Revelation1AStudyofJohn’sVision

WhileonPatmos:

TheRevelationofJesusChrist

Presentedby:MarkLaRoseDate:09/06/19DraftFile:Rev1

RelationshipwithChrist•  TheMostImportantUnderstandingaboutourSalvation:– WebelieveeternallifeisagiftfromGodinChristJesusandwearejustifiedbyHisgraceandHisfaithwhopaidtheprice;death,forourtransgressions

Romans3:21-26;4:4-5,25;6:23;Ephesians2:4-10;Titus3:4-7(Is53;Eze36:25-27;John3:3-8,16;16:8;Rom5:6-10;8:1-4,14-17;1Cor15:3-4,20-22;2Cor5:14-15,19-21;Gal1:4;3:13-14,26;4:4-7;Phil2:6-11;Col1:13-14;Heb8:7-12;1Pet1:23;2Pet1:3-4;1John2:2;4:10)

•  God“senthisangeltoshowhisservants”thefuture(Rev22:6)“Donotdespiseprophecies.”1Thess5:20–  Purpose:TosharethevitalnecessityofacharactertransformingrelationshipwithChrist,namelytheGospelofHissacrificeforallwhocallHimLordandSavior(Ps1:1-2;Matt20:25-28;Luke19:17-20;John20:21;Rom12:2;2Cor3:17-18;Gal5:22-25;Eph5:19-21;6:12-18;Phil3:7-14;Col2:6;1Thess5:16-23;Heb10:25;2Pet2:9;3:18;1John4:4)9/6/19 2

PrinciplesofBibleStudy•  Paul’scounseltoTimothy:

–  16AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness,17thatthemanofGodmaybecomplete,thoroughlyequippedforeverygoodwork.2Tim3:16-17(Ps119:105;Prov30:5-6;Is8:20;John17:17;1Thess2:13;Heb4:12)

–  forprophecynevercamebythewillofman,butholymenofGodspokeastheyweremovedbytheHolySpirit.2Pet1:21

•  Bibleversions:–  Useversionswiththeclosesttranslationtotheoriginallanguage

•  RecommendcomparingNKJV(usedhere),NASB95,KJV,andESV

–  Concordancesources:www.abibleconcordance.com;www.blueletterbible.org

•  UseofExpositorystudymethods(versusThematicstudy)–  ThismethodexplorestheliteralmeaningofeachwordinScriptureandits

relationshiptootherwordsinitscontext(exegesis)

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PrinciplesofInterpretation•  It’simportanttobeconsistentbyusingthesameprinciples,pattern,and

understandingoftheBookofDanielforthepropheciesinRevelation(Num12:6;2Chron20:20;Joel2:28-29;Amos3:7;Acts2:14-21;Rev.12:17;19:10;22:8-9)

•  Everyworddeservescarefulconsideration

–  “Forpreceptmustbeuponprecept,preceptuponprecept,Lineuponline,lineuponline,Herealittle,therealittle.”Is28:10,13

•  LikeDaniel’svisionsweretoDaniel,RevelationisfuturetoJohn’stime

–  “…Iwillshowyouthingswhichmusttakeplaceafterthis.”Rev4:1–  “…toshowHisservantsthethingswhichmustshortlytakeplace.”Rev22:6

–  “SurelytheLordGoddoesnothing,unlessHerevealsHissecrettoHisservantstheprophets.”Amos3:7(Isaiah42:9;Hosea12:10)

•  TheHistoricistmethodofinterpretationaloneprovidesconsistentmeaningwiththeBiblicalthemefromGenesistoRevelation

•  MuchinRevelationissymbolic;identifiedbasedoncontext

–  LookfordefinitionsandcorrelationselsewherewithinDanielandRevelationfirst,thentheBibleasawhole;theninhistory

–  LikeDaniel2,7,8,9&10-12,theprincipleusedis“repeatandenlarge”9/6/19 4

“Blessedishewhoreadsandthosewhohearthewordsofthisprophecy,andkeepthosethingswhicharewritteninit;forthetimeisnear.”Revelation1:3

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OverviewTheBookofRevelation

TheBookofRevelationsummarizestheother65booksoftheBibleandisthereforeahighlycondensedmasterpiecedescribingGod’splanfrombeforeearth’screationtoafteritisrestoredandGod’suniversalkingdomisrelocatedtotheearth.

