AN OVERVIEW OF THEBOOK OF REVELATIONPLOTTING OUR ROADMAPFOR THE LAST DAYS

WHAT WE WANT TO LOOK AT IN THIS STUDY:

1. An over-all outline of Revelation (THE OUTLINE WILL GIVE US AN IDEA OF THE EVENTS THAT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE FUTURE)

2. We want to pay particular attention to THE TIMING OF THE RAPTURE in relation to THE END-TIME EVENTS, especially the 7 SEALS, THE TRUMPETS, and the 7 BOWL JUDGMENTS

3. We want to know HOW WE CAN PREPARE, based on Biblical precedents

THE TORAH AND REVELATION:Amazing reversed symmetryISAIAH 46:9 Remember the former

things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,

10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'

TORAH AND APOCALYPSE:Backdrop of the comings of the Lord

EXODUS 19 – God comes down as LAW GIVERREVELATION – God comes down as JUDGE AND KING

(Note: when He came down as SAVIOUR, there was no thunder and lighting, smoke and fire. There was only a heavenly choir…

JUDGMENT THEMES:TORAH AND REVELATION

TORAH:1. NOAH’s time – FLOOD2. LOTS’s time – FIRE3. JOSEPH’S time –

FAMINE4. MOSES’ time –

persecution of God’s people, God’s deliverance, Pharaoh’s armed FORCES

REVELATIONS:1. Flood of

calamities2. Fire and

hailstone3. Famine disease

death4. Persecution of

believers; armies at war

DELIVERANCE THEMES:Torah and Revelation

TORAH:

1. Noah’S ARK2. Joseph’s BARN

(DEPOT)3. Lot’s ESCAPE4. MOSES’s signs

and wonders, pillar of cloud and fire,

Parting of red sea

REVELATION:

1. God’s promises and will is our ark

2. God’s supplies and provisions

3. Escape of God’s people

4. Signs and wonders protecting God’s people

A FANTASTIC INTRODUCTION(chapter 1, Revelations)

REVELATIONS 1:1The Revelation of

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

(KJV)

1. IT IS JESUS WHO REVEALS (v. 1) to John

2. THE REVELATION CAME FROM THE FATHER (GOD) WHO GAVE IT TO JESUS (v. 1)

3. The revelation is “FOR HIS SERVANTS”

-- not for an elite few-- not for seminary

people only-- not for scholars only

or professors or theologians

-- it is FOR ALL WHO SERVE THE LORD!!

A Fantastic Introduction…Revelations 1:2

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

-- “who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the Word of God – and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (NIV)

4. Revelations is heavily VISIONS (“everything that he saw”)

5. WHAT JOHN SAW WAS “THE WORD OF GOD”

-- all the events that transpired, that transpire, and will transpire, are ALL ACCORDING TO WHAT GOD SAID (“the word” – the torah, the Scriptura, the rhema)

6. AND IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS – his coming, his reign, his judgment, his bride, etc…

ONLY BOOK WITH A SPECIFIC BLESSING TO THOSE WHO READ IT

Revelations 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (KJV) (“the time is near”) NIV

“THE TIME IS NEAR” (??? – this was given two thousand years ago!!)

-- “…WITH THE LORD, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8)

-- REVELATIONS WAS GIVEN “TWO DAYS AGO” (2,000 years ago) by God’s count, to PREPARE US FOR THE THIRD DAY (the next millenium)

-- BY JEWISH COUNT, we are entering the SEVENTH MILLENIA (which is the LORD’S “DAY” – HIS THOUSANDTH YEAR, after giving SIX MILLENIAL DAYS TO MAN)

CRUCIAL CONCEPTS:1. THE TRILOGY PRINCIPLE OR

CONCEPT:

a. “WHO WAS, WHO IS, WHO IS TO COME” (Rev. 1:4 “… Grace and peace to you from who was, who is, who is to come…”) also in verse 8

b. The TRI-UNE GOD: V. 4 “Grace and peace to you from…” Father – “one who is was, is, is to come” Holy Spirit – “and from the ‘seven spirits’ before his

throne…” Jesus Christ – “the faithful witness, the firstborn from

among the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth”c. “Write therefore WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN, WHAT IS

NOW, AND WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE LATER.” (Rev. 1:19)

THE 2 0r 3-WITNESS PRINCIPLE“At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he that is worthy

of death be put to death” (Deut. 17:6, Deut. 19:15; Matthew 18:15-18…)

In the last days, TWO WITNESSES will condemn the world that will finally reject Christ. (REV. 11:3 – REITERATION OF THE TORAH)

THE PRINCIPLE OF UNITY AND WHOLE:

Revelations 1:7 “DO NOT BE AFRAID, I am the Alpha and the Omega, The Beginning and the End, I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS THE GREAT AND FINAL VALIDATOR OF EVERYTHING HE SAYS, including the future!

