Revelation In The Bible: History Of The Covenant
Revelation Predominantly, Revelation in the Bible is the history of the Covenant, a recorded Revelation by God affirming the Holy Scripture, therefore above all the chronicle of law and prophets, psalms and prophecies. Portentously, Revelation is the pathway of God, how the oracle transpires once He enters the saga, as well as the libretto of human destiny. Ultimately, Revelation narrates the creation, fall, and salvation of man, and exhibits the obedience and obstinate rebellion in the fall and the restitution to which is the absolute fate of our existence. Amid one people on earth, God established his Covenant and granted His avowed sacred law, furthering a gateway to the Gentiles. Moreover, He creates a true priesthood, although
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an interim one. Inspiringly, faithful prophets nurtured and cultivated this nation, who emanated words driven by the Spirit of God, it was a sacred, though the hidden center of the whole world, a refuge rendered by God’s mercy in the midst of a fallen, sinful, lost, and unredeemed world. Primarily, Revelation is immoderate in intriguing descriptions of the visions, to which declare the last days before Christ’s return and the ushering in of the new heaven and new earth. In conformity, the Book of Revelation commences with letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor, subsequently going on to divulge the series of desolations dispensed upon the earth: the mark of the beast, the climactically fought battle of Armageddon, the coercing and defeat of Satan, the reign of the Lord, the Great White Throne Judgment, and the nature of the eternal city of God.
Consequently, in the Gospel, Jesus gave a brief summary of the events and conditions leading up to His return, later substantiating the specifics regarding the end of times to the Apostle John. Visional, as to the tribulation, Revelation is the book written to reveal the future, and Jesus Christ is the One who does the uncovering of these events. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place … Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him” (Revelation 1:1-7). Here, is the theme of Revelation, the time of the end of the age and the return of Jesus Christ to establish God’s Kingdom on earth.
Essentially, John explains where he was when he received this vision of the end-time: “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet” (Revelation 1:9-10). The only way for the called-out ones to understand Revelation was by the mediation of the Holy Spirit and by contextualizing the lengthy letter in light of the rest of Scripture. Historically, when reading the Bible, Revelation is consistent with its other parts. This means that, in particular, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, Jesus, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, James, Peter, and Jude all build and formulate a significant contribution to the framework, and context of Revelation.
John’s visualization of the “Lords Day” begins in Revelation 4, after unfolding the scene in heaven, he emphasizes the following messages to the seven congregations, John, is taken in vision via an open entrance to God’s throne.
This privileged occurrence allows access “what must take place after this” (Revelation 4:1). In chapter 4, John sees the Father’s heavenly throne with the backdrop of a rainbow that resembles an emerald, resting on a sea of crystal, surrounded by four angelic creatures with the face of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. Further, there are 24 more angelic beings, termed “elders”, who worship Him along with the four creatures at the throne. Much of this description of God’s throne is a variation of the visions in Ezekiel 1:4–28 and Isaiah 6, while the heavenly council is indicated in 1 Kings 22, Job 1 and 2, among other references. John describes the elders as worshiping God and saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:11). Referentially, a counter to the adulation offered to the Roman emperors who happened to be addressed as “our Lord and our God.” On the contrary, the God of John’s vision is the One who “created all things, and by His will they existed and were created” something the emperors could not
claim.