Revelationhasendlessdepthandislikewiseenormousinitsscope.–  Revelationhassome505quotationsorallusionsfrom28ofthe39books

oftheOldTestament,appliedsymbolicallyonaworldwidescope.•  Someprophecieshavebothanimmediateandaremotefulfillment(Deut

18:15)•  (ThereisneverasecondlocalapplicationofOTprophecy)

Wewilllikelyspendeternityendeavoringtounderstandthestoryittells;theloveitrepresents.

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Revelation(AD95-96)

•  TheApostleJohnreceivedtheRevelationvisionswhileonPatmos

•  JohnwasexiledinAD95duringthereignofEmperorDomitian.HisexileendedupontheaccessionofEmperorNervainAD96.

•  Jerusalemhadbeendestroyed25yearsearlierinAD70

•  Revelationiswrittenusingchiasticstructures:achiasmisarepetitionofsimilarideasinthereversesequence

•  EventsinRevelationarebuiltbyprogressiverepetitionaddingdetaillikeDaniel2,7,8,9,&11-12

•  Thevisionswerenotgiveninchronologicalorder9/6/19 7

OverviewTheBookofRevelation

Revelation1-14ismirrored…!  Rev1:1-8Introduction!  Rev1:9-3:227Churches!  Rev4:1-8:17Seals!  Rev8:2-11:187Trumpets

!  Rev11:19-14:20CosmicControversy

…byRevelation15-22!  Rev22:8-17Conclusion!  Rev21:9-22:7NewJerusalem!  Rev19:11-21:81,000Years!  Rev15:1-16:217Plagues!  Rev17:1-19:10FallofBabylon

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IntroductionandConclusionTheBookofRevelation

Rev1:1-8ismirrored…A.  “testimonyofJesusChrist”(1:2)

B.  “Blessedishewhoreads…thewords…”(1:3)

C.  “Behold,Heiscoming”(1:7)

D.  “IamtheAlphaandtheOmega”(1:8)

…byRev22:8-21A.  “I,Jesus,havesent…to

testify”(22:16)

B.  “…Blessedishewhokeepsthewords…”(22:7b)

C.  “Iamcomingquickly”(22:12,20)

D.  “IamtheAlphaandtheOmega”(22:13)

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7ChurchesandNewJerusalemTheBookofRevelation

Rev1:9-3:22ismirrored…A.  Christ“…walksinthemidstof

thesevengoldenlamps”(2:1)

B.  “…treeoflife…”(2:7)C.  “…anopendoor…”(3:8)

D.  “…Iamcomingquickly!”(3:11)

E.  “…NewJerusalem,whichcomesdownoutofheaven…”(3:12)

F.  Christ“…satdownwithMyFatheronHisthrone.”(3:21)

…byRev21:9-22:7A.  “…theLambisitslight”(21:23)

B.  “…treeoflife…”(22:2)C.  “Itsgatesshallnotbe

shut…”(21:25)

D.  “…Iamcomingquickly!”(22:7)

E.  “…holyJerusalem,descendingoutofheaven…”(21:10)

F.  “…thethroneofGodandoftheLamb…”(22:1,3)

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7Sealsand1,000YearsTheBookofRevelation

Rev4:1-8:1ismirrored…A.  “…adoorstandingopenin

heaven”(4:1)

B.  “…awhitehorse.”Followedbycoloredhorses(6:2-8)

C.  “…soulsofthosewhohadbeenslain…”askingforjudgment(6:9-10)

D.  “…awhiterobewasgiven”(6:11;7:9-14)

E.  Kings,greatmen,richmen,commanders,“themightymen”askedtobekilled(6:15-16)

…byRev19:11-21:8A.  “…Isawheavenopened”(19:11)

B.  “…awhitehorse.”Armiesfollowedonwhitehorses(19:11-14)

C.  “…soulsofthosewhohadbeenbeheaded…”enthronedasjudges(20:4-6)

D.  “…clothedinfinelinen,whiteandclean…”(19:14)

E.  Kings,captains,and“mightymen”arekilled(19:17-21)

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7Trumpetsand7PlaguesTheBookofRevelation

Rev8:2-11:18ismirrored…1)  “…throwntotheearth”(8:7)

2)  “…thrownintothesea”(8:8-9)3)  “…riversand…springs”(8:10-11)

4)  Sun,moon,andstars(8:12)

5)  Bottomlesspit,darkness(9:1-12)

6)  “…greatRiverEuphrates.”(9:13-21)

7)  “…loudvoicesinheaven”,“thekingdomsof…Christ”,“lightnings,noises,thunderings,andearthquake,andgreathail”(11:15-18)