THEMATIC OUTLINE:

Revelation addressed to the” The SEVEN CHURCHES: (interpretation:)

1. Historical seven churches in Asia in the time of John

2. The spiritual nature of the church through seven periods of history (according to this interpretation, we are now the Laodicean church)

3. SEVEN KINDS OF CHURCHES IN THE LAST DAYS (the 1st and 3rd is what I adopt)

7 TYPES OF CHURCHES:

1.Ephesian church – doctrinally sound and morally strict, BUT HAS LOST ITS FIRST LOVE (warned that its lampstand will be removed unless she repents) (Rev. 2:1-7)

2. The SMYRNA Church – the afflicted and poor church, persecuted, but faithful (“you shall be persecuted for ten days”) (Rev. 2:8-11)

3. The PERGAMUM Church – embraced the teaching of balaam (who enticed Israel to sin);

Also had the Nicolaitan spirit (Rev. 2:12-17)

7 churches:

4. THYATIRA Church – a “good church” because of its love, faith, and perseverance, but has the Jezebel spirit; ANTI-ISRAEL, ANTI-PROPHETIC (Rev. 2:18-29)

5. The SARDIS Church – a church with a good “reputation” but is a DEAD CHURCH

(Rev. 3:1-6)6. PHILADELPHIA CHURCH – the bridal church,

“spared from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to TEST THOSE WHO LIVE ON THE EARTH.” (Rev. 3:7-13)

7 churches:

7. LAODICEAN CHURCH- Neither hot nor cold- Wealthy and comfortable- Confident (“I have need of nothing”)- Counseled to “buy gold (from the

Lord” refined in the fire…” (Rev. 3:14-21)

THE COMMON MESSAGE TO ALL THE SEVEN CHURCHES IS: OVERCOME!!!

A popular but most likely very wrong view:

That AFTER REV. 3 AND 4, there is no more mention of the word “church”, therefore, they conclude that THE CHURCH WAS ALREADY RAPTURED, and the all the calamities that happen beginning chap. 6 (seal judgments so-called), the church is “no longer on earth”.

THERE ARE SEVERAL SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VIEW:

1. Saints and elect are mentioned after chap. 4 (the saints and the elect are the church)

2. This view does not jive with Matthew 24

Revelation 4: John was taken up to the throneroom in Heaven…

This is the DIVINE COUNCIL or HEAVENLY COUNCIL also seen by Daniel and Ezekiel

Then a strange sight unfolds in Revelations 5

1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne A SCROLL written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"

3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it.

4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it.

5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."

What John could have seen:

A Lamb… that has been slain, with seven eyes and seven horns… able to open the scroll and its seven seals (Rev. 5:5-6)

THE LAMB WAS STANDING…

Then what follows:

REVELATION 6 – the SIX SEALS BROKEN (INCLUDING THE FOUR HORSEMEN vision)

REVELATION 7 – the sealing of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses

REVELATION 8 – the SEVENTH SEAL:v. 1-2 – SEVEN ANGELS WITH SEVEN TRUMPETSv. 3-4 – an ANGEL THROWS THE GOLDEN CENSER FULL OF INCENSE, throws down to earth (with lightnings, thunders and earthquake) – LAST TIME PRAYER IS MENTIONED

v. 6-13 – FOUR TRUMPET JUDGMENTS (3rd of earth burned up, 3rd of sea destroyed/blood, wormwood posions rivers and waters, stellar calamities)

REVELATION 9 – are the 5th and 6th TRUMPET JUDGMENTS(locusts/demons released from the Abyss to torment people except those who have the mark or seal of God,

four angels of the Euphrates – massive global war, 3rd of mankind dead)

The rest of the scenario:

Revelation 10 – The angel and the “little scroll” – this involves SEVEN THUNDERS but which was not revealed (John was not allowed to write about it)

Revelation 11 – the two witnessesRev. 12 – the woman and the dragonRev. 13 – the beast out of the seaRev. 14 – the Lamb and the 144,000Rev. 15 – Seven Angels with SEVEN

PLAGUESRev. 16 – Seven BOWL JUDGMENTS…

OVERVIEW OF THE SEVEN BOWL JUDGMENTS: Revelation 16

1st bowl – ugly and painful sores and boils on people who have

the mark of the beast2nd bowl – all sea life died3rd bowl – rivers and springs of waters became blood4th bowl – scorching sun burning people alive5th bowl – total darkness (with sores and boils), men cursing

