Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation

Verses within this Study.

1:1, 2, 5, 5-K, 6, 8, 9, 10, 1:13; 2:18; 4:8, 4:11; 5:6, 8, 10, 12, 13; 6:1, 6:10, 15, 16; 7:9, 10, 14, 17; 9:11; 10:11; 11:8, 11:15, 11:17; 12:10, 11, 12:17; 13:8; 14:1, 4, 10, 12, 14:13, 14; 15:3, 3-K, 15:4, 31; 16:5, 16:7, 12, 14; 17:2, 6, 10, 12, 17:14, 14-K, 14-Lamb, 18; 18:3, 8, 9; 19:1, 19:6, 19:7, 9, 10, 19:16, 16-K, 18, 19; 20:4, 4-C, 20:6; 21:9, 7, 14, 22, 22, 23, 24, 27; 22:1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 20, 21.

Click on the following links to jump to a section within the study of this Bible Book: Lord only, Jesus only, Christ only, Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus, Lord Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Son, King, Lamb

Lord is used any time that an action of God fits within the categories of government: Law, judgment, etc. In particular, Revelation uses the role of Lord to tell us about judgment and vengeance and worship due God and His power. The title of King is always made equivalent to Lord in Revelation where both Lord and King execute the responsibilities of a Lord. However, a King can make up any laws he wants while a Lord interprets and enforces the laws given to him. In Revelation, we are told that Jesus Christ is Lord and King. While Jesus Christ is King, He is also in submission to God the Father and does not make any laws contrary to God the Father but enforces the will of God the Father.

While this study is not about God the Father, this book says many things about God the Father including:

word of God 1:2, 9; 6:9; 19:13; 20:4.
paradise of God 2:7.
Son of God 2:18.
Spirit of God 2:7; 11:11; 19:10; 21:10.
Spirits of God 3:1; 4:5; 5:6; 16:14.
temple of God 3:12; 7:15; 11:1, 19; 15:8; 16:1; 21:22.
tabernacle of God 21:3.
name of God 3:12; 16:9; 19:13.
city of God 3:12; 20:9; 21:2, 10, 23; 22:19.
creation of God 3:14.
of the living God 7:2.
servants of our God 1:1; 7:3; 10:7; 19:5; 22:3, 6.
seal of God 9:4.
mystery of God 10:7.
prepared of God 12:6.
kingdom of our God 12:10.
commandments of God 12:17; 14:12.
throne of God 4:5; 5:6; 7:15, 17; 12:5; 14:5; 19:5; 22:1, 3.
wrath of God 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1, 19; 19:15.
sayings of God 19:9; 22:6, 9.
supper of the great God 19:17.
priests of/unto God 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.
glory of God 11:13; 14:7; 15:8; 16:9; 19:1; 21:11, 23.
God of 11:4, 13; 16:11; 22:6.
from God 1:1; 3:12; 11:11; 20:9; 21:2, 10.
to God 5:9; 7:10.
unto God 1:6; 5:10; 7:12; 12:5; 14:4; 19:1.
before God 3:2; 8:2, 4; 9:13; 11:16; 16:19; 20:12.
God shall 7:17; 17:17; 21:4; 22:18-19.
Lord God 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7; 18:8; 19:1, 6; 21:22; 22:5-6.
Fear God 11:11; 14:7; 19:5.
blasphemed God 16:9, 11, 21.
worshipped God 7:11; 11:1, 16; 14:7; 19:4, 10; 20:4.
I will be his God 21:3, 7; 22:9.
God hath remembered 18:5.
God hath avenged 18:20.
against God 13:6.

The main message of Revelation can be summed by the first and last verses. Revelation 1:1 starts with The Revelation of Jesus Christ... Notice that Revelation is singular, not plural. In addition, this says that it is revealing the person who does future events, not that it is revealing future events. In fact, John is told to not reveal some events (Revelation 10:1-4). Yes, events are revealed, but only in the context of revealing that Jesus Christ is Lord. This Revelation ends in Revelation 22:21 which tells us The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The summary of The Revelation of Jesus Christ.. is that He is our Lord Jesus Christ and we need His grace. In between the start and end of this epistle we see many different times and ways that the lost fear the judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ and the saved worship Him. That is the summary of this epistle: He is Lord and if you are not saved and worshipping Him then you will fear Him and His judgment.

Lord

Revelation 1:8, 1:10; 4:8, 4:11; 6:10; 11:8, 11:15, 11:17; 14:13; 15:3, 15:4; 16:5, 16:7; 17:14; 18:8; 19:1, 19:6, 19:16; 21:22; 22:5, 22:6.

Revelation 1:8 gives us the main use of Lord in this epistle when it says He is the Alpha and Omega and the Almighty. The means there is only one and here it is. I strongly believe that the main purpose of prophecy is to prove that the God of the Bible is more powerful than all other beings combined. We certainly see that truth in this epistle, especially in the verses that use Lord. To the best of my knowledge, God deliberately hides part (meaning / time / etc) of the true interpretation of prophecy until after it happens. Then He challenges all devils to get together with all sinners and try to stop Him while He does exactly as he said he would do. Prophecy proves that our Lord is the one and only Almighty as most of the verses in this epistle, which use Lord, tell us. We also see God tell us this about Himself in Genesis 17:1 and we see Him end His Bible with an epistle which proves it. That is one way that he is the Alpha and Omega. Our Lord started everything, He will end it and all throughout it he proves that he is the one and only Almighty. Click here for all of the Verses that use Lord and here for the Summary on the name / role of Lord.

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Before the Son of God tells us about His judgment, He tells us Who He is that judges us and by what right He judges.

First, He states that He is Alpha and Omega, which is the beginning and the ending. The Alpha and Omega and the beginning and the ending mean (essentially) the same thing. What we have here is a declaration said twice to give it the level of doctrine and it is said two different ways so that people who don't understand one should understand the other. Since He started this whole thing and He will end it, no one within it is as powerful as He is. Jeremiah 18 gives us the illustration of the potter and the things that the potter makes. As much as it might hurt people's pride, neither your opinion nor mine matters at all. In fact, when someone says I don't agree with you, they are declaring that they believe that their opinion matters. They get this doctrinal error from the lie of the devil (Genesis 3:5) where he said that we can be like God if we sin. However, if we were like God then we could stop God from killing us. Since we can't stop God from killing us, our opinion doesn't matter when it disagrees with God and God's literal written Word. When someone says I don't agree with you, and they disagree with God and God's literal written Word, they are declaring that they are personally guilty of Original Sin. Jesus Christ reveals Himself as Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending to let us know that our opinion doesn't matter and we need to shut up and listen and obey or we are going to suffer the consequences that He reveals in this epistle.
Secondly, He reveals that he is Lord : God, ruler, Law Giver and our ultimate judge. Please see all of the references under Verses - Lord for everywhere that the Bible teaches us what this role means and our responsibilities to Him, (and our privileges from Him) because He is Lord.
Finally, in this introductory sentence, Jesus Christ reveals that He is the Almighty. There is NO one who can come anywhere near His might and fight against Him. All through this epistle we see Him defeating enemy after enemy and making them acknowledge Him as Lord of all (Leviticus 27:28; Numbers 18:28; Joshua 3:11, 13; 1 Samuel 12:7; Zechariah 6:5; Acts 10:36) for every knee shall bow (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11). The bottom line is that anyone who does not acknowledge His power and willingly acknowledge Him as Lord of all, will bow to His power and acknowledge His right to demand that they worship Him as Lord of all, but it will be too late for that person to receive mercy and grace (Revelation 20:9-15). We need to acknowledge Him as the Almighty today and not just in word but in our actions as we see the saved doing all throughout this epistle.

In this verse we see the first roles (and most important for the message of this epistle) that reveal Jesus Christ to all men that will listen. One of those critical roles (of Jesus Christ) that is revealed is that he is Lord.

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Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

John, like many, called Sunday the Lord's day (Mark 16:9; John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1Corinthians 16:2). While Revelation 1:10 is the only place in the Bible that we find the phrase the Lord's day, we do find Lord's and day in Leviticus 23:5; Isaiah 34:8; Jeremiah 36:6; Lamentations 2:22; Zephaniah 1:8, Zephaniah 1:18; Zephaniah 2:2-3. In each of the verses mentioned and other places in the Bible) we find God warning about the day of the Lord's wrath and the Lord's sacrifice and other things that warn us to worship the Lord before we suffer the consequences for being too proud to do so.

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Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Revelation 4 tells us about John's first glimpse of Heaven. Revelation 4:8 and 4:9 tells us about the four beasts worshiping the Lord God Almighty and Revelation 4:10 tells us about the elders worshiping the Lord God Almighty. We find that they worship the same way as the seraphims in Isaiah 6:2-3. Ezekiel 1 and 10 also describe similar Heavenly beasts. We also find this phrase (Lord God Almighty) in Revelation 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7; 21:22. In every one of these verses except 21:22, other phrases in the context let us know that Lord God Almighty applies to God the Son. In 21:22, Lord God Almighty applies to God the Father. (Please see that note under Lamb.) This lets us know that God the Father and God the Son are equal in might and position, yet God the Son submits to God the Father. This shows us that true submitting is not an acknowledgement of being weaker or lesser but a willingness to be orderly. Almighty is applied to God (outside of the phrase of Lord God Almighty) in Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3; 49:25; Exodus 6:3; Numbers 24:4, 16; Ruth 1:20-21; Job 5:17; 6:4, 14; 8:3, 5; 11:7; 13:3; 15:25; 21:15, 20; 22:3, 17, 23, 25-26; 23:16; 24:1; 27:2, 10-11, 13; 29:5; 31:2, 35; 32:8; 33:4; 34:10, 12; 35:13; 37:23; 40:2; Psalms 68:14; 91:1; Isaiah 13:6; Ezekiel 1:24; 10:5; Joel 1:15; 2Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 1:8; 16:14; 19:15.

We know that the phrase Lord God Almighty applies to God the Son in this verse because the four beasts were also saying that He was, and is, and is to come. We find this phrase in 1:4, 8; 4:8. The note for 1:8 explains how this applies to the Son of God. This sentence shows what was said in the general note for Revelation and other notes for this epistle. All through this epistle the saved worship the Son of God as Lord and God.

The definition, for the word Almighty, from the Morrish Bible Dictionary is: 'The learned are not agreed as to the derivation of the word shaddai and its signification: some giving it as 'all bountiful,' others 'all sufficient,' 'all mighty,' etc. This is not at all surprising, for any name of God must be above mere human learning or definition, yet it was the ground of faith to those who had the revelation. The name first occurs in Ge 17:1; God said to Abraham "I am the Almighty God." This links it with the Patriarchs: it is the name by which God was known to them; and except to them, and in Job where it occurs very often, it is seldom found in the O.T. The title 'the Almighty' without the name of God being added, occurs first in Jacob's address to his twelve sons before he died: the blessings upon Joseph were to be by "'the Almighty,' . . . . blessings of Heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts and of the womb." Ge 49:25. Balaam uses the name in Nu 24:4; Naomi also in her lamentations. Ru 1:20-21. See also Ps 68:14; 91:1; Isa 13:6; Eze 1:24; 10:5; Joe 1:15. In the N.T. the name Lord Almighty occurs in 2Co 6:18 in a quotation from Jeremiah, and a few times in the Revelation, but only once as 'the Almighty' in Re 1:8: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." On the whole it is clear that the name was one of special relationship with the Patriarchs as that of Jehovah was with Israel . This is plainly declared: "I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob by the name of GOD ALMIGHTY; but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them." Ex 6:3. That of Father is now the revealed name of God by which Christians know Him, being brought by the work of Christ and through the operation of the Spirit into the relationship of children, and of sons. See Joh 20:17; 1Jo 3:1; Ga 4:4-5. The name Almighty will appear again when God works out his purposes in power and judgement. It was revealed in connection with promises made in time, as Father is in connection with eternal counsels. The four living creatures cry day and night "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." Re 4:8. See also Re 21:22'.

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Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, of Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

This verse is part of the section explained in the note above for 4:8. Please see it. This sentence shows what was said in the general note for Revelation and other notes for this epistle. All through this epistle the saved worship the Son of God as Lord and God. Here, God is worshipped for His creation. (Please note the colon which makes the worship in the first half of the sentence equivalent to the fact that he created all things for His own pleasure.) Without Him we would not exist. This was mentioned a little in the note for 1:8 where we read that he is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. We find that the Bible mentions that God created us and that we are His creatures in Genesis 1:1, 20-21, 24, 27; 2:3-4, 19; 5:1-2; 6:7; 9:10, 12, 15-16; Leviticus 11:46; Deuteronomy 4:32; Psalms 51:10; 89:12; 102:18; 104:30; 148:5; Proverbs 16:4; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Isaiah 4:5; 13:21; 40:26, 28; 41:20; 42:5; 43:1, 7, 15; 45:7-8, 12, 18; 48:7; 54:16; 57:19; 65:17-18; Jeremiah 31:22; Ezekiel 1:5, 13-15, 19-22; 3:13; 10:15, 17, 20; 21:30; 28:13, 15; Amos 4:13; Malachi 2:10; Mark 10:6; 13:19; 16:15; Romans 1:20, 25; 8:19-22, 39; 1Corinthians 11:9; 2Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:10; 3:9; 4:24; Colossians 1:15-17, 23; 3:10; 1Timothy 4:3-4; Hebrews 4:13; James 1:18; 1Peter 4:19; 2 Peter 3:4; Revelation 3:14; 4:11; 5:13; 8:9; 10:6. While Psalms 8 does not specifically mention creation or creature or a similar word, I personally find that it gives me a proper perspective for or relationship to our Creator. In addition, Hebrews 2:10 tells us that He created everything so that he could save some. Even though He knew that not all would be saved, He created all so that he could save some and we need to worship Him for including us personally in the saved.

When this verse tells us Thou art worthy, it clearly says that God personally has done what is required (and more) for us to worship Him. No other creature has done for us what our Creator has and, therefore, should not receive our worship. When this verse says to receive glory and honour and power, it simple means that we are to recognize these traits and consider how He used them in His creation and verbally express our observations. Anyone who has ever went far enough from man's civilization to get away from most of the light pollution and really observed nature can not help but wonder at the glory that God put into creation. Anyone who has ever personally experienced a killer storm can witness to the power that God put into creation. Yet anyone who has ever witnessed a new birth would see the honor of enduring life in spite of all circumstances. Simply put, we need to wake up and really consider what is all around us and what it took for God to create it all and verbally recognize Him for His creation. As said many places in the notes for this epistle, all throughout Revelation we find God's saved people worshiping Him.

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Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, of Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

See Habakkuk 1:2-4 which basically says the same thing as this sentence. 6:9-10 form a single sentence which can be divided as:

The fifth seal revealed martyrs.

And when he had opened the fifth seal,
I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God,
and for the testimony which they held:

The martyrs expected the Lord to judge and avenge their unjust death.

And they cried with a loud voice, saying,
How long,
O Lord,
holy and true,
dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 6 tells us about the first seal of the seven seals on the book that our Lord is opening. With the first 4 seals, we learn about the famous " 4 horsemen' of Revelation that bring death and destruction on the Earth. However, according to this sentence, all that has been done is not to judge and avenge the death of martyrs. My guess would be that the " 4 horsemen' were dealing with men rejecting God's truth and were to cause men (any who would look) to see that they are going to loose and, therefore, need to submit to the God of Heaven. In truth, the first (white) horseman is conquering Satan's lie and getting people saved. (Please see the note for 19:16 under Lord.) We also see in the next verse that there will be more martyrs for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.

Notice that it is the Lord, and not Jesus Christ that is the role they approach God in when they want vengeance and justice. This is proper because these things only come through the role of Lord.

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Revelation 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Revelation 11 tells us about the two witnesses. Revelation 11:8 says that they will die where also our Lord was crucified. When our Lord died, He died as the physical man known as Jesus. Luke 24:3 (after the resurrection) is the first place in the Bible where we see Lord Jesus used. Acts 2:36 tell us Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Since God hath made Him both Lord and Christ, He was not Lord and Christ before God hath made Him such. This is explained in the note for Acts 2:36 and elsewhere in this study. The point being that He is now Lord where He was not acting in that role before His resurrection. Since He is now fulfilling His role as Lord, the speaker identifies Him as our Lord and not just as Jesus.

It is clear that the city being talked about is Jerusalem. It spiritually is called Sodom because the people in it are adulterous and pervert the personal relationship with God like the Sodomites did with the personal relationship that sex is supposed to be part of. It spiritually is called Egypt because the people in it seek the things of this world above the spiritual.

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Revelation 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, of Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

As we have seen all throughout this epistle, saved beings worship the Lord and acknowledge that He has great power and that He reigns. Notice that now they worship because the Lord is taking His great power and that He will reign, but they put it in past tense even though it has not happened before this and is reported as happening later in Revelation. That is called faith. Even in Heaven, we will operate by faith.

Please see the note for Romans 6:12 has links to where Romans talks about obedience and disobedience. It also has links to where the New Testament talks about reign. In that sentence we are told to not obey the reign of sin. Worship is the proper response to the reign of God.