…byRev15:1-16:211)  “…upontheearth…”(16:2)2)  “…onthesea”(16:3)3)  “…riversandsprings…”(16:4)4)  “…thesun…”(16:8-9)5)  “…throneofthebeast…fullof

darkness…”(1:10-11)6)  “…greatRiver

Euphrates…”(16:12-16)7)  “…loudvoicecameoutofthe

templeofheaven…”,“Itisdone!”,“noisesandthunderingsandlightnings;andtherewasagreatearthquake…greathail”(16:17-21)

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CosmicControversyandFallofBabylonTheBookofRevelation

Rev11:19-14:20ismirrored…A.  “…awomanclothedwiththe

sun…”(12:1)

B.  “…dragonhaving7headsand10horns…”(12:3;13:1seabeast)

C.  “…woman…intothewilderness”(12:14)

D.  “…keepthecommandmentsofGod…”(12:17b)

E.  “…havethetestimonyofJesusChrist.”(12:17c)

F.  “…Babylonisfallen,isfallen…”(14:8)

…byRev17:1-19:10A.  “Thewomanwasarrayedin

purpleandscarlet”(17:4)

B.  “…scarletbeasthaving7headsand10horns.”(17:3b)

C.  “…intothewilderness…awoman…”(17:3a)

D.  “…motherofharlots…”(17:5b)

E.  “testimonyofJesusisthespiritofprophecy.”(19:10c)

F.  “…Babylonthegreatisfallen,isfallen…”(18:2)

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OverviewTheBookofRevelation

Revelationcontains7ThronescenesthatprovideaviewoftheSanctuaryinHeaven:

1.  Introductionofthe7seals(Rev4:1-5:14)

2.  Introductionofthe7trumpets(Rev8:2-6)3.  IntroductionofthecosmiccontroversyinRev12(Rev11:19)

4.  Introductiontothe7plagues(Rev15)5.  IntroductiontothefallofsymbolicBabylon(Rev16:17-17:3a)

6.  IntroductiontotheSecondAdvent(Rev19:1-10)

7.  IntroductiontotheNewEarth(Rev21:5-11a)

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IntroductionABookof“7’s”

•  TheBookofRevelationreferstoseveralsignificantnumbers;with“7”beinganimportantthemethroughout–  7Throneroomscenes(priorslide)–  7times,the“WordofGod”(Rev1:2,9;6:9;17:17;19:9,13;20:4)–  7times,a“Prophecy”(Rev1:3;11:6;19:10;22:7,10,18,19)–  7times,“Patience”(Rev1:9;2:2,3,19;3:10;13:10;14:12)–  7Blessings(Rev1:3;14:12-13;16:15;19:9;20:6;22:6-7;22:14-19)–  7Lampstands(Rev1:13)–  7Stars(Rev1:16,20)–  7Churches(Rev2&3)–  7Spirits(Rev1:4;4:5),Lambwith7hornsand7eyes(Rev5:6)–  7Hymns(Rev4:8;4:10-11;5:8-9;5:11-12;5:13-14;7:9-10;7:11-12)–  7Thunders(Rev10:4)–  7Seals(Rev6:1-17;8:1)–  7AttributesofGod(Rev4:11;5:12;7:12)–  7Trumpets(Rev8:7-9:21;11:15)–  7Bowls/plagues(Rev15&16)–  7Heads/Kings/Mountains(Rev12:3;13:1;17:3,9-11)–  7Daysofcreationweek(Rev14:7,Gen1:1-2:3)–  7WoeSongstoBabylon(Rev18:1-24;19:1-4)

http://www.keithhunt.com/Songsrev.html9/6/19 15

Revelation1

JesusRevealed:TheIntroduction

Revelation1:1

•  “TheRevelationofJesusChrist,whichGodgaveHimtoshowHisservants—thingswhichmustshortlytakeplace.AndHesentandsignifieditbyHisangeltoHisservantJohn,”–  ThepurposeofthevisionofRevelationistorevealJesusChrist

•  Revelation(G602,apokalypsis):Layingbare,disclosureoftruth,lighten(Lk2:32)–  Godgave:TheFatherentrustedalltotheSon(Matt11:27;28:18;John3:32;Heb

