Where We Truly Belong... Revelation Lesson 12 (End)

By all accounts, we should not be really surprised at how Revelation would end. It is, after all, a majestic book that promises much hope for the believing child of God. It spells out the final state of affairs, speaks of a guaranteed place in heaven - man's true home, and more importantly, God's design and plan for all things.

Chapters 21 and 22 fits the style of apocalypse literature, and should be read in parts. The beginning of chapter 21 consists of three "trailers" that would end in 21:5. These "trailers" would be fully expanded subsequently till the end of the book.

A more understandable reading plan would look like:

HOLY CITY - Intro in 21:1-2, fully expanded in 21:9-21
GOD WITH MAN - Intro in 21:3-4, fully expanded in 21:22 - 27
ALL THINGS NEW - Intro in 21:4-5, fully expanded in 22:1-5


Observations
Chapter 21

Revelation ends with the beginning of a magnificent new heaven and earth. The descriptions are vivid, sometimes even of a material kind. Streets paved with gold, gates made of pearls, etc. However we must not think John is saying the New Jerusalem would be as material as our earthly cities. John was merely using the language his readers can understand to indicate the utmost value of the New City. He is concerned with spiritual states, and not earthly realities.

Herein lies the crux message of John's prophecies. Only in the light of New Jerusalem, can the earthly splendours of Babylon be seen for what it is - tarty, gaudy seductions of a whore. In a series of vivid metaphors, John gives us important truths about the life to come.

v9-11. The marriage has arrived. The New City descended from above. It owes its existence to the condescension of God and not the efforts of man. It has the glory of God and its brilliance comes from God.

v12-13. Surrounded by a high wall, the City is secure and its gates are never shut (v25). Angels stand as gatekeepers on the 12 gates, which are inscribed the 12 tribes of Israel. Israel's high calling is honoured. There are 3 gates each in the north, south, east and west. Compare this to Israel's encampment in Numbers 2.

v14. Under the wall are 12 foundations bearing the names of the Apostles. This again signifies that Israel of the Old Testament (OT) and the Church are included in God's final scheme of things.

v15. The City is measured and found to be a perfect cube, measuring 12,000 stadia (approx 1,500 miles). The Holy of Holies in the OT's tabernacle is a perfect cube. Now, 12,000 stadia would be the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Macau, Adelaide to Darwin, or Delhi to Yangon. John was trying to relay the magnitude, and not the exact measurements. The size of this city boggles the mind. It can only mean that there is room for all.

v17-21. The heavenly city is built from every kind of precious stone, from the most costly material. Again, these are metaphors for the value of the city. There wasn't enough in the language to describe the true value of the city, therefore John used the highest that readers could relate to.

V22-27. This city does not need a temple, nor does it need light. God Himself is the sanctuary and illumination. The gates of this city do not shut, nor will darkness enter it. Nations and kings will bring homage. Anyone who does what is shameful and deceitful will not enter it. It is important that people speak truth and act truly.

Observations
Chapter 22

River. Tree of life. Fruit. If we look carefully, this picture resembles the garden of Eden. In fact, the last 3 chapters of Revelation somewhat mirrors the first 3 chapters of Genesis. In the final state of things, God will restore everything to what it was in the beginning. Man and women will again enjoy the bountiful provision of Eden in purity.

V6. John closes his visions by reiterating the authenticity of the book. The words, “see I am coming soon!” refers to the imminence of Christ’s return, rather than its immediacy. V8 confirms the book as a prophecy, and it should not be treated as some other kinds of literature. V9 sees John being tempted to worship the angel who delivered the visions but he was sternly stopped. Worship only belongs to God.

V10. The command “not to seal up” means not to keep hidden the words of this book (Revelation). They are meant for publication and are not some secret wisdom of a select few. v 12 – 15 stress the reward Christ will give to the faithful. V16 – Jesus Himself gives credence to this book.

V18, 19. A grave warning is issued. The words of prophecy in this book are not to be tampered with. It is a strong exhortation to heed what is written. There is punishment for those who fiddle and twist these words. V20, 21. Again, Jesus emphasizes on His return soon.

Thoughts

Some take Revelation as the ultimate ending. However, if we look carefully, it is only the beginning of a new life in the New City. We grossly misunderstand the text if we treat the New Jerusalem as a retirement centre where we while our time away doing all things enjoyable. Of course we will have joy – the deep-seated sense of happiness where we find our utmost satisfaction in God. And after all the dramas, climax, twists and turns, this is what it is all about – God bringing man and women back to their real home.