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Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Please see the other notes for chapters 14 and 15 as those notes give further information on the 144,000 and how they are shown to be different than those who worship Satan and his representatives. In particular, please see the note for Revelation 14:12 as it explains the context and a lot of the details for this verse. Please also see the related note for 14:12 under Jesus.

14:13 says Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. In context, this blessing is to those that obey the Lord and this blessing is denied to those that disobey the Lord. Every chapter from here to the end of Revelation reference the role of Lord except Revelation 20. Revelation 20 is talking about the 1,000 years reign of Christ. These chapters use Lord because the people on the Earth refused salvation that includes a personal relationship, and help of, Christ. Salvation requires faith in God and these people will still have to have faith in God, but they must show that faith by keeping the laws of the Lord where people that are saved during the church age show their faith by following the personal leading of Christ in their lives. The way of salvation never changes but the things that God requires of people to prove that they are saved does change. Abraham was saved by faith and proved it by offering his son as a burnt sacrifice. (The fact that God stopped Abraham does not change the fact that he had offered Isaac in his heart and had gone about to provide physically visible proof.) King David was saved by faith and proved it by keeping the Mosaic Law and obeying the Lord like these people will have to do after the church age. During the church age people are saved by faith and prove it by having a personal relationship with Christ whereby He works through their lives to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Going on, this sentence is divided by a colon which makes Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth equivalent to Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Most people understand that when saved people die they rest from their labours here in this life. The phrase which says and their works do follow them is consistent with what we see through all ages where people receive eternal rewards for their labours/works that they do for God (1Corinthians 3:8; 15:58). Basically, when they die in the Lord they rest from their labours and receive the rewards that come because their works do follow them.

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Revelation 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

This chapter starts by saying that John saw two different things: seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God and and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. We are, again, presented with the difference between those who are saved and the lost. The lost will receive the seven last plagues which are filled up the wrath of God and the saved have the harps of God to help them worship. The lost fear the (justifiable) wrath of God and the saved worship Him, as was said in the general note for this epistle and in several other notes for this epistle.

Revelation 15:1-4 is talking about all that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, which includes the 144,000 while Revelation 14 is only about the 144,000. First of all, we have nothing that limits these people to the 144,000 and several places in the Bible tell us that more than just 144,000 virgin male Jews will be saved during the time of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 2:22; 7:14). Notice that these people sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb. These are two different songs with the song of Moses the servant of God being a song belonging to Jews (Exodus 15:1; Deuteronomy 31:22, 30; 32:44; Revelation 15:3) and the song of the Lamb belonging to all who are saved by the Lamb during this time in Revelation when the Lamb is used instead of Jesus Christ. (Note: other than John 1:29, 36 where John the Baptist (the last non-Church Jewish prophet) declares that Jesus is the Lamb of God [upper case Lamb as opposed to lower case lamb ] , Lamb only appears in the Bible starting in Revelation 5:6, which is after the 'Rapture' ends the Church Age.)

Going on, both groups call the Son of God Lord God Almighty and King of saints. This doctrinally tells us that the Son of God is equal to God the Father in power (Almighty) and authority (Lord God), even though the Sun submits to the Father, because Lord God Almighty is used for the Son here and 4:8; 11:17 and 16:7 while Lord God Almighty is used for God the Father in 21:22. In this verse, Lord God Almighty is equated to King of saints while 21:22 makes a distinction between Lord God Almighty and the lamb. (Please see the note under Lamb.)

The Son of God is identified as the King of saints because He is King to saved Gentiles and to Jews. As I have admitted elsewhere, there is a Biblical difference between various kingdoms in the Bible but I have not studied them enough to make any doctrinal statement on them other than to note that they are different from one another. Having said that, the reader is invited to study all permutations of kingdom in the Bible and the verses with related notes found under Verses - King.

Again, we see Lord made equivalent to King in the role that God receives worship in and that God uses for judgment (15:4). Those that suffered and died for their Lord worship Him just before He releases the seven last plagues which will bring avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth (6:10) among other things.

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Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, of Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Please see the other notes for chapters 14 and 15 as those notes give further information on the 144,000 and how they are shown to be different than those who worship Satan and his representatives. This verse is part of the song sung by them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name and that is explained in the note for 15:3 above.

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Revelation 16:5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, of Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

The first three vials of the wrath of God are poured onto the earth, and bring judgment that reminds us of God's judgment on Egypt in the time of Moses. In the Bible, Egypt is used as a type of worldly sin and fleshly sin. These vials of the wrath of God first appeared in chapter 15 where we see, again, that Revelation points out the difference between the testimony and actions and judgment of saved verses the testimony and actions and judgment of the lost. In chapter 15, we saw the saved worshipping our Lord after they had died for their testimony. They started worshipping as soon as God sent out these vials of the wrath of God. Now in chapter 16, which is a continuation of 15, we see our Lord bringing judgment upon the lost. The first vial caused a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast. This is similar to the boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast that we see God bringing upon Egypt in Exodus 9:10. The second of the vials of the wrath of God was poured out upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. This reminds us that after Moses led the children of Israel across the Red Sea, it became a death trap to the Egyptians (Exodus 14:23-28). By turning the sea the color of the blood of a dead man, our Lord is making all men of all languages see a Red Sea. When the results of that change is that every living soul died in the sea, our Lord is very blatantly making a parallel to His judgment of Egypt in Exodus 14. The third of the vials of the wrath of God was poured out upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. This, of course, reminds us of Moses turning the water to blood in Exodus 7:20. So we see our Lord bringing judgment upon the World for their sin and we see Him using judgment to point out the parallels to judgment upon Egypt because just as the Egyptians tried to kill all of God's people by turning them into slaves and working them to death, during the time of the Great Tribulation the saved will have to refuse the mark of the beast (15:2). This means that they can not buy or sell (13:17), which also means that many will starve to death. In a way, that is as bad as being worked to death. So after our Lord brings judgment upon the world for what they did to these saints (see the next verse in 16:6), these saints worship our Lord for His righteous judgment. If the reader studies the judgments done by our Lord, I believed that they will find that judgment is always related to the sin which brought the judgment. We also see this in 16:7 which says ...true and righteous are thy judgments. The judgments must be related to the sin being judged in order to be true and the judgments must be proportional to the sin being judged in order to be righteous.

The first three of the vials of the wrath of God judged the world for sins done against the saints of our Lord. The last four of the vials of the wrath of God judge men for their false worship and for spiritual sins. We see God using His role as Lord to bring judgment, as we also see everywhere else in the Bible.

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Revelation 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

Revelation 15 and 16 tell us about the seven vials of the wrath of God that are poured out upon the earth. Please see all of the verses and related notes for chapters 15 and 16, especially the note for 16:5 above, to understand the context of this verse. This verse uses Lord God Almighty for the most powerful being in all of existence Who brings judgment upon all those who fight against His rule. As we have seen elsewhere in Revelation, God's people worship Him for judgment that He is about to bring before he brings it. The judgments brought by the first three of the vials of the wrath of God happened before this verse and judged before God the world for sins done against the saints of our Lord. The last four of the vials of the wrath of God judge men for their false worship and for spiritual sins. This worship of our Lord as Lord God Almighty is recognition of the last four vials of judgment that He is about to bring. That is, the spiritual is more powerful than the physical and His power is emphasized by recognizing Him as Lord God Almighty because He is not just spiritual but he is more powerful than all other spiritual beings combined.

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Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of Lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

In Revelation 17:1- 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1- 19:6 together. Please also see the notes for this verse under King and under Lamb.

This verse is part of a section where commentators present all kinds of different opinions as the 'correct interpretation'. For example, one said 'It is not meant that they would openly and avowedly proclaim war against the Son of God, but that they would practically do this in sustaining a persecuting power.' This is made at the same time as reference is made to Revelation 19:19 where men gather for war against the Son of God. It is pretty hard to believe that all of the men of the world will gather together to make war when the politicians do not ' openly and avowedly proclaim war '. This verse is talking about the ten kings of 17:12 who have joined the devil's beast of 17:12-13. As devil supporting politicians, they will say as much lie and as much truth as they believe they have to say in order to get people to do what they want them to do. They will have war against the Son of God whether they ' openly and avowedly proclaim' it or not. We do see them gather together for this war against the Lord of Lords, and King of kings in 19:16. We see Lord of Lords used in Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalms 136:3; 1Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16. We see King of kings used in Ezra 7:12; Ezekiel 26:7; Daniel 2:37; 1Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16. It is interesting that the Bible uses Lord of Lords only for God but it uses King of kings for men as well as for God. Men make up their own rules and laws as kings, and sometimes one man may gather enough power to subdue other kings and become a King of kings. However, Lords are not supposed to make up their own rules and laws but are supposed to enforce the rules and laws of the king. However, government officials (Lords) being sinful men like they are, try to act like kings. The Son of God is the only Lord who will ever make all of the government officials (Lords) enforce the rules and Laws of the only true King of kings without corrupting justice. Thus, He is the only true Lord of Lords, and King of kings.

Revelation 1:5 told us that Jesus Christ is the the prince of the kings of the earth (please see that verse and note along with the notes for 6:15; 16:12, 14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:18, 19; 21:24). While He is the the prince of the kings of the earth, we have seen throughout this epistle that the kings of the earth have rejected Him to rule over them (also see Luke 19:11-28). Many men have died claiming I lived my way only to come before a God who will condemn them for a life spent building evidence of their rejection of the Son of God as their Lord and King. While these kings of the earth laugh behind people's back about how easily the people are fooled and manipulated, they don't realize that devils are doing the same to them. 17:12-13 told us that these kings ...receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. They think they are living their own way, but since These have one mind and they shall give their power and strength unto the beast, their minds and thoughts are really controlled by the beast. While the true God will never take away our free will, a devil will every chance he gets. So these kings will spend an eternity in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20; 20:10, 14, 15) because they let the beast take their free will away from them all while they thought they were living their life their own way. We each spend time playing with rebellion. Some get victory and true Biblical liberty. (Please see the note for 1Corinthians 8:9 for links to all the verses in the Bible which use the word liberty alongh with a definition and links from other commentators.) Romans 6:12-18 says it clearly: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? If we do not submit to the true Lord of Lords, and King of kings then we will become slaves to sin. These kings of the earth became slaves with their minds controlled by the beast because they choose sin over serving the true Lords, and King of kings.

This verse has two colons in it which makes These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: equivalent to for he is Lord of Lords, and King of kings and they both are equivalent to and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. In each of our lives, we will chose if we are going to be called, and chosen, and faithful and with him who paid for our sin as the Lamb is the true Lord of Lords, and King of kings or we shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them. God lets us live our lives to prove if we will be faithful or will make war, but in the end, all who are not faithful are overcome and cast into the Lake of Fire. There is no other choice or fence sitting (Matthew 12:30;Luke 11:23). Jesus warned us of the consequences in Matthew 16:26 and Mark 8:36 and Luke 9:25. These kings of the earth did gain the whole world but only for one hour with the beast (17:12). How many others went to the Lake of Fire and don't get even that one hour ?

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Revelation 18:8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

Notice the colon which makes for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her equivalent to the complete destruction described in the first part of this sentence. Notice that 18:21 says And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea... This sounds like one of those great waves that hit land an pull everything into the sea that is above bedrock. In 18:10 and 18:17 we read that it happened in one hour. Even if people receive notice they couldn't evacuate the city in that time. We also read in this verse that she shall be utterly burned with fire. So it might not be a wave or it might be that the wave leaves broken fuel lines that then start a fire or something else might happen. Feel free to provide your own speculation as the Bible does not provide enough details to be definitive. However, please also note that this verse says that famine results from this judgment. Apparently, the store houses of food for the surrounding regions are also destroyed. Unfortunately, no one ever suffers alone but their sin brings suffering to others also. As we see throughout the Bible, judgment is by God through His role as Lord.

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Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

In Revelation 17:1- 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-6 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1- 19:6 together.

19:1-2 is a single sentence that can be divided by punctuation as:

Much people in Heaven worshipped the Lord our God because He judges the truly saved differently than He judges those following false religion.

Much people in Heaven worshipped after the Lord judged the great whore.

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven,
saying,
Alleluia;

Many people in Heaven worshipped the Lord our God.

Salvation,
and glory,
and honour,
and power,
unto the Lord our God:

Much people in Heaven worshipped because true and righteous are his judgments.

For true and righteous are his judgments:

Much people in Heaven worshipped because he hath judged the great whore and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

for he hath judged the great whore,
which did corrupt the earth with her fornication,
and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

As noted at the start of all notes for chapters 17 and 18, those chapters tell of the judgment of the great whore by the Lord our God and the first 6 verses of this chapter tell us that many people in Heaven worshipped the Lord our God because of that judgment. This worship leads into the worship that precedes the marriage of the Lamb which includes the honeymoon that is the 1,000 years reign of Christ on Earth (19:7- 20:15). However, the new worship in 19:7, which starts with Let us is separate from the worship found in 19:1-6 because it starts a new reason for the worship.

This sentence (19:1-2) starts a worship which ends with Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth (19:6), which is the same as this sentence says only 19:6 says it in a more summary fashion. Notice that the breakdown of our sentence makes the three things said in worship equivalent. It should be easy to see how the middle saying of true and righteous are his judgments is equivalent to : for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Both are saying that He hath judged and we saw the details of those judgments in chapters 17 and 18. As 18:6 says, God said to Reward her even as she rewarded you and this sentence says that she was judged for the sin she did. That is, God always relates the judgment to the sin which brought the sin. The third part of our sentence tells us that she did corrupt the earth with her fornication and we saw in the verses and notes for 17 and 18 that fornication was the joining of false religion to the governments of this world (kings of the earth) which did corrupt the worship of the people on the earth. We also see that this judgment was because the Lord God hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Back in Revelation 6:10 we saw his servants crying for the Lord to judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth. Now we see that He has done so and we see that all of these things are interrelated and not disjoint acts of God. In the general note for this epistle it was noted that this epistle is the Revelation of the person Who is Jesus Christ and that future events are revealed only in that they show us Who this person is. When people are concentrating upon the events and ignoring the person, they tend to deal with the events as disjointed acts of God. However, when we look at this epistle to see what it is teaching us about the person of Jesus Christ, we see the relationship between different acts because those relationships show us why our Lord God does what He does.

In this sentence we saw (above) that the second and third parts are equivalent and tell us that our Lord God was worshipped because true and righteous are his judgments when He judged the great whore for corrupting the people of the earth and shedding the blood of God's servants. Now when we look at the first equivalent part, we see it took the Lord our God to bring this judgment. No less power could accomplish it. We also see that He is recognized (in worship) for providing Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power. While the great whore shed the blood of God's servants, our Lord God provided salvation to those same servants. He also allowed them to show His glory, and honour, and power to the lost people of the world while they suffered, and promises to give His servants glory, and honour, and power in proportion to their service when they get to Heaven and their works are judged (2:2, 5, 9, 13, 19, 23, 26; 3:1, 2, 8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 18:6; 20:12, 13). Over and over in this book we see that our Lord God's judgments are true and righteous. They give reward and punishment in proportion to the works produced by every man. As a result, all through this book we see that the saved worship the Lord and the lost people fear Him because of His judgments.

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Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

In Revelation 17:1- 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-6 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1- 19:6 together. In particular, the note for 19:1 (above) explains this verse.

This verse clearly states the power and the role of Lord with the words Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Our Lord shows His power in the judgment that he executes which leads to this praise found in 19:1-6.

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Revelation 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

The phrase KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS is explained in the note for Revelation 17:14. Please see it. The note for 19:1 explains the use of Lord in this chapter. Please see it. In 19:1-6 we saw the beings in Heaven worship our Lord because of what He just did in 17:1- 18:24. Then in 19:7-10 we see worship because of what our Lord is about to do. That is, we have the marriage of the Lamb followed by the honeymoon (1,000 years reign of Christ). The first thing that He does, as part of His 1,000 years reign, it to get rid of the devils and people who made a mess of His Earth and want to make war against His rule. Before He even returns to Earth for this war, John describes how He looks in 19:11-16. The first thing that we are told is that John saw a white horse; and he that sat upon the horse. We see white used in Revelation in 1:14; 2:17; 3:4, 5, 18; 4:4; 6:2, 11; 7:9, 13, 14; 14:14; 15:6; 19:8, 11, 14; 20:11. In every case white is used for spiritually pure and associated with spiritually clean. In 6:2 we see the first of the four horsemen. While many equate this person on the white horse to some type of judgment by God (which it is), the truth of this horseman is that he brings the purifying gospel that people will be saved by during the time of the Great Tribulation. We see that (most of) those who accept this gospel are judged and killed by the world. We also see that (most of) those who reject this gospel are sent to Hell with the devils that they follow. The second part of this judgment is about to happen now as the Son of God sits upon His white horse. We, of course, see this in the same sentence which says in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

19:11 also tells us that the Son of God was called Faithful and True. I will leave those names for the reader to study out.

19:12 tells us His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. This references us to the opening description of Jesus Christ in Revelation 1 and assures us that it is talking about the Son of God. The many crowns references His title as KING OF KINGS (in this verse) and also lets us know that while there are several different kingdoms mentioned in the Bible (Jews, Christ, Heaven, God, etc), He is KING of all of them. 19:12 also tells us he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. I will also leave that for the reader to study out.

