scene here is similar to the Old Testament temple (which was but a copy of the true heavenly temple). The seven lamps before the throne of God correspond to the seven-branched lampstand. The sea of glass corresponds to the laver (basin for washing). The throne corresponds to the ark of the covenant where God's presence was. The 24 elders correspond to the 24 priests who took turns serving in the temple. Even the living creatures correspond to the cherubim arching over the mercy seat. 
    These heavenly worshippers cast their crowns before God, who is worthy of all praise because He is the Creator of all things. God is worthy of our service to Him. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

LESSON 11. THE SEALED SCROLL 
Revelation 5:1-14 

    ¹ And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ² Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" ³ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. 
    ⁴ So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. ⁵ But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." 
    ⁶ And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 
    ⁸ Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, ¹⁰ and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth." 
    ¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" 
    ¹³ And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!" 
    ¹⁴ Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever. 

Who Is Worthy to Open the Scroll? 

    The scroll was rolled up and firmly sealed with seven seals. According to Roman law, all legal documents pertaining to life and death were sealed seven times. 
    What is so important about this scroll? Many Bible scholars believe that it is the legal title deed to the earth. Since Adam sinned, all creation was under bondage to sin, Satan, and death. No one in Adam's race could now claim their inheritance. No man was found who was worthy to loose the seals. John wept. Who could remove the curse placed on this earth? Thanks be to God! All weeping ends when the rightful ruler of this universe, the Lord Jesus Christ, appears to loose the seals and to claim the inheritance. 
    In the Hebrew system of owning land, only a near relative could redeem (buy back) land lost by the original owner. The story of Ruth is based on this law. Jesus—our Kinsman-Redeemer—by His own blood redeemed us back to God. God's Son was "appointed heir of all things . . ." (Hebrews 1:2b). He was the only One who could set creation free! 

Jesus, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah 

    Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, described as a lion and associated with the kingly line. "Judah is a lion's whelp . . . . The scepter shall not depart from Judah" (Genesis 49:9a, 10a). As the Lion of Judah, Jesus has prevailed (conquered) and reigns. 
    Before Jesus was born, the virgin Mary (of the house of David) was told by the angel Gabriel: "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And . . . of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:31-33).

Jesus, the Slain Lamb 

    When John looked for the Lion, there stood a Lamb as though it had been slain. The Lion was the Lamb! The word "slain" used here specifically means "slaughtered, as an animal for sacrifice." The Lamb had died for the sins of the world. John the Baptist had introduced Jesus at the River Jordan by saying, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29b). 
    Jesus' death and resurrection prove that He is worthy to reign over all creation, to open the book, to judge the world. The prophets had foretold both Christ's sufferings and the glories which would follow (1 Peter 1:11). Jesus was to be both the suffering Lamb and the kingly Lion. "He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7). Now the triumphant Lamb is all-powerful (possessing seven horns, referring to power and authority) and all-knowing (having seven eyes, referring to perfect wisdom). 
    As followers of Jesus we, too, can expect suffering before glory. "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:12, 13). 

All Creation Sings Praise to God 

    The theme song is "Worthy Is the Lamb!" On earth the Lamb was despised and rejected. But now He receives His rightful praise. "For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God" (2 Corinthians 13:4a). As a Lamb He was obedient even to death on a cross. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). All creation will one day bow before Him. May we bow to Him as Lord of our lives now! 
    When Jesus reigns in our hearts, we have new joy and grateful praise for our Savior and Redeemer. "Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth" (Psalm 96:1). "Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things" (Psalm 98:1). Do you sing praise to the Lord? "I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies" (2 Samuel 22:4).

LESSON 12. THE LAMB OPENS THE FIRST SIX SEALS
Revelation 6:1-17 

    ¹ Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see." ² And I looked, and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. 
    ³ When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see." ⁴ And another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. 
    ⁵ When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." And I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. ⁶ And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine." 
    ⁷ When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." ⁸ And I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. 
    ⁹ When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. ¹⁰ And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" ¹¹ And a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. 
    ¹² I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. ¹³ And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. ¹⁴ Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. ¹⁵ And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, ¹⁶ and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! ¹⁷ For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" 