God Surprises... Revelation Lesson 11

Twists.

People love them. A story sells better with a twist. A date is much more exciting when you don't exactly know what to expect. In Revelation, the surprises keep coming.

Just when we think everything is put in order - the power of evil is broken, and the saints are robed and expecting the Bridegroom... John the scribe instead introduces us to a vision of a Warrior.





Observations

Chapter 19

v 11 - 16 states the dominion of the risen Lord. In here the characteristics of Jesus are described. He makes war. His eyes are like fire - nothing escapes Him. On His head are many crowns - He has dominance over all. He has a name known only to Himself - we can never fully understand all about God. But He does reveal Himself in v 13 as the Word of God, and in v 16 as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.



The armies of heaven are behind Him. Christ will subdue nations and He will also execute the judgment of God.


v 17 - 21 Contrasted with the marriage supper of the Lamb, there will be a great supper of God where the antichrist and false prophet are defeated and thrown into the lake of fire, while their followers are "fed to the birds", a common imagery for final disaster. The rest of the followers of the antichrist were killed by the sword that came out from His mouth, meaning the Word destroyed them. The Word is our standard of truth. Truth will destroy evil.







Observations

Chapter 20


We now enter the most controversial part of the book of Revelation. The millennium. Scholars have split hairs over this and drove bitter schisms into the heart of eschatology (study of prophecy).





Strangely, never did the Scriptures mention the word "millennium". The word "thousand years" appear six times, and is only found within this chapter. Elsewhere in the Bible, "thousand years" are found in only 3 other passages - Ps 90:4, Ecc 6:6 and 2 Peter 3:8. In all these texts, "thousand years" were mentioned metaphorically. So we must be careful not to subscribe to any doctrine that is only represented by a minor / obscure portion of the Bible. Always zoom out to the Big Picture (what Revelation is about) and consider the entire counsel of the Bible before coming to any conclusions.


We will not go into detailed descriptions of the different millennial views as there are tonnes of material written about it and information is just a click away. A word of caution though - the 1000 years is a side theme in the book of Revelation, so please do not get mired in the controversy! Suffice to know that Christ will come in victory for the second time, and it will be the greatest event the earth has ever witnessed. Bear in mind that even Old Testament saints could not fully understand the many prophecies about the Messiah and the Jews crucified Him. (If they had understood the prophecies they would not have killed the Messiah).



Likewise, we will never be able to understand the end-times prophecies clearly... probably until after they have been fulfilled. So, relax. God has purposed it that way. Meanwhile, help yourselves to any of the attempts by schools of interpretation (post-millennialism, a-mill or pre-mill)... but you don't have to be absolutely dogmatic about it.



v 4 John saw thrones. He did not say where the thrones are, but it would fit the passage to assume they are in heaven. Out of the 47 times the word "throne" was used, once referred to Satan (2:13) and twice to the beast (13:2, 16:10). Other than that, all the thrones seemed to be located in heaven.



Those seated on the thrones are souls (as contrasted with bodies) that reign with Christ for the period of 1000 years. Compare this with Eph 2:6. If we follow the thread in our study all these while, we will take the 1000 years as symbolic. This is derived from 1000 being 10 x 10 x 10 = the number of completion. The 1000 years is a predestined time which God has set, where Satan is restrained from deceiving the nations. And how is deception nullified? By knowing the truth. So, this predetermined time (referred to here as "1000 years") is when people have access to the truth; as Satan is rendered powerless to deceive. Sometimes it is referred to the "times of the Gentiles" where non-Jews have access to the Gospel of truth. It is the time where deception is present, but not absolute.



v 5. The first resurrection. Some say this implies that there is a second resurrection. However, John does not say that in his text. He simply says there is a first resurrection; and nothing thereafter. Now, the rest of the dead did not come to life again until after the "1000 years". If we take the 1000 years to be symbolic of the Times of the Gentiles, that would indicate that those raised in the resurrection will be priests unto God and Christ (1 Peter 2:9), of which the second death has no power. Meaning they will not die a second time.


Remember that if you are born twice (physical and in spirit), you will die once (physical), but live eternally. If you are born once (only physical), you will die twice (physical and in spirit). Physical death - is self-explanatory. Spiritual death - is separation from God forever.



v7. When the appointed time of restraining Satan is over, he will be let loose for a short while to wage war against the people of God. He will gather a huge army and surround the saints. In a swift moment, they are destroyed by the fire that came down from heaven. Equally quickly, the devil is thrown into the lake of fire where the antichrist and false prophet already are.



v 11. Meanwhile in heaven, the books were opened. With the book of life opened, everyone is judged according to what had been recorded about their deeds. No one can escape. Finally Death and Hell (and its inhabitants) are thrown into the lake of fire. v 15 The text carried a solemn warning: Anyone whose name was not found in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Conclusion


There are no newfangled subplots and twists in the end of all things, according to Revelation. The end is crystal clear. Jesus is the Bridegroom coming for His church, and He is also the Warrior who fights to rescue her. Both are strong imageries of a God who pays the price of love in order to get back what belonged to Him in the first place. He is also the Just Judge who has the power to decide on the conclusion of the fate of the Universe.



The surprise is - man still rejects Him.


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All Epics Point To This... Revelation Lesson 10

A lot of people waited three years, from 2001 till 2003, to watch the entire Lord of The Rings trilogy. And it wasn't because they did not know how the story would end. Since the Tolkien classic was published in 1954, virtually every self-respecting fantasy freak would have pored through the book a couple times. And by now, almost every home that has a dvd player would have a copy of the movie.



Having said that, everyone loves a good ending. By good, I mean where evil is done away with, and all that is "good and green" as Samwise Gamgee quoted - will remain.



The book of Revelation reads unlike any other high fantasy genre. That is probably because we are not used to it. It is a manuscript from another era. It does however, have an element of universal appeal, the triumph of good over evil. Everyone - formula-loathing moviegoers included - loves a good ending. And in Revelation, it doesn't get any better than that.



Chapters 18 - 19 see a rapid dissipation of the powers of evil. This defeat of evil is described in the fall of Babylon, the fall of the false prophet, the Antichrist and finally, Satan himself.


Observations
Chapter 18


John the writer describes the judgment on Babylon in vivid imagery. To grasp the fullness of John's words, we ought to look at the judgment as the summary of all prophetic oracles on the doom of all unrighteous peoples - through all ages. Although John alluded Babylon to the Roman empire in the 1st century, he was not thinking of the fall of one city or empire when he wrote Revelation. He was referring to the final, ultimate collapse of all civilisations. Final judgment means the end of all who oppose God.



An angel with great authority came down to earth. This angel has a mighty voice and filled the earth with its bright splendour. "Fallen is Babylon the great!" The reason for the city's fall is her sin in corrupting others. Kings and merchants have become wealthy through trading with the city. Self- indulgence and arrogance are rife and celebrated.



Persecuted and hunted, the people of God must have been tempted to come to terms with the values of the city. Then their suffering will cease, and they may even become comfortable and rich. It is therefore important that they see things as they really are - and have nothing to do with unclean things. They are called by God to come out of the city and its systems and values. Compromise with worldliness is fatal. God's people must, while engaging themselves in community, refrain from being worldly-minded.





The call to God's people to 'come out of the city' is supremely important. In fact, John's emphasis in the entire chapter is not to gloat at the downfall of Babylon, but to appeal to Christians who were ready to compromise with the vices of the city. Christians need to see the reality and urgency of the situation, and act accordingly. Christians who do not share in Babylon's sins will not receive her plagues.




Earth's rulers gaze from afar and lament as the city burns. They stand from a distance lest they be caught up in her torment. In one hour: Babylon's judgment is swift and sure. The businessmen join in the wailing. Their reason? No-one buys their cargoes anymore. Financial losses, and not esteem for the city, prompts their distress.







It is widely-believed that the excesses of the Roman empire had led to its decline. Rome was the trading centre of the world in the 1st century, and its extravagance and excesses were unparalleled. Documents have described senseless waste practised in the city. For example, Emperor Vitellius, who reigned less than a year, cranked up a 7 million pounds sterling food bill. (This estimation was calculated based on the rate in 1959). Even so, with inflation factored in, 7 million worth of food consumed in less than a year is still an exhorbitant amount by today's standards. (Barclay)



All the people who had secured their livelihood from the city lamented her fall. These are, in today's terms, the politicians, businessmen and those whose existence depend on the economic wellbeing of the city. Which in a broad sense included everyone who ever had to use the currency.



v 20 - 24. The call to rejoice over the destruction of the city does not make Christians some kind of demented sadists. In fact, it is a call to rejoice over the justice that is done, rather than some vindictive outcry. Justice, not vengeance was to be applauded. Surely then, that must mean that there is suffering here and now. There is persecution and Christians are despised. But there is a victory at the end. And it is sure.


Observations
Chapter 19

The attention now shifts to heaven. A great multitude, including the 24 elders and four living creatures (see previous Lesson 2, Part 1) and all God's servants rejoiced at the overthrow of evil. That was the end of the great harlot Babylon who corrupted the earth with her adulteries. Finally she is judged.



We must bear in mind in this all our constant readiness to be corrupted. "The world likes a complacent, reasonable religion, and so it is always ready to revere some pale Galilean image of Jesus, some meagre anaemic Messiah, and give him moderate, rational homage.... The truth is that we have often committed adultery with alien ideologies, confounded the gospel with the religions of nature, and imbibed the wines of pagan doctrines and false principles and deceitful practices. We have sought to bend the will of God to serve the ends of man, to alter the Gospel and shape the church to conform to the fashion of the times." (Torrance)



v 6 Once again Hallelujah is shouted. Here, we see that the reason for this shout of praise is not so much that Babylon the harlot is defeated, but due to the fact the our Lord God Almighty reigns! A positive note is struck.



v 7, 8 These verses beckon us to the future - the marriage supper of the Lamb. The bride (community of believers) has made herself ready, and was given clothes of fine linen. Here the "righteous robes" were given to the saints, not a result of their own efforts, but purely based on the result of washing 'in the blood of the Lamb' (7:9, 14).



v 9 John was commanded to write. And there is a double emphasis on what he is to write...these are the true words of God. So the message here is important. "Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb". In the troubled days of persecution, the Bible's view is that the persecuted saints were blessed, not their persecutors.


v 10 John prostrated to worship the angel. He must have thought that the angel was divine. John was immediately stopped. There is no place in Christianity for the worship of any but God. The angel links himself to John by referring to himself as a fellow servant of God. Worship is only offered to God alone.


Thoughts



As with all the great epics and stories we hear, the victory is more precious when gained over great adversity. When it is over for the forces of evil, the marriage festivities for the people of God will begin. It will usher in an age of unparalleled peace, bliss, love and harmony of all things. Most important of all, the Lord God Almighty will be close to us in a way we cannot dream imaginable. At that time, like John Piper says... we will behold Him face to face, in a way we do not need a photograph portrait when we are looking at the real person.




Amen. Come Lord Jesus!


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Anaesthesia City, Revelation Lesson 9

I was among the very first few to watch the early screening of Quantum of Solace when it opened late last year at the cinemas. Perk of self-employment aside, I had every intention of cashing in on the leftover adrenalin squeezed from its predecessor Casino Royale, which in my estimation was one of the better Bond movies of late. And of course, Daniel Craig remains the Bond of the hour; second only to Sean Connery.



Solace was anything but. Action packed to the hilt, you'ld hardly have a moment to breathe before the next KAPOW scene hits. Beside me were two guys dunking themselves on Coke and sporadically spurting their next destination in whispers - the SONY handphone dealer to pay homage to the 10,000 product placements in the movie. Hey, visual stimulation works.



I left the theatre quite entertained. Which began to bother me later. One may not think much of it, but it bothers me that I enjoyed the violence and killings in the movie, in the name of harmless entertainment. I can sit there and watch people getting killed and buildings ripped apart while enjoying my drink. Come to think of it, that puts me in the same league as Pol Pot or Hitler. Not in degrees, but in essence.






I am being desensitized.





Revelation Chapter 17 talks about the nature of Babylon, metaphor used to denote Rome at the time of writing; and in terms of prophecy - any other city that exalts itself against Christ. The "Babylons" of our times have set up systems and values which go contrary to those of Christ and His followers. Different Babylons have sprung up in different ages to oppose true disciples of Christ.


Observation
Chapter 17


We are introduced to the whore. She is seated on many waters. In v 15, the waters are explained to be nations of the world. This whore has a grip and influence on many nations of the world. The kings or authorities of the earth are said to have fused themselves with this evil and have been intoxicated by it. This prostitute is also seated on a beast with seven heads and 10 horns (this is the Beast #1 from 13:1 - the Antichrist). Details on Antichrists had been explained in Lesson 5 posted earlier. This whore is named for us. She is Babylon. It is clear that she is clothed in great earthly splendour, and is exceedingly evil, vehemently opposing the people of God. She is to be contrasted with the woman in Chapter 12 and the bride in Chapters 21 & 22.



The harlot's forehead was written a name, a mystery. Mystery will indicate that the meaning of the harlot's name is not open and obvious to all. It is subject to revelation, and the angel proceeds to reveal it in v 7. The significance of the name is made known to John, and John to believers. But, the worldly would not know it at all. Babylon is not only a prostitute, but she is the mother of whores and abominations; meaning she spawns evils like her own. In v 4, all kinds of abominations are ascribed to this city.



The picture of sexual looseness in the Old Testament is used in more ways than one. The people of God are seen as God's bride, hence unfaithfulness is likened to adultery (Jer 3:9, Ezk 16:9). Unfaithfulness was also seen as habitual and mercenary, an intentional sinning against love, as in Hos 2:5, Isa 1:21.




17: 8 reads like a riddle - "the beast who was, and is not, and is about to....". This is a parody of Christ by the Antichrist, since Christ is attributed as "who was and is and is to come...". Here, we see the Antichrist counterfeiting the attributes of God, and leading the world astray with his own brand of miracles. This includes being healed from a mortal wound (13:3, 12, 14). Spectators will be impressed by the survivability of evil. The evil in mankind may seem to disappear, but it always returns again. When Revelation was written, Nero the evil one was gone. He died. But his successor Domitian appears to be a second Nero. And the evil against Christians continued. Evil survives. Until such a time as God permits.



V 9 Seven mountains refer to Rome, an empire widely-believed to have had its roots in the seven hills on the Tiber river. What follows is where it gets complicated. One interpretation believes the seven kings represent the total number of Roman caesars (rulers). Another point of view believes the the kings represent different empires. Either view is possible. But for our sakes, it is probably better to take the first view. V 10 says five kings had passed away, which puts the scribe John in the time of the sixth king. The seventh king is connected to the eighth, which is linked as the beast or Antichrist ( v 11). John is telling us the beast, the basic source of all evil, finds itself especially incarnated in the eighth king or empire. But John is not concerned with the beast's career nor his powers or activities. John's emphasis here is the fact that the beast goes to destruction. So, all evil will ultimately perish.



V 12 introduces more players into the mix. There is an additional 10 kings who will join the fray for a short moment. Again, the number 10 may be symbolic to represent a total, or entirety. These kings will receive authority for one hour - a short / unimportant time. They are willing collaborators of the beast, apart from whom they do not have authority.



It is interesting in V 16, the coalition of evil breaks up. The empire of evil seems to have turned against each other. There will be hatred between the whore, the kings and the beast. The whore will be left naked and desolate, preyed upon and consumed by her former cohorts.



The reason for this is explained in V 17. God is in sovereign control, even when evil is at its ultimate. God causes the breakup in evil, and their doom is sure. The beast may defeat its own supporters, but it will never defeat God.




Back to Babylon. In John's time, Babylon meant Rome. But in the end-time, it represents man in organised community, apart from God. Outlined here are some of its characteristics.

Marks of Babylon

1. Leaving God out of the picture (Gen 10:10)

2. Sensuality. In today's world, our spheres of society are all affected by sensuality (17:2,4; 18:3,9).

3. Injustice (Social 18:13)


4. Violence

5. The worship of products (Consumerism)

6. Deception / Counterfeit

7. Idolatory

And of course, the desensitization of the individual to the effects of the above is a quinessential step to assimilation to the values of the city represented by Babylon.




Question


What does this mean to a bunch of desensitized, media-weary generation?








Thoughts



So what now? Run off to a monastery to escape the evil in the world? Somehow I don't think asceticism is the answer. Nor is flailing arms in futility and despair. The original readers of Revelation were never told to disengage from culture (although they were told to leave the sins of the city in 18:4). What they were encouraged to do was to stay away from sin, persevere faithfully and patiently endure the circumstances they found themselves in.

The reason is clear. The christian's hope is pinned on a Liberator who can vanquish evil and rescue him. In the following chapters, we find that God not only saved His people, but consummated the relationship in a way not fully imaginable nor comprehend-able.


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