God6th bowl – Euphrates invasion, kings of the east –

ARMAGEDDON7th bowl – GLOBAL EARTHQUAKE, islands moved, huge

hailstones falling, men killed (“the plague was so terrible”)

The ENDING SCENARIO:

Rev. 18 – the fall of BabylonRev. 19 – the exultation of the BrideRev. 20 – the millennial reignRev. 21 – the New Jerusalem’Rev. 22 – the new heaven and new

earth, river of life

WE FOCUS IN THE MEANTIME ON THE 7 SEALS, 7 TRUMPETS, 7 BOWLS:

ESCALATION and OVERLAP:

PICTORIAL OUTLINE: 7 SEALS, 7 TRUMPETS, 7 BOWLS:

IN ALL THESE, WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN HOPING FOR?

THE GREAT PROMISE OF THE RAPTURE!!!

BUT THE QUESTION IS, WHEN WILL IT OCCUR?????

MEANING OF THE WORD “RAPTURE”

a. The word "rapture" per se is not found in Scripture. The Greek word is "harpazo." It is used seven times in the New Testament. (Matt. 13:19, John 10:12, Acts 8:39, II Cor. 12:2,4, I Thess. 4:17, and Rev. 12:5) In each case it means something was quickly grabbed, snared or seized.

c. The actual Greek word literally can be translated, "shall be seized.“

WHERE IS THAT PROMISED IN THE BIBLE?

I THESSALONIANS 4:

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

THE QUESTION IS:

WHEN IS THE RAPTURE GOING TO TAKE PLACE?

Popular answer is “ANYTIME” – IMMINENT (mainly because of the “thief in the night” theory)

BUT THE BOOK OF REVELATION DOES NOT SUPPORT AN IMMINENT RAPTURE VIEW.

THERE ARE THINGS THAT MUST TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE RAPTURE CAN HAPPEN…

That is why re-check the Book of Revelation…

THE POPULAR VIEW OF THE RAPTURE:

The four rapture-timing views:

Another simplified chart:

THE PRE-WRATH (MID-TRIB) VIEW

AN EMERGING VIEW:

rapture here 7 SEALS 7 TRUMPETS

7 BOWLS3 1/2 years 3 1/2 years 3

1/2 years

SEVEN (7) YEARSpre-trib tribulation great tribulation

A modified view:

So WHEN WILL THE RAPTURE TAKE PLACE? Let’s review the seal…

ESTHER 8:8 "You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signet ring; for whatever is written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring no one can revoke.“

A SEAL in this context is:1. A DECREE OF A KING2. ONCE OPENED AND READ, IT CANNOT BE REVERSED

(WHEN THE “SEAL SEASON” COMES, IT CANNOT BE STOPPED ANYMORE)

3. IT NEEDS AN AUTHORITY FIGURE TO BREAK THE SEAL

So we review the seals: Revelations 5

6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."

THEN THE SIX SEALS: (Revelation 6)

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see."

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (FALSE MESSIAH)

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see."

4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (GLOBAL FEAR, KILLINGS)

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.

Revelation 6

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.“ (FAMINE, HUNGER)

7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see."

8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (DEATH IN WAR, FAMINE, PLAGUES)

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw UNDER THE ALTAR the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. (PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS)

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

Revelation 6

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.

13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.

14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.

15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,

16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!

17 "For the GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH has come, and who is able to stand?"

Then: THE ONLY TIME that there was SILENCE IN HEAVEN:

WHY? Two very significant things happen in Revelation 7 and 8…

FIRST: THE SEALING of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses (REVELATIONS 7:)

1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.

2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,

3 saying, "DO NOT HARM THE EARTH, THE SEA, OR THE TREES TILL WE HAVE SEALED THE SERVANTS OF OUR GOD ON THEIR FOREHEADS."

4 And I heard THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO WERE SEALED. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL WERE SEALED:

5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;

6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;

7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;

8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. (NO DAN)

THEN AN AWESOME SIGHT FOLLOWS: REVELATION 7:9-12!!!

Re 7:9 AFTER THESE THINGS I looked, and lo, a

GREAT MULTITUDE, which no man could number, out of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues, stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palms in their hands.

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb.

11 And all the angels stood around the throne, and the elders, and the four living creatures, and they fell before the throne on their faces and worshiped God,

12 saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.

The MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION:

What is this sight? How did they get there???

WHERE DID THEY COME FROM???

WHY WERE THEY NOT SEEN BY JOHN BEFORE???

EXACTLY THE QUESTION in Revelation 7:13!!!!

13 And one of the elders answered, saying to me, Who are these who are arrayed in white robes, and FROM WHERE DO THEY COME?

14 And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, THESE ARE THE ONES WHO CAME OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION AND HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES, AND HAVE WHITENED THEM IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.

15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple. And He sitting on the throne will dwell among them.

16 They will not hunger any more, nor thirst any more, nor will the sun light on them, nor any heat.

17 For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will feed them and will lead them to the fountains of living waters. And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.

IN OTHER WORDS, THESE ARE THE RAPTURED SAINTS IN GLORY!!!

They are FIRST SEEN in

Rev. 7:13This could

ONLY BE THE RESULT OF THE RAPTURE!

Were they not seen before, in Rev. 5?

REVELATIONS 5:11-12“11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many

angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

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

NOTICE: NO MENTION OF SAINTS IS MADE, ONLY ANGELS and elders, who have always been there since Revelation 4.

How about in REVELATION 6? Were they not seen already in heaven?

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw UNDER THE ALTAR the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. (WHERE AND WHEN THIS KILLING TAKE PLACE? In the tribulation period.)

NOTE: “UNDER THE ALTAR” means grace period; “BEFORE THE THRONE” is judgment day.

WHAT IS THE POINT HERE?

THE FIRST TIME THE GREAT MULTITUDE OF BELIEVERS FROM EVERY TONGUE, TRIBE AND NATION WAS AFTER THE SIXTH SEAL! (Revelation 7:9-17)

MEANING, THE CHRISTIANS HAD TO GO THROUGH THE FIRST FIVE SEALS (Revelation 6) BEFORE THE RAPTURE!

SO WE BEG THE QUESTION:

DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE CHRISTIAN HAS TO GO THROUGH THE TRIBULATION PERIOD?

HOW SOME “SOLVE” THE PROBLEM:

MANY, MANY CHRISTIANS WANT TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION WITH A “NO!”

THEY “MAKE IT WORK” BY DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURED SAINTS ON THE ONE HAND AND THE TRIBULATION SAINTS ON THE OTHER HAND.

Let us ask JESUS what He thinks and says:

Jesus in Matthew 24:

21 "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

22 "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.

(NKJV)

Jesus in Matthew 24:

29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

30 "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”

So now, what do we do?????

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF ALL THESE THINGS IN RELATION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION?

1. WE ARE SURE TO BE AROUND DURING THE PERIOD OF THE SIX SEALS.

2. WE WILL MOST LIKELY BE AROUND IN THE PERIOD OF THE 7 TRUMPET JUDGMENTS

3. WILL WE STILL PROBABLY BE AROUND IN THE 7 BOWLS?

Is there a way of knowing? So we can properly prepare???

YES, I BELIEVE THERE IS A WAY OF KNOWING.

I BELIEVE THE KEY IS THE PROMISE OF THE LORD THAT WE ARE NOT APPOINTED UNTO WRATH, AND TO LOCATE WHERE THE WRATH BEGINS…

“WE ARE NOT APPOINTED UNTO WRATH” (I Thessalonians 5)

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk

at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of

faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 FOR GOD DID NOT APPOINT US TO

WRATH, BUT TO OBTAIN SALVATION THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,

Interpretations of this passage:

1. That WE WILL NOT PASS THROUGH THE TRIBULATION PERIOD

2. That we will not go to hell3. That we will pass through the

tribulation period but we will not suffer the wrath of God during this period

WHICH IS WHICH?

We need to ask the question, WHEN IS THE “WRATH OF GOD” COME?

REVELATIONS 6:12-1712 I looked when He opened THE SIXTH SEAL, and behold, there

was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.

13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.

14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.

15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,

16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the WRATH OF THE LAMB!

17 "For the GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH has come, and who is able to stand?"

THIS IS WHERE THE WORD WRATH APPEARS FIRST TIME IN

REVELATION, ON THE SIXTH SEAL.

QUESTION:

BUT THE WORD “SAINTS” still appear inRev. 8:3, 8:4, 11.18, 13:7, 13:10, 14:12, 15:13, 16:617:6, and 18:24, which is the season of the 7

trumpets and 7 bowl judgments already!! (plus 19 and 20)

Plus the words of Jesus!Mt 24:21 "For then there will be great tribulation,

such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

22 "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.

Some explanation:

1. Matthew 24 on the tribulation is “time of Jacob’s trouble”, only for the Jews, but not for Christians;

(I do not believe this because the word “elect” is also for the church, and the rapture “after the tribulation of those days” is from the four corners of the earth…)

2. On the appearance of the word “saints” in Revelations 8 to 18, there is an “INTERRUPTION THEORY” by John Shorey

THE INTERRUPTION THEORY

That Jesus was the REVELATOR, that he was SEQUENTIALLY NARATING TO JOHN THE EVENTS, but he was “interrupted” by angels who excitedly gave more details, and so the revelation account seems to repeat certain events that have already taken place…

According to the studies of the same author….

He believes that there is a very strong

possibility for the SEALS SEASON to be in the years before 2020

HOWEVER, there is another good PRE-WRATH VIEW:

It is based on REVELATIONS 16 which begins in verse 1: “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out THE BOWLS OF THE WRATH OF GOD on the earth.“

-- HERE, IT IS EXPLICIT FROM GOD (OR HEAVEN ITSELF, that the BOWL JUDGMENTS ARE THE WRATH OF GOD.

-- earlier, in Rev. 6:12 (SIXTH SEAL), it is MEN WHO CRIED OUT AND COMPLAINED THAT “THE WRATH OF THE LAMB” HAS FALLEN. In Rev. 16:1, it is heaven itself saying.

-- THE POINT: if Christians are “NOT APPOINTED TO WRATH”

(I THESS. 5:9), then that means Christians must be raptured BEFORE THE 7 BOWL JUDGMENTS.

SO NOW, WHAT DO WE DO, IN VIEW OF ALL THESE?

Considering that we will ALMOST SURELY GO THROUGH THE SEALS SEASON, and most likely the 7 TRUMPET SEASONS, or even POSSIBLY (but in my view remotely the 7 BOWL SEASONS),

WE MUST PREPARE!!

I Peter 4

1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

I Peter 4

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.

16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

17 FOR THE TIME HAS COME FOR JUDGMENT TO BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD; AND IF IT BEGINS WITH US FIRST, WHAT WILL BE THE END OF THOSE WHO DO NOT OBEY THE GOSPEL OF GOD?

18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

POINTERS FOR PREPARATION:STUDY THE THEMES OF THE SIX SEALS –Killings, hunger, famine, plague, wars

WHAT CAN WE DO?

1. Noah PREPARED AN ARK for his family-- ask the Lord what is your ark

2. Joseph stored food in the years of plenty in preparation for the years of famine

-- look at your food and water supplyMatt. 24:45 – the wise and faithful servant prepares food…

3. The Lord prepared a GOSHEN for the people of Israel-- what is your goshen? How do you “goshenize” your place?

Pointers for preparation:

4. ISRAEL under Moses was protected by the SIGNS AND WONDERS OF THE LORD

-- be open to prophetic movement, which is ready for signs and wonders

5. Lot had to escape/run quickly to be saved from the fire on Sodom and Gomorrah

-- some suggest a readiness for quick, emergency movement or flight

MOST OF ALL, BE SPIRITUALLY PREPARED!!!!

1. YOUR WALK WITH THE LORD!!! (Colossians 2-3)

2. YOUR PRAYER LIFE!!! (Psalm 91, Matthew 6 – ON THE

SECRET PLACE)3. YOUR BODY A LIVING SACRIFICE,

HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO THE LORD (Romans 12:1-3)

4. DOING THE GREAT COMMISSION (Matthew 28:18-20)

ONE VERY SPECIAL AND FINAL MINISTRY WE MUST PONDER:

The “great assembly” in heaven (RAPTURE) is in REVELATION 8.

JUST BEFORE THAT, the SEALING OF THE 144,000 JEWISH WITNESSES take place in Revelation 7.

WE COULD NOT BE RAPTURED UNTIL THE 144,000 JEWISH WITNESSES ARE FULLY ASSEMBLED AND SEALED!!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN DESIROUS FOR THE RAPTURE,

PERHAPS YOU MIGHT SERIOUSLY CONSIDER A MINISTRY OF SERIOUS EVANGELISM TO THE JEWS!! Or at least pray for the Jews!!!

THERE IS GLORY IN THE LAST DAYS!!!!

The GLORY of His:1. Protection (NOAH)2. Provision (JOSEPH)3. Signs and wonders (MOSES)4. BUT ALSO, THE GLORY OF

SUFFERING FOR JESUS IF NEED BE

5. THE GLORY OF DYING FOR JESUS IF NEED BE

Glory, blessedness

Acts 5:41So they went on their way from the

presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.

Romans 8:17and if children, heirs also, heirs of God

and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Glory, blessedness:

Philippians 3:10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the

fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

2 Timothy 2:12If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He

also will deny us;

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for

righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

PHILIPPIANS 1:29

25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,

26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

29 FOR TO YOU IT HAS BEEN GRANTED ON BEHALF OF CHRIST, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE IN HIM, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE,

REMEMBER:

WARRIORS OF GOD, LET US PRAY!!!