19:13 tells us he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The word of God. The colon equates vesture dipped in blood to The word of God. Again I will not expound beyond saying that the Bible tells us that blood is one of the witnesses to The word of God (1John, etc) and we see that not only was the blood of Jesus Christ shed for The word of God but all through the Bible and all throughout true history and especially in this epistle we hear / read of the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (Revelation 2:13; 17:6; etc). Because of the blood of the martyrs of Jesus, they are allowed to follow Him as we see in 19:14. Then in 19:15 we are told how He shall rule.

So, in 19:11-16 we see how our Lord prepared for His return to this Earth to rule for 1,000 yearss. He came the first time as a humble weak babe in a manger. He is returning as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. The relationship that people have with Him will be totally different than they had before this event happens.

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Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

Revelation 21:1 tells about the new Jerusalem (21:2) that is created for the new Heaven and a new earth. In the new Jerusalem, we will still have worship and that worship is still directed at the role of Lord. Please see the note for this verse under Lamb.

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Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

This verse is part of the description of how people will live in the new Jerusalem and it shows the power of the Lord as He replaces the sun for our light. Even more than that is revealed by the colon which makes and they shall reign for ever and ever equivalent to the light that the Lord God giveth them. We will have no more corrupt leaders because they will be ruling by the light that the Lord God giveth them. I will not comment more because others have been far more eloquent than I can possibly be.

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Revelation 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

Like the verse above, that this verse is added to, this verse is part of the description of how people will live in the new Jerusalem and it shows the power of the Lord God who told His holy prophets what to say and made every prophecy come true in spite of all of the efforts of Satan and Hell. I will not comment more because others have been far more eloquent than I can possibly be.

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Jesus

Revelation 14:12; 17:6; 19; 20:4; 22:16.

The title of Jesus is used by itself 6 times in 5verses in Revelation. Every reference, except the last, is a qualifier that identifies the people who are saved by trusting in the death of Jesus as payment for their personal sins. Every reference, except the last, identifies things that they have from Jesus. 14:12 tells us about the faith of Jesus. 17:6 tells us about the martyrs of Jesus. 19:10 tells us about the testimony of Jesus two times. 20:4 tells us about the witness of Jesus. 22:16 ends these references with I, Jesus which is the person of Jesus. Click here for all of the Verses that use Jesus and here for the Summary on the name / role of Jesus.

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Please see the other notes for chapters 14 and 15 as those notes give further information on the 144,000 and how they are shown to be different than those who worship Satan and his representatives.

Revelation 14 starts out comparing the 144,000 to the false church and ends with "reaping the earth" and a winepress that is a type of all of the blood that will be shed by lost people. In the middle Revelation 14:12 says that the patience of the saints is they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Since keep is equated to patience by the colon, we can know that those who really have the patience of the saints keep on keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus no matter what the circumstances are and no matter how long it takes for God to fulfill His promises. James 5:11 tells us Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and oftender mercy. In Hebrews 11 we read of saints who are used as examples of those who had faith. Hebrews 11:39 tells us And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise. There are many other places that we could reference in the Bible but these examples show us that someone who quits this side of Heaven does not have the true Bible faith that is used as examples. Beyond that, in this chapter of Revelation, we have God making a very clear distinction and comparison between the 144,000 virgin Jews and those that are condemned. (Please see other notes for this chapter.) If we consider how hard it would to stay virgin and pure while the whole world is given over to lust and sin, and then throw in the torment and torture that will come upon Jews at that time, we have a picture of people who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus which matches the Biblical examples already given. In addition, the examples from Hebrews and Job were from before the church age: before they had the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Since saved people living today have the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they will find it hard to explain their having less faith than these example saints had.

The faith of Jesus, of course, means the faith that belongs to / comes from Jesus. Romans 3:22; Galatians 2:16; 3:22 and Revelation 14:12 are the only verses that have the phrase faith of Jesus with Romans 3:22; Galatians 2:16 and 3:22 actually say faith of Jesus Christ. Those verses say that we are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ when His faith is evident in our lives. The difference between the faith of Jesus Christ and the faith of Jesus is that the faith of Jesus is what it takes to get us saved initially while the faith of Jesus Christ not only gets us saved but also helps us to mature spiritually after our initial profession. (See all of the verses and associated notes that deal with Jesus, Christ, Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus in the Verses section of this study.) That is, the ministry of Christ is added to the lives of the saved. However, this chapter in Revelation is talking about a time after the 'Rapture' and the ministry of Christ is no longer available on Earth. People will have to believe but then keep the commandments of God without the help of Christ after the 'Rapture' if they want to go to Heaven. We need to praise God that we received salvation while the ministry of Christ was available to help us. As mentioned above, our Biblical examples were from before the church age when men served the Lord and did not know His Christ because a personal relationship with Christ was not available. After the church age, which ends at the 'Rapture', Christ will again be no longer available. Notice that the next verse says Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. (Please see the note for 14:13under Lord.) This chapter started talking about the 144,000 virgin male Jews. Jesus also died as a virgin male Jew who lived under the Mosaic Law and had a testimony that He keep the commandments of God. That is the faith of Jesus which people in this time, especially the Jews, will also have to keep without the aid of a personal relationship with Christ. Yes, 12:17 said that they have the testimony of Jesus Christ. However, that is dealing with the fact that the Jews rejected Jesus as their Christ and at this time they will accept Him as the true Christ even though they won't have the help of Christ in their personal lives like we do today.

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Revelation 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Revelation 17 is about the judgment of the false church which is drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. All of chapter 18 gives us details of this judgment. As mentioned in the note for 17:2, religion combined with human governments was called fornication by God because fornication is when a man and woman join who should not be joined and religion is not supposed to be joined to human governments. Every time in history when the two have joined, they ended up killing true believers. This verse says that when John (I) saw the woman (type of religion) drunken (controlled by a false spirit and worshipping wrong things [Ephesians 5:18-21]) with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (with destroying and killing those who tell truth and prove the error of false religion) and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration (John was blown away and found this vision beyond comprehension). This verse makes a difference between saints and martyrs of Jesus. The saints left the Earth in the 'Rapture' while the martyrs of Jesus died for their testimony during the Great Tribulation. The false church has been murdering saints since the time that Jesus lived on Earth. It will still be on Earth martyring believers in Jesus even during the Great Tribulation.

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Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

This verse has two sentences with the second one being complex. They can be divided by punctuation as:

And I fell at his feet to worship him.
The Bible teaches that we are to only worship God.

God's messenger told John to not worship him.

And he said unto me,
See thou do it not:

God's messenger told John that he was a fellowservant who had the testimony of Jesus (the testimony of being saved).

I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus:

The saved (those with the testimony of Jesus) use God's Spirit to tell others messages from God (the spirit of prophecy).

for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Here the person giving God's message to John claims to be saved just like John. The fact that John started to worship him, I believe, shows the difference we will have between our earthly body and our glorified body with our glorified body having a Heavenly appearance. However, in this verse, the testimony of Jesus (Romans 3:26) is used to identify a saved person. Further, this verse says for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. This sentence clearly says that the saved have a spirit of prophecy. That is, they have a Spirit that wants to tell people God's message.

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Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Please also see the note for this verse under Christ. The first 6 verses of Revelation 19 tell us about beings in Heaven worshipping God for the judgment described in Revelation 17 and 18. That flows into worship of God for the marriage of the Lamb and the honeymoon (1,000 years reign of Christ) starting in 19:7. First we have the marriage, (19:7-10), then the description of the Son of God prepared for battle (19:11-16), then the preparation for the cleanup (19:17-19) followed by the actual battle that is described only in 19:19-21. When men write stories they spend a lot of time upon the details of the battle but God keeps it simple. Then in 20:1-3 we are told about the disposition of the Devil. Now we get to those who go with the Son of God into the 1,000 years reign. Notice the next verse which says But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Obviously, those listed in our current sentence are part of the first resurrection. Notice the division of this sentence according to the punctuation.

Those on thrones will be part of the first resurrection.

And I saw thrones,
and they sat upon them,
...and judgment was given unto them:

Those who died during the Great Tribulation will be part of the first resurrection.

These died during the Great Tribulation.

and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus,
and for the word of God,
and which had not worshipped the beast,
neither his image,
neither had received his mark upon their foreheads,
or in their hands;

Those who died during the Great Tribulation will live and reign with Christ a thousand years.

and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Notice that the church is not mentioned. Further, our next sentence says But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. However, the bride of Christ is not supposed to be part of the dead. Notice that 22:17 says And the Spirit and the bride say, take the water of life freely. Since the bride is offering the water of life, we can assume that the bride also drinks from it and, along with other Bible verses, can be considered to not be part of the dead. Besides, what kind of honeymoon does not include the bride ?

While I know that we are taught that the church will the bride, we need to look at the other verses and associated notes about the bride and make sure that we meet God's qualifications. I m not saying that the church is or is not the bride, only that some good preachers say that some who claim to be saved and in the church have not made themselves ready with the righteousness of saints (19:7-8). (Please see the note for 19:7 under Lamb.)

While there is not universal agreement about the bride, this verse clearly says that those on thrones (including the Apostles) and those who died during the Great Tribulation will be part of the first resurrection. Again, the witness of Jesus is linked with those that suffered for their witness. This is distinguished from those that claim the name of Jesus but never have His witness in their life. This verse says that those with the witness of Jesus will reigned with Christ. This verse uses Jesus for the physical man who was God in human flesh. These Tribulation martyrs suffered for saying that physical man named Jesus was God in human flesh. This verse uses Christ for promised King who would rule the world. This fits the differences we see in these roles through out the Bible.

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Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

With the words I Jesus, the Son of God is reminding the church of the price that He paid for their redemption: His crucifixion and shed blood. With the words I am the root and the offspring of David, God is reminding them of His right to rule and of His position as Christ, even though He doesn't use that title. With the words and the bright and morning star, He is reminding the church of the hope that is only in Him. Notice that this closing identification is immediately preceded by 22:14 and 22:15 which says that the saved (they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city) do his commandments and are Blessed because (For) those who are without (not saved) are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. One of the biggest lies that people love is that they can be unjust and claim Heaven while they live for Hell and refuse to justify God's salvation by letting Him work through their lives (Ephesians 2:10). The last statement from Jesus is that those people who do his commandments are saved and all of the others shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (21:8 combined with 22:14 -15).

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Christ

Revelation 11:15; 12:10; 20:4, 20:6.

In Revelation, the term Christ is used by itself to show the fulfillment of a prophesized promises that God gives to believers. The first is that the power of Christ will be shown when Satan is cast down. The second is that believers would be priests of Christ, or the people that lost men will come to in order to receive the blessings of God. Click here for all of the Verses that use Christ and here for the Summary on the name / role of Christ.

Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

This verse clearly makes a difference between the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. Notice that kingdoms is plural, which means that the kingdom of our Lord and the kingdom of his Christ are different. Having said that, I admit that I have not studied the various kingdom in the Bible enough to say what exactly are the differences. I have only studied enough to say that the Bible very clearly makes a difference. I can also say that the next chapter is talking about the Jews and that I understand that the Jews are supposed to have a special relationship Christ and a special position in the kingdom of Christ. Notice that we haven't seen Christ mentioned since 1:9 when warnings were given to the churches and before the 'Rapture' is considered to happen in the timetable of Revelation. Then we have the mention of Christ here and in 12:10, 17; and all three of these references have to do with Jews. (Although this verse may also be dealing with Gentiles, if it is then the relationship is indirect and not direct like we see in chapter 12 with the Jews.) We do not see Christ mentioned again in Revelation until His return to Earth to reign for 1,000 yearss. Again, I am not making a doctrinal statement and will not argue the point but am pointing out indications off things that should be considered by anyone trying to say what will or will not happen and when it will happen according to Revelation.

Now many here (including me) would say that Lord is referring to the Father, but we need to read the verse carefully. The verse continues with and he shall reign, not with and they shall reign. There are two possible explanations of this wording. The first is that this is not two persons of the Godhead but is two different roles of the same person. The not saved (lost and those born during the 1,000 years reign of Christ) will see Him as Lord and the saved will see Him as Christ. In this context, even though the Son of God is the head of both kingdoms, the relationship He has with the people, and the Laws over them, will be different depending upon which kingdom is considered. The second possibility is that God the Son will reign for God the Father in the kingdoms of our Lord. Take your own choice. The only thing that matters for this study is that they are different kingdoms, different Laws and different relationships between ruler and subjects and that the Son of God is King over both kingdoms.

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Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Every verse in 12:2-11 starts with And. 2:12 starts with Therefore and every verse after that starts with And. Basically, 12:1-11 makes a statement and 12:12-17 explains the consequence of that statement.

Revelation 12 tells us of God judging Satan. Within this telling of judgment, 12:10 says Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God. These were promised, but not yet realized on Earth among all men. Notice that this verse goes on to say and the power of his Christ. Yes, some saved do realize the power of his (God's) Christ in their personal life and they have more of the true blessings of God's salvation because they realize and use God's strength in their service to the kingdom of our God. Unfortunately, this is not true for many saved and many saved are very spiritually weak in these things. Basically, the more people are influenced by Satan, the more they are judged like he is judged. Also, the more people are like the Lamb, the more they are blessed like the Lamb. For example, in Job 1:9-11 we read that Job enjoyed the blessings of this personal relationship before God used him as an example to Satan. We also read at the end of Job that all of these blessings were returned to him two-fold after he proved himself to be faithful to the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ. This should encourage all saved to also remain faithful. Unfortunately, many saved don't live by faith like they are supposed to do. However, when Christ physically returns to this world in the physical body of Jesus and brings the kingdom of our God and His strength to rule all nations with a rod of iron (12:5), then everyone on Earth will realize these things by sight. Until the events of this verse occur, only those who develop their personal relationship with the Son of God through His role as Christ receive these blessings of God in this world through living by faith.

Please notice the next verse which says And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Please see the note for 12:11 under Lamb.) Since 12:11 starts with And, it is added to 12:10. However, the things that 12:11 says about those who have salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ is not true for all saved. It is only true for those who truly live by faith at this present time and truly believe, in a personal way, the statement by Jesus in Matthew 28:18. Therefore, 12:10 tells us that the time will come when all men live by sight the way that only a few saved now live by living by faith.

This verse is divided by a colon which makes And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: equivalent to for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. That means that we will not see the full power of Christ until Satan is no longer allowed into Heaven (Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5; Zechariah 3:1-2) to accuse the saved before God's throne. It also means that God will end the devil's use of men to bring accusations against the saved (Matthew 12:10 ; 27:12; Mark 3:2; 15:3; etc). This verse follows the vision on 12:1-9, which means it follows the 3.5years that the Jews are hiding in caves while the Devil and his beast search for them to kill all Jews. Part of that vision is 12:9 which says that all off the devils will be on Earth. That will make that time a literal Hell on Earth such as has never been seen before.

Where 11:15 declared that The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever, but we did not see anything done upon that declaration. In this verse (12:10), we see action start to make t he declaration a fulfilled fact. (Please see the note for 11:15 above.) In 11:15 the saved accepted the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ as fact by faith. In 12:10 the saved see their faith fulfilled when the accuser of our brethren is cast down. This verse is a fulfillment of prophecy started in Genesis 3:15 and added to in 2 Samuel 7:16 ; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalms 22:28 ; 45:6; 145:11-13; Isaiah 40:3-5 Daniel 2:44 ; Matthew 6:10 ; Luke 3:4-6; 11:2 and other places in the Bible. Please also notice that these were all prophecies which the Jews looked for as signs of the coming kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ (which they thought was a single kingdom).

12:12 says Therefore rejoice, ye Heavens, and ye that dwell in them.. because this event is happening. We see this rejoicing prophesied in prior (similar) rejoicing where God showed His power and brought His kingdom to Earth in a limited fashion. (Please see the song of Moses at the Red Sea in Exodus 15:1; the song of Deborah in Judges 5:1; the song of David when the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies in 2 Samuel 22:1 and see Isaiah 12- 25 and other songs of praise to God for personal deliverance throughout the Bible.)

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Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Please see the note for this verse under Jesus. The Son of God will reign on this Earth through His role as Christ because Christ is the role that the Son of God uses to fulfill Old Testament prophecy.

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Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Please see the note for Revelation 20:4 under Jesus. It explains the context of this verse. This verse can be divided by punctuation as:

Those who hath part in the first resurrection are blessed and holy.

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:

Those who hath part in the first resurrection shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

on such the second death hath no power,
but they shall be priests of God and of Christ,
and shall reign with him a thousand years.