2:10-14)–  Hisservants:Thesaintsofalltime,particularlytheendtimeremnant–  Thingswhichmustshortlytakeplace:Johnwasshownthefuture(both

shortandlongrange);nothistory(exceptthemesinprocess)(Deut29;29;1Pet3:8;Eccl9:5;John14:29;2Pet3:8;Rev12;22:6)•  Someinitiatedbutuncompletedevents:(2Thess2:7,EraofthechurchofEphesus,theRiderofthewhitehorse/1stseal;Satan’sfall)

–  Signified[G4591,sēmainō]:“tomakeknown”(John12:33;Acts11:28)“…Godhathmadeknown”Dan2:45KJV•  AnallusiontotheBookofDanielandindicationthatthelanguageusedwillbesymbolicinnature

–  His(Jesus’)angel:Gabriel(Dan8:16;9:21;10:10-11:2a;Luke1:19,26)9/6/19 17

Revelation1:2

•  “whoborewitnesstothewordofGod,andtothetestimonyofJesusChrist,toallthingsthathesaw.”–  JohnborewitnessofGod’sWord(Is8:20;John1:1-3;14:6-14;Rev19:13)–  TestimonyofJesusChrist:Pastandcontemporaryprophets;witnessing

(Amos3:7;1Cor1:6;1Jn1:1;Rev1:9;6:9;11:7;12:11,17;15:5;19:10)

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Revelation1:3

•  “Blessedishewhoreadsandthosewhohearthewordsofthisprophecy,andkeepthosethingswhicharewritteninit;forthetimeisnear.”–  Blessedishe:Thefirstof7“blessings”inRevelation;anamazing

promiseforthoseembracingthisgospel(Rev1:3;14:12-13;16:15;19:9;20:6;22:6-7;22:14-19)

–  Read:AnindicationthatwemustreadandstudyGod’sWordforourselvesratherthanrelyingonother’sinterpretationsandsermons(Is55:11;John16:13;Matt21:22;James1:5)

–  Hear:ListeningforGodwheninprayerisimportant•  Thespokenword,promptingstudyandverifyingforourselves:Rom10:17•  NatureisawitnessofGodtheCreator:John1:3;Col1:16•  Dreamsthatareincompleteharmonywithscripture:Joel2:28•  Thestill,smallvoiceoftheHolySpirit:1Ki19:11-13

–  Keepthingswritten:ThispromiseisconditionalonlivinginharmonywithGod’sWord,includingHisLawandthetestimonyofHisprophets(Eccl12:13-14;Is8:20;Hab2:1;Lk11:28;Rev22:7)

–  Timeisnear:Thoughnearly1,925yearshavepassedsinceJohnwrotewhathewasshown,foreachonethetimeisnear(Eccl9:5,10-12;Luke12:20;Rom13:11;Jam5:8)9/6/19 19

Revelation1:4

•  “John,tothesevenchurcheswhichareinAsia:GracetoyouandpeacefromHimwhoisandwhowasandwhoistocome,andfromthesevenSpiritswhoarebeforeHisthrone,”–  7Churches:LiterallythechurchesofRev2&3;spirituallyforthe

Christianchurch(allclaimingtobe“Christian”)untilJesusreturns•  Asia:WesternAsiaMinor,eastofGreece(presentdayTurkey)

–  Is,was,istocome:God’seternalnature(Heb13:8;Rev1:8;4:8;11:17)•  “Yahweh,”“IAMWHOIAM”Ex3:14

–  Graceandpeace:GodprovidesbothtoHispeople(Rom1:7;2Pet1:2;Dan4:1)

–  From:NoticethereareThreePersonslisted;theEternalOne,7Spirits(Rev3:1;4:5),andJesusChrist(Matt28:19;Heb13:8);TheTrinity(Ps136:1-3;Is6:3;42:1;48:16;John14:26;1John5:7-8)

•  “However,whenHe1,theSpiritoftruth,hascome,He2willguideyouintoalltruth;forHe3willnotspeakonHis4ownauthority,butwhateverHe5hearsHe6willspeak;andHe7willtellyouthingstocome.”John16:13(Zech3:9;John14:17;15:26;2Pet1:21;Mic3:8;1Cor2:9-13;Rev4:5;5:6)–  Here,JohnreferstotheSpiritasanindividualmemberoftheGodhead,7times9/6/19 20

Revelation1:5

•  “andfromJesusChrist,thefaithfulwitness,thefirstbornfromthedead,andtheruleroverthekingsoftheearth.ToHimwholovedusandwashedusfromoursinsinHisownblood,”1)  Jesus,ourtrustworthyWitness,providinghopethroughHisdeathfor

oursins(1Cor15:20;Eph1:20)