Accordingly, the seven seals designate the events before and during Christ’s
Reemergence to rule the earth, “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels…. saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:11-12)! Now, Jesus Christ perseveres in an agreement to unbridle the final events, and then establish His Kingdom on earth. In sequence, the seals, seven trumpets, and seven golden bowls are three succeeding series of end-time judgments from God. Undoubtedly, the judgments grow progressively worse and more devastatingly ruinous as the end-times proceed. The seven seals, trumpets, and bowls are interrelated to one another, all ensued by sevens. Similarly, the seventh seal announces the seven trumpets, and the seventh trumpet proclaims the seven golden bowls. Initially, in succession, when the Lamb broke the “first seal” the understanding is the scroll is the history and destiny of mankind and creation, only Jesus, the Lamb, had the right to unveil the seals of the scroll in the culmination of history. Firstly, the white horse brings a man of conquest, “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. 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” (Revelation 6:2). Distinctly, he rules, and given was a crown; also, he rules with a bow, and he exercises dominion over the earth. Christ, the Lamb, opens the first seal: observing what appeared a rider on a white horse. By the going forth of this white horse, a time of peace, or the early progress of the Christian religion, seems to be intended; it is going forth in purity, at the time when its heavenly Founder sent his apostles to teach all nations, adding, ”Lo! I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” The Divine religion goes out crowned, having the Divine favor resting upon it, armed spiritually against its foes, and destined to be victorious in the end. Secondly, the red horseman brings war and conflict. “When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see.” 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” (Revelation 6:3-4). Granted, was the authority to the red horseman to seize peace from earth, eradicating God’s gift to man, subsequently man rushed to war, conflict, and destruction. Also, such acts followed the pure age of early Christianity, when, neglectful of charity and the bond of peace, the Christian leaders, divided among themselves, appealed to the sword. Historically, then and now, peace among men is a gift from God, it is not a natural state amidst men, and nations of the world. However, this is a direct or an indirect judgement of our Father. Thirdly, the black horseman, a color denoting a morning of woe, darkness and ignorance spreads over the Christian world, ensuing inequity and injustice, resultant in a practice of true religion becoming scarce. “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. 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” (Revelation 6:5-6). Unbearably, the scales symbolized the prerequisite to vigilantly measure and ration food, speaking of the time of scarcity. Regrettably, a discourse to the higher than normal price, also conceivably a day’s wage to obtain food, an advantage only accessible to those affording them. Inevitably, it involves a disseminating time of famine, when life stands tragically reduced to the barest of necessities, therefore triggering the agonizing shortage of food, which will initiate starvation and death. Exceptionally, when a people loath spiritual food, God may justly, and deprive them of daily bread. Voluminous numbers in dire need would succumb to hunger, which is another cautionary plea to God’s people to evade wearing the mark of the antichrist and Satan, to remain steadfast in faith to Him. However, God will provide for His believers. Fourthly, the pale horseman brings death, and is the king of terror “When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." 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” (Revelation 6:7-8). The period of the fourth seal is one of great slaughter and devastation, destroying whatever may tend to make life happy, making ravages on the spiritual lives of men. Therefore, the mystery of iniquity was completed, and its power extended both over the lives and consciences of men. Horrendously, the last rider spectacles a tremendous death toll from the tyranny and repression, war, famine and other cataclysms portrayed by the previous three horsemen. Altogether, the marked horsemen have created, and elevated the same disasters previously occurring on earth, yet will pale in comparison to the tribulation. Forthrightly, the reason God is sending His son Jesus Christ to proclaim His reign on earth and heaven is to unshackle us from sin. Sequentially, opened is the fifth seal, bringing forth the cry of the martyrs. “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. 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?" “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 6:9-11). Effectually, the souls under the altar, emphasizes their life’s blood was poured out as an offering to God. Assuredly, the cry of the martyrs was for God’s truth as they cried out for vengeance, yet they let their cry be known to God and bequeathed the matter to Him. The believers and saints recognized God would set it right, He always rescues His people, however they wanted God to do what He promised as He decisively perfected His plan. Chronologically, the sixth seal brings disruption. “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. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs, when shaken by a mighty wind. Then, the sky receded as a scroll when rolled up, and every mountain and island moved out of its place. Combined with 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, 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! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" The sixth seal triggers the Rapture and the Day of the Lord. Clearly, at this time, the Lord will pour out His wrath on sinners, and the unbelieving world. The Day of the Lord is acrimonious, and those who regard these events as historical have an obligation to spiritualize them. Relatively, a conversion to His ways of Christianity, and properly metamorphosed under the symbol of an earthquake. Undeniably, brought down by God’s wrath, are all people who exist in iniquity, pronouncing the judgement all the more profound because of the wrath of the Lamb; a wrath of love, a wrath of sacrificial love. Remembering, in history we have a vital obligation to recognize Jesus Christ did this for our prophetic salvation. Lastly, the seventh seal is the seven contiguous trumpets of plagues, the first causes hail and fire that destroy the plant life in the world. The second trumpet brings about what seems to be a meteor hitting the oceans and causing the death of numerous people in the world, and sea life. The third trumpet is similar to the second, except if affects the world’s lakes and rivers instead of the oceans. The fourth of the seven trumpets causes the sun and moon to darken. The fifth trumpet results in a plague of “demonic locusts” that attack and torture humanity. The sixth trumpet calls forth the seven angels with the seven bowls of God’s wrath. Thenceforth, Christ arises with the bowls of judgement, described in detail, and just as horrific. There are inordinate similarities in the judgements of the trumpets and bowls, yet there are striking differences. The bowls are greater in the intensity, as well with the degree of coverage and effect, and pours out in rapid succession, which produce the hardest of hearts of men. Since, there is callousness built up in the souls of men, these judgements will result in
an interim one. Inspiringly, faithful prophets nurtured and cultivated this nation, who emanated words driven by the Spirit of God, it was a sacred, though the hidden center of the whole world, a refuge rendered by God’s mercy in the midst of a fallen, sinful, lost, and unredeemed world. Primarily, Revelation is immoderate in intriguing descriptions of the visions, to which declare the last days before Christ’s return and the ushering in of the new heaven and new earth. In conformity, the Book of Revelation commences with letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor, subsequently going on to divulge the series of desolations dispensed upon the earth: the mark of the beast, the climactically fought battle of Armageddon, the coercing and defeat of Satan, the reign of the Lord, the Great White Throne Judgment, and the nature of the eternal city of God.
