Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Revelation chapter Breakdown UPDATE (Book)

  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, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus     Christ, to all things that he saw.

In this profound introduction, we witness the divine intention behind the Revelation. YHWH bestowed this insight upon Yeshua, who, in turn, entrusted it to an angel for John. This sequence underscores the sacred responsibility of conveying truths about the future, particularly concerning the last days.

    Daniel 2:28-29

But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be.

Here, we draw parallels to the prophetic revelations given to Nebuchadnezzar, which Daniel interpreted. A revelation signifies the disclosure of previously unknown truths, often concerning humanity's future. This context establishes the gravity of what is to come—events signaling the end of our current world.

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.

The promise of blessing for those who engage with this prophecy is unique within Scripture. There is no other book in the entire bible such a claim the reader will be blessed from reading, hearing and keeping the words held within. The urgency conveyed by "the time is near," penned over 2,000 years ago, compels us to reflect on the current state of our world. If we identify as believers, we must acknowledge that we are potentially living in the biblical last days. Let’s also take into consideration what Peter had to say about the last days.

2 Peter 3:1-4

Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

This passage underscores the skepticism that arises as we approach the culmination of prophecy. It aligns with Isaiah.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Such proclamations resonate in our contemporary society, where moral confusion reigns. The persistence of such attitudes signals the reality of our times as we anticipate Yeshua’s return.

I understand this is just a small easy prophecy, but nevertheless, it is true. More and more believers are subject to men who chooses to walk according to fleshy lusts which ultimately ends up with men calling things good which YHWH has made clear are evil, and calling evil things YHWH has made for good. If we truly consider the world we are living in today, there should absolutely be no misguided understanding, we are certainly living in the last days before the second coming of Yeshua, our Messiah.

The Seven Churches and Their Significance

4 John, 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, 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, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 11:2

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

Psalm 89:27

Also I will make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.

Exodus 19:6

And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

This Old Testament promise is fulfilled in the New Covenant, signifying that there are two distinct groups of believers in the last days: those who keep God’s commandments and those who do not. The former will be recognized as the Bride of Christ, while the latter will dwell within the kingdom but outside the temple.

  In the context of the early Christian church, John’s letter addresses the seven churches of Asia, all situated in present-day   Turkey. At the heart of this revelation stands Yeshua, the one who is, who was, and who is to come—the firstborn and          only Son of YHWH.

Before the throne of YHWH, we encounter the seven spirits that comprise the fullness of His Spirit: the Spirit of the Lord, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, and the Fear of the Lord. These manifestations serve as divine attributes that guide and empower the faithful.

Believers are called to be a kingdom of priests for YHWH, an intriguing notion when we consider the Old Testament priests—primarily the Levites—tasked with upholding God’s Law. This raises a point of speculation that I find compelling: in the last days, there appear to be two distinct groups among believers. Those who diligently observe God's commandments may be viewed as the Bride of Christ, while those who do not, though still part of the kingdom, may find themselves outside the temple’s inner sanctum.

Reflecting on the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem, we note the absence of Levi and Joseph, replaced instead by the names of Joseph’s two sons. This omission suggests a significant theological implication—those who uphold God's Law are granted the privilege of residing within the temple, thereby embodying the Bride. The gates, named after the twelve tribes—Asher, Dan, Ephraim, Gad, Issachar, Manasseh, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, Judah, and Benjamin—underscore this distinction and illuminate the eternal relationship between the faithful and the divine.

The Coming of Yeshua

7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

Malachi 4:1-6

“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

This verse affirms the visibility and impact of Yeshua’s return. The mourning described reflects a sobering realization among those who once doubted or rejected Him.

This verse from Revelation has sparked considerable discussion, particularly among proponents of preterism—the theory that asserts Jesus has already returned. The text states that even those who pierced Him will witness His descent, a point often cited in support of this viewpoint. However, I find the preterist interpretation lacking, given the numerous other scriptural prophecies that must be fulfilled prior to His return, many of which remain unfulfilled.