2)  Thefirstborn:Jesus’resurrection

3)  Ruler:thePrincewhorulesoverall“kingsoftheearth”fromHeaven(Is9:6;Dan7:3,7,17,19;8:25;10:13;Rev3:14;13:11)

–  TheGodheadlovesussomuch,thatJesusshedHisblood,sowemighthaveeverlastinglife(Matt26:28;John3:16-17;Heb9:14,22;1Pet2:24;1John1:7-9;Rev7:14)

–  Washedus:Jesuscleansesus,coveringuswithHisrobeofrighteousness(Zech3:1-5;John1:29;Rom11:27;Heb9:14)

–  Sins(Greek:hamartia,meaning“tomissthemark”,“toerr,bemistaken”)(Matt1:21;9:6;26:28;Mark2:7)

•  Theseincludesinsconfessedandrepentedof(Luke24:47)•  Thosewhopersistinsin,intentionallyrejecttheprinciplesofheaven(Rom

6:1-2,6-7)9/6/19 21

Revelation1:6(1of2)•  “andhasmadeuskingsandprieststoHisGodandFather,toHim

begloryanddominionforeverandever.Amen.”–  Priests:Exodus19:6designatedIsraelasa“kingdomofpriests”,afitting

examplefortheendtimespiritualIsraeldescribedin1Pet2:5,9asa“royalpriesthood”and“holynation”(Ex19:6;Lev16:30-31,34;Num18:7,20;Deut7:6;Is61:6;66:21Eze37:12;Hos4:1,6;Eph2:6;Rev5:10)•  Rev20:6designatesthosewhoarebroughtbacktolifeinthefirstresurrectionas“priestsofGodandofChrist”(Note:Zech3:7)

•  Thesemakeupthe“greatmultitude”ofRev7:9-15

•  Thesearethose“underthealtar”spokenofinthe5thseal(Rev6:9-11)•  Priestswereheldresponsibleforviolationsofthesanctuary’sholiness(Num

18:1)•  Priestshadnoland,noearthlyinheritance;TheLordsaid,“IamyourportionandyourinheritanceamongthechildrenofIsrael.”Num18:20

•  ShowsthatspiritualIsraelisJesus’“kingdom”grantedtoHimwhenHecompletesthejudgment(Dan12:1)

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Revelation1:6(2of2)•  “andhasmadeuskingsandprieststoHisGodandFather,toHim

begloryanddominionforeverandever.Amen.”–  Kings:Rev20:4a,6raisesthequestionofthepotentialforadifferent

roleforthe144,000,theremnantthatremainalive,orpartofthespecialresurrection,justbeforeChrist’sreturn(Dan12:2)•  IsitpossiblethatthesewillservewithChristasjudges(kings),verifyingthecharactersofthewickeddeadduringthe1,000years?(Rev7:15)

–  Gloryanddominion:“…honorandpower,everlasting”1Tim6:16

–  “Amen”means“itistrue”(2Cor1:20-22)

"  Melchizedek,atypeofChrist,wasKing(Greek:basileus)ofSalem/Peace/RighteousnessandPriestofGod(theHolySpirit)(Gen14:18;Ps110:1,4;Heb7:1-8:1)

"  ChristservesasbothPriest(forgiving)andKing(cleansing)astypifiedintheOldTestamentsanctuaryserviceanddayofatonement

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Revelation1:7

•  “Behold,Heiscomingwithclouds,andeveryeyewillseeHim,eventheywhopiercedHim.AndallthetribesoftheearthwillmournbecauseofHim.Evenso,Amen.”–  Comingwithclouds:Jesuswillreturnwithclouds(Matt24:30;26:64;Mark

13:26;14:62;Acts1:9-11;Titus2:13)•  The“clouds”areHisangels(Dan7:13)

–  EveryeyewillseeHim:EverypersonaliveonearthwillseeJesus(Matt25:31-46;Luke21:27;1Thess4:16-17;2Thess1:7-8)

–  TheywhopiercedHim:LikelyallthosewhohadadirecthandinJesus’crucifixionwillberaisedtoseeHimreturn(Dan12:2;Zech12:10-11;Matt23:37-39;26:64;John19:34)•  Thesewillthendieonceagain,onlytobeapartofthe“secondresurrection”ofRev20:5(Luke23:30;Rev6:15-16)

