As we begin this journey through the book of Revelation I have been impressed to quote from the book of Psalms.
“The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works. The Lord upholds all that fall, and raises up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon you; and you give them their meat in due season. You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him:” Psalm 145:8-20.
The word Revelation is from the Greek noun Apocalypse meaning a prophecy, disclosure, or remarkable revelation. It is also the title given to the last book of the New Testament written by the Apostle John, during his exile on the Island of Patmos, AD 96.
In the very first verse of chapter 1, we read: “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 1:1.
Revelation, more than any other book of the Bible, with its mysterious hidden and enigmatic, prophetic, end-time symbolisms, has remained the most dramatic and classic work of the last two millenniums. At the close of the last millennium, Dec 31, 1999, millions of frightened people all around the world waited with bated breath for the worst financial and technological disaster, they were told was going to come…worse than 1929. I personally had not believed the hype but was still surprised that nothing happened. But I was even more surprised that no apologies or explanations were forthcoming. There was just a dead silence. I realized more than ever how easy it is to deceive whole nations via the media.
And so, when the clock finally struck the midnight hour, ushering in the year 2000, the silence was deafening, except in certain parts of Europe, like Paris, where the free spirited French were celebrating like crazy. Evidently they had not been brainwashed. At the time I wondered if that was sort of the way William Miller and his followers felt when nothing happened in 1844.
Hundreds of thousands of sincere Christians truly believed that the end of the millennium, would usher in the last judgment, an apocalyptic end-of the world scenario.
Since nothing happened and the world is still going now, eight years after that last failed prophecy, we need to take a long second look at these mind boggling prophecies John wrote. I believe that we are going to need to “think outside” the proverbial theological box by considering other possible interpretations and sources.
For example, the traditional interpretation of this introductory verse to John’s visions of the future has been that these prophecies would come to pass in a “short time.” Yet the 7 last plagues have not been poured out nor has Jesus returned. But the verse reads that these prophecies will “shortly come to pass.”
Pure logic tells us that 2,000 years is definitely not a “short” period of time. In fact, John uses this same Greek word “shortly” again, a second time, for emphasis, at the close of his book which is simply “En Tachos,” in the Greek. “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly be done.” Rev 22:6.
This is one of the verses we need to re-study to discover its true meaning. I think you are going to be surprised and I hope excited to see that there is a true meaning and the book of Revelation really is going to come to pass in our day.
Let us look at the Greek word Tachos which means: “A brief space (of time) i.e. (With 1722 pref.) In haste: + quickly, + shortly, + speedily.” Strong’s 5034. 5033 and 5035 include “as soon as possible, with all speed, without delay, soon, suddenly, readily.”
There are some theologians known as “Futurists” who see the prophecies of the Bible as still future. They consider the terms “shortly” and “near” as meaning just what I have stated above, that the word “shortly” means “quickly” or “suddenly,” i.e. that the events foretold will happen with rapidity in their fulfillment, which they believe meant 2,000+ years into the future. Walvoord, Ryrie and Lange are three of the more well known writers who have taken this position. The theme repeated throughout the Apocalypse is stated in 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.” The NAS puts it in the present tense: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds…” To John everything he was shown was happening at that very moment, even though he had been told it was still future. Remember that the Hebrew prophets never wrote with reference to time because the Hebrew God, Yahweh, dwells in the ever present now. He is the eternal I am, who is above and beyond all time. What are the “clouds?” The word clouds in the Scriptures refers to literal clouds which we see floating in the atmospheric heavens as well as to actual beings. Paul uses the expression, “We are also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses…” Heb 12:1. Acts 1:9-11 speaks of a “cloud” which “received Him (Jesus) out of their sight.” Then two beings in white apparel spoke to the disciples predicting that Jesus would return in the same manner that He had gone away. “As He passed upward, the awe stricken disciples looked with staring in eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord. A cloud of glory hid Him from their sight; and the words came back to them as the cloudy chariot of angels received Him, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ At the same time there floated down to them the sweetest and most joyous music from the angel choir.” Desire of Ages, 831.
But Rev 1:7 has a deeper meaning and significance because it is very specific about who is going to see Him coming in the clouds of glory. “Behold (or look and gaze) He (Jesus) comes 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.”
Dan 12:2 gives us some insight and clues about the significance of the words “They also which pierced Him,” means. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” The following comment on this verse will expand our understanding. “All who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His law. ‘They also which pierced Him’ (Rev 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.” Great Controversy, pg 637, 638.
In vs 9 John reveals Himself as a “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.” So, John was sent to this penal colony because of the persecution which had already begun coming into the church as he revealed in his Third Epistle. First of all John thanks Gaius for helping the traveling missionaries who pass through their area and of his efforts to continue this good work but he notes one man’s opposition to his influence to raise funds for these missionaries. “I sent a brief letter to the church about this, but proud diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward as the leader of the Christians there, does not admit my authority over him and refuses to listen to me. When I come I will tell you some of the things he is doing and what wicked things he is saying about me and what insulting language he is using. He not only refuses to welcome the missionary travelers himself, but tells other not to, and when they do he tries to put them out of the church.” Vs 9,10. LB. So, here we have a hint of the beginning of a split in the church over authority and an evil spirit of criticism and rebellion against John the Beloved, an inner circle disciple of Christ Himself.
Vs 10. The Lord’s day. This expression has been the subject of many articles and books. What did John mean by “the Lord’s day?” Was he referring to what many believe was the new day of worship, Sunday, in honor of Christ’s resurrection on the first day of the week? Or was He referring to the traditional 7th day Sabbath, Saturday? Or was he just talking about an era of time. Because there is no textual support of a change of the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday the idea that the “Lord’s day” John is referring to was Sunday has no standing or basis in fact. Even the Catholic Church admits that Christ did not change the day of worship to Sunday but that Constantine and the church fathers at the council of Nicea, 325 AD made the change by the “divine authority” God gave to them at that time. So, then was this “Lord’s day” simply an expression John used to indicate that finally our Lord was having His day in court and this was His day or time to be vindicated, i.e. “The Lord’s day,” or the “Day of the Lord.” For those who wish to hold to this interpretation, I have no desire to argue with them because certainly the book of Revelation does indeed vindicate our Lord’s character and gives Him His day in court. And so I do agree with that. But I think we are missing the simplicity of John’s expression in simply noting, as in a diary, the time that he had this vision. It was on the 7th day Sabbath in the year 96 AD when the Lord gave him this vision.
Now from vs 11 to 18 we note the names of the churches John is instructed to send this book to in Asia Minor. And then John gives this most wonderful description of the person who was speaking to him who looked to him like the “Son of man.” Then in vs 18 we realize it actually is Jesus when He says: “I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
The importance of this description of our Lord is extremely important and relevant in identifying the angel who appeared to Daniel 600 years earlier. Daniel 10:5-9 gives a description of the angel Gabrielle which is almost an identical description of Christ among the candlesticks. More will be said about this striking similarity between Michael (Jesus) and Gabrielle. But for now it helps us to realize that the two angels whom Daniel wrote about are the same two angels who gave John the visions in his day.
The Seven Churches: In the very first three chapters of Revelation, John introduces seven churches. There were many churches in Asia at the time he wrote, but the Lord picked these particular seven for a reason.
Is it possible that they represent seven stages during which God has guided His people through the roller coaster ride of life in every age, but especially in these last days? I believe it is.
Jesus said that He would never leave us or forsake us, Matt 28:19, 20. Those who have experienced His Presence in every age know the certainty of this promise. From the excitement of the highs to the depression of the lows He has always been with us, as He still is today. And after many more joys and sorrows during the coming Time of Trouble, the church is going to finally arrive through these various stages of crises to a glorious new future. This is the Lord’s chosen path for His people, the way to perfection which prepares them to enter the New Jerusalem.
So, instead of consulting our fearful hearts with its unfounded trepidation, let us look for the hope and salvation Christ has promised to all who believe and trust in His promises of deliverance. And let us realize our Lord’s original intention in giving John these visions of the future.
John’s prophecies have enlightened and encouraged God’s people all down through the ages as each generation has tried to understand their meanings. And so this mysterious book has been a blessing for 2,000 years to millions of people, even though the final and ultimate fulfillment of these visions are yet to come, as we shall see.
They will be fulfilled in the last two 1260 day periods (3 1/2 years each) which will be seven years in all. The first 3 1/2 will be the Little Time of Trouble and the second 3 1/2 years will be the Big Time of Trouble.
In each chapter of this book Jesus revealed to John the crisis that God’s people would be facing during this final seven year period, and then the miraculous way they would be delivered. We see this in chapters 6 and 7 as well as chapters 11 and 12, 13 and 14 and so on. The final and ultimate victory is shown in chapters 21 and 22.
Beloved, is it possible that John’s Apocalyptic visions are in reality a revelation of the glorious future God has for all creation? Rom 8:19-22. I believe it is. Yet, the misinterpretation of this same book has been the reason for so much fear and foreboding instead of the source for a hopeful anticipation of how great the victory our wonderful God has planned and intended for His people from the beginning. The word “Revelation” means an uncovering of something that has been heretofore hidden.
Now, let’s look at the last 13 words of v 1. “And He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.” The relative pronoun “He” is referring to Jesus. The first ten words of v 1 tells us that “God” gave this Revelation or Unveiling to Jesus Christ.
By the noun “God” most people realize John is referring to the Father. The original Hebrew word for God is “Elohim,” which has three distinct characteristics. 1. It is plural. 2. It is masculine. 3. It is feminine. Actually, every language has these characteristics of masculine, feminine and plural.
For example, in English we have he, she, him and her as well as the neuter. So, we would expect the same would be true in the Hebrew Language with God (Elohim) or in the Greek language with God (Theos).
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:1. Vs 1 identifies the “Word” or “Logos” as Jesus Christ. “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” We all know John is referring to Jesus Christ, therefore, no further comment is necessary. More will be said about the plural and feminine aspects of God later on.
Another point that needs to be understood is the phrase “His Angel.” Who is this “angel” that John says Jesus sent to Him to “signify” the visions of this Apocalyptic Revelation of the last days, even the last seven years?
And what does the word “signify” mean to us today? Webster’s dictionary defines it as: “Signify: 1. to make known by signs, speech, or action. 2. to be a sign of; mean; portend (as in predicting the future). 3. to be of importance or consequence.”
The Greek word John used here in Rev 1:1, which has been translated into English as “signified” is “semaino.” Strong’s 4591 does not give any other definition but “signify.”
Fortunately, he shows that the word “signified” is used one other time in Acts 11:28. In that case “semaino” clearly means “to reveal, predict or foretell,” which is how most modern versions of the Bible translate “semaino,” in Rev 1:1, because that is what the book of Revelation is all about… “Predictions of future events.”
In other places in the NT the words “signified” “signify” or “signifying” are from different Greek words meaning to “manifest,” or “to tell or declare thoroughly and reveal,” as in Rev 15:4 when John says “All thy judgments are made manifest.” It is clear here that John is telling us that all the nations are worshiping the Lord because all His “decisions have been clearly revealed.” The reason I went into so much detail on this one word “signified” is because when we read the Bible we tend to often skip over the deeper meanings the Lord has for us.
Many times in the 1611 version, the words that were used at that time have a different meaning today, as in this case. But I was impressed that the reason the Holy Spirit inspired John to use or employ the Greek word “semaino” is because that particular word means more than just an “explanation” or “communication,” per se. It indicates that this angel was making predictions of future events which would take place in the earth. And these events would 1. Happen in a short span of time (7 years). 2. Would affect every human being on planet earth. 3. Only God’s Elect people would survive through this 7 year period, especially the last 3 1/2 when the 7 last plagues are poured out. We will begin studying this more in Rev 3 and again in Rev 11 and 12. I think you are going to be very encouraged when you find out what a glorious deliverance Jesus has planned for us.
Since 1976 the main theme of my ministry has been the “Love of God,” which I believe is the final message to go to the world. Most people have not experienced the wonderful Lord David is describing in the Psalms I quoted at the beginning of this writing.
Hopefully, when you finish reading this Commentary on Revelation, you will believe everything the Psalmist has declared about God to be true. The prophet Amos wrote: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He reveals His secret unto His servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7.
Notice the word secret is in the singular. What secret is it God wants to reveal to us? In Strong’s 6383 Paliy (paw-lee) is the Hebrew word for “secret.” It means “Wonderful or remarkable.” “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1.
What is the “secret” place of the Most High? In one simple word, beloved , it is His heart.
Why do I say that? Because that is what the Word of God tells us. Notice: “For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord, and has perceived and heard His word? Behold a whirlwind of the Lord has gone forth in fury—- A violent whirlwind! It will fall violently on the head of the wicked. The anger (wrath) of the Lord will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly.” Jere. 23:18-20. NKJV.
The RSV substitutes the noun “mind” for “heart,” as do some other translations. This is most unfortunate because we miss the true meaning of what the Lord intended for us to understand about our Wonderful Heavenly Father. And there are also other passages in which the Holy Spirit is trying to reveal the very heart of God. But we have not comprehended it.
That is why so many people, even Christians, do not think of God as having feelings like we do, even though Gen 1 tells us that we are made in His very image. Gen 6:6 tells us that God was “Grieved in His heart,” about the great evil and wickedness that was taking place in the earth, which caused God’s Spirit to be withdrawn.
The result was the Flood of Noah which destroyed all the then known world. God’s heart was terribly grieved over this catastrophe. But most Christians believe that God sent or caused the flood to punish those wicked Antediluvians, but that is not true. He allowed it but did not cause it. I went into great detail in my book, “INTO THE FATHER’S HEART,” to explain the real cause of the flood.
In Phil 2:5 Paul counsels us to have the “mind” of Christ. The purpose would be so we would learn to think like He thinks. But it includes much more than that. Here again the original Greek will help us know what Paul is trying to tell us.
The Greek word “mind” is translated from is “phroneo,” which means “to entertain or have a sentiment or opinion.” It is from 5413, “Phrao,” which means “the midrif” (as a partition of the body), i.e. (Gig. And by impl. Of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature). In Spanish the word used for mind is “sentido,” which has to do with our feelings and emotions.
Actually, the Spanish is more correct than the English because they are more in touch with their feelings and emotions than English speaking people who seem to be more left brain motivated.
It is my hope and prayer that this commentary on Revelation will reveal the true heart and mind of God. The last point I wish to make on Rev 1:1 is to go back to my question regarding the identity of the angel Jesus sent to help John write out these apocalyptic predictions which will guide us through the perilous last seven years of this age. Can we identify this angel? “And He sent and signified it by his angel unto His servant John.” There are only two good or holy angels who are named that God has used throughout the Great Controversy. They are Michael and Gabriel. We believe that Jesus is Michael, which means, one who is like God. Here is a study I did some time back which I will share here now with you.
WHO IS MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL?
Michael the Archangel has been a topic of interest for centuries, perhaps inspiring a recent movie by that very title, “MICHAEL,” starring famous actor, John Travolta.
In this Hollywood production Michael was a grungy looking, cigarette smoking bum who shacked up with whoever crossed his path. Yet, somehow, he had a good heart even though his feathers were falling out. There was some “socially redeeming value” at the end of the film, which Hollywood often uses to cover over and justify less than kosher scenes be they sex or violence or some other unsavory example the public might frown upon. At any rate, this is certainly not the Michael we think of as pictured in the Bible where Michael and His angels fight against Satan, the dragon, and prevail. Rev. 12:7. Only Jesus can prevail.
However, even the most devout believer in the Bible seems to have a less than accurate picture of who Michael the Archangel really is. Let’s see if we can take Hollywood’s distortion and even the church’s popular theological interpretations we have heard and set them aside for a moment as we look into the Holy Bible itself for the answer as to who Michael the Arch Angel really is. The name Michael is mentioned only 15 times in the entire Bible. Only two times in the New Testament and 13 times in the old. The name actually means, ONE WHO IS LIKE GOD OR WHO IS WHAT GOD IS. This is a first indication that Michael is not just any ordinary person or even an angel. He is one who is like God or is in essence and reality what God is. Only the Creator could be in charge of His angels.