Something to Do 

    Fill in the blank spaces with words from Scripture. 
    1. The first seal was opened and the horse which John saw was a _______________ horse (verse 2). He who sat on it had a ____________. A ______________ was given to him. He went out conquering and to conquer. 
    2. The second seal revealed a horse that was fiery ___________ (4). Power was given to the rider of the horse to take ___________ from the earth. A great ____________ was given to him. 
    3. The third seal was opened and John saw a ____________ horse (5). He who sat on it had a pair of _______________ in his hand. 
    4. The fourth seal revealed a __________ horse (8). The name of the one who sat on it was __________ followed by ________. Power was given them to kill with ___________, with _______________, with _______________, and by the ______________ of the earth (8). 
    5. The fifth seal was opened and John saw under the ___________ the ______________ of those who had been martyred (9). They had been slain (killed) for what reasons? 
    (a) __________________________________________
    (b)__________________________________________
    6. The sixth seal signaled the coming of the great day of the wrath of the Lamb. What seven things happened? 
    (a) There was a great ___________________ (verse 12). 
    (b) The sun became _________ as sackcloth of hair (12). 
    (c) The moon became like ____________ (12). 
    (d) The stars of heaven _____________ to the earth (13). 
    (e) The sky ________________ as a scroll rolled up (14). 
    (f) Every _________________ and ____________ moved out of place (14). 
    (g) All the men of the earth, both small and great, _______ themselves and cried to the mountains and rocks to fall on them to _________ them from the ___________ of Him who sits on the __________ and from the __________ of the Lamb (15 and 16). 

The First Seal: Rider on a White Horse 

    Some interpret this as a picture of Christ and His Church spreading the gospel throughout the earth in a great missionary thrust. Certainly Christ is seen wearing a crown as He reaps the harvest in Revelation 14:14. He returns to earth in final judgment with His saints, riding on a white horse (Revelation 19:11). He goes forth conquering and to conquer strongholds of Satan. "I will build My church, and the gates of Hades [hell] shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18b). "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). 
    Others interpret this rider as a counterfeit Christ, the spirit of Antichrist, conquering the world through diplomatic, peaceful means (he has a bow but no arrows), bringing false peace. "For when they say, `Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them" (1 Thessalonians 5:3a). 
    Jesus warned of such a time: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, `I am the Christ,' and will deceive many" (Matthew 24:4b, 5). "For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24).

The Second Seal: Rider on a Red Horse 

    A time of wars and threats of war takes peace from the earth. " `There is no peace,' says my God, `for the wicked' " (Isaiah 57:21). "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6).

The Third Seal: Rider on a Black Horse 

    War often leads to famine. This rider holds a set of scales, indicating economic control. Food is so scarce that it takes a day's wages to buy one quart of wheat. Yet the oil and wine, products for the rich, are not touched. 
    Jesus prophesied this: "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines" (Matthew 24:7a). Already millions have died from famine through civil wars in black Africa. 

The Fourth Seal: Rider on a Pale Horse 

    Death (claiming bodies in physical death) and Hell (claiming souls in spiritual death) have power to kill one fourth of the earth with: (1) sword (violence and war); (2) hunger (famine and poverty); (3) death (pestilence, incurable diseases, and natural disasters); and (4) beasts of the earth. This could refer to nature taking over because of world chaos. Or it could be through germ warfare or animals carrying disease. Rats have caused more people to die than all the wars in history. In the 14th century, the fleas from rats killed a third of Europe's population with bubonic plague. 
    Jesus warned of this: "And there will be . . . pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:7b, 8).

The Fifth Seal: Martyred Saints Revealed 

    We hear a cry from martyred saints as to how long it would be before God would judge the world. It would be only a little longer, after the martyrdom was complete. Jesus foretold this as well: "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:9-14). At a time when the gospel is being preached throughout all the world, Christians will be dying for their faith in unprecedented numbers. 
    Christians must expect to face tribulation and death. In the 20th century more Christians were killed for their faith in Christ than in all preceding centuries combined. Some of you reading this Bible study are facing persecution and perhaps will face death. Jesus promises to be with you always. He tells us what our attitude should be to those who persecute us. "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). However, He will come to judge those enemies and to answer prayers for deliverance. "Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud. LORD, . . . how long will the wicked triumph? . . . They break in pieces Your people, O LORD, and afflict Your heritage" (Psalm 94:2-5). 

Promises to the Persecuted 

    Jesus' disciples had a wonderful attitude toward persecution. "So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). 
    "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. `And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled' " (1 Peter 3:14). "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" (1 Peter 4:14a). 
    These words of Jesus are for you: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12). 