–  Tribesoftheearthmourn:Earth“dwellers,”thosewhodon’t“dwellinheaven”willmourn,thoughdonotrepent(Ps91:9;Jer4:28;Rev6:15-17;18:8,11)•  Thisspeakstothespiritualend-timefulfillmentofZech12:10-14andMatt24:30(2Chron35:20-25;2Ki23:29-30;Rev16:12-16)

–  “Amen”means“itistrue”(2Cor1:20-22)9/6/19 24

Revelation1:8

•  “IamtheAlphaandtheOmega,theBeginningandtheEnd,”saystheLord,“whoisandwhowasandwhoistocome,theAlmighty.”–  Iam:TheCreator(Ex3:14;John8:58;Deut32:39;Is43:10;46:4;John13:19;18:5)

–  Alpha:TheBeginning(John1:1)(Is41:4;44:6;48:12;Heb12:2;Rev1:11;21:6;22:13)–  Omega:TheEnd(Rev1:11,17;2:8;21:6;22:13)

–  Whoisandwhowasandwhoistocome:Godiseternal(Rev1:4;4:8;11:17;16:5;21:6;22:13)•  “JesusChrististhesameyesterday,today,andforever”Heb13:8

–  Almighty:Rulerofall(Rev4:8;16:7;19:15;Amos9:5)

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Revelation1

John’sVisionofChristinthemidstof

The7Churches

Revelation1:9

•  “I,John,bothyourbrotherandcompanioninthetribulationandkingdomandpatienceofJesusChrist,wasontheislandthatiscalledPatmosforthewordofGodandforthetestimonyofJesusChrist.”–  John:ThedisciplewhomJesusloved(John20:2)

•  TheauthoroftheGospelofJohn,3epistles,andRevelation–  Tribulation:ReferencetosufferingforChrist(Matt10:38;Luke22:28;Acts14:22;

Rom8:17;2Tim2:12;3:12)–  Kingdom:Ofgrace(Matt4:17),andthesaints(Dan7:13-14)–  Patience:Literally“remainunder”implyingselfcontrol(Rev2:7;14:12)

–  IslandofPatmos:JohnwasimprisonedonPatmos(55miSWofEphesus)

–  FortheWordofGod:Literally“onaccountoftheword”(John1:1-3)

–  ForthetestimonyofJesusChrist:ReferencetothetestimonyofGod’sprophets(Is8:20;Rev19:10;22:7),andthelaw(Ex25:21)

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Revelation1:10-11

•  “10IwasintheSpiritontheLord’sDay,andIheardbehindmealoudvoice,asofatrumpet,11saying,“IamtheAlphaandtheOmega,theFirstandtheLast,”and,“Whatyousee,writeinabookandsendittothesevenchurcheswhichareinAsia:toEphesus,toSmyrna,toPergamos,toThyatira,toSardis,toPhiladelphia,andtoLaodicea.”–  Spirit:Invision–  Lord’sDay:The7thdaySabbath(Ex20:8-11;31:13;Lev23:3;Deut5:15;Is13:6-13;

58:13-14;Matt12:8;24:20;Mark2:27-28;Luke23:50-24:1;Acts20:7;1Cor16:2;Heb13:8;2Pet3:10)–  Loudvoiceasofatrumpet:Stressingtheimportanceofthemessage

(Rev4:1;10:8)–  Alpha,Omega,FirstandLast:TheLordisunique,thereisnoother(Is

41:4;44:6;Rev1:4,8,17;21:6;22:13)(Note:LamentationsisaalphabeticalacrosticpoemfromAtoZ)

–  7Churches:Noticetheseparate,distinctinvitationforeachone•  Thesemessages,includingallofRevelation,weretothese7literalchurchesinAsiaMinorandalsoforthe7erasoftheChristianchurch(allgroupsandchurchesclaimingChrist)asnotedabove,describingtheirspiritualcondition9/6/19 28

Revelation1:12-13

•  “12ThenIturnedtoseethevoicethatspokewithme.AndhavingturnedIsawsevengoldenlampstands,13andinthemidstofthesevenlampstandsOneliketheSonofMan,clothedwithagarmentdowntothefeetandgirdedaboutthechestwithagoldenband.”–  Seethevoice:JohnlikelyrecognizedthevoiceofhisMasterfromsome

65yearsearlier–  7Goldenlampstands:RepresentingtheresponsibilityoftheChristian

churchtobeacontinuallighttotheworld(Ex25:37;Lev24:2-4;Zech4:2;Matt5:14-15;John8:12;Rev2:5)•  ThissceneplacesJesusintheHolyPlacefollowingHisascension(Acts1:9-11)