Let’s look first at Jude 9. Here we see that Michael is identified as the first angel or arch angel which means He was the leader or head of the angels. Gabriel is never called an arch angel. And in Jude 9 he has the authority to tell Satan that the Creator is rebuking him for trying to interfere with His plan to raise Moses from the grave…for the issue they are disputing about is the body of Moses. One insightful writer suggested that Satan was arguing that Michael could not raise Moses from the grave because Moses had sinned by striking the rock twice instead of just speaking to it. Now, who alone has the power to raise the dead? Only Jesus Christ. He did it when He was on earth and He will do it again when He comes as we read in I Thess. 4:15, 16. “For the Lord Himself (Jesus) will descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
Now, please notice that the title “Lord” and “voice of the archangel” are talking about the same person. Let me prove to you that it is the “voice” of Jesus Christ that raises the dead and no other. “Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in Himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of man.” John 5:25, 26. Finally, look at Daniel 12:1 where we find that Michael is the “great Prince who has charge of your people.” We know that Jesus is also called the Prince of Life. The word Prince is translated from the Hebrew word, “Archegos” which actually means “A chief leader, author, captain or prince.” So, in Acts 3:15 when we read the words, “But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murder to be granted to you, and killed the Prince (author) of life.” In Joshua 5:14 we find that the God of the Old Testament appears to Joshua and identifies Himself as the Captain of the Host of the Lord or “Commander of the army of the Lord.” Look also at Psalm 24:10 and you will find that “King of Glory,” is the same as the “LORD OF HOSTS,” which, of course, is Jesus, who is also the same exact being as Michael, the Arch Angel. The name Jesus also means Saviour, Matt. 1:21, and the Michael who stands up to save His people in Dan. 12:1 is also a Saviour. Only Jesus can save. May the Lord bless you as you continue to study on this important subject. Pastor Mike Clute
Now to Rev 1:3. “Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
Here the Lord tells us that anyone who reads and hears these predictions will be blessed. The Greek word for “hear” is “akono” which meant to “understand” or to “know.” In 3 John 4 the same word is used: “I have no greater joy than to hear (know or understand) that my children walk in truth.” In Acts 9:7 the same word is used: “And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.” Later on in his life Paul related the story again only this time he said the men who were with him “heard” the voice but did not understand what was being said to Paul, probably because Jesus spoke to Him in Hebrew, Acts 26:14. “but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me.” Acts 22:9. This is still the same Greek word and here the Greek word “akono,” means “did not understand.” So, here again the old English of the 16th century KJV has changed so that “heard” in 1611 meant “to understand” as well as to just literally hear something. Today we would say, “I didn’t understand what he was saying.” We might even admit that we heard some words coming out of the person’s mouth but the meaning of those words were not understood. When the voice spoke from heaven, saying: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:28, the people that were standing there heard the voice but had two different interpretations of it. Some said that they heard “thunder” while others claimed that “an angel spoke to Him.” Who was this voice? Was it the Father? I just discovered this text recently: “And the Father Himself, which has sent me, has borne witness of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape.” John 5:37. If this voice was not the Father then it had to be the Mother, who is the only other person who could claim Jesus as Her Son. In the book of Thomas Jesus spoke about His Mother being the One who taught Him the truth. “Oh, that you were as my brother, who nursed at the breast of my mother!” Song of Solomon 8:1. MLV.
Now, let’s apply this understanding of the word “hear” in Rev 1:3. “Blessed is he that reads and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” Many people read the Bible privately or hear it read in church but receive no benefit from it because either 1. They do not pay attention 2. Or they do not wish to understand the meaning of the Scriptures and apply it to their lives. So, in order to be blessed a person has to pay close attention to what is being read and then pray for wisdom to understand and to “keep” or heed and obey the words they have heard. One commentary has this comment: “The blessing that attended the reading of the Revelation in the ‘seven churches’ of the Roman province of Asia belongs to all Christians who read the book of Revelation desiring a more perfect understanding of the truths therein recorded.” SDA BC 730. My final point here is that unless we understand the real truth about these prophecies of predicted future events, and how to properly relate to them, we will not be blessed. V 4. “From Him which is, and which was, and which is to come.”
The seven spirits who are before His throne. This indicates the Divine number of perfection of His sovereignty throughout the universe. V 5. Jesus Christ (the saving anointed one) made a faithful witness by willingly and obediently laying down his life as a sacrifice for all mankind. This was done not to pay a debt but to demonstrate the love of God. Paul says that the enmity was in our minds. Col 1:21. We thought God was angry at us…that we were in debt to Him, the same as the returned prodigal son thought his father would require him to work as a hired servant to pay him back for the fortune he had wasted in the far country. But he found out there was no debt to pay. Because of His sacrifice he has received the highest honor. “He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given him a name which is above every name.” Phil 2:8, 9. See also Acts 4:12. Because of this He has been made the “Prince of the kings of the earth.” He is the true ruler of this earth, event though Satan claims to be the ruler of this earth, by default of the human race’s ignorance of who the true God is. By shedding His blood on the cross, Satan exposed himself for who he really was, a liar and a murderer and fell from heaven. “With joy the seventy returned and said, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. See, I have given you the authority to step on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will at all hurt you. However, do not rejoice because the spirits submit to you, but rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20.
From the first two chapters of the book of Job we can see that Satan has been accusing us “day and night” before God’s throne, Rev 12:10. But that God’s people have overcome “him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;” v. 11. The shed blood of Jesus is not some kind of magic formula, as some seem to believe. Instead it is proof that He is “Holy, harmless and undefiled.” Heb 7:26. The same heavenly council who saw Job vindicate God by not blaming him for his trials and afflictions are watching us day by day to see if we are going to give the same kind of testimony in our lives as Job did in His day. And as Joseph and Daniel did in their day. Satan claimed that if God would remove His hedge of protection and allow all of Job’s possessions to be destroyed that Job would “curse thee to thy face.” Job 1:10-12.
“Servants, you must respect your masters and do whatever they tell you–not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are tough and cruel. Praise the Lord if you are punished for doing right! Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong; but if you do right and suffer for it, and are patient beneath the blows, God is well pleased. This suffering is all part of the work God has given you. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps; He never sinned, never told a lie, never answered back when insulted; when he suffered he did not threaten to get even; he left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly.” I Pet 2:18-23. LB. See also I Tim 6:13.
Let’s analyze the importance of Christ’s demonstration or His revelation of the love of God on the cross a little more, because this is not very well understood in most theological circles today. In John 12 we see some Greeks who desired an interview with Jesus and the Saviour’s response is based on His ability to see into the very near future when He is going to die a horrible death on the cross. But instead of giving into sorrow and self-pity He sees the glorious victory that will result from this sacrifice and compares His coming death to a grain of wheat which must die in order to produce a rich harvest. Then He speaks to His followers who were no doubt coming in from all directions, hanging on every syllable and word that fell from His lips. “Any one who loves his life will lose it. But any one who hates His life in this world will keep it to life eternal, — Whoever has no love for, no concern for, no regard for his life here on this earth, but despises it, preserves his life forever and ever.” Vs. 25. Then in vs. 27 Jesus says “My soul is troubled and distressed,” and He pleads for the Father to save Him from that “hour of trial and agony. But it was for this very purpose that I have come to this hour [that I might undergo it].” Then in response to Jesus’ request for the Father’s Name (character) to be glorified a voice speaks from heaven saying, “I have already glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” Vs. 28. Once again, this is not the Father, but the Mother, El Shaddai, speaking. The crowd of bystanders had two different reactions to this voice. Some said that it thundered and others were sure that an angel had spoken. What ever their view and attitude toward God determined how they perceived this voice. Next we come to the verses in which Jesus again describes Satan’s fall to disgrace. “Jesus answered, This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sake. Now the judgment (crisis) of this world is [coming on]–sentence is now being passed on this world. Now the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world shall be cast out–expelled. And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jew] to Myself.” John 12:31. Notice that the “ruler of this world” is Satan, but only by default due to the people’s ignorance as to who their true Father really is, that is His true identity and real character. But when Jesus was unjustly put on trial and cruelly crucified, the holy angels, as well as all the unfallen worlds got their eyes opened as to the true character of Satan. This is how graphic of a demonstration had to be made in order to reveal the Father’s true character. And in the process, it also revealed Satan’s character because his false mask of holiness was ripped off in front of the entire universe. Here is one of the best statements ever made to explain what was accomplished by the death of Christ.
“Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. The arch-apostate had so clothed himself with deception that even holy beings had not understood his principles. They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion. It was a being of wonderful power and glory that had set himself against God…Lucifer had been the covering cherub. He had stood in the light of God’s presence. He had been the highest of all created beings, and had been foremost in revealing God’s purposes to the universe. After he had sinned, his power to deceive was the more deceptive, and the unveiling of his character was the more difficult, because of the exalted position he had held with the Father. DA 758. Can you imagine how deceptive Satan is if he could pull the wool over the eyes of the holy angels for over 4,000 years?!
EGW penned these words during the years she lived in Australia, 1891 to 1898. I believe this is the best and most important book she wrote for our day. All of her writings are important but this is the best and the most important because it deals with the character of God. Those who want to accuse her of being a plagiarist are not doing the work of the Lord. No one has ever written about God’s character of love as she did. She revealed that God does not use force. Whoever stated that in the past? Her understanding of God’s character was progressive as “Desire of Ages” reveals. On page 759 she reveals that if God had desired to destroy Lucifer this could have been done “as easily as one can cast a pebble to the earth; but He did not do this.” And why not? As we shall see, it is because this is not according to His true character of love.
“Rebellion was not to be overcome by force. Compelling power is found only under Satan’s government. The Lord’s principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God’s government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power.” DA 759.
Now, beloved, this is so very important to understand because it shows very, very clearly that the SOP teaches that God does not destroy. In fact, He has never destroyed any human being or evil angel. He is a life God, not a death God. Those people who wish to try and use the SOP to prove that God destroys are perverting the truth.
Let me analyze with you the above statement because it is easy to just read it and not catch the deeper implications. For example. “Rebellion was not to be overcome by force. Compelling power is found only under Satan’s government. The Lord’s principles are not of this order.” Now, here is a clear and categorical statement of fact which tells us that God did not use force against Lucifer and his angels. This means that Lucifer was not kicked out of heaven but that he left of his own free will. Jude 9 proves this. “The angels which left(abandoned) their first estate.”
Last night as I continued to make my comments on the first few verses of chapter 1 the Lord brought to my attention this phrase in v 1 which I had not noticed before. “And He sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” What I had not noticed was the phrase: “by His angel.” Who was this angel? There are millions of angels but this one is very special because Christ calls it “My Angel.” Throughout the Old Testament the phrase, “The angel of the Lord,” is used many times. In Exodus 23:23 and Ex 32:34 “My or Mine Angel” is used the same as here in Rev 1:1. So, we must be talking about the same angel. In order to explain this I am going to quote from what I have already written on this topic. From IFH 337, 338.
“Now, let’s go back to Jesus’ praying in the garden, where he sweats blood, which we will deal with later. Our Lord is praying that the cup of death be removed from Him. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me–but it is not my will, but yours, that must be done.” Luke 22:42. The Amplified reads: “Not My will, but (always) Yours, be done.” The footnote states the Greek is in the “present imperative.” Peterson’s “Message” in contemporary language reads: “Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?” At this point I can almost hear the Father saying in Jesus’ mind, “The demonstration is not over…it must go on my beloved Son…I am so sorry.” Surely the Father must have been weeping. And then something happened that we have not fully understood which we must examine here more fully because it will open the door to a much greater revelation of Jesus’ sufferings and what was going on behind the scenes, in another dimension we cannot see. As we know, angels are always with us but we cannot see them but now an angel appears which the disciples can see. “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven strengthening Him.” Who is this “angel?” Remember there are only two angels in the Bible who are named. Michael and Gabriel. Lucifer is only mentioned by name one time in the whole Bible but is not called an angel. Rev 12 refers to a “Dragon” who fights with his angels against Michael and his angels. We call this the “Great Controversy. Ellen G. White has gone into more detail about this ongoing battle between good and evil then any other writer in history. Some writers teach that this dragon is a symbol of Satan. EGW categorically identifies Satan as the fallen angel Lucifer and goes into great detail about how he fell and all of his diabolical plans and plots to oppose the work of God in the earth. Does she identify Gabrielle as a female angel? Not directly but listen to this quote: “When the fast westering sun should pass from sight in the heavens, Jerusalem’s day of grace would be ended. While the procession was halting on the brow of Olivet, it was not yet too late for Jerusalem to repent. The angel of mercy was then folding her wings to step down from the golden throne to give place to justice and swift-coming judgment.” DA 578.
And remember that it was Gabriel who worked with Michael in the book of Daniel and who was sent to announce both the birth of the John the Baptist and the Messiah to Zechariah and Mary. So, here we are at the most crucial and critical moment in the history of this planet. So, what angel would the Father send to help His beloved only Son make it through this crisis? Gabriel, of course. The “Message” reads “No one helps me in my fight against these beings except Michael, your angel-prince.” The NAS, considered by many scholars to be the most accurate translation says: “Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.” Dan 10:21. But who is this Gabriel? In order to answer that let’s go to the Scripture that will begin to unlock the mystery surrounding this mighty angel.
“But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” Dan. 10:21. There are two points from this text which are extremely important: 1. This mighty angel is telling Daniel that the only being high enough in rank to help me is Michael. The reason for that is Michael and Gabriel are both Archangels. There is no other angel equal in rank to them. They are the highest and most powerful. This means that in power and position or rank Gabriel and Michael are equal. If Michael is Jesus Christ, in his pre-existent state then what does that tell you about Gabriel? It means that they are both deity. Compare the parallel description Daniel gives of Gabrielle in Dan 10:5, 6 with John’s description of Jesus among the candlesticks in Rev 1:13-16 and you will see they are almost identical, like twins. In Dan 10 the colors are feminine colors.” IFH 336, 337.
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Subj: Feminine gender in Bible and colors
Date: 3/4/2007 2:24:53 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: MCLUTE777
Books Web Results 1 – 10 of about 20,900 for proof that mercy was in the feminine gender in Hebrew and rainbow was feminine. (0.18 seconds)
Bibliography on Women and Religion 13
[DIVINE FEMININE; GENDER & SEXUALITY; PROTESTANTISM: RADICAL & SECTARIAN] … in Scripture: A Dictionary of Named and Unnamed Women in the Hebrew Bible, …
www.nd.edu/~archives/LAU013.HTM
Ingrid Daemmrich – Paradise and Storytelling: Interconnecting …
The feminine allure is doubled by its manifestation in both the pastoral … Concentrating on the s (sod in Hebrew), she interprets its mystery that in …
muse.jhu.edu/journals/narrative/v011/11.2daemmrich.html
Paradise and Storytelling: Interconnecting Gender, Motif, and …File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat– attributes from masculine to feminine. Unlike his literary predecessors, however, the. change is also physical. Gender, sex, and paradise merge in the narrative …
muse.jhu.edu/journals/narrative/v011/11.2daemmrich.pdf
Sophia Links
l6) The author refers explicitly to the feminine Hebrew term to describe the … mercy is also a feminine attribute, and so Muslims are reminded that God …
cosmicwind.net/800/Cmwl/Links/SophiaLinks.html
JSTOR: “Tiqqun ha-Shekhinah”: Redemption and the Overcoming of …
27-46 (Hebrew section). A useful discussion of the problem of good and evil in … The amelioration of feminine judgment by masculine mercy is actualized in …
links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0018-2710(199705)36%3A4%3C289%3A%22HRATO%3E2.0.CO%3B2-N
Genesis/Need Help, please! – BibleForums Christian Message Board …
Here are some examples of words that have feminine gender: … I really need you now~I felt your mercy bringing truth to my soul, now I know Letting go, …
bibleforums.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3514
[PDF]
ABSTRACT Title of Dissertation: CHASING THE RAINBOW: GENDER …
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat
extravagance to really celebrate the gifts of forgiveness and mercy that God longs … one of the things that have feminine gender; there are many others, …
https://drum.umd.edu/dspace/bitstream/1903/2373/1/umi-umd-2232.pdf
[PDF] Claiming Jesus as Savior in a Religiously Plural World
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat – View as HTML
Given the feminine gender of Wisdom and thus its deconstruction … In one Jew, a Galilean carpenter, the rainbow end becomes an intersection, a cruciform …
www.luthersem.edu/ctrf/JCTR/Vol08/Fackre.pdf
Kabbalah, Shekinah, Messiah
The Hebrew word used to denominate God in Genesis is Elohim. This word is a plural formed from the feminine singular ALH (Eloh) by adding IM to it. …
www.dhushara.com/book/torah/shekmes.htm
Filename: RC4008.TXT [PAGE 111] ROSICRUCIAN CHRISTIANITY BIBLE …
The feminine plural is “oth”,” so if the intention had been to indicate a number of Gods of the feminine gender, the correct word to use would have been …
www.skepticfiles.org/cp002/rc4008.htm
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Before we go to the second point let me explain something that most people don’t know about Gabriel. Gabriel is actually Gabrielle. When you go to Strong’s 1403 & 1404 you will see the name Gabriel also has a feminine form as we note in Strong’s, starting at 1397. And then 1376, 1377 which means lady, mistress, queen. One researcher wrote me saying: “THE ROOT FROM #1397 IS #1403 AND #1404 AND #1376 WHICH LEADS YOU RIGHT BACK TO #1397. A RULE OF HEBREW IS TO TAKE ALL THE ROOT WORDS IN FOCUS OR ELSE YOU WILL MISS THE WHOLE MEANING OF THE WORD. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT GABRIEL IS (feminine) WOMAN NOT A (masculine) MAN. SHE IS OF AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF HER FATHER, JUST LIKE Y’HOSHUA IS OF AUTHORITY FROM THE FATHER WHO IS G-D THE FATHER BLESSED BE HIS NAME. BARUK HASHEM!”
Now, point #2 is from the word “holdeth.” Strong’s 2388 refers you to #8628 which defines the Hebrew word “taqa” whose prim. root means to clatter, i.e. slap (the hands together),…by impl. to become bondsman by hand clasping (i.e. a hand shake or agreement), also “suretiship.” So, Gabrielle is explaining to Daniel that no one else in all the universe had entered into an agreement or bondsman ship as she and Michael had and were standing alone in fighting against the enemy in order to preserve their Father’s kingdom. This hit me so hard when I first realized what this really meant that I had to stop writing and take a break.
It made me weep when I realized that Michael and Gabrielle were the only ones who understood who Lucifer really was in his true character. The rest of the angelic realm and the unfallen worlds did not see it at that time. And then I realized why Jesus had to come to this earth in a body of flesh to reveal the truth about the Father as well as the real truth about Lucifer. It confirmed this most insightful statement: “Christ did not yield up His life till He had accomplished the work which He came to do, and with His parting breath he exclaimed, ‘IT IS FINISHED.’ John 19:30. The battle had been won….All heaven triumphed in the SAVIOR’s victory. Satan was defeated, and knew that his kingdom was lost. To the angels and the unfallen worlds the cry, ‘It is finished,’ had a deep significance. It was for them as well as for us that the great work of redemption had been accomplished. They with us share the fruits of Christ’s victory. Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds. The archapostate had so clothed himself with deception that even holy beings had not understood his principles. They had not clearly seen the nature of his rebellion.” “Desire of Ages,” pg 758.
So, why was it that no one else in the universe could see the sinful “nature” of Satan’s rebellion? Because the Father was always covering up for Lucifer, always taking the blame for whatever he did. There is not one place in the OT where Satan is charged, blamed or given credit for destroying anyone, even though he was continually doing it, as in the case of Job. The Father always assumed the responsibility. That is why Jesus had to come in a body of flesh to reveal the real truth about the Father. He alone, with Gabrielle, understood who Lucifer really was from the very beginning of the Great Controversy, which is exactly what Jesus revealed to the Jews, explaining clearly that Satan was their Father, and that he was a “liar and a murderer. “You have the devil for your father and you wish to practice the desires (lusts) of your father; he was a murderer from the beginning and he could not stay in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie he talks naturally; for he is a liar and its father;” John 8:44.
“You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother…These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you.” Psalm 50:19-21. Notice “I have been silent.” Who is the only member of the Godhead who has remained silent and not defended Himself? It is the Father. John 5:37.
Now, let us come back to the sufferings of Jesus which begin in the Garden of Gethsemane. Not only is the Father suffering with His only Son but Gabrielle is also suffering. Here is a quote from a letter I received from a Jewish scholar regarding Michael and Gabrielle: “Shalom Mike, I agree that Gabrielle is Y’shua’s bride and sister. That is a common belief among the Jews that Gabrielle is female and Michael is male and are twins. I do believe that the Ruach Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) is female and is the glory of G-d.” You can verify this from Song of Solomon 4:9 and 5:1 where Christ in symbolism refers to his beloved as “my sister, my spouse.” The second way you prove this is to look at the counterfeits in every culture. In Egypt you have Osiris and Isis. Webster’s dictionary defines Isis thusly: “The goddess of fertility, sister and wife of Osiris, usually represented with a cow’s horns surrounding a solar (or lunar) disk.”
In the Babylonian culture you have Tammuz and his twin sister and wife Ishtar. “In Ezekiel’s time the Tammuz cult had found entrance into Judah, and Hebrew women were weeping for that god at the temple gates (Ezek. 8:14);” Bible Dictionary, pg 1064. This cult was carried over into Greece and Rome finding its expression in their culture in the myth of Venus and Adonis.
Next you have Diana, who was the Roman virgin goddess of the moon and of hunting, often depicted with many breasts and sometimes identified with the Greek Artemis who was the twin sister of Apollo. “A goddess worshiped at Ephesus (Acts 19:24, 27, 28, 34, 35), more or less equivalent to Cybele, or to Magna Mater, the Great Mother, one of the many forms of the mother goddess of the Orient.” Bible Dictionary, 77. The point here is that where there are so many counterfeits there has to be a real, a genuine, an original from which these imitations and pretenders sprung. And Michael and Gabrielle are the original. So, that is the daughter. So, who is the Mother God of Israel who “brought them forth?” Song of Solomon 8:5 and Proverbs 8:22-30. Genesis 17:1 identifies her. “The Lord (Yahweh) appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” This is “El Shaddai,” THE ALMIGHTY BREASTED ONE, a very clear reference to a female deity. There is much proof in Bible Commentaries and dictionaries and on the internet for those who wish to do a little research. The Shekinah glory is also a reference used to refer to the feminine face of Yahweh or God. In Proverbs 8 we read: “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth;….When He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not pass His commandment: when He appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him:” Proverbs 8:22-30.
So, now we have three beings who are identified as suffering with Jesus in the final hours of His mission. That makes four in all in the God family. His Father, to whom He is praying that the cup be removed, His sister-spouse, Gabrielle, who appears at His side, obviously she was there all the time throughout His entire life, but made herself known so the disciples could see her and then you have the Holy Spirit, the true Queen of Heaven. Jeremiah 7 and 44 reveal the counterfeit Queen of heaven, whom the apostate Jews worshiped, an obvious counterfeit of El Shaddai. And in the midst of this super natural suffering and agony, Jesus did not know if He would ever see any of His family again or if they were alright. Can you imagine the terrible suffering they were going through, especially Gabrielle? Try and put yourself in their places? How would you feel if it were you own son or brother or husband? He did not even know for sure if He would come up from the grave. If Christ had sinned in any particular, His sacrifice would have been marred or imperfect, and therefore, unacceptable. He would not have been able to come up from the grave on the resurrection morning, for the “wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.
“The SAVIOR trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him. (Isa 63:3) But God (Elohim in the plural, the God family) suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the SAVIOR’s agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host (they could not believe what they were seeing Satan do to Jesus) as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin. The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ’s thrice-repeated prayer. Angels (good) had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God’s presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. (Gabrielle) The angel came not to take the cup from Christ’s hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father’s love.” Desire of Ages 693.
Jesus was assured that His Father was greater and more powerful than Satan and that if He would be willing to go through to the cross and die that His death would result in the total defeat of Satan and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. Daniel 7:13-15. He was reminded of the Isaiah 53:11, which says that He would see the travail of His soul and be satisfied. The same thing had happened just a few weeks earlier on the Mount of Transfiguration when Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus, Matt. 17, Mark 9, Luke 9. “These men, chosen above every angel around the throne, had come to commune with Jesus concerning the scenes of His suffering, and to comfort Him with the assurance of the sympathy of heaven. THE HOPE OF THE WORLD, THE SALVATION OF EVERY HUMAN BEING, WAS THE BURDEN OF THEIR INTERVIEW.” Desire of Ages, pg 425.
And so it was that Jesus was strengthened by Gabrielle to go ahead and let the mob and soldiers arrest Him, put Him on trial and crucify Him. But by doing this He exposed Lucifer for who He really was and opened the way for all mankind to be restored. And that is what the book of Revelation is all about….the final events that will take place just before Christ returns to rescue the first group, the Barley, also known as the Wise and the Man Child. There are 24 titles in all. May the Lord bless as you read this commentary to learn the Father’s plan to guide us through the last seven perilous years of this age into the glorious future of the Sons of God, who are soon to be manifested.
mfc.
INTRODUCTION
FOREWORD
REVELATION 1-3 – Christ’s Seven Messages To His Seven Churches
REVELATION 4 – The Open Door That Leads To God’s Throne
REVELATION 5 – The Sealed Scroll Only Jesus Christ Could Open
REVELATION 6 – The Opening Of The Seals Begin & Four Horses Appear
REVELATION 7 – The Progressive Sealing Of The 144,000 From 12 Tribes
REVELATION 8 – The Beginning Of The First Four Trumpets After 30 Min. Of Silence
REVELATION 9 – 200 Million Righteous Soldiers Come From The Wave Sheaf Of The Dead
REVELATION 10 – The Angel With The Open Book In Its Hand
REVELATION 11 – The Death Of The Two Witnesses Who Preach For 3 1/2 Years
REVELATION 12 – The Birth Of The Man Child Who Is Translated Up To Heaven
REVELATION 13 – The Rise Of The Two Beasts And Their Enforced Bio Chip Mark
REVELATION 14 – The New Song Of The 144,000 And 3 Messages Which Acquit The Father
REVELATION 15-16 – Who Brings The Seven Last Plagues? God’s Wrath Defined And Explained
REVELATION 17 – How The Lamb Overcomes The Ten Wicked Kings Of The Earth
REVELATION 18 – The Fall Of Babylon Caused By The Glory Of The Angel Of Rev 18
REVELATION 19 – The Arranged Marriage And The Suzerain Treaty And The Divine Family
REVELATION 20 – The 1,000 Years Begin: Satan Bound And The Saints Sit On Thrones
REVELATION 21-22 – The Restoration Of All Things Explained In Symbolic Detail