making the scriptures plain

Notes

If you have been working through this study on Jesus Christ book by book, page by page, here's the exciting part! For the first two verses of Revelation promise that this book is all about Him. John, His disciple, had been exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and speaking about Jesus. This 'Revelation' is his letter to seven churches in the province of Asia. It is rich in detailed and vivid images of Jesus in a complex set of roles that achieve His plan of salvation and the final destruction of evil.

Jesus is the faithful witness of these events, the first to rise from the dead, the commander of all the rulers of the world. He loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding His blood for us. He has made us His Kingdom and His priests who serve before God His Father. Jesus' return is so real to John that he exclaims "Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven." Jesus declares Himself to be the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One. With Him we are partners in suffering, partners in the Kingdom and partners in patient endurance.

The Lord has a special day 'the Lord's Day'. It was on the Lord's Day that Jesus revealed Himself to John to give him this message addressed to the seven churches in Asia. And John saw Jesus, now in awesome heavenly attire, walking amongst these churches, holding up those who spread His Gospel. His face is as bright as the sun, his hair white, his eyes like flames of fire. His voice thunders out words which, like a two-edged sword, cut through doubt and defence. No wonder John fainted dead at His feet! But Jesus pulled him up, reassuring him: "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave." Magnificent!

Jesus knows His churches intimately and has a specific message for each of them. He lovingly but firmly appraises, encourages and admonishes them - the church that has lost its first love, the church that will be persecuted, the church that harbours godless people, the corrupt church, the dead church, the small but faithful church and the self-satisfied spiritless church. 'Be faithful to the end' He pleads,'so that we can enjoy eternity together.'

Then we go into the very throne room of Heaven, where twenty-four elders worship Jesus at the Father's right hand saying "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honour and power. For you created everything for your pleasure." Jesus has a scroll given to Him which only He can open. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, the Lamb that had been killed, with seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God that are sent out into every part of the earth. The Lamb was killed, and His blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. The whole of Heaven worships and praises the Father, and the Son in His role as sacrificial Lamb - 'Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.'

The Lamb breaks all the scroll's seven seals one by one. When He breaks the first one, a white horse appears. Its rider is Jesus as King, carrying a bow. He rides out as a victorious Conqueror. When the Lamb breaks the third seal, a black horse appears, with Jesus riding it as Judge. When the Lamb breaks the fifth seal, all the Christian martyrs cry out for justice - why was it taking so long? When the Lamb breaks the sixth seal, there is an enormous earthquake. People are absolutely terrified and know that the Lamb is furious with them. They will do anything to get away from Him. Being buried underneath piles of rocks is better than facing Him.

Clearly many of these scenes are for the future. Will we overlook the meek Lamb of God, and what He has done for us? - at our peril.

Sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John

Rev.1.1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Rev.1.2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Rev.1.4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
Rev.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,

Behold, he cometh with clouds

Rev.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.
Rev.1.7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Rev.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.
Rev.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.

I am Alpha and Omega

Rev.1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Rev.1.11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev.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.
Rev.1.14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Rev.1.15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

I am alive for evermore, Amen

Rev.1.16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Rev.1.17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev.1.18 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.
Rev.1.20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

I know thy works, and thy labour

Rev.2.1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Rev.2.2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Rev.2.3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Rev.2.4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes

Rev.2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Rev.2.6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
Rev.2.7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison

Rev.2.8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Rev.2.9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Rev.2.10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Rev.2.12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Rev.2.13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

A stumblingblock before the children of Israel

Rev.2.14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Rev.2.15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Rev.2.16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev.2.17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel

Rev.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;
Rev.2.19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Rev.2.20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev.2.21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev.2.22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Have not known the depths of Satan

Rev.2.23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Rev.2.24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Rev.2.25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Rev.2.26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev.2.27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev.2.28 And I will give him the morning star.

And the seven stars

Rev.3.1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Rev.3.2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

He shall be clothed in white raiment

Rev.3.3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Rev.3.5 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.

He that hath the key of David

Rev.3.7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Rev.3.8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Rev.3.9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven

Rev.3.10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Rev.3.11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Rev.3.12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

I stand at the door, and knock

Rev.3.14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev.3.15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev.3.16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev.3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Rev.3.18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev.3.19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev.3.20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev.3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

The Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book

Rev.4.11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Rev.5.5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Rev.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.
Rev.5.7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb

Rev.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.

Rev.5.9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev.5.10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Rev.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.

Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power

Rev.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.
Rev.5.14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Come and see

Rev.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.
Rev.6.2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Rev.6.3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev.6.5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

Them that were slain for the word of God

Rev.6.7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Rev.6.9 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:

Rev.6.10 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?
Rev.6.12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Rev.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:
Rev.6.17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?