–  SonofMan:Jesus(Dan7:13;Matt26:64;Mark2:28;8:31;14:62;Luke9:22;19:10;Acts7:56)

–  Midstofthelampstands:IndicatingthisscenewasshownJohnfromtheperspectiveofearth(Lev26:12;Deut23:14)•  “AndtheWordbecamefleshanddweltamongus…”John1:14(Num1:51-53;

2:1-34;Ps148:14;Heb10:22)

•  AlludestoChrist’spriestlyministryintheheavenlysanctuary(Is53:12;Heb8:1-6)

–  Garmentgirdedwithagoldenband:CompareDan10:5&Rev15:69/6/19 29

Revelation1:14-16

•  “14Hisheadandhairwerewhitelikewool,aswhiteassnow,andHiseyeslikeaflameoffire;15Hisfeetwerelikefinebrass,asifrefinedinafurnace,andHisvoiceasthesoundofmanywaters;16HehadinHisrighthandsevenstars,outofHismouthwentasharptwo-edgedsword,andHiscountenancewaslikethesunshininginitsstrength.”–  ComparedressandcharacteristicstotheFatherinDan7:9-10,and

Daniel’sdescriptionofJesusinDan10:5-6(Is1:18;Ps119:105;Eze1:7;Rev2:18;19:12)

–  Voicelikemanywaters:Likethesoundfrommanypeople(Eze43:2;Dan10:6;Rev14:2;17:15;19:6)

–  7Stars:Angelsprotectingthe7churches/thesaints(Rev1:20;2:1;3:1)–  OutofHismouth,sharptwo-edgedsword:Likelyreferstothedual

natureofthegospel,HisLawandthetestimonyofHisprophets(Ps149:6;Is8:20;41:10;49:2;Hos6:5;1Cor1:6;Eph6:17;Heb4:12-13;1John5:10;Rev2:12,16;3:8;12:17;19:15,21)

–  Countenancelikesun:ConsistentwithHisappearanceatthetransfiguration(Matt17:2;Mark9:3;Luke9:29;John1:14;2Pet1:16-18)

9/6/19 30

Revelation1:17-18

•  “17AndwhenIsawHim,IfellatHisfeetasdead.ButHelaidHisrighthandonme,sayingtome,“Donotbeafraid;IamtheFirstandtheLast.18IamHewholives,andwasdead,andbehold,Iamaliveforevermore.Amen.AndIhavethekeysofHadesandofDeath.”–  Fellasdead:Asothersdid,Johnfeltweakandunworthy(Eze1:28;2:1;Dan

8:17-18;10:10;Acts9:4)

–  Donotbeafraid:Comfortisaconsistentthemewhenheavenlybeingsprovideinformationorassistancetohumans(Judg6:22-23;Dan10:12;Matt28:5)

–  TheFirstandtheLast:EmphasisasnotedinRev1:4,8,11;21:6;22:13(Is44:6;48:12-13)

–  “Amen”means“itistrue”(2Cor1:20-22)

–  KeysofHades(grave):Referstotheseconddeath(Rev20:1,13-14)•  Satanwasgiventhekeytothebottomlesspit(Rev9:1).HisinitiationofIslaminAD612followedbythewarsbetweenapostateChristianityandIslamshowedhistruecharacter(Rev20:1-3)

–  KeysofDeath:ReferstoasleepasLazarusexperienced(Ps68:20;John11:11-26;5:24;Rom6:9;1Cor15:55;Rev4:9;5:14)9/6/19 31

Revelation1:19-20

•  “19Writethethingswhichyouhaveseen,andthethingswhichare,andthethingswhichwilltakeplaceafterthis.20ThemysteryofthesevenstarswhichyousawinMyrighthand,andthesevengoldenlampstands:Thesevenstarsaretheangelsofthesevenchurches,andthesevenlampstandswhichyousawarethesevenchurches.”