From my perspective, this verse suggests one of two possibilities. First, it may refer to the descendants of those who pierced Yeshua, indicating that they will indeed witness His descent. Alternatively, it could imply that those who have passed away, including those who directly pierced Him, will also behold His coming. Each interpretation invites us to reflect on the profound implications of Yeshua's return and the enduring impact of His sacrifice.

Mark 13:24-27

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

Mark’s account significantly counters the preterist interpretation, particularly with the eschatological events he describes. He clearly outlines that, following the tribulation, the sun and moon will cease to give light, and the stars—often understood as angels—will fall from heaven to earth.

This imagery invites intriguing speculation: could these fallen stars represent the army of saints who accompany Christ upon His return? The idea that celestial beings may play a pivotal role in this grand revelation not only deepens our understanding of the narrative but also highlights the cosmic significance of His second coming. Mark’s depiction serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative and climactic nature of these prophetic events.

Isaiah 66:15-16

For behold, the Lord will come with fire And with His chariots, like a whirlwind, To render His anger with fury, And His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword The Lord will judge all flesh; And the slain of the Lord shall be many.

This imagery paints a powerful portrait of divine judgment, as the Lord descends amidst clouds and flames, poised to execute His righteous anger. His coming is not merely a moment of revelation but a decisive act of justice, aimed at both the living and the dead. In this solemn promise, we are reminded of the gravity of His authority and the magnitude of His judgment, where every soul will stand before Him, accountable for their deeds. The vivid descriptions serve to emphasize the seriousness of His mission: to purify, to judge, and ultimately, to establish His kingdom in righteousness.

Luke 21:25-28

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Before the sun and moon cease to shine, we are warned of unmistakable signs in the heavens, heralding a time of great confusion and distress among the nations. The roaring of the seas will reflect the turmoil within human hearts, as fear grips many in anticipation of the unfolding events. Yet, amidst this chaos, believers are called to a different response: rather than succumb to fear, they are urged to look up and lift their heads, recognizing that restoration is imminent. This pivotal moment serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest times, redemption is drawing near.

Daniel 7:13

“I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.

Zechariah 12:10-14

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. And the land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by itself, and their wives by themselves; all the families that remain, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves.

Psalm 4:3

But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him.

When Yeshua returns, He will come on the clouds, accompanied by chariots of fire, a dramatic fulfillment of prophecy that will leave no eye unobserved. In that moment, the world will witness the culmination of divine promise, an event steeped in both awe and solemnity.

As Christ descends, a wave of mourning will sweep over those who behold Him. This sorrow arises not from a lack of faith but from a profound realization—their belief is no longer a matter of faith alone; they now witness the truth with their own eyes. They grieve, recognizing the grievous error of their past disbelief, confronted by the scars that bear witness to His suffering for the lost sheep of the House of Israel.

In light of these events, the book of Malachi offers a crucial admonition: “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.” The significance of His Law cannot be overstated; it is the means by which we express our love for Him. By adhering to His commandments, we distinguish ourselves from those who oppose Him, embodying a commitment that sets us apart. His Law is intended for all Israel, and through faith, we are grafted into this covenant community, embracing a legacy that transcends time and affirms our identity as His chosen people.

Romans 11:17-24

And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.

You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

Jeremiah 11:16

The Lord called your name, Green Olive Tree, Lovely and of Good Fruit. With the noise of a great tumult He has kindled fire on it, And its branches are broken.

In Romans, the Apostle Paul employs the metaphor of grafting to illustrate the relationship between Gentile believers and the Jewish people within the framework of God’s covenant. He explains that some branches, representing the Israelites, have been broken off due to unbelief, while Gentiles, depicted as wild olive branches, have been grafted into the cultivated olive tree of Israel. This imagery emphasizes both the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s promises and the precariousness of their position.

Paul warns against prideful boasting among the Gentiles, reminding them that they are supported by the root of the olive tree, which symbolizes the patriarchs and the covenantal promises of God. He underscores the importance of humility and faith, cautioning that just as the natural branches were cut off for their lack of faith, the same could happen to the Gentiles if they become arrogant. This passage reflects the dual nature of God’s character: His goodness toward those who believe and His severity toward those who reject Him. Paul encourages a continual reliance on God's grace, affirming that if the Jewish people turn back to faith, they too can be regrafted into their own olive tree, highlighting the hope of restoration for all.

Jeremiah complements this theme by referring to Israel as a "Green Olive Tree," a symbol of beauty, vitality, and fruitfulness. This imagery conveys God's deep affection for His people and the potential for growth and prosperity. However, the verse also carries a sobering message about impending judgment. The mention of God kindling fire upon the olive tree suggests a time of great turmoil and distress, leading to the breaking of its branches. This serves as a poignant reminder that, while Israel is beloved and has a special place in God's plan, it is also subject to His discipline when it strays from faithfulness.

Together, these passages emphasize the intertwining destinies of Gentile believers and Israel, underscoring themes of inclusion, accountability, and the possibility of restoration. They invite reflection on the seriousness of faith, the importance of humility, and the enduring love of God for His people, both Jew and Gentile, within the unfolding narrative of salvation.

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.”

Isaiah 41:4

Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, am the first; And with the last I am He.’ ”

The declaration, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” serves as a profound affirmation of God's eternal nature and sovereignty over time and creation. This is Yeshua making the statement, YHWH also declares Himself in the same way indicating they are one and the same.

By identifying Himself with these Greek letters, the first and last of the alphabet, God emphasizes that He encompasses all things—every aspect of existence finds its origin in Him and culminates in Him. This statement encapsulates the entirety of the divine narrative, highlighting God's omnipresence as "the Almighty"—a title that reinforces His power and authority over all that is, was, and will be. This timelessness assures believers of His unchanging presence and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises throughout history.

Isaiah echoes this theme of divine sovereignty and eternal existence. Here, God asserts His role as the Creator and Sustainer of all generations. The rhetorical question invites reflection on the divine orchestration of history, emphasizing that all events unfold under His watchful eye and according to His will. By declaring Himself as "the first" and "the last," God reaffirms His control over time, suggesting that He not only initiates creation but also holds the final authority over its destiny.

Together, these passages illustrate a central tenet of faith: the God who transcends time is deeply involved in the unfolding of human history. His eternal nature offers comfort to believers, assuring them that they are part of a larger divine plan that spans from the beginning of time to its ultimate conclusion. This understanding fosters a sense of purpose and security, encouraging believers to trust in God’s unwavering presence and guidance throughout their lives. In a world often marked by uncertainty and change, these verses remind us of the steadfastness of the Almighty, who is both the source of creation and its final fulfillment.

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and 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.

John encapsulates the essence of the Christian experience: a shared journey through tribulation, a hopeful anticipation of God's kingdom, and an unwavering commitment to the testimony of Yeshua. John’s words serve as a reminder that believers are not alone in their struggles; they are part of a larger community, united in faith and perseverance, called to bear witness to the transformative power of Christ, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Moreover, John's identification of the "word of God" and "the testimony of Jesus Christ" reflects the centrality of Scripture and the witness of Christ in the life of the believer. It emphasizes that even in hardship, the truth of God's word and the example of Jesus remain vital sources of strength and inspiration.

Revelation 14:12

Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

If John faced persecution for upholding the Law of God and maintaining faith in Yeshua, we should prepare ourselves for similar trials in our own time. The challenges we encounter may indeed be more severe, particularly as we approach what could be seen as Satan's final, desperate attempt to undermine YHWH's sovereignty. This impending tribulation underscores the gravity of our commitment to righteousness and the inevitable opposition we may face.

This perspective is a significant reason for my skepticism regarding the pretribulation rapture. The notion that believers would be exempt from suffering contradicts the experiences of faithful followers throughout history, including those of the early church. Rather than escaping trials, we are called to endure and remain steadfast in our faith, fully aware that such tribulations serve a greater purpose in the divine narrative. Ultimately, embracing this reality prepares us to confront the challenges ahead with courage and conviction.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 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.”

John was transported in spirit to the Lord's Day, where he encountered a voice like a trumpet—recognized as the voice of Yeshua. The seven churches addressed in this revelation are situated in what is now modern-day Turkey, a detail that will prove crucial as we delve into the prophecies contained within this book.

Among these churches, the church of Ephesus holds particular significance, as it is the recipient of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians. This connection will allow us to draw important insights from that letter as we continue our exploration of the messages intended for these communities.

12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 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.

Exodus 37:22-24

Their knobs and their branches were of one piece; all of it was one hammered piece of pure gold. And he made its seven lamps, its wick-trimmers, and its trays of pure gold. Of a talent of pure gold he made it, with all its utensils.

Daniel 7:13

“I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.

John sees "One like the Son of Man" amidst the golden lampstands. This imagery signifies Christ's active and present role within the church, highlighting His authority and care for the community of believers. The description of Him being clothed in a garment down to the feet and girded with a golden band suggests His high priestly status, indicating His role as both mediator and king.

14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 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.

Daniel 7:9-10

“I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.

Daniel 10:6

His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude

Yeshua is depicted with a head of hair as white as snow, and His eyes resemble flames of fire, conveying a striking image of purity and intense scrutiny. His feet and arms are described as being the color of polished brass, symbolizing strength and resilience. His voice resonates like the sound of powerful rushing waters, suggesting authority and presence. The stars held in His hand represent angels, indicating His sovereign control over these heavenly beings. Furthermore, I propose that every instance where the term "star(s)" appears in this book refers to angels. His countenance shines with a brilliance likened to lightning, reflecting the radiance of the sun in its full strength.

Jude 1:14-19

Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

Psalm 110: 5-6

The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath. He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries.

A forthcoming court hearing will see Yeshua presiding as the judge, rendering judgment against all who are ungodly. Jude specifically highlights that those who lack the Spirit of God are walking in the flesh, driven by their own ungodly desires. Conversely, this implies that those who possess the Spirit of God are not governed by the lusts of the flesh. It is important to note that these fleshly desires stand in opposition to the Law of God, emphasizing the stark contrast between spiritual living and carnal impulses.

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.

Isaiah 41:4. 44:6

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

The parallels in these passages underscore a significant theological connection between YHWH and Yeshua, affirming the unity of their divine nature. Both affirmations—Yeshua’s declaration in Revelation and YHWH’s proclamation in Isaiah—assert that there is no other God besides Him, reinforcing the understanding that Yeshua and YHWH are one and the same. This reinforces the notion of Christ's divine authority and identity within the broader context of Scripture.

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.

Hosea 13:14

“I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! Pity is hidden from My eyes.”

Yeshua is the eternal one who lives, having died but now lives forevermore. He holds the keys to hell and death, symbolizing His ultimate authority over life and the afterlife. The similarities in the terminology used to refer to both YHWH and Yeshua underscore their essential unity; it is evident that they are one and the same.

Attempts to create a separation between the Old and New Testaments are fraught with danger. I firmly believe that chapter one of Revelation serves to illustrate the continuity between these two sections of Scripture, affirming that YHWH and Yeshua are indeed the same almighty God. This understanding is crucial for a coherent theological perspective that honors the entirety of the biblical narrative.

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.

The seven stars represent angels, while the seven lampstands correspond to the churches of Asia mentioned earlier.

Key insights from the first chapter of Revelation include the following: Yeshua entrusts a heavenly angel with the visions intended for John, emphasizing the divine origin of these revelations. Those who read and hear this book are promised blessings. All seven churches listed are situated in what is now modern-day Turkey. YHWH is associated with seven spirits, all of which are detailed in prior passages. Additionally, it is affirmed that Yeshua and YHWH are one and the same.

Furthermore, a critical perspective is offered regarding contemporary medicine, which is described as akin to witchcraft. Lastly, Yeshua is prophesied to return to Earth, riding on an enflamed cloud, with the dual purpose of judging the wicked and establishing His reign as King of His Kingdom.

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