As explained in the note for Revelation 20:4 and other notes, a lot of people believe that everyone who professes salvation will reign with him [Christ] a thousand years. As also explained in those notes, God puts qualifiers upon who is in the bride and, as we see in this verse, upon who will reign with him [Christ] a thousand years. The colon in this sentence makes the first part of this sentence equivalent to the second part. That means that those people will reign with him [Christ] a thousand years are blessed and holy. The truth is that a whole lot of people who claim salvation are not blessed and holy. I know this (and similar comments in other notes) will upset a lot of people, but there is NO Biblical basis for claiming that people who did some religious thing, like said a prayer, and then spent the rest of their lives doing as much sin as they could handle would share the same rewards as people who devoted their lives to serving God and died as martyrs. In fact, there is an abundance of Biblical evidence that says our salvation and our rewards and punishment are judged upon different basis. Our salvation is strictly based upon if we have God's life in us because we called upon the name of the Lord and trusted Him to save us and make us His child. However, there is an abundance of Biblical evidence in this book and else where that says we will be judged (and rewarded or punished) for our works. Just in Revelation we have 2:2, 5, 9, 13, 19, 23, 26; 3:1, 2, 8, 15; 9:20; 14:13; 18:6; 20:12, 13. The people who claim to be saved for doing some religious thing, like saying a prayer, and then spent the rest of their lives doing as much sin as they could handle are those called unjust in 2 Peter. 2 Peter says about these people: For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. There should be no question that these people are not blessed and holy as this verse says that the people who will reign with him [Christ] a thousand years are. They also do not meet the Biblical qualifications of being in the bride (Revelation 18:23 ; 21:2, 9; 22:17). The reader can encourage these unjust people all they want but I am, personally, going to tell them there is no Biblical basis for them to claim God's reward and that there is plenty of Biblical basis for them to be severely punished, even if they do claim salvation. I am also going to encourage them to become blessed and holy because the rewards from the God of the Bible far exceed any temporary pleasure from sin.

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Jesus Christ

Revelation 1:1, 2, 5, 9; 12:17.

This epistle uses Jesus Christ to identify the person that this epistle was written to reveal. It also tells us about the the testimony of Jesus Christ which this epistle also reveals to be the testimony of Jesus combined with the testimony of Christ. We are told that His testimony is true because He is the faithful witness both as Jesus and as Christ. Therefore, this epistle uses Jesus Christ to reference both roles of the Son of God involved in our salvation and makes it clear that we do not have the same results if we reject either role of the Son of God. Click here for all of the Verses that use Jesus Christ and here for the Summary on the name / role of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation 1:1-2 is a single sentence which is divided in the note for 1:2 under Jesus Christ below.

The book of Revelation (singular, not plural) was written to reveal the God who saved us (Jesus) and who provides us with additional blessings in this world (Christ). This epistle tells us about all the things He does only in that those actions reveal Him to His people. This is the introductory identification that the Son of God uses for Himself within this book. Within this book, the Son of God expands the knowledge of Himself that the church is supposed to have. This book ends with the title of Lord Jesus Christ, which shows that Jesus Christ is Lord . Within this book, we find several other titles for the Son of God, which are to give us further insight into Him. They include:

Alpha and Omega 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13
the beginning and the end 21:6; 22:13
the first and the last 1:4, 1:11, 1:17; 2:8, 19; 22:13
the faithful witness 1:5; 3:14
the Amen 3:14
the first begotten of the dead 1:5
the prince of the kings of the earth 1:5
the Almighty 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:15; 21:22
The word of God 19:13
the Son of God 2:18
Son of man 1:13; 14:14
the beginning of the creation of God 3:14
the Lion of the tribe of Juda 5:5
Lamb 5:6, 8, 12, 13; 6:1, 16; 7:9, 10, 14, 17; 12:11; 13:8, 11; 14:1, 4, 10; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22, 23, 27; 22:1, 3
Lord 1:8, 10; 4:8, 11; 6:10; 11:8, 17; 14:13; 15:3, 4; 16:5, 7; 17:14; 18:8; 19:1, 6, 16; 21:22; 22:5, 6, 20, 21
Christ 12:10; 20:4, 6
Jesus Christ 1:1, 2, 5, 9; 12:17; 20:4; 22:21
Jesus 1:9; 14:12; 17:6; 19:10; 20:4; 22:16
Lord Jesus 22:20
Lord Jesus Christ 22:21
King of saints 15:3
Lord of Lords, and King of kings 17:14; 19:16
Faithful and True 3:14; 19:11; 21:5; 22:6
the root and the offspring of David 22:16
the bright and morning star 22:16

Lamb is used to express God's transition from the role of Jesus to Lord Jesus Christ. Even lost people know Him as Jesus who died. The church is supposed to know Him as Jesus Christ who died for their personal sins and has given them an ongoing personal relationship through the role of Christ. The world will know Him as Lord Jesus Christ. This epistle shows the church the transition from its current knowledge of Him as Jesus Christ (introduction) to the knowledge of Him as Lord Jesus Christ (closing). This also shows the transition that a person is supposed to make in their personal relationship with the Son of God. When we are initially saved, we need to accept both His roles as Jesus and as Christ. That is, not just the person who gets us out of Hell but also the God who will maintain a personal relationship with the saved (as Christ). We have seen repeatedly in this study that those who claim salvation through believing on Jesus while refusing the ministry of Christ are not saved by God. However, while lost people probably understand the judgment of our Lord, they usually don't understand enough to truly worship Him as Lord. As saved people mature spiritually, they should learn about the other aspects of the Son of God that are revealed by these other names. The more that saved people learn these things (and all that He provides for the saved through these other roles), the more that they will gladly accept Him and worship Him as their Lord. This book opens telling us that it is The Revelation of Jesus Christ, and as we learn to understand what it really teaches, we will learn the meaning of these other names also.

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Revelation 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Revelation 1:1-2 is a single sentence which is divided below. Please also see the note for 1:1 under Jesus Christ above.

God told Jesus Christ to reveal the things in this book and sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.

God told Jesus Christ to reveal the things in this book to His servants.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ,
which God gave unto him,
to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass;

God sent his angel to signify the message to his servant John.

and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

God s servant John bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Who bare record of the word of God,
and of the testimony of Jesus Christ,
and of all things that he saw.

The testimony of Jesus Christ is found in 1:2, 9; 12:17 in this book. Testimony is found in 1:2, 9; 6:9; 11:7; 12:11, 17; 15:5; 19:10.

Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; and this sentence all tell us that God used angels to deliver His word to select holy men (2 Peter 1:21). We also have the story (in Genesis) of Abraham being visited by three angels and other places where the Bible tells us of angels delivering the word of God. In Genesis and here, the angel of God is His Son Jesus Christ. This, and other references to angel in the Bible tell us that angel is a role (messenger) and not a particular type of being. There is a doctrine about angels that I will not go into.

In this sentence we have the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ equated to The Revelation which God gave to shew unto his servants. Hopefully the reader understands (without explanation) that the word of God was revealed by God and God had Jesus Christ live a testimony in order to shew unto his (God's) servants how God expects us to live. We have seen all through this study, and in the study called Jesus used the power of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus shows the saved how to live in the flesh by the power of the Holy Ghost and that Christ teaches the saved how to spiritually mature and have a spiritual relationship with God. The equivalency of the two parts of this sentence should be obvious in consideration of all we have learned throughout this study. This sentence use Jesus Christ twice to doctrinally tell us that He is our example from God that we are to follow.

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Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Verses 1:4 and the first part of 1:5 form a sentence. The second part of 1:5 and the first part of 1:6 form a sentence. In order to make sense of these sentences, 1:4-6 are divided by punctuation below.

Opening: who the epistle is from and who it is to.

John to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Who the epistle is from.

Grace and peace from the Son of God Who died and rose from us.

Grace be unto you,
and peace,
from him which is,
and which was,
and which is to come;

Grace and peace from the seven Spirits which are before his (God's) throne.

and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Unique attributes of the Son of God because of His human roles as Jesus Christ.

And from Jesus Christ,
who is the faithful witness,
and the first begotten of the dead,
and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Jesus Christ is to be given glory and dominion for ever and ever because of what He did for us.

Why Jesus Christ is to be given glory and dominion for ever and ever.

Unto him that loved us,
and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;

Jesus Christ is to be given glory and dominion for ever and ever.

to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.

The previous statement is witnessed as truth.

Amen.

Normally, the first couple of verses give us the opening of an epistle. In Revelation, we are told what the epistle is about and why we should read and understand it even before we are told who the epistle is from and to. That should tell us the importance of Revelation 1:1-3.

These three verses have two sentences plus an Amen to emphasize the truth of what they tell us. John tells us that he wrote the epistle to the the seven churches which are in Asia as the representative of the Son of God and immediately stops to personally worship Him and tell us that He deserves glory and dominion for ever and ever (Daniel 7:14; 1Peter 5:11; Jude 1:25; Revelation 1:6) and follows that with an Amen to emphasize that this statement is witnessed as truth. One of the main lessons of this epistle is that the saved are to worship Jesus Christ on a personal basis. In 1:9-10 we are told that John was in the Spirit on the Lord's day even though he was in the isle that is called Patmos (prison), for the word of God and was separated from other believers. The lesson here is to follow John's example and worship Jesus Christ for our salvation no matter what circumstances we are in. When this sentence tells us from him which is, and which was, and which is to come it is reminding us that the Son of God currently is physically alive in Heaven (him which is) and representing us before the throne of God and that died for our sins (which was) and that He is returning to judge and reward or punish men (which is to come). Of course, most people are concentrating on what He will do before He comes. Instead they should be concentrating on Him because He is the one who decides what will happen to each of us. Those who are His enemies are to be terrified of Him but those that will receive great rewards follow John's example and personally worship Him.

In addition, we are told that Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. God told us to hear Him (Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35) because He is the faithful witness. This epistle is written to reveal Him and what he wants us to know and the first reason that we are to listen is because God the Father told us to and because we can believe (faithful witness) what he tells us. The second reason that we are told to hear Him is that He is the first begotten of the dead. In 1:18 He tells us I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. He not only is the first begotten of the dead, but he holds the keys to get us out of hell and of death and if we want out of hell and of death, we need to listen to Him. The third reason that we are told to hear Him is that He is the prince of the kings of the earth. That is, when He returns He shall rule them with a rod of iron (Revelation 2:27 ; 12:5; 19:15) and it's pretty stupid to make enemies with the ultimate ruler of the world who will really hurt people who try to disagree with Him. This reminds me of the three types of witnesses that Jesus cited in the gospel of John when He was asked for witnesses to what he said. He said that the Father was His witness (John 5:37), and here we are reminded of the witness of the Father when God the Father declared Jesus to be the faithful witness. Jesus also said that the works that He did were His witness (John 5:36) and here we are told of His works when we are reminded that he is the first begotten of the dead. Finally, Jesus said that John the Baptist was His witness (John 5:33) and here we are told that the kings of the earth will witness that He is their prince (ruler between them and God).

We need to make the doctrine of this sentence personal if we want to receive the grace and peace that is offered here. First, we need to personally recognize that He is. Everyone of us get insulted if we go out of our way to visit and help someone and they are too busy doing things to hurt themselves to even take time to say Hi. If we aren't insulted, at the least we feel that we have wasted our time. At the very least, we should start and end our day spending time with the one Who died and rose to save us and is willing to spend time with us. Which brings us to the second point, He was. He didn't die and rise from the dead just to get us our of Hell and into Heaven but this study has shown that the blood of Christ is what removes the stain and control of sin. We should daily confess our sins (1John 1:6-10) and seek His cleansing for our personal sins. Finally, we need to personally always remember that He is to come and be watching for Him. As Jesus warned us in Matthew 24, we want to beware of false christs and false doctrines and expect that He will come instantly and demand that we explain the deeds of our life, especially unconfessed sin and God-given opportunities that we chose to ignore. Beyond our personal daily relationship, we need to keep His witness always in mind when we are deciding matters. Our thoughts and decisions are to be based upon the fact that He is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. We have no other authority or witness that can approach Him and none other should make us swerve from following Him. Finally, our feelings (especially the satanic attacks of defeat and depression and similar) need to be controlled by the fact that He loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood. No matter what we or others think of us, He loved us enough to do that for us. By the same token, we aren't so hot because He had to wash us from our sins in his own blood. Once we prepare ourselves for daily life with Him, then we need to do what He made us and be kings and priests unto God and his Father, especially when we meet sinners who need God's mercy, grace and forgiveness.

John tells us that he brings greetings from the Son of God in His roles including Jesus Christ so that we will have the proper perspective on the message of this book and on the things that happen in our life so that this life that the devil won't rob us of our blessings and so that we can personally worship Him as our Lord like John was doing. This sentence is the introduction of an epistle with this main message.

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Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:1-3 tell us why this epistle was written. Then 1:4-7 give us the opening of the epistle: who it is from and who it is to and the consequences that will come unto men whether they pay attention to this warning or not. In 1:8 we have the first statement from Jesus Christ in this epistle. There, He revealed four titles of His to let us know Who He is and the roles that we are dealing with. Now, John tells us that he was in the isle that is called Patmos, that is suffering in this life, because of his witnessing for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Thus, we have the reason for this epistle and the main people involved in sending and receiving it identified along with the relative position of the senders (Jesus Christ and John). The position of the receivers is given in Revelation 2 and 3. Before that we hear a repeat of the declaration of Jesus Christ (1:8; 1:11) and receive more of a description of the appearance of Jesus Christ in 1:12-18. In this description are several symbols and types that I can't accurately define other than to say that the sharp twoedged sword (1:16) that came out of his mouth is the word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Since Revelation (1:2, 9; 6:9; 19:13 ; 20:4) teaches that the word of God is what Jesus Christ uses to fight and is what brings persecution here and blessings in Heaven, it is also what we should use. Notice that 2:12 uses the sharp sword with two edges to reference the word of God and tells that church He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. We know that the Spirit talks to us only through the word of God today because people who go outside of the boundaries of the word of God end up believing false doctrines such as those talked against in Revelation 2 and 3. And, when we read the word of God we need to be one who hears what the Spirit saith unto the churches (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). Many people fall into doctrinal error by taking what is meant to be understood spiritually (within the Bible) and try to apply it to the physical religion and they take what is meant to be instructions in the physical world and try to spiritualize' it. The Spirit of God uses the word of God to teach the child of God what is the will of God for their personal life and relationship with God. We need to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches every time that we read our Bible. That means that we need to start all study with prayer for Divine guidance in our study.

In this verse we are told that John is our brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. Everyone wants to be in the kingdom of Jesus Christ, but only those who are willing to be in tribulation for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ will truly be in His kingdom while in this life.

John's salvation made a definite difference in his personal life. We know this from his change from being one of The sons of thunder (Mark 3:17) to being the Apostle of love. His personal blessings from Christ convinced him that the suffering here was worth it for the blessings that he hoped to receive for eternity and the message that we find from John, in this epistle, is that we should follow his example. Jesus Christ is used in this verse because the Son of God deals with the saved personally through both of these roles and the truly saved should have the testimony of Jesus Christ so evident in their life that they also would be put into prison if having the testimony of Jesus Christ is made illegal.

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Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Please see the notes for 1:1, 1:2 and 1:9 (above) which also talk about the testimony of Jesus Christ. Please also see the notes for 11:15 and 12:10 under Christ which talk about the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ. The Jews rejected Jesus Christ when they crucified Him. Now, this verse says that Jews have the testimony of Jesus Christ. This means that at least some have accepted the Christ that they have been rejecting for thousands of years. While this chapter specifically mentions the 144,000 virgin male Jews, we can believe that more Jews than these special 144,000 also have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

This verse says that Satan wars against Jews that have have the testimony of Jesus Christ, but it can also be applied to true Christians today. Many people claim to be saved but don't show the blessings of God in their life. True Biblical Christians not only were saved by the blood of Jesus, but show the blessings that come through the role of Christ. Satan loves people that claim to be saved (Jesus) but don't have Christ active in their life because they support his lies about true Christians. The only place that you find the testimony of Jesus is in Revelation 19:10, which says for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Very few Christians have the gift of prophecy and many who claim salvation do not have a spirit that wants to tell people the message from God. (Please see the note for 19:10.) However, all should have the the testimony of Jesus Christ which is a changed life that is such a powerful witness for Jesus Christ that it makes the devil want to kill you. Anyone who has to tell people that they are saved does not have the testimony of Jesus Christ evident in their life. Anyone who really does have the testimony of Jesus Christ also has others, especially lost people, telling them that they are a Christian because these other people can see Jesus Christ in the lifestyle and daily actions.

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Lord Jesus

Revelation 22:20.

The term Lord Jesus is used only 1 time and that is when John personally addresses his God in prayer. Here we see John's personal relationship revealed to some extent. Click here for all of the Verses that use Lord Jesus and here for the Summary on the name / role of Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

This is John's closing prayer for this epistle, his life and the entire Bible. He is asking for the God who redeemed him (Lord Jesus) and saved him from sin to take control (Lord) of this world and remove sin and sin's influences and sin's consequences. The term Lord Jesus is used only in this verse (within Revelation) when John personally addresses his God in prayer. Here we see John's personal relationship revealed to some extent.

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Lord Christ

Lord Christ does not occur in Revelation. Click here for all of the Verses that use Lord Christ and here for the Summary on the name / role of Lord Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ

Revelation 22:21.

The term Lord Jesus Christ is used only 1 time in Revelation. However, this title is the accumulation of the entire book. Please see the note on Revelation 1:1 under Jesus Christ. Click here for all of the Verses that use Lord Jesus Christ and here for the Summary on the name / role of Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

In closing we are reminded that God's grace come from each of His roles, Lord, Jesus and Christ. While grace comes from the Son of God, the specific expression of that grace (Law, salvation, a changed life) vary from one role to another. See the general note for the epistle and the note on Revelation 1:1 for transition of the Son of God's roles revealed in this book. After reading Revelation, we should see that Jesus Christ is actually Lord Jesus Christ and not question or challenge anything that He gives us because He will richly reward our proper submission, obedience and works. All through this book we see the lost fear the judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ and the saved worship our Lord Jesus Christ. We also see that those with the greatest works also had the greatest worship for our Lord Jesus Christ "and they received the greatest rewards as a result.

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Son

Revelation 1:13; 2:18; 14:14; 21:7.

Click here for all of the Verses that use Son and here for the Summary on the name / role of Son. We are reminded that Jesus is human by the use of Son of man in 1:13 and 14:14. However, we are also clearly shown that since His resurrection he isn't just Jesus but is Lord Jesus (acting as Lord while still in human flesh) by His actions in these verses. In 2:18, when He is talking to the churches, He calls Himself the Son of God to end all challenges to His authority within the church. Then in 21:7 we are told that we can be God's son and inherit all things if we meet His qualification of overcometh (stop our sinning and let Him live through our lives). Click here for all of the Verses that use Son and here for the Summary on the name / role of Son.

Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

This is part of the description of Jesus Christ that John give us in 1:12-18. If the reader looks at all of the references under Verses - Son of Man, he will find that the Bible uses Son of man to emphasize the human nature of the Son of God. In Matthew 12:40 and Luke 11:30 we are told that the Son of God went to Hell for us as Son of man. We know that humans are triune beings with a body, soul and spirit. God is a Spirit (John 4:24) and our spirit connects us to the spiritual reality and to God or Satan. The Son of God became the Son of man when he was conceived (Matthew 1:12) and received His body and soul. While He appeared before His birth, there is some difference between a human body and that given to a spirit that appears for a short time. This is evidenced by all of the devils that possess people. And Reformers Unanimous teaches our soul consists of our mind, will and emotions. Each of those are immature at birth and we spend this life training them to be like Christ (Matthew 10:17; 21:24; 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 12:28; 13:24; 22:16; John 5:45; 14:26, 30; 15:7; 16:23, 26; Acts 18:21; Romans 15:15, 24; 1Corinthians 1:10; 4:21; 14:25; 2Corinthians 7:7; 11:9; 13:11; Galatians 5:10; Philippians 1:6, 27; 2:5, 13; Colossians 1:9, 21; 2:18; 4:12; 1Thessalonians 5:18; 2Thessalonians 3:4; Hebrews 13:21; 2Peter 1:12; Jude 1:5; Revelation 2:24). When the Son of God went to Hell for us as Son of man, His Spirit, mind, will and emotions were there.

In addition, some commentators are foolish enough to try and correct the word of God and say that this shouldn't say the Son of man but should say a Son of man. Of course, the means there is only one and here it is as in John 14:6. However, 1Corinthians 15:21-26 makes it clear that the Son paid for our sin as a man and this is part of the chapter that starts with Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain (1Corinthians 15:1-2). This verse correctly identifies Him as the Son of man because he is the only man that paid for our sin and made us different from those who fear the judgment of the Lord that is presented in this epistle. Again, Hebrews 2:9-18 Uses Jesus (God in human flesh) to emphasize His human nature and explain how He had to become the Son of man so that He could make us sons of God. He is not just a son but He is the Son of God and He is the Son of man.

Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

Revelation 2:18-19 is a single sentence which can be divided by punctuation as:

This message is delivered to the messenger/pastor (angel) of this church to deliver to the church.

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write;

The Son of God sees what will be judged (hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire) and expects working / walking worship (his feet are like fine brass).

These things saith the Son of God,
who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire,
and his feet are like fine brass;

The Son of God recognizes the things we do to minister in His name.

I know thy works,
and charity,
and service,
and faith,
...and thy patience,
and thy works;

The Son of God recognizes the results that we achieve when we minister in His name.

and the last to be more than the first.

In Revelation 2 and 3 we have the messages to the seven churches. They are put into this epistle, and not just delivered to the church in a private meeting, because these messages apply to all of us. All seven of the messages say He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. We should all want to be counted as He that hath an ear and hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches as a personal message to ourselves. Within these messages, the Son of God says different things because there are different solutions to different problems. First, we are told that the Son of God hath (personally has) his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass. This references the description of 1:12-18 (pleases see the note for 1:13 above). I said that this is a type that shows that the Son of God sees what will be judged (hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire) and expects working / walking worship (his feet are like fine brass). Of course, his eyes tells us that he sees. 1Corinthians 3:9-15 tells us ...the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Together, we get that the Son of God sees what will be judged (hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire). We get that the Son of God expects working / walking worship from his feet are like fine brass. Feet are obviously for walking and brass is used in the Bible for the working parts of worship such as the horns on the altar that held the sacrifice.

In the second and third steps of this sentence we see the Son of God recognize the good that they did and the results that they achieved for His ministry. We should follow His example and do the same. Before we judge anyone, we should first acknowledge the good actions and results that we have because of them. However, as we see in the message to each of these churches, the good does not remove the bad. The rest of this chapter tells us what the Son of God has against this church. While preachers like to preach what was said to the church of the Laodiceans and equate today to that church, the Son of God said more to this church than He said to the church of the Laodiceans. In addition, this church allowed the false doctrine that has taken most of today's world. In truth a vast majority of those who call themselves Christian and those that are considered to be Christians (including the Catholics of all types), follow this false doctrine. We have lost many to this doctrine by ignoring this message because we were so busy emphasizing the message to the church of the Laodiceans. Yes, those that are guilty of the sin of the church of the Laodiceans will loose rewards, but those guilty of this sin will cause their children to go to Hell (I will kill her children with death). The Son of God tells this church I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts. We already saw that he identified Himself with judgment (his eyes like unto a flame of fire) and working / walking worship (his feet are like fine brass). When He says that He searcheth the reins He means that He judges how much we are personally controlled by God. When He says that He searcheth hearts He means that He judges how much our personal ministry is from our hearts and how much is following religious rules (see Galatians and associated notes). The great many number of people that go to Hell out of Christian churches do so because they do not know or do not believe the warning to this church. In the message to the church of the Laodiceans the Son of God identified Himself as the Amen. While He mentions God (God / Father) 9times in these chapters and mentions the Spirit 7 times, He only mentions Himself these two times. Here, the Son of God is used to warn us of judgment and of His power and authority to enforce that judgment.

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Revelation 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

Please see the other notes for chapters 14 and 15 as those notes give further information on the 144,000 and how they are shown to be different than those who worship Satan and his representatives.

Here we see that the Son of man is the one who reaps; for the harvest of the earth is ripe (14:15). The Son of man is the Son of God with emphasis upon His human nature, as we have seen all through the Bible where Son of man is used. (Please see verses and associated notes under Verses - Son.) Supposedly, the white cloud is a symbol of purity (His and those that follow Him) and the golden crown is a reference to His position as Lord of Lords, and King of kings. (Please see verses and associated notes under Verses - Lord and under Verses - King.) In addition, the sharp sickle is used in the remaining verses of this chapter to bring judgment upon the men on Earth. That judgment is further explained in the verses that follow starting in Revelation 15. We also see similar symbols in Matthew 13:30-39 and Mark 4:26-29 and Daniel 7:13 and Joel, especially Joel 3:13. In Matthew 24:30-31 and 26:64, Jesus explicitly says that He, as the Son of man will be coming in the clouds of Heaven. This judgment is not going to be by a God who does not understand human weakness but the Father gave judgment to the Son (John 5:19-30; 8:16, 26) because in addition to being God He is a physical human as the Son of man. In Matthew 12:18-21 we see the judgment of the Son of man for those that trust in his name. We also see in Matthew 12:41-42; 19:28 and Luke 11:31-32; 22:30 that the Son of man will call other people to testify against those who try to offer excuses for their failure to obey. In Matthew 25 and Luke 19 we have the parables of the pounds and of the talents which use a human lord to teach how the Son of man will judge those who claim to be His saved servants. We also see His judgment of those who claim to be servants of God in John 9:39-41.

This verse uses the Son of man for the Son of God in His physical human role as the one who will judge men because God will not have people claim a lie. His judgment is righteous because He lived as a weak physical human and He will judge men as the Son of man so that none can claim that His judgment is unrighteous.

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Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

When I present the gospel to a lost person, I often start at 1John 5:13 which says These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I point out that this verse promises ye may know (not hope or think) that ye have eternal life and it is based upon what God has written. What I say or what some religion says or what anyone else says doesn't matter. If God put it into writing and said we can know, then we can be 100% sure. However, God put a qualifier in there of that believe on the name of the Son of God. I tell them to remember the and in this verse because we will be back to it. I then take them to John 1:12-13 which says But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. I tell them that these verses also have believe on his name and that this equals received him and became a child of God (become the sons of God) because these verses say the two parts are even. When a balancing scale is used, the two sides have equal weight when they are even. Since we must become the sons of God, we are not born a son of God. And I take them to Genesis and elsewhere, as needed, to prove that we are born a child of the devil with a basic sin nature. With a lot more verses I show them that becoming a son of God isn't just because we say some prayer but because God answers it. If we are not willing, from our heart, to give God His part of the bargain (For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them [Ephesians 2:10]) , then God refuses to answer our prayer. If we are not willing to let God make us like Christ then He does not answer our prayer and we are still going to Hell no matter what we pray. The Jews understood that when Jesus said that He was the Son of God, He was claiming God's nature (Matthew 26:63-66). Every place in the Bible (that this study has looked at in the New Testament) where son is used, The Bible makes it clear that the son has the same character as the father. If we are not willing to accept God's nature, then He does not make us His son and we are still lost. That's where the and of 1John 5:13 comes in. The part of 1John 5:13 which follows the and is how God gives us His nature after our initial profession. Our receiving His nature is How He gets His side of the bargain in Ephesians 2:10. The ministry of Christ is specifically to give us God's nature, to make us His son (have His character evident in our life) and, as we let Him work in our life, He makes us overcometh our sin, which this verse says is the basic requirement to inherit all things and to be God's son. All through this study, and especially in this epistle, we have seen that there is a difference between getting the Heaven and inherit all things. As this verse says, if we want to inherit all things in addition to getting to Heaven, we must let God make us His son in a way that the lost world will convict us and so that there is unquestionable evidence when we get to the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10-11).

If any doubt my interpretation, explain the next verse which starts with But and lists sins done by people who claim salvation based upon a prayer but refuse to let God make them His son in the way that I explained above.

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King

Revelation 1:5, 6; 5:10; 6:15; 9:11; 10:11; 15:3; 16:12, 14; 17:2, 10, 12, 14, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:16, 18, 19; 21:24.

Every reference to King in Revelation also equates that role to Lord with the difference being that a Lord enforces the laws that he is given while a King makes whatever laws he wants and then enforces them. This is true even for 6:15. Please see other notes on Lord to better understand the rights and responsibilities of a King. While the Son of God is King and can make His own laws, He does not do so. He enforces the laws of God the Father. Click here for all of the Verses that use King and here for the Summary on the name / role of King.

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Please see the note for 1:5 under Jesus Christ. Kings of the earth is found in 1:5; 6:15; 16:14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:19; 21:24. Kings of the east is found in 6:12 is a subset of Kings of the earth. Therefore, 6:12 and should be considered with the other verses. In this verse, we find that Jesus Christ is the prince of the kings of the earth. However, the kings of the earth rejected His authority as their prince (Psalms 2; Luke 19:11-28 especially 19:27; Acts 4:26-28). In 6:15 we see the kings of the earth try to hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains...and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb even though they knew that those efforts were useless because they said For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (6:17). Rather than turn to their prince for mercy, grace and salvation, we see them turn to devils in 16:13-14. The devils lead them into false religion in 17:1-2, 18 and 18:3. In 18:4-5 they are given a final call to Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, but the kings of the earth refuse because, as 18:3 says, they committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. They are not willing to stop their sinning. So in 19:19, we see these kings of the earth fighting with Satan against their prince and 19:20-21 tells of their destruction. Then 21:24 tells us that the new kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. They act properly towards the true prince of the kings of the earth.

The Bible teaches us (in Peter and other places) that we are to obey and honor the kings of the earth, but not as they lead against the true prince of the kings of the earth.

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Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Please see the note for 1:5 under Jesus Christ. Please also see the note for 1:5 above. It tells about how the current kings of the earth choose devils and false religion above the true prince of the kings of the earth. However, as noted there, the new kings of the earth (21:24) are kings and priests of saved people and they do bring their glory and honour into it (New Jerusalem).

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Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

All of chapter 5 is describing the worship of the Lamb in Heaven. Please consider all verses and associated notes together. In particular, please see the note for 5:12 under Lamb, as it explains this verse within the context. As kings and priests we will rule over men (as kings) with the power of God behind us but we will also answer to God (as priests) for the behaviour of those men that we rule.

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Revelation 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Verses 6:15-17 form a single sentence which can be divided as:

All men (people) tried to hide from the wrath of the Lamb in places that can not hide.

All men (people) hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.

And the kings of the earth,
and the great men,
and the rich men,
and the chief captains,
and the mighty men,
and every bondman,
and every free man,
...hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

All men (people) tried to hide from the wrath of the Lamb.

And said to the mountains and rocks,
Fall on us,
and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne,
and from the wrath of the Lamb:

All men (people) realized that judgment day was coming and they could not justify their actions.

For the great day of his wrath is come;
and who shall be able to stand?

As the breakdown of this sentence shows, All men (people) realized that judgment day was coming and they could not justify their actions. Therefore, they tried to hide from the wrath of the Lamb in places that can not hide. We can see the equivalency of the two parts of this sentence in that one part gives the reason and the other gives the action and both parts are directly correlated. They knew that the wrath of the Lamb was coming upon them and even though it was useless, they tried to hide just like Adam and Eve tried to hide in the Garden (Genesis 3) and as Cain tried to hide (Genesis 4) and as men have tried to hide ever since.

The kings of the earth are men who make whatever laws they wanted and then enforce those laws. They chose to make it against the law to worship the true God because in the context (6:9-11) we see martyrs demanding that the Lordjudge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth. Now, we see fear come on those who rule and caused the shedding of the martyr's blood. Up until now, even though people had to be willing to die for salvation, God was not bringing punishment but a message that men can't win a war against the God of Heaven. Now, apparently, He is bringing judgment and vengeance upon those who rejected His mercy, grace and salvation. This is the way that our never-changing God has always worked on a personal level. He offers mercy and longsuffering for quite a while but eventually brings judgment upon those who continue to sin. The difference is that it is as of the time of this verse, His judgment becomes obvious to all men.

Please also see the note for 6:16 under Lamb.

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Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

This verse is telling us that the devils from the bottomless pit (9:1) that act like locusts (9:3) but instead of hurting plants they torment men (9:4-6). The verses in 9:1-10 tells about the character of these devils which matches their king. As with all other kings in the Bible, this king makes his own laws and the devils reflect his character, just like those in God's kingdom are supposed to reflect God's character.

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Revelation 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

This verse is the end of chapter 10 which has a lot of symbols that lots of people have an opinion on. John had done as instructed and took the little book from the angel and ate it. Many claim that the little book is a type of the Bible and that the Bible is the basis of the prophesying that John is told to do in this verse. Regardless of whether John's source was the Bible or the Holy Spirit or some combination, this verse says that he must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. Since kings of the earth is used in Revelation 1:5; 6:15; 16:14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:19; 21:24; and since 9:11 told us of a devil king, the kings in this verse probably includes the kings of the earth and the devil king.

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Revelation 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Revelation 15 and 16 tell us about the seven vials of the wrath of God that are poured out upon the earth. Please see all of the verses and related notes for chapters 15 and 16. The first three of the vials of the wrath of God judge the world for sins done against the saints of our Lord. The last four of the vials of the wrath of God judge men for their false worship and for spiritual sins. This verse is part of the telling about the last four of the vials of the wrath of God. Therefore, it is about judgment brought for spiritual sins. When the fourth vial is poured out (16:8-9) men blasphemed the name of God and they repented not to give him glory because they knew that He hath power over these plagues. When they did this they proved that they are fools because they only increased the wrath of God that would come upon them instead of seeking His mercy. Next, the plague of this verse was poured out upon the sun which caused it to scorch men with fire. Men can't affect the sun and they should have recognized that they were fighting a war that they could not win. But as we see in Romans 1:20-25, while they were Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. We see their increased foolishness as they take the wrong side in a spiritual warfare that they can not win. They chose to side with the beast, so the next vial was poured out upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain And blasphemed the God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds (16:10-11). If the beast can't protect those in his kingdom from the God of Heaven, then anyone who chooses the beast over the God of Heaven proves himself to be a fool who deserves the judgment that he receives. After all of this evidence that the God of Heaven gives to show men that they can't win, they obviously decide to get more of them to beat the God of Heaven. However, all of men together can't stop storms on this Earth and certainly can't stop storms on the sun like the fourth angel caused (16:8-9). When the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared, instead of seeing that the God of Heaven was gathering all men into one place so that Jesus Christ (God in human flesh) would have an easier time killing them all (16:14), they thought that they would all get together and force the God of Heaven to do their will. They obviously couldn't undo what he did to the sun, but they believed lying devils because they were working miracles (16:13-14). This verse uses kings of the east to identify some of the kings of the earth who proved themselves to be fools (Romans 1:20-25) by trusting man's wisdom instead of God's wisdom (1Corinthians 1:18-21; 2:6-16; 3:18-23). Please also see the note for 1:5 (above) which tells about the kings of the earth as found in Revelation.

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Revelation 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Revelation 15 and 16 tell us about the seven vials of the wrath of God that are poured out upon the earth. Please see all of the verses and related notes for chapters 15 and 16. Please see the note for 16:12 above as it explains what is going on in this section of Revelation and explains this verse. Please also see the note for 1:5 (above) which tells about the kings of the earth as found in Revelation. When God makes it obvious that all men can't fight God Almighty, the kings of the earth turn to lying devils and believe that the devils will make God Almighty do their will even after God Almighty brings judgment upon those devils and proves that they can't make God Almighty do anything. But, as noted above, the kings of the earth are fools who trust man's wisdom while rejecting God's wisdom.

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Revelation 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together.

17:1-2 is a single sentence which can be divided by punctuation as:

One of God's special messengers (one of the seven angels) was sent to show John the judgment of the great whore.

One of the seven angels talked to John.

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials,
and talked with me,
saying unto me,
Come hither;

One of the seven angels said I will shew unto thee the judgment...

I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

The great whore was judged for committing spiritual fornication.

With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication,
and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

There is a whole lot written about this great whore and I am not going to go into all of those opinions. In 17:18 we are told the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. In 18:2 it is called Babylon the great. In Daniel 3 we read about the idol that the king of Babylon put up and demanded that people worship. Thus, Babylon is an important Biblical example of the combination of human government (king) and false religion.

In our current sentence, a city commits fornication. Therefore, the city is a type (illustration) of a spiritual truth. We also know this because it directly follows God judging the kings of the earth for spiritual sins in chapter 16 and we see one of the same angels and the same kings of the earth in this sentence as we saw in the prior chapter where the angel brought the judgment upon the kings of the earth. Chapter 16 told of the spiritual judgment and chapter 17 tells why they received spiritual judgment. Since the Lord God Almighty matches judgment to the sin (please see the note for 16:7 under Lord and see 18:6), and since the judgment was for spiritual sin, the sin was spiritual in nature. This great whore is a major religion that committed spiritual fornication with the kings of the earth by allowing the kings of the earth to control the spiritual beliefs of men so that they received the glory, honor and power that belongs to the Lord God Almighty. The fornication spoke of in this sentence is the combination of religion and human governments. A lot of commentators have said similar things and then gone on to name a city and religion and have been proven wrong on many of their points of interpreting prophecy to say that they know future events. I am personally convinced that God deliberately hides the true interpretation of prophecy until after it has been fulfilled. Therefore, I will not name a city or religion but will say that many times in history we have seen religion joined to government and each time God has brought judgment. This sentence says that God judges the religion (great whore) and the kings of the earth because of their fornication which is the joining of religion and human governments. Since fornication is the joining of a man and woman who are not supposed to be joined, I (personally) will not apply any further interpretation to this sentence.

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Revelation 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together.

Commentators have different opinions as to who these kings are. Some name five emperors of Rome that had died for the five are fallen. Some choose the first four kingdoms of Daniel 2 plus Egypt for the five are fallen. Some name other kingdoms. While they argue about their opinions, we find what God often does in prophecy. God hid the truth so that those who would prove themselves to be fools can claim to know what God has hid. Many commentators say that these represent different legal systems. I would agree with them in that kings, in the Bible, make up whatever laws they want and their kingdom reflects the character of the king. Since each king would have a different character, each kingdom would have different laws or legal systems. The main point that I see here is brought out in the next verse (17:11) which says And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. Since the beast is of the seven, every one of the kings server the devil who brings the beast to rule the Earth. The other thing is that we hear many fools say I'd rather rule in Hell than serve in Heaven. They don't have the power to rule over a devil in a kingdom that is run by power and cruelty. These fools will become play things of devils and if they would really look at what Revelation says the devils do when allowed on the Earth, they would get saved just to avoid the devils.

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Revelation 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together.

As noted for 17:10 above, many commentators have many opinions which mainly serve to sell books. These ten kings have no formally declared kingdoms (which have received no kingdom as yet). However, they make up their own laws. Many have voiced the opinion that religious leaders have as much or more power than formal governments. Many writers have claimed that corporate heads do, or will have, as much power as governments and many complain about international corporations acting like they are above the law. Regardless of the means by which they receive power, the beast is the one who gets them the power so that they can support his agenda. Like many things of the devil, they receive the power by means other than being the head of legitimate governments.

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Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together. The details for this verse are in the note under Lord. Please also see the note under Lamb.

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Revelation 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together.

As mentioned in the other notes, religion joins with government and figures that it can control the kings of the earth through manipulation, much like many foolish women marry a man they believe that they can control and change through their manipulation. However, these kings of the earth (and most manipulated men) are lost and make a deal with the beast (17:12). They not only throw off the control of the manipulative woman / whore (religion), but they are so mad by the time that they do it that they continue beyond throwing off the yoke to destroying the woman/whore (religion) so that there is no chance for her recovery (17:15-18).

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Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together.

Notice that in 18:2 the angel says ...Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.., which makes this a present tense declaration of a past event. Yet, 18:4 says ...Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. This is a present tense command which must be accomplished before the destruction of 18:2. As we see so often in the Bible, God considers an event accomplished when He declares it and not when the event actually happens because all other beings combined can not stop Him from doing what he declares that he will do and once He declares it, He does not change His mind. It is done when God declares it.

Other verses in these chapters make it clear that Babylon the great is false religion. While many claim that it is one religion and others claim that it is many religions combined, I believe it is a type of all false religions. The reader is free to form their own opinion since the Bible does not definitely tell us what Babylon the great is, other than the verses in these chapters that clearly indicate organized false religion.

Notice that this verse tells us that the kings of the earth joined false religion (have committed fornication with her). As was detailed in other notes, this was for power. It also says that the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. However, the general person (all nations) suffered (have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication). We find the phrase wine of the wrath only in Revelation 14:8, 10; 16:19; 18:3. A quick review of these verses, and the note for 14:10, shows that this phrase is used for great suffering.

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Revelation 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together.

Back in 17:16 we read And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. In 17:12 we were told the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings... So when we combine these verses we have the kings of the earth that hate and destroyed the whore also shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning. Since this is what they were trying to do, they aren't lamenting because she was destroyed and burned but because the destruction was so sudden and mighty and from the God of Heaven instead of from them. Rather than admit their fear for themselves, and possibly repent, they vent their emotions in bewail and lament for the whore that they really hate and were trying to destroy themselves. Notice that this verse also tells us that they have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her. They claim to bewail and lament for her, but they are really doing it for themselves while they deny their very evident personal fear of the Lord Who is also going to judge them.

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Revelation 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Please see the note for this verse under Lord.

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Revelation 19:18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

Verses 19:17-18 is a single sentence that can be divided by punctuation as:

John saw God's messenger display power beyond human imagination.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun;

Where men refuse to obey God, His other non-devil creatures obey.

and he cried with a loud voice,
saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of Heaven,
Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

God blesses obedience.

That ye may eat the flesh of kings,
and the flesh of captains,
...and the flesh of mighty men,
and the flesh of horses,
and of them that sit on them,
and the flesh of all men,
both free and bond,
both small and great.

Once more we see part of the theme of this book: the obedient are blessed by God and the disobedient are cursed by God. In this case, the obedient are all the fowls that fly in the midst of Heaven (our Earthly atmosphere [Genesis 1]) . The disobedient are all kinds of men, as listed in this verse, including the kings who thought they were above everyone else and could do whatever they wanted. They find out otherwise. (Please see 1:5; 6:15; 10:11; 16:12, 14; 17:2, 10, 12, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:18, 19 and associated notes.) We can see the foolishness of these men that try to make war with God in the first phrase of this sentence. The angel that John saw was standing in the sun and obviously not hurt. That is so far beyond us and beyond anything that we can imagine how to do that these men should realize how foolish they are being, especially in consideration that this isn't God standing in the sun but just one of His servants.

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Revelation 19:19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Please see the note for 19:18 above.

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Revelation 21:24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

This is the only time that we see the kings of the earth serving God. This is after God created a new Heaven and a new earth (21:24) and all of these kings of the earth are saved as opposed to the prior who made war against the Lamb. (Please see all notes above in this section for Revelation.)

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Lamb

Revelation 5:6, 8, 12, 13; 6:1, 16; 7:9, 10, 14, 17; 12:11; 13:8; 14:1, 14:4, 14:10; 15:31; 17:14; 19:7, 9; 21:9, 14, 22, 23, 27; 22:1, 3.

The term Lamb is used 26 times in Revelation. Note: Lamb (lower case) is different than Lamb (upper case) in Revelation. The title Lamb is used more than any other title for God in Revelation except for "God". Lamb is used to express God's transition from the role of Jesus to Lord Jesus Christ. Click here for all of the Verses that use Lamb and here for the Summary on the name / role of Lamb.

Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

All of chapter 5 is describing the worship of the Lamb in Heaven. Please consider all verses and associated notes together.

This is the first mention of Lamb in this epistle. We had the introduction in the first chapter. Then we had the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3 and in chapter 4 we were told that Heavenly beings and saints were worshipping God at His throne. Now we are getting to the main point of this epistle, which is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. In this epistle, He is revealed as God's Lamb, but He isn't like any lamb that we know of. The devil is known as a lion (Psalm 7:2; 10:9; 17:12; 22:13, 21; Proverbs 28:15; Jeremiah 2:30; 4:7; 5:6; Ezekiel 22:25; Daniel 7:4; 1Peter 5:80; Revelation 13:2. (Note: many references to lion in the Bible are references to God or to Heavenly beasts [Revelation 4:7; 5:5] .) While the devil tries to act like a lion, God's Lamb destroys the devil's lion because, as the prior verse says, He is the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David. God's Lion is far more powerful than the devil's lion. Therefore, He is a Lamb only to God the Father (He is our Shepherd). To all others, He is God's Lion. He was completely submissive to God the Father (Philippians 2:5-8) but acts totally different when dealing with other people, as we see throughout this epistle.

As a perfect sacrifice (Lamb as it had been slain), Jesus met God's requirement to pay for our sin. Lamb is related to (some variation of) offering / sacrifice / payment in Genesis 21:28-30; 22:7-8; Exodus 12:3-5, 21; 13:13; 29:38-41; 34:20; Leviticus 3:7; 4:32, 35; 5:6-7; 9:3; 12:6, 8; 14:10, 12-13, 21, 24-25; 17:3; 22:23; 23:12, 18-20; Numbers 6:12, 14; 7:15, 17, 21, 23, 27, 29, 33, 35, 39, 41, 45, 47, 51, 53, 57, 59, 63, 65, 69, 71, 75, 77, 81, 83, 87-88; 15:5, 11; 28:3-4, 7-9, 11, 13-14, 19, 21, 27, 29; 29:2, 4, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17-18, 20-21, 23-24, 26-27, 29-30, 32-33, 36-37; 1 Samuel 7:9; 2 Kings 3:4; 1 Chronicles 29:21; 2 Chronicles 29:21-22, 32; 35:7; Ezra 6:9, 17; 7:17; 8:35; Psalms 37:20; Isaiah 1:11; 34:6; 43:23; 53:7; 66:3; Jeremiah 11:19; 51:40; Ezekiel 34:17; 45:15; 46:4-7, 11, 13, 15; John 1:29, 36; 1Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6, 12-13; 7:14; 12:11; 13:8. (Note: While these are most of the references in the Bible that have lamb or lambs, they are not all. Some Biblical references are not about sacrifice.) In this verse, we read that John saw a Lamb as it had been slain. This very clearly speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which is a very important part of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 27:31-66 and Mark 15:20-47 and Luke 23:26-56 and John 19:16-42 contain the gospel accounts of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. Please see those verses and associated notes. Please also see the note for Mark 14:21 for the prophecies of Jesus Christ being betrayed. See the note for Mark 8:31 for the prophecies of the suffering of Jesus Christ. See the note for Matthew 28:2 for references to Jesus being Lord after His resurrection. ) In Revelation we see that those who have accepted His sacrifice as payment for their sin worship the Lamb while all others fear His wrath.

We see John also reported that Jesus was the Lamb of God in John 1:29, 36. This phrase was well understood by the Jews because a lamb was often used in sacrifice (Exodus 29:38-39 = daily sacrifice and Luke 23:44-46 = Jesus offered at time of evening sacrifice). The reference to the sacrifice of the Son of God is several places in the New Testament and explained quite a bit in Hebrews (see Hebrews 9 and 10 and related notes). Further, the concept of the Lamb of God had been used before in the Bible when a sacrificial lamb represented Christ (Genesis 22:8 = place of crucifixion; Exodus 12:3-11 = Acts 8:32; 1Corinthians 5:7; 1Peter 1:19 references Isaiah 53:7, 11).

We can also apply the concept of a lamb being loved like a family member as seen in the story from Nathan to David in 2 Samuel 12. (Also see Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:17; etc). Many people understand a pet being loved as much or more than children. Pets quickly learn to not be rebellious (unlike most children who are usually slow about these types of lessons). God's Son was beloved beyond any love that anyone has for a pet, yet God the Father was willing to sacrifice Him for our sake. It was not just God the Son who suffered for our salvation.

While I know that there is important symbolism in the phrase having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, I do not have the knowledge to properly interpret the meaning and will leave that for others. I believe that the main point of this sentence is that God's Lamb was slain for our sins and from the time of His resurrection until beyond the end of time He is and will be Lord and that he deserves all worship that we can give Him.

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Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

All of chapter 5 is describing the worship of the Lamb in Heaven. Please consider all verses and associated notes together.

In Revelation 5:6, we see the starting use of the Lamb in Revelation and that note gives many references to Bible verses that tell us of His sacrifice for us and of His current position as Lord. In 5:7 He takes the book showing His taking His rightful position as Lord of the Earth. Please note that He has not taken it yet, even though He has the right to take it. When he does take the book, the first thing that he does, as we read from this point on, is get rid (kill) all that oppose His rightful position as Lord of the Earth. He does this by opening the seals that were put on it in Daniel 12:4. He starts opening the seals in Revelation 6:1 and from that point we start seeing the destruction that He brings upon His opponents. Many people who claim an interest in Revelation call it 'Revelations (plural). Revelation is singular, not plural, as pointed out in the general note for this epistle. The emphasis is upon the person, not the events. Hebrews 11:6 tells us But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. This is only one of many places that The Bible tells us to seek him and so-called Bible scholars seek knowledge of the Bible while ignoring the person that it is all about. Knowledge of the Bible does not lead to personal worship but knowing the God of the Bible in a personal intimate way does. In this sentence, we see the proper reaction of the four beasts and four and twenty elders, which is our personal example and that action is to give the worship that is reserved for Lord and King to the Lamb. (See the rest of this chapter, 4:8 and 19:4 for details of this worship.) They are our spiritual guides (four and twenty elders), which mean we are to do the same. They represent all of the saved as they have the golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints (Psalm 141:2; Proverbs 15:8; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 8:3-4). As has been said repeatedly throughout the notes for this epistle, in Revelation we see the truly saved worshiping Jesus Christ in all of His roles and we see the lost fear Him.

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Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

All of chapter 5 is describing the worship of the Lamb in Heaven. Please consider all verses and associated notes together.

All of the angels of Heaven join in the worship of the Lamb. This worship was started in 5:7 by the four beasts and four and twenty elders and we continue to read about it through the rest of the chapter. Notice that the worship included personal worship of the leaders (5:8), the prayers of saints (5:8), musical instruments (harps) [5:8] , song (5:9), recognition of our position (fell down before the Lamb [5:8]) , recognition of God's position (Thou art worthy [5:9]) , recognition of what He did to save and redeem us (for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood [5:9]) , recognition of what He did for us beyond redeeming us (hast made us unto our God kings and priests [5:10]) , recognition (in faith) of what He will do for us (we shall reign on the earth [5:10]) , recognition of the praise that we owe Him in return (Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing [5:12]) .

Also notice that this worship is directed at the Lamb that was slain. In John 5:22-27 we are told that all men should honour the Son because he is the Son of man (because He was slain for us). In John 17:5 Jesus prayed And now, of Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. We see this prayer answered here in Revelation. In Romans 13:7 we read Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. In these and many other verses the Bible teaches us to honourthe Lamb that was slain because honour is due to Him for the salvation that He purchased for us with His own body and blood. When this verse says that He is worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing, it means that we are to worship Him because He has these things and that He is worthy to receive praise because He has these things and uses them for our good. It least, that is the only way that I know of whereby I can give God power and the rest of the things listed here. If the reader knows any other way to give Him what He is Worthy to receive, they should do that action.

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Revelation 5:13 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, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

All of chapter 5 is describing the worship of the Lamb in Heaven. Please consider all verses and associated notes together.

And every creature.. join in the worship of the Lamb, thereby recognizing His position as Lord and King (1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalms 72:18-19; 96:11-13; 148:2-13; Isaiah 24:14; 42:10; Matthew 6:12; Luke 2:14; Romans 9:5; 11:36; 16:27; Ephesians 3:21; Colossians 1:23; 1Peter 4:11; 5:11; Jude 1:25; Revelation 1:6; 5:8-14; 7:9-10). As all of these verses show us, all through the Bible we find our leaders leading us in personal worship. Even if all around us are cursing our Lord and King, we personally are to be worshipping and praising Him for all that he has done and that He will do for us. Notice that this worship occurs before God starts any of His judgments. (This is faith.) This verse says that even Satan and the devils worshiped before their defeat was final (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). It reminds of Luke 19:40 where the religious were offended by the worship of Jesus (God in human flesh) and He prophesized of the day that all would worship Him. This verse seems to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11 and Philippians 2:10, although it is commonly taught that those verses won't be fulfilled until later.

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Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

In Revelation 1 we read the introduction of this epistle and John introduced the main people involved with it. In 2 and 3we read the messages to the seven churches that really apply to all churches. Then in chapter 4 John tells of going to Heaven and describes what he sees. In chapter 5 we start to see the action of this epistle. The Lamb takes the book that shows that He is claiming Lordship of the Earth. As soon as He does everyone in Heaven worship Him and we are told that all will worship Him. Now, in this chapter, we see Him start to break the seals on the book and as He does He brings judgment upon the people of the Earth for refusing His Lordship. In chapter 5 we read that he was worshipped ...for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation... In Romans 5:12-21 we are told that Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. The Lamb not only has legal right to be Lord of all of the Earth because He created it and all that is in it (us), and he has the power to take it but he also shed His own blood to purchase it back. 1Corinthians 6:20 tells us For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. We know how that we have been redeemed, which is bought back with a price. While The Lamb has been longsuffering with sinful man, He is now taking Lordship of His purchased possession. As one of the four beasts says, Come and see. While many lost and spiritually immature person reads the next chapters trying to find some way to hold onto their sin and put away His Lordship, the message is clear to all that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The Lamb has paid the price and is taking possession.

The first four seals loose the famous four horsemen who go to conquer and kill and destroy trade and bring hunger and turn the animals of the Earth against men. This is after the rapture, which many believe occurs when Revelation 4:1 actually happens. (John saw a vision of future events.) So all men that are on Earth are either lost, and deserve judgment for refusing the gospel, or are God's special messengers, which we will read about later. However, even though they deserve judgment, God is merciful and will still save those who are willing to turn to Him and accept His Lordship. In 6:9-11 we read about the fifth seal (See the note for 6:10 under Lord.) The Lamb answers their question with ...that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled (6:11). So we see that God is still saving people during this time, although salvation also carries a price tag of death.

This sentence starts the opening of the seals and tells us of the consequences of opening the first 6 seals. What followed on the opening of the seven seals. The opening of the first seal the white horse in 6:1-2. The opening of the second seal the red horse in 6:3-4. The opening of the third seal the black horse and the famine in 6:5-6. The opening of the fourth seal the pale horse in 6:7-7. The opening of the fifth seal the souls of men under the altar in 6:9-11. The opening of the sixth seal; the earthquake, the darkening of the sun and moon, and falling of the stars in 6:12-14. The terrible consternation of the kings and great men of the earth in 6:15-17. While there are all kinds of theories and opinions on the meaning of these consequences, I will only say that they reveal that Jesus Christ is Lord of all beings and those men who refused to listen any other way are now being given the message the only way that some will listen. Those that refuse to listen even to this message will spend over 1,000 yearss in Hell getting their attitude adjusted before they meet Him for final judgment in Revelation 20:11-15.

In this verse, Lamb is used to clarify that the Son of God is the Lord of all men because He became the willing sacrifice that saved us all. As a man He was slain and as the perfect sacrifice, He earned the position as Lord and representative of all men, especially the righteous. As a righteous leader, He is bringing judgment upon the evil that resulted from men's many sins.

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Revelation 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb :

Verses 6:15-17 form a single sentence which is divided in the note for 6:15 under King. Please see it for details on this sentence. Within the context of this sentence, we find that all men are afraid of wrath of the Lamb because they know that he is going to bring just judgment and vengance upon them for rejecting His gospel and for shedding the blood of the martyrs who died for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. (See the note for 6:10 under Lord.) Like people do today, they will reject the word of God believing the lie from the Devil's ministers (2Corinthians 11:13-15) who tell them things like 'God understands' and 'A loving God wouldn't send anyone to a Hell like the fanatics describe' and similar things that make them believe that God will accept them in their sinful state, no matter not sinful they are. Revelation 9:6 and 20:11-15 tell us the true judgment of God. Jesus Himself prophesied these things in Luke 23:29-30. We also find these things prophesied in Isaiah 63:1-6 and Jeremiah 30:5-7 and Joel and many other places in the Bible.

As God's sacrificial Lamb, Jesus personally experienced the consequence of evil men. He not only is exercising His right and responsibility as Lord of the slain martyrs to bring vengeance upon evil men, but these men have trampled upon His personal sacrifice that He made for their salvation. Therefore, He is only giving them what they demand when He judges them for their works. Unfortunately, works salvation is a lie of Satan that does not save you but gets you wrath of the Lamb.

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Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 7:9-10 is a single verse that can be divided by punctuation as:

John is amazed at the size and diversity of this crowd.

After this I beheld,
...and,
...lo,
...a great multitude,
which no man could number,
of all nations,
and kindreds,
and people,
and tongues,
stood before the throne,
and before the Lamb,
...clothed with white robes,
and palms in their hands;

They worshipped.

And cried with a loud voice,
saying,
Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb.

As we keep seeing all through Revelation, the saved worship. Here it specifically says that they worshipped God and unto the Lamb because of Salvation. Notice that these people were clothed with white robes. This is a reference to Revelation 3:5 and 3:18 where Jesus Christ promised white raiment to those who overcometh and that He would not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. So, obviously, there is more to this promise than what a lot of people think. Notice that 3:18 also tells us that these people were to buy of me [Jesus Christ] gold tried in the fire. This is a reference to being a martyr (tried in the fire) and the eternal riches that Jesus Christ will give to His martyrs. Notice later in this chapter (7:14) we are told that these people are they which came out of great tribulation, which justifies the claim that they are martyrs. These people have the same clothing as the four and twenty elders and history tells us that the apostles died as martyrs while Jesus promised that these apostles would sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel in Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30. Notice also that 6:11 tells us that the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held (martyrs) were given white robes. So we have worship by people that not only made it to Heaven but appear to be martyrs. And as they worship, they specifically worship about Salvation. Since they died for Salvation, and since many saved do not, they should understand it more than those who were not martyrs and God is going to let the most knowledgeable speak while telling others to be quiet. How often have any of us had to listen to someone spew forth their ignorance and wish they would just shut up? I believe that will not happen in eternity.

This sentence appears to picture a Heavenly version of the worship found in Luke 19:28-48. (Note: worship with palms in both cases.) In Luke, the disciples were the ones worshipping while the religious lost crowd complained out of jealousy because they were not part of the worship. In Revelation 7, these martyrs are worshipping and there is no indication of others in Heaven participating and there are other places in Revelation where one group worshipped and others were excluded (14:3). In addition, this verse follows 7:1-8 where the servants of our God are sealed so that a distinction can be made between them and other men. Further, these two events (7:1-8 and 7:9-15) are linked with the word After that starts 7:9. That is, the events of 7:9-15 could not happen until After 7:1-8 was completed. (This is explained more below.) So, the context gives reason to believe that this is a special worship that only the martyrs are allowed to participate in. Also, please note that the next sentence (7:11-12) says that the angels joined in, but only in agreement and after the worship by these martyrs.

Returning to Luke 19:28-48, we see the disciples worshipping in anticipation of Christ coming as their King and them receiving the reward that they believed God had promised them. In 6:11 the martyrs were told that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled in response to their question of How long, of Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? (6:10: Please see that note under Lord.) Now, 7:1-8 tells us of the sealing of the 144,000 who appear to be those mentioned in 6:11. With the sealing of them, the Lord's promise to judge and avenge our (the martyr's) blood is soon coming and just like Luke 19:28-48, they worship in anticipation of action by their Lord and King.

One final note: many people try to claim that God isn t 'fair' and ask 'What about the people in Africa?' or some other group that they assume have been excluded from the gospel. However, Acts 2:5 tells us And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under Heaven at the time of Pentecost. God sent the gospel to every nation under Heaven at the start of the church age. Now Revelation 7:9 tells us that these people were of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues. Therefore, this assumption that God excluded some people from salvation is a lie from the devil. All people will have their chance to be part of this group but very few will choose to join this exclusive group. Therefore, most people will miss out on the benefits that are described in 7:14-17. Please see the associated notes below.

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Revelation 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Please see note on Revelation 7:9 above. This verse is part of that sentence.

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Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

All of Revelation 7 goes together and much is explained in the note for Revelation 7:9. Please see it. In 7:9-10 we were introduces to these people who are arrayed in white robes. After 7:9-10, the next sentence (7:11-12) is started with And, which adds it unto the prior sentence of 7:9-10. Then the next sentence (7:13) also starts with And and this sentence (7:14) also starts with And and the next sentence (7:15) starts with Therefore are they... So we have a logical argument that has been building since 7:9 like one story is built upon another in a multi-story building. All have been building to the conclusion of 7:15-17 which tells of the reward for these martyrs. In addition, all of this logical argument started in 7:9 with the word After, which means that it starts after the sealing of God's servants in 7:1-8. That relationship is explained in the note for 7:9 along with how 7:9-15 is a fulfillment of God's promise in 6:11.

This verse describes these people as These are they which came out of great tribulation. While many interpret this as meaning that these people died after the 'Rapture', I do not agree that they are the exclusive source of these people. It has already been explained how these people are martyrs and are are shown to be similar to the four and twenty elders, who were also martyrs. When someone is made a martyr, they personally experience great tribulation. So while it is certainly reasonable to claim that these people died during the time of Earth's great tribulation, it is not reasonable to exclude martyrs from all other times.

We are also told that they have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. While lots of religions that claim to be Christian also claim that anyone who died for their religion is a martyr, this phrase excludes those martyrs who do not meet this qualification. For example, have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb is different than made them appear to be white in the rules of religion (Hebrews 9:14). While I could expound on this subject, I won t. Lamb is used in this verse for Jesus Christ (the One being Revealed), as has already been shown in other notes under Lamb. The blood of the Lamb is, therefore, the blood of Jesus and the blood of Christ and verses that deal with that doctrine (along with related notes) can be found with a concordinance or by looking in the Verses section of this study. As has already been shown in notes for those verses, the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is totally different than the so-called righteousness of following religious rules. These people have a true testimony of having stopped their personal sinning and of letting God work through their personal lives.

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Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

All of Revelation 7 goes together and much is explained in the note for Revelation 7:9. Also, the note above explains much more about this section of chapter 7 which starts in 7:9 and goes through the end of the chapter. That means that the context of this verse is covered in those two notes. Please see them.

Revelation 7:15-17 tell of part of the special reward for martyrs. This reward includes several points.

Therefore are they before the throne of God: The people who are always around the throne of any ruler always have the greatest influence and power. While they might be the head of government departments, those positions are to be given to the four and twenty elders. However, rulers also keep people that do special tasks for the ruler. There is a good chance that the martyrs will be used this way. But regardless of that they do, they will keep the position of the greatest reward.
and serve him day and night in his temple: This is a direct reference to the several promises that saved will be kings and priests. The Bible does not make the organization of God's government clear but does promise certain positions to certain people.
and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them: They will live in the most exclusive neighborhood of all existence.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more: They will eat at God's table. Think of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9.
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat: They will never have to leave God's presence. They will have the continuous bliss that most people thing that Heaven consists of for all saved.
and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: Most people believe that 'there are no tears in Heaven', meaning that they will never shed another tear after they die. However, Revelation 21:4 doesn't happen until after the 1,000 years reign of Christ and God can't wipe away tears that don't exist. While many saved will have tears in Heaven from the time they get there until Revelation 21:4 happens, these martyrs will not.

Note the difference in how the Lamb not only treats these martyrs differently from other saved but also treats them considerably different from what we see of the treatment of the lost in Revelation 6:16. God rewards all faithful service done for Him in relation to how hard that service is to do and how many are willing to do it. God provides the greatest rewards to His martyrs who have came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

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Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Revelation 12 tells us of God judging Satan. Every verse in 12:2-11 starts with And. 2:12 starts with Therefore and every verse after that starts with And. Basically, 12:1-11 makes a statement and 12:12-17 explains the consequence of that statement. Within this telling of judgment, 12:10 says Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God. These were promised, and only realized on Earth by some men. Basically, the more people are influences by Satan, the more they are judged like he is judged. Also, the more people are like the Lamb, the more they are blessed like Lamb. Please see the notes for 12:10 under Christ for more details.

Notice that this sentence says that they (our brethren) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb. In context, Satan is called the accuser of our brethren. He tempts us to sin and then goes before God's throne and accuses us of sinning while not admitting his own part in tempting us. The only way to overcome him is to not fall for his temptations, which requires the power of The blood of the Lamb. The blood of the Lamb is what enabled saints to overcome everything and to remain faithful to their profession. As we have seen in earlier notes, the Lamb is Jesus Christ. The blood of Jesus and the blood of Christ work differently, but both work together, in enabling the saved to overcome temptations and sin. (Please see the verses and associated notes under Verses.) These saints didn't give a bunch of excuses for their sins because then the Bible would not say that they overcame him. In addition, this verse gives two other evidences of their overcoming life. It says they overcame him by by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Lots of people want to claim the blood and claim the blessings that are given only to those who apply the blood to their lives, but few are willing to overcame him by the word of their testimony; and love not their lives unto the death. If we are honest, we would have to admit that most evidence shows that those not willing to pay these two prices also do not appear to have the blessings that only come from having the blood applied to our lives.

Thais verse uses Lamb for both roles of the Son of God known as Jesus Christ.

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Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

All of those whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb take the mark of the beast and worship the beast as a requirement for survival. True salvation isn't in any work, including saying a "prayer of salvation", but is in God giving us His life and making us His child which includes adding our name to His book. A lot of people think that they just have to be religious. This chapter says these people will be religious but worshipping the wrong god and following the beast. The book of life is found in:

Philippians 4:3 these people are fellowlabourers in the gospel.
Revelation 3:5 these people overcometh (see the note for 7:9).
Revelation 13:8 these people are protected from false worship.
Revelation 17:8 these people are protected from deception by the devil.
Revelation 20:12 these people are saved.
Revelation 20:15 these people avoid the lake of Fire.
Revelation 21:27 these people will go into the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 22:19 these people do not take away from God's Word or pervert it any other way.

This verse uses the book of life of the Lamb because Jesus Christ was the sacrifice that paid for our salvation.

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Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a Lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

This is the only verse in Revelation that uses a lower case for the 'l' of lamb. This verse shows that the beast tries to appear as our Lamb, but fails. He talks like Satan (dragon).

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Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

The 144,000 of Revelation have a special relationship to the Lamb. Among other things, Jesus is a virgin male Jew like these others are (7:4-9; 14:4). These men have the Father's name written in their foreheads and Jesus was specially marked (approved [Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35; 20:13; 2 Peter 1:17]) by the Father. Together, they sing a worship song that only they (these special Jews and the Lamb) can learn (14:2-3). When we think about the billions of people in earth, 144,000 is a relatively small number. So, these people are very special in many ways including those described in 14:4-5. Chapter 14 is making a division between those who worship the Lamb and those who worship Satan and his representatives. The 144,000 are used as an example of those who stay true to the Lamb even under the worst of circumstances. Please see the other notes for chapters 14 and 15 as those notes give further information on the 144,000 and how they are shown to be different than those who worship Satan and his representatives.

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Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Please see the other notes for chapters 14 and 15 as those notes give further information on the 144,000 and how they are shown to be different than those who worship Satan and his representatives. In particular, please also see the note for 14:1 above as it started this section of comments about the 144,000 which were introduced in 7:4-9. Revelation 14:1-5 describe the 144,000 and, I believe, they are included in those of 14:13. Religion has always put special emphasis upon being a virgin and claimed that such have special spiritual powers. This verse says that these were not defiled with women. While most married people would not agree that sex makes them defiled, this verse says differently. In general, what this verse means by defiled is most likely different than what those people think because we can not be right and reject what the Bible clearly says. According to this verse, there is more going on in the relationship between sex and the spirit than I know how to define. Definitely, there are fundamental Bible believing Baptists that indirectly teach that women's main function is to be a mother when they insist that all married people are supposed to have children. In many churches and religions (including non-Baptist ones) guilt and other feelings are used to make people feel as if they are failing God if they don't use all means, including months and years at attempting artificial insemination, in order to have a child. However, one pastor preached on six Biblical reasons for marriage, of which producing children is only one of them. That means that the Bible provides 5reasons for marriage that have nothing to do with producing children.

God made woman to be a help meet to the man and there are certain jobs, such as being a missionary in a dangerous land, that a man needs help but where he can not do the job properly while worrying about the safety and needs of children. There are other reasons why God does not give children to some couples and these churches / religions who make people feel so guilty about not having children are ignoring the teaching about being content as found in Philippians 4:11; 1Timothy 6:8 and Hebrews 13:5.

Beyond being virgins, these men are the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. They obviously are not the first saved time wise. Therefore they are firstfruits in the Biblical sense that firstfruits were a special offering (Exodus 23:16, 19; 34:22, 26; Leviticus 2:12, 14; 23:10, 17, 20; Numbers 18:12; 28:26; Deuteronomy 18:4; 26:10; 2 Kings 4:42; 2 Chronicles 31:5; Nehemiah 10:35, 37; 12:44; 13:31; Proverbs 3:9; Jeremiah 2:3; Ezekiel 20:40; 44:30; 48:14). In addition, firstfruits have a special meaning in the New Testament. Please see the note for Romans 8:23 has links to every verse in the New Testament which uses the word firstfruits along with a small note about the use of firstfruits within each verse. In addition, the note for Romans 1:13 has an has links to places where Romans uses fruits along with an explanation.

When this verse says These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, it is not reasonable to believe that they physically follow the Lamb for all time like they are chained to Him. A King has special people by Him that He can trust to send on special tasks and that he can rely upon to see that the tasks are done the way that the King wants them done. They are not locked to His side but are available for these very important special tasks.

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Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb :

Please see the other notes for chapters 14 and 15as those notes give further information on the 144,000 and how they are shown to be different than those who worship Satan and his representatives.

14:10-11 make a single sentence which is divided by punctuation as:

Those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God and shall be tormented with fire and brimstone.

Those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God .

And the third angel followed them,
saying with a loud voice,
...If any man worship the beast and his image,
and receive his mark in his forehead,
...or in his hand,
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,
which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation;

Those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark.. shall be tormented with fire and brimstone.

and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels,
and in the presence of the Lamb :

Those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark shall be tormented for ever and ever.

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever:

3. Those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark shall have no rest day nor night.

and they have no rest day nor night,
who worship the beast and his image,
and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

This verse says Those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark

shall have no rest day nor night
shall be tormented for ever and ever.

It says the same thing three different ways but makes two of them almost equal to emphasize that this is a doctrinal item. Back in Revelation 13:8 we were told that ...all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb... When put with this verse, we can say that the Bible doctrinally says that anyone who is not saved (whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb) shall worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark shall be tormented for ever and ever and shall have no rest day nor night. People believe the lie that God will understand or some other similar religious lie but this verse says that they shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God because they have caused God to have indignation (According to Webster's 1828: 'Anger or extreme anger, mingled with contempt, disgust or abhorrence, [Esther 5] ; wrath [2 King 3] ; the dreadful effects of God's wrath; terrible judgments [Isaiah 26].')

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Revelation 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

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Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of Lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

In Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 we see a new vision described. Revelation 17 tells us about religion joining up with government to increase the power of each. In the end of the chapter, we see the kings of the earth (government) destroy the woman/whore (religion). Revelation 18 tells us about the destruction of this false religion and the reaction on Earth. Revelation 19:1-4 tells us about the reaction In Heaven. Please consider all of the verses and associated notes for Revelation 17:1 - 19:6 together. The details for this verse are in the note under Lord. Please also see the note under King.

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Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

This verse brings up a subject which has a lot of different opinions expressed about it. That is, is introduces the marriage of the Lamb. Many believe that all saved will be there. Others contend that only those saved during the Church Age will be there. That is like claiming that only the bride and groom will be at a marriage supper. Some preachers have said that some will be in Heaven but not attend the marriage supper of the Lamb because of Revelation 19:9. (Please see note below.) In this verse we read ...his [Lamb s] wife hath made herself ready. In the next verse we read And (in addition to making herself ready) to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Notice that the colon makes the qualifiers of the fine linen in the first part equivalent to the qualifiers of the fine linen in the second part. That is: clean and white is equivalent to the righteousness of saints and this is what his[Lamb] wifewas granted that she should be arrayed in. Now we get into the argument about those who (supposedly) get into Heaven but never have any righteousness of saints that they can claim as their own. They have not made herself ready, as our current verse says, and they have nothing to be arrayed in. Further, the end of the parable of Matthew 22:1-14 says For many are called, but few are chosen as the conclusion of judgment brought upon a person who came to the wedding not having a wedding garment and the King ordered His servants to Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness.

So we see there is a lot of Biblical evidence for the position that some will be in Heaven but not attend the marriage supper of the Lamb, even though most people are sure that they will be there even while they are doing nothing to have the righteousness of saints. This fits with what other verses and notes say about the unjust and rather than getting into an argument that can not be proved conclusively from the Bible, I will only say what can be proved conclusively from the Bible. That is, you don't want to show up in Heaven in this condition.

Marriage and Lamb occur together only in Revelation 19:7 and 19:9. These verses are covered in this note and the next note. Wedding occurs in the New Testament in Matthew 22:3, 8, 10-12; Luke 12:36; 14:8. Marriage occurs in the New Testament in Matthew 22:2, 4, 9, 30; 24:38; 25:10; Mark 12:25; Luke 17:27; 20:34, 35; John 2:1, 2; 1Corinthians 7:38; Hebrews 13:4; Revelation 19:7, 9. Supper occurs in the New Testament in Mark 6:21; Luke 14:12, 16, 17, 24; 22:20; John 12:2; 13:2, 13:4; 21:20; 1Corinthians 11:20-21; Revelation 19:9, 17.

In the Bible, wedding is the one-time event that starts the ongoing personal relationship that is called a marriage. The marriage supper immediately follows the wedding and all of this requires proper planning as the mother of most brides can tell you. It also involves a considerable cost, as the father of many brides can tell you. I will now quickly go through the verses mentioned above for a quick summary of what they teach us about wedding, marriage and marriage supper. Obviously, there is far more on these subjects than what is covered in this light summary.

In Matthew 22:1-14 we have a parable that Jesus introduced with The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son (Matthew 22:2). This parable uses the wedding and marriage and ends with For many are called, but few are chosen, as was already mentioned earlier in this note. Obviously there is a lot more to this parable, but we will move on.

In Matthew 22:30 and in Luke 20:34-36 we read For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in Heaven. The main lesson for our current study comes from matching this to Matthew 22:1-14. The lesson is that the ongoing personal relationship that the Bible calls a marriage is for this life in the flesh (in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage). Therefore: the kingdom of Heaven, which is like unto a marriage, is also for this life in the flesh.

Matthew 24:38 is part of Matthew 24:37-39 and tells us that a marriage is a joyous time of celebration, which is why the marriage supper is included. This parable is also in Mark 12:25 and in Luke 17:27 and warns us that in the time of Noah, people were so busy concentrating on the celebration that they missed the most important warning of their day. So also do we see people today celebrating going to Heaven and how wonderful it is while ignoring God's warnings and instructions to be prepared as God says to prepare.

Matthew 25:10 is part of another parable about the kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 25:1-13 which teaches us that we have to have oil in [our] vessels if we want to be in the marriage supper of the Lamb. This is only one of the preparations warned about above.

Luke 12:36 is part of a parable in Luke 12:35-48 that teaches us that we need to be prepared and willing to serve after the marriage supper is ended. It ends with a type of the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2Corinthians 5:10). The Judgment Seat of Christ includes 2Corinthians 5:11 which tells us that the terror of the Lord is a possible direct consequence (Knowing therefore) of the Judgment Seat of Christ. So also in Luke 12:35-48 do we find a judgment which includes the warning of And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luke 14:8 is part of a parable in Luke 14:7-11 which teaches us For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. That is, salvation in and of itself does not guarantee us the top position in the church and Heaven but we should take the lowest position of service and wait for God to raise us.

John 2:1-2 are part of the story about the marriage in Cana of Galilee that almost everyone misses the main point of the story. Please see the associated notes for these verses in the notes for the Gospel of John. The main point, as stated by John is This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. Most people are arguing about the meaning of the water that was made wine and miss that proper interpretation of this story must show that Jesus is the Son of God (This beginning of miracles and John's stated purpose of writing the gospel) and must manifested forth his glory and must cause His his disciples [to believe] on him. His disciples went on from this event and proved their belief by the life they lived and by the personal relationship they had with Him. A wedding is the start of an ongoing personal relationship just as a profession of salvation is the start of an ongoing personal relationship with Christ (Ephesians 5:32).

1Corinthians 7:38 is part of teaching in 1Corinthians 7:27-40 about marriage and includes So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. Basically, if a man can serve the Lord without the help of a helpmeet he is better off without the distractions of dealing with fleshly needs. However, if the fleshly needs are too much off a distraction, then he should get married and the two are to work together to serve the Lord. This section, as we have seen in this note above, teaches us that marriage and salvation are given so that we can serve the Lord. Our time of major (not current minor) celebration is after we get to the marriage of the Lamb.

Hebrews 13:4 is a stand-alone verse among other stand-alone verses which give very explicate instructions as to how we are to live our life in the flesh. It basically tells us that if we keep our marriage within God's rules we will be blessed but if we pervert it (by not keeping God's rules) we will be judged by God.

We could provide a summary overview for the verses that use supper but the main things that we learn is that it is a celebration that is (usually) given for a specific purpose, such as celebrating the Lord's Supper. We also learn that there are responsibilities and duties tied to such events and that if we are not careful, they can lead to a devil entering someone like happened to Judas Iscariot.

There are not a lot of verses that directly tell us about the marriage of the Lamb. However, we can learn about it by studying verses that are related by subject. As we saw in Matthew 24:37-39, they were celebrating with marriages and missed the main warning of their day. They were not prepared and many of the verses that we examined above warned us to be properly prepared or we will miss out on the celebration that we are sure that we can't miss. We need to take proper Biblical warning.

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Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Please see the note for Revelation 19:7 (above) as it provides all of the details for this verse also.

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Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

Please see the note for Revelation 19:7 (above) as it provides all of the details about the marriage of the Lamb. This verse is talking about the bride, the Lamb's wife, which means it is talking about after unto the marriage supper of the Lamb (19:9) is over.

After this verse where the angel tells John I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife, we get a description of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12; 21:2, 10). While some say that we will become the city most people understand that the writer is saying here is where the bride will live. The description of the city shows that the Lamb provides very well for those who become part of the bride.

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Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

The phrase of the twelve apostles of the Lamb shows that the Lamb is Jesus. As people put their names upon buildings so that they are remembered and honored, the Lamb puts the names of His twelve apostles upon the foundations to honor them. We are rewarded and glorified according to our works, as this epistle tells us many times.

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Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together. Please see the note for Revelation 21:22 under Lord.

This verse shows that the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are separate but the same. That is, they are two persons in the Trinity (Father amp; Son), yet both are the temple of it. The Trinity, of course, is one of those things that the Bible clearly teaches which humans don't have the mental capacity to understand fully or explain. Every other time in Revelation that Almighty is used it is talking about the Son of God. This teaches that they are equal in power.

Some commentators say that this verse doesn't really mean what it literally says. Back in 21:9 we read that the angel said Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. The angel then showed John the new Jerusalem, but never actually said that the bride was the new Jerusalem. However, here we are literally told for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Further, the colon makes that phrase equivalent to I saw no temple therein. The colon followed by for means here is the exact and only reason. While many have a hard time accepting that God will literally bethe temple in the new Jerusalem, we need to remember that a virus would have an easier time understanding Calculus than we will havestanding some of the things of God. Also, throughout history, most people who have tried to correct some literal part of the Bible that they didn't understand have been proven to be fools. The rest just haven't seen the truth exposed yet. Many commentators explain this by claiming that we will have instant communion with God and there won't be any need for people to take a sacrifice to a temple, therefore there won't be any need to have a temple. However, all through Revelation we have seen beings gather to worship God and Hebrews 10:25 tells us Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together... Yes, that verse was talking about assembling to encourage each other in this sinful world but I believe that we will still need to assemble ourselves together for worship and thankfulness in the new Jerusalem. Further, in Philippians 2:17 Paul tells us ...if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith... So part of our sacrifice and service is the expression of our faith and all through Revelation we have seen faith as beings worshipped God for the accomplishment of something that He was about to start to do. I believe that even in the new Jerusalem we will be acting by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Further, Philippians 4:18 reminds us that some sacrifices are done just to please God like most people give gifs to express love. And, Hebrews 13:15 tells us that praise to God and the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name are considered to be sacrifice. There is no reason to assume that such will end in the new Jerusalem. This verse uses Lamb for the Son of God.

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Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

The And that starts this verse adds it to the prior verse. In fact, almost every sentence in Revelation 21 starts with And. Please see the note for Revelation 21:22 above for the details of this verse. In addition, all of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together. This verse uses Lamb for the Son of God.

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Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

We must be in the Lamb's book of life to get into Heaven. This is the Lamb that was slain but also is now revealed as Jesus Christ and as Lord. Those that call this LambLord Lord and do not the things that He says are on vary shaky ground about their salvation (Matthew 7:21-22; 25:11; Luke 6:46; 13:25). In Revelation 1:18 He tells us I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. As I've told many lost person, you're aren't getting out of Hell or out of death except through Him (John 14:6). In Revelation 3:1-5 He told the church I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead for I have not found thy works perfect before God Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. We hear faith preached all of the time but people use a wrong definition for faith. As James 2 says, faith without works is dead. The God of the Bible believes in Put up or shut up. True Biblical faith puts up works to back the claim of faith. True Biblical faith has no worry about the Lamb counting them as those who hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. True Biblical faith has no worry about the Lamb blotting out his name out of the book of life. We get lots of arguments about the salvation of these unjust (Matthew 5:45; Luke 16:8, 10; 18:6, 11; Acts 24:15; 1Corinthians 6:1; 1Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 2:9; Revelation 22:11). The Bible teaches a couple of very simple things:

Judgment belongs to the Lord and he is likely to hurt us real bad if we stick our nose into an area that he has reserved for His role as Lord. We can not prove absolutely that the unjust are saved or unsaved so we need to keep our noses out of that.
Saved or lost, the unjust are going to be in a world of hurt when they face judgment. Peter gives the best warning in 2 Peter 2:21.
Rather than wasting our time on these people, we need to warn them and leave them alone. We need to concentrate on the salvation of the clearly lost and we need to encourage the clearly saved and just. Those who are clearly saved and just have no reason to worry about their name being in the Lamb's book of life. If they are truly clearly saved and just then they have a personal relationship with Him and they just need to ask Him to show them the truth and have faith in Him (the person) and stop listening to the liars who are motivated by a devil.

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Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

Please see all of the notes under Lamb, especially the note for Revelation 21:22 to understand the character of this Lamb that produces this pure river.

Genesis 41:40 is the first place that in the throne is used and it uses this expression to show the power and authority of the king. When this verse says that this river of water of life came out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, it is talking about it literally coming from the throne. Beyond that, it is symbolically saying that it comes from the power and authority that is shared equally by God and the Lamb. Our physical bodies are supposedly composed of some high percentage of water and the water literally saturates our bodies. Even so, God's life will saturate all of the saved but will not completely consume it. We will retain enough of our individuality to remain the people that we are, just able to use all of God's life that is in us. All through the Bible and through our personal experiences we have seen that God does not take away our free will. Even saturated with God's life, we will still have our soul (mind will and emotions) that makes us unique people and human.

In addition, we see that this river of water of life is pure and clear as crystal, which is the same thing said two different ways and makes it a basis for doctrine. We can rely upon this to be absolute. Further, since it is a river, there is plenty for all. Finally, since it comes from the throne of God and of the Lamb, and the throne represents the power and authority of the king, and a king's character determines the laws and kind of kingdom that he has, we can expect this river of water of life to give us the character of God and of the Lamb, which is pure and will not harm us.

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Revelation 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

All of Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem and Revelation 22 describes how people will be living in it. Therefore, all of the verses and associated notes should be considered together.

Please see all of the notes under Lamb, especially the note for Revelation 21:22.

Revelation 22:3-4 is a single sentence which can be divided by the punctuation as:

There will be no more curse in the new Jerusalem.

And there shall be no more curse:

The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in the new Jerusalem.

but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it;
and his servants shall serve him:

The servants of God and of the Lambshall see his face in the new Jerusalem.

And they shall see his face;
and his name shall be in their foreheads.

Revelation 14:9-11 said that those who were identified with, and worship, the beastreceive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand. Revelation 13:17 says And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. So the mark or name in his forehead allowed them to do business in his kingdom. This is one of the reasons that God's name shall be in their foreheads. I don't know all off the reasons that God puts His name shall be in their foreheads, but I believe this is one of them. Now, what I have to say after here is pure speculation. We know from several places in the Bible, including many in this epistle, that God matches judgment (other than salvation) to works. We also know that some people will have lots of works and some will have hardly any (possibly none) and that most people will be somewhere between the extremes. One thing that many people express concern about is what we will do for eternity. I can well imagine God telling some 'You wanted to lay around and not serve me in the flesh. That is what you will have for eternity.' I can also imagine God telling others 'You loved to serve me in the flesh. That is what you will have for eternity.' You do what you want but I am thoroughly convinced that my eternity is directly related to my service here in this life. I am going to serve based upon that belief.

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Verses within this Study.

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