"  NotethelanguagepatternbetweenRev1:8band1:19–  Write:Johnwasshown:

•  thefallofSatan(Rev12),•  thecurrentconditionofChristianityand,•  whatwilltakeplaceinthefutureofJohn’sday(AD95-96)

–  Righthand:Symbolofpower(Ps89:13;Luke22:69;Acts2:33;5:31;1Pet3:22)

–  Mystery:Jesusrevealstheinterpretationofboththelampstandsandthestars(Zech4:2;Rev1:16;2:1;4:1)•  StarsrefertobothguardianangelsandhumanmessengersofthechurchbeingprotectedandguidedbyJesus(Rev12:1b,4)9/6/19 32

OurMissionastheRemnant

•  “WorshipGod!ForthetestimonyofJesusisthespiritofprophecy.”(Rev19:10)–  Theunderstandingofprophecyisacalltoaction;tosharethegospelof

everlastinglifethrougharelationshipwithJesus,proclaimingthe3angels’messageofRev14:6-12

•  “…obeyGod’scommandments”(Rev12:17)and“Worshiphimwhomadetheheavens,theearth,theseaandthespringsofwater.”(Rev14:7)

•  “…EveryonewhokeepsfromdefilingtheSabbath,AndholdsfastMycovenant—EventhemIwillbringtoMyholymountain,AndmakethemjoyfulinMyhouseofprayer.(Is56:6-7)

•  “Beholy…blameless”(1Pet1:16-19;2Pet3:10-14)

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Hewhotestifiestothesethingssays,“SurelyIamcomingquickly.”Amen.Evenso,come,LordJesus!Revelation22:20

9/6/19 34

AdditionalInformationIamindebtedtoTimRoosenbergwhohasstudiedDaniel11-12sincetheearly2000’sand

hasdedicatedhisministrytoprovidingpeoplewithknowledgeofthetimesthatwelivethroughseminarsandhiswebsite;http://www.islamandchristianity.org

IamalsoindebtedtotwoindividualswhomhavededicatedtheirlivesinastudyofRevelation17sincethelate1990’s.Theirwebsite,http://666man.net,providessignificantdepthonthemanyrelatedBiblepassagesandpropheciesthatcorrelatecompletelytothepropheciesofDaniel

Foranexcellentversebyversecommentarysee:http://www.bibleexplained.com

ForadeepperspectiveofhowRevelationrepresentsthespiritualfulfillmentofmuchoftheOldTestamentsee:LouisF.Were,TheCertaintyofthe3rdAngel’sMessage,1945

EllenGouldWhitewasaprolificauthorandanAmericanChristianpioneer.AlongwithotherSabbatarianAdventistleaderssuchasJosephBatesandherhusbandJamesWhite,sheformedwhatbecameknownastheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.TheSmithsonianmagazinenamedEllenG.Whiteamong100MostSignificantAmericansinanacknowledgementofherinfluenceonreligion.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_G._White

9/6/19 35

EllenWhiteCommentsGen-Rev"  “Thegreatfeeblenessofthechurchistheresultofafailureonthepartofthe

memberstoappropriatetheWordofGodastheirspiritualfood.TheWordofGod,inspiredbytheSpiritofGod,isnotfiction,buttruth,anditpreeminentlydeserves,andwithpositiveassurancedemands,ourseriousappreciation.WearetolivebyeverywordthatproceedsoutofthemouthofGod.WeareinnodangerofobtainingtoomuchoftheknowledgeofGodandJesusChrist,whoHehassent.WemayfindbyastudyoftheWordthatweareindanger,throughournegligence,oflosingthewaymarks.ComingtothelightoftheWord,ourdutyismadeplainandclear.”{Lt76-1900.5}

"  “LetushavemoreBiblereadingandlessstoryreading.”{Lt76-1900.6}

"  “TheteachingsoftheOldTestamentScripturesarethewordsofChrist,spokeninplain,simplelanguage.ThereispresentedtheobediencerequiredbyGod.ThetruthsoftheBibleareofinestimablevalue,andshouldbetreasuredupintheheartandmind.ThepreceptsoftheWordofGodshouldgovernthewholelifeinthisworld,preparingusforthefutureworld.”{Lt76-1900.7}

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EllenWhiteCommentsGen-Rev"  “WouldthatIcouldspeakwordsthatwouldsinkdeepintotheheartsofthe

peopleofGod,arousingthemtomixfaithwiththeirhearingaswellaswiththeirreadingoftheWord.OpenyourBiblesalonebeforeGod,andaskHimtogiveyouanunderstandingheartandfirm,righteousprinciples.AskHimtogiveyouarealizationoftheimportanceofimplicitobedience,andtofilltheheartwithanabiding,comfortingassuranceoftheloveofChrist.AskHimtoinspireyouwithaholyendeavorandanunshrinkingfaith,whichtakesGodatHisword.AnincreaseoffaithandconfidenceinGodistheresultofanincