Rev 13 discusses two more evil beasts, one who rises from the sea and the other from the earth. They are allowed to speak great blasphemies against God and deceive all the people who belong to the world. They were allowed to wage war against God's holy people. The people of the world, those whose names were not written in the Book of Life, all worshiped the beasts. John tells us also that the beast's number is 666, which has some mysterious relevance to Satan's attempt to undo Chris's work.
Rev 14 describes the destiny of the body of believers who have endured persecution on earth and will soon enter eternity of blessing and glory with Him, and forever "will rest from all their toils and trials". Jesus is described as having separated the "harvest", which is a "ripe crop" among the whole earth. Believers will receive their long-awaited reward and God's wrath and judgement will be proceed against the unbelievers, symbolized by imagery of grapes being trodden and blood flowing from a winepress.
Humble thoughts, reflections, and/or summaries from readings of God's word. "For if any one is desirous simply to know those things which it has pleased God to reveal, that is the man who accurately knows what it is to be truly wise. " Calvin
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Rev 12
"It has happened at last--the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ! For the accuser has been thrown down to earth--the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night. And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die. Rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice ! But terror will come on the earth and the sea. For the devil has come down to you in great anger, and he knows that he has little time."
"It has happened at last--the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ! For the accuser has been thrown down to earth--the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night. And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die. Rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice ! But terror will come on the earth and the sea. For the devil has come down to you in great anger, and he knows that he has little time."
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Rev 9 explains the results of fifth and sixth angels sounding their trumpets, namely the first and second "woe" referred to at the end of chapter eight. The first involves the opening of the Abyss, from which an intense smoke arose and covered the sky and contained locusts appearing like horses prepared for battle. The locusts will have tails that sting like scorpions and the power to torment and torture people who did not have the seal of God. Then when the sixth angel sounds its trumpet, there will be voice saying "release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates". When they are released, they will kill 1/3 of remaining mankind with plagues from their mouths: fire, smoke, and sulfur. John concludes by explaining that the hearts of the still remaining mankind will continue to be unyielding and will even yet not repent. ( Didn't they read Exodus?)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Rev 8 tells us about the seven angels and their trumpets. After the seventh seal was opened, there was a period of silence and then the four of the seven angels each sounded their trumpets, which caused destruction of 1/3 of the earth, 1/3 of the sea, 1/3 of the fresh water supply, and the sun, moon, and stars. As if this wasn't enough, John hears from "midair call out in a loud voice: Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!".
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Rev 7 reminds us that we who are marked with the "seal of God" as His servants "will be fully protected" and preserved. We will be among those in John's vision,"a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language" marked with the seal of God, all shouting that our "salvation comes from our God on the throne and from the Lamb!". John was told in his vision that "they will never again be hungry or thirsty...for the Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd..and lead them to the springs of life-giving water".
Monday, December 7, 2009
Rev 6 is about the opening of the first six seals, which are opened by Christ "the Lamb". By opening the seals, Christ sets in motion events that bring about the end times, the unfolding judgement of God. The different seals are associated with different colored horses, representing different kinds of judgement (famine, warfare, death). God displays both His mercy and justice as history occurs according to the timing of His will.
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