Consequently, in the Gospel, Jesus gave a brief summary of the events and conditions leading up to His return, later substantiating the specifics regarding the end of times to the Apostle John. Visional, as to the tribulation, Revelation is the book written to reveal the future, and Jesus Christ is the One who does the uncovering of these events. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place … Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him” (Revelation 1:1-7). Here, is the theme of Revelation, the time of the end of the age and the return of Jesus Christ to establish God’s Kingdom on earth.
Essentially, John explains where he was when he received this vision of the end-time: “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet” (Revelation 1:9-10). The only way for the called-out ones to understand Revelation was by the mediation of the Holy Spirit and by contextualizing the lengthy letter in light of the rest of Scripture. Historically, when reading the Bible, Revelation is consistent with its other parts. This means that, in particular, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, Jesus, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, James, Peter, and Jude all build and formulate a significant contribution to the framework, and context of Revelation.
John’s visualization of the “Lords Day” begins in Revelation 4, after unfolding the scene in heaven, he emphasizes the following messages to the seven congregations, John, is taken in vision via an open entrance to God’s throne.
This privileged occurrence allows access “what must take place after this” (Revelation 4:1). In chapter 4, John sees the Father’s heavenly throne with the backdrop of a rainbow that resembles an emerald, resting on a sea of crystal, surrounded by four angelic creatures with the face of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. Further, there are 24 more angelic beings, termed “elders”, who worship Him along with the four creatures at the throne. Much of this description of God’s throne is a variation of the visions in Ezekiel 1:4–28 and Isaiah 6, while the heavenly council is indicated in 1 Kings 22, Job 1 and 2, among other references. John describes the elders as worshiping God and saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:11). Referentially, a counter to the adulation offered to the Roman emperors who happened to be addressed as “our Lord and our God.” On the contrary, the God of John’s vision is the One who “created all things, and by His will they existed and were created” something the emperors could not
claim.
Accordingly, the seven seals designate the events before and during Christ’s
Reemergence to rule the earth, “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels…. saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:11-12)! Now, Jesus Christ perseveres in an agreement to unbridle the final events, and then establish His Kingdom on earth. In sequence, the seals, seven trumpets, and seven golden bowls are three succeeding series of end-time judgments from God. Undoubtedly, the judgments grow progressively worse and more devastatingly ruinous as the end-times proceed. The seven seals, trumpets, and bowls are interrelated to one another, all ensued by sevens. Similarly, the seventh seal announces the seven trumpets, and the seventh trumpet proclaims the seven golden bowls. Initially, in succession, when the Lamb broke the “first seal” the understanding is the scroll is the history and destiny of mankind and creation, only Jesus, the Lamb, had the right to unveil the seals of the scroll in the culmination of history. Firstly, the white horse brings a man of conquest, “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. 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” (Revelation 6:2). Distinctly, he rules, and given was a crown; also, he rules with a bow, and he exercises dominion over the earth. Christ, the Lamb, opens the first seal: observing what appeared a rider on a white horse. By the going forth of this white horse, a time of peace, or the early progress of the Christian religion, seems to be intended; it is going forth in purity, at the time when its heavenly Founder sent his apostles to teach all nations, adding, ”Lo! I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” The Divine religion goes out crowned, having the Divine favor resting upon it, armed spiritually against its foes, and destined to be victorious in the end. Secondly, the red horseman brings war and conflict. “When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see.” 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” (Revelation 6:3-4). Granted, was the authority to the red horseman to seize peace from earth, eradicating God’s gift to man, subsequently man rushed to war, conflict, and destruction. Also, such acts followed the pure age of early Christianity, when, neglectful of charity and the bond of peace, the Christian leaders, divided among themselves, appealed to the sword. Historically, then and now, peace among men is a gift from God, it is not a natural state amidst men, and nations of the world. However, this is a direct or an indirect judgement of our Father. Thirdly, the black horseman, a color denoting a morning of woe, darkness and ignorance spreads over the Christian world, ensuing inequity and injustice, resultant in a practice of true religion becoming scarce. “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. 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” (Revelation 6:5-6). Unbearably, the scales symbolized the prerequisite to vigilantly measure and ration food, speaking of the time of scarcity. Regrettably, a discourse to the higher than normal price, also conceivably a day’s wage to obtain food, an advantage only accessible to those affording them. Inevitably, it involves a disseminating time of famine, when life stands tragically reduced to the barest of necessities, therefore triggering the agonizing shortage of food, which will initiate starvation and death. Exceptionally, when a people loath spiritual food, God may justly, and deprive them of daily bread. Voluminous numbers in dire need would succumb to hunger, which is another cautionary plea to God’s people to evade wearing the mark of the antichrist and Satan, to remain steadfast in faith to Him. However, God will provide for His believers. Fourthly, the pale horseman brings death, and is the king of terror “When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." 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” (Revelation 6:7-8). The period of the fourth seal is one of great slaughter and devastation, destroying whatever may tend to make life happy, making ravages on the spiritual lives of men. Therefore, the mystery of iniquity was completed, and its power extended both over the lives and consciences of men. Horrendously, the last rider spectacles a tremendous death toll from the tyranny and repression, war, famine and other cataclysms portrayed by the previous three horsemen. Altogether, the marked horsemen have created, and elevated the same disasters previously occurring on earth, yet will pale in comparison to the tribulation. Forthrightly, the reason God is sending His son Jesus Christ to proclaim His reign on earth and heaven is to unshackle us from sin. Sequentially, opened is the fifth seal, bringing forth the cry of the martyrs. “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. 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?" “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 6:9-11). Effectually, the souls under the altar, emphasizes their life’s blood was poured out as an offering to God. Assuredly, the cry of the martyrs was for God’s truth as they cried out for vengeance, yet they let their cry be known to God and bequeathed the matter to Him. The believers and saints recognized God would set it right, He always rescues His people, however they wanted God to do what He promised as He decisively perfected His plan. Chronologically, the sixth seal brings disruption. “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. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs, when shaken by a mighty wind. Then, the sky receded as a scroll when rolled up, and every mountain and island moved out of its place. Combined with 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, 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! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" The sixth seal triggers the Rapture and the Day of the Lord. Clearly, at this time, the Lord will pour out His wrath on sinners, and the unbelieving world. The Day of the Lord is acrimonious, and those who regard these events as historical have an obligation to spiritualize them. Relatively, a conversion to His ways of Christianity, and properly metamorphosed under the symbol of an earthquake. Undeniably, brought down by God’s wrath, are all people who exist in iniquity, pronouncing the judgement all the more profound because of the wrath of the Lamb; a wrath of love, a wrath of sacrificial love. Remembering, in history we have a vital obligation to recognize Jesus Christ did this for our prophetic salvation. Lastly, the seventh seal is the seven contiguous trumpets of plagues, the first causes hail and fire that destroy the plant life in the world. The second trumpet brings about what seems to be a meteor hitting the oceans and causing the death of numerous people in the world, and sea life. The third trumpet is similar to the second, except if affects the world’s lakes and rivers instead of the oceans. The fourth of the seven trumpets causes the sun and moon to darken. The fifth trumpet results in a plague of “demonic locusts” that attack and torture humanity. The sixth trumpet calls forth the seven angels with the seven bowls of God’s wrath. Thenceforth, Christ arises with the bowls of judgement, described in detail, and just as horrific. There are inordinate similarities in the judgements of the trumpets and bowls, yet there are striking differences. The bowls are greater in the intensity, as well with the degree of coverage and effect, and pours out in rapid succession, which produce the hardest of hearts of men. Since, there is callousness built up in the souls of men, these judgements will result in