The Sixth Seal: The Wrath of the Lamb Has Come 

    The opening of the sixth seal brings frightening disturbances on earth and in the heavens. Jesus spoke of these things beforehand: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:29-31). "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD" (Joel 2:30, 31). 
    Apparently the people of earth know the day of wrath has come. They want to be hidden from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! Jesus' first coming had been to proclaim "the acceptable year of the LORD," but now we see "the day of vengeance of our God" has come (Isaiah 61:2). Could they actually see this "sign of the Son of Man" in the clouds, causing the tribes of the earth to mourn because they had rejected Him? Will this be the time when Israel will recognize her Messiah? "Then they will look on Me whom they have pierced; they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn" (Zechariah 12:10). 
    Scripture describes this fearful time when the wrath of God is poured out on the earth as "The Day of the Lord." "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap" (Malachi 3:2). 
    We can avoid God's wrath by repenting of our sins now and by believing in Jesus. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36). Only the blood of the righteous Lamb can protect from the wrath of the Lamb. 

What About the Rapture of the Church? 

    Praise God that true children of God—the redeemed—are saved from wrath! "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:8, 9). God has designed a wonderful plan for believers. They will be "caught up" to meet Christ in the air! This being "caught up in the clouds" is called the "Rapture" (from the Latin translation of this phrase). 
    When will this happen? Some believe it happens at this time, just before the wrath of God is poured out on the world. Others believe it happens earlier; a few believe it is later and that Christians will be specially protected during this time. This question should not divide Christians who believe the Bible. We can agree on one thing: It will happen! 
    God has given us some wonderful details about the Rapture (or "catching up") of the Church. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17). 
    As we wait to be "caught up" to meet the Lord in the clouds, let us build up one another in faith and love, praising our Lord that we are saved from His wrath. Let us spread the good news of His salvation far and wide!

LESSON 13. THE 144,000 SERVANTS OF GOD ARE SEALED 
Revelation 7:1-8 

    ¹ After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. ² Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, ³ saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." ⁴ And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: ⁵ of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; ⁶ of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; ⁷ of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; ⁸ of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. 

The Sealed Remnant of Israel 

    Twelve thousand from each of twelve Jewish tribes are sealed to show God's ownership and protection. They are on earth, possibly to be powerful witnesses for God. 
    Today true believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit. "In whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:13b, 14).

LESSON 14. A GREAT MULTITUDE STANDS BEFORE THE THRONE 
Revelation 7:9-17 

    ⁹ After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" ¹¹ And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen." 
    ¹³ Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" ¹⁴ And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ Therefore they are be-

fore the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. ¹⁶ They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; ¹⁷ for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." 

Something to Do 

    As you fill in the blanks, think about the truth of Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." 
    1. This multitude, which no one could number, was of all __________, ___________, peoples, and ___________ (9). [Some from every nation and language will receive salvation.] 
    2. These that came out of great tribulation had _________ their robes and made them white in the __________ of the Lamb (14). 
    [They were righteous before God.]
    3. The One on the throne will ________ among them (15). 
    [ "I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people" (Leviticus 26:12).] 
    4. They shall not __________ anymore or ________ (16). 
    [ "They shall neither hunger nor thirst, neither heat nor sun shall strike them; for He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them" (Isaiah 49:10).] 
    5. The ______ shall not strike them, nor any ______ (16). 
    [ "The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day" (Psalm 121:5b, 6a).]     
    6. The Lamb in the midst of the throne will ____________ them and lead them to living ______________ of water (17). 
    [ "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters" (Psalm 23:1, 2).] 
    7. God will wipe away every _______ from their eyes (17). 
    [ "He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken" (Isaiah 25:8).]

LESSON 15. THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVENTH SEAL 
Revelation 8:1-5 

    ¹ When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. ² And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. ³ Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. ⁴ And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. ⁵ Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. 

The Seventh Seal: Silence Before Judgments 

    When the Lamb opens the seventh seal, there is awesome silence in heaven. We feel the impending awfulness of the seven trumpet judgments to come. "Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!" (Zechariah 2:13). The entire scroll is now open. The fire thrown down to earth tells us of the wrath of God to be poured out. "For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come" (Isaiah 63:4). 

God Answers the Prayers of His People 

    In Old Testament times, God commanded Moses to make an altar of incense for the tabernacle, symbolizing the prayers of God's people rising to Him. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest was permitted to go into the inner sanctuary to meet with God where the mercy seat was. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He opened the way to God. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all" (1 Timothy 2:5, 6a). Now we each have direct communication with God through Christ, our High Priest. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). 
    Jesus invites us to pray. "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you" (John 15:7).

LESSON 16. FOUR ANGELS SOUND THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS 
Revelation 8:6-13 

    ⁶ So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
   ⁷ The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. 
    ⁸ Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood; ⁹ and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. 
    ¹⁰ Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water; ¹¹ and the name of the star is Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. 
    ¹² Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; and a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night. 
    ¹³ And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" 

The Trumpet Judgments 

    Seven angels prepare to sound the seven trumpets, one by one. God had given people a choice. "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19b). The inhabitants of the earth rejected Jesus, who said, "I am . . . the Life" (John 14:6b). "But you denied the Holy One and the Just . . . and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead" (Acts 3:14, 15a). Now those who live on the earth receive the results of their choice. Will YOU choose life while you have opportunity? "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15b). 

The First Four Trumpets 

    These judgments remind us of the plagues sent on the land of Egypt when God delivered the Israelites from slavery. Years later, the nation of Israel was promised bitter water to drink because they had worshipped idols and followed the imaginations of their hearts. "Behold, I will feed them, this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink" (Jeremiah 9:15b). 
    During the time of Israel's captivity, the prophet Ezekiel saw a vision of a river of water which would in God's future kingdom flow to the sea and be healed (Ezekiel 47:8). 

The Announcement of the Three Woes 

    An angel gives a message that the next three trumpet judgments will be worse. This message is given to the "inhabitants of the earth." The word "inhabitants" indicates "to reside, to be housed permanently." These people had settled down on earth as their permanent home, rejecting Christ. The people of God, on the other hand, consider themselves strangers and pilgrims on this earth (Hebrews 11:13). "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body" (Philippians 3:20, 21a). 
    Is your citizenship in heaven? "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11). "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2).

LESSON 17. THE FIFTH TRUMPET IS SOUNDED 
(The First Woe) 
Revelation 9:1-12 

    ¹ Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. And to him was given the key to the bottomless pit. ² And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. ³ Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. ⁴ They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. ⁵ And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. And their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. ⁶ In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 
    ⁷ And the shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. ⁸ They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. ⁹ And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. ¹⁰ They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men five months. ¹¹ And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon. 
    ¹² One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things. 

Demonic Forces From the Bottomless Pit 

    Jesus once delivered a man who was possessed by many demons. These demons begged not to be sent to the abyss where they belonged (Luke 8:31). Later Jesus explained who this being was who had fallen from heaven and now was given the key to the abyss, or bottomless pit. "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:18b, 19). If you are a true believer, Jesus has given you authority (in His name) over demons. They cannot harm you. 
    When demonic forces are unleashed in the world as a judgment on an unbelieving world, there will be no protection from the terrible torment they bring (except to those with the seal of God on their foreheads). People will prefer death, but no one will be able to die. 
    The leader of this evil horde is called Abaddon (Destruction) or Apollyon (Destroyer). Never forget that Satan's real goal is to destroy you. Jesus comes to give life. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8, 9a). On your own you are no match for Satan and his demons, but remember, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

    Remember, if you are a child of God, none of these judgments will come on you. "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:9). Praise God!

LESSON 18. THE SIXTH TRUMPET IS SOUNDED 
(The Second Woe) 
Revelation 9:13-21 

    ¹³ Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, ¹⁴ saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." ¹⁵ So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. ¹⁶ Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million, and I heard the number of them. ¹⁷ And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. ¹⁸ By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. ¹⁹ For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm. 
    ²⁰ But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; ²¹ and they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. 

"They Did Not Repent" 

    The River Euphrates flowed from the garden of Eden, where evil entered the world (Genesis 2:10, 14). Now a deadly army of 200,000,000 is released to kill one-third of mankind through the plagues of their warfare. Those who were not killed did not repent of their sinful deeds. "Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes" (Psalm 119:155). 
    Idol worship is total rejection of the true, living God. In God's sight things sacrificed to idols are really being sacrificed to demons (1 Corinthians 10:20). "With abominations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to demons, not to God" (Deuteronomy 32:16b, 17a). 
    "Sorceries" in the original Greek language of the New Testament means "having to do with drugs." It is also associated with witchcraft. It is not surprising that these sins are becoming more widespread in our day. They are sins of the man who has not been filled with the Spirit of God. "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). 
    What a contrast is the fruit produced by a child of God! "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22, 23). 
    It is only by God's grace that men repent of their sins. "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). True sorrow for sin leads to repentance, a changed life, and eternal salvation. The world's sorrow is merely regret for being caught in sin or regret for suffering the consequences of sin. Because this kind of sorrow does not produce a changed life, it leads to eternal death. 
    If God's Spirit convicts you of sin, repent now while your heart is still tender. "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 3:7b, 8a). A time is coming when men's hearts will be too hard to repent of their sins.

LESSON 19. THE SEVEN MYSTERIOUS THUNDERS 
Revelation 10:1-11 

    ¹ And I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. ² And he had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, ³ and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. And when he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices. ⁴ Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them." 
    ⁵ And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his hand to heaven ⁶ and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer, ⁷ but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. ⁸ Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth." 
    ⁹ And I went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth." 
    ¹⁰ And I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. ¹¹ And he said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings." 

The Angel and the Little Book 

    This mighty angel may be the "Angel of the LORD," Jesus Christ, who at times appeared as an Angel in Old Testament times and now has a glorified body. He is ready to claim His inheritance. God once said to His Son, "Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession" (Psalm 2:8). 
    He sets His right foot on the sea and His left foot on the land. This is the Biblical way of claiming territory. To Joshua, God said, "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you" (Joshua 1:3a).         
    The Lion of the Tribe of Judah roars as a lion does when it is about to conquer its prey. Seven thunders utter their voices. John is not permitted to write what he hears. This is the only message in the book of Revelation which is sealed from our knowledge. But, praise God, enough is revealed to us in Scripture for our salvation and victorious living. "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29). "He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things" (Daniel 2:21b, 22a). 
    The seventh angel is about to sound the seventh trumpet judgment, and when he does, the mystery of God, as declared to the prophets, will be finished. Many scoff, thinking the Lord will never return. But He is giving men today a chance to repent. "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). One day there will be no more delay, no more time to repent. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2b). "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3a). 
    Part of the mystery of God was that Gentiles (pagans) would be invited to become fellow-heirs with Jews to inherit the promises of God (Ephesians 3:4-6). "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). This "mystery" has been openly revealed through God's Word. 
    Why was the little book sweet to John's taste and yet bitter to his stomach? Perhaps it indicates that God's Word is often a joy to receive but painful to deliver. Perhaps it is because God's Word reveals the sweetness of God's grace but also the bitterness of His judgment. 
    John needed to eat the little book to make it part of his inner person. We need to do that with God's Word. "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16). The Word of God is our food. Jesus said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' " (Matthew 4:4b). Digesting the little book prepared John for the messages he still needed to deliver to the world. We, too, need God's Word to prepare us to be a witness to our world today. 
    The prophet Ezekiel had a similar experience. "And He said to me, `Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.' So I ate it, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness" (Ezekiel 3:3). 
    The prophet Jeremiah was to deliver God's message to rebellious people. ". . . Speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed before their faces" (Jeremiah 1:17a). He was to deliver the message whether they heard it or whether they refused to hear it. Let us be faithful witnesses to our generation as well, giving out the message of God no matter what the response may be.

LESSON 20. THE TWO WITNESSES ARE KILLED AND RESURRECTED 
Revelation 11:1-14 

    ¹ Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. ² But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. ³ And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 
    ⁴ These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. ⁵ And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. ⁶ These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. ⁷ Now when they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. ⁸ And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. ⁹ Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three and a half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. ¹⁰ And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. 
    ¹¹ Now after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. ¹² And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. ¹³ In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand men were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. 
    ¹⁴ The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.

The Temple Is Measured 

    The city of Jerusalem is overrun by the Gentiles for 3 1/2 years under Antichrist rule. John is told to measure the temple, the altar, and the worshippers. Measuring is a symbolic act that shows possession. John is NOT to measure the outer court, which was the court of the Gentiles. 

Two Prophets Are God's Witnesses 

    The two witnesses wear sackcloth as a sign of great distress over the spiritual condition of Israel. They are described as the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before God. This same description was given for Zerubbabel and Joshua, the governor and high priest who rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem after seventy years of captivity in Babylon. At that time an angel said, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: `Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6b). 
    Who are these witnesses? Some say they are Elijah and Enoch—Old Testament men who never died because God took them directly to heaven. Others think they are Moses and Elijah because: 
    1. Like Moses in the Old Testament, these witnesses have power to turn water into blood. Moses appeared with Jesus and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3). Also, Michael the archangel disputed with the devil over the body of Moses (Jude 9). Did Satan want to prevent Moses from being this powerful witness at the end of time? 
    2. Like the prophet Elijah, these witnesses have power to prevent rain for 3 1/2 years and also to bring down fire from heaven to destroy their enemies. The prophet Malachi predicted, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD" (Malachi 4:5). 
    If the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah, they would symbolize the witness of the Law (given through Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah was a great prophet). "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe" (Romans 3:21, 22a). 
    These two witnesses are killed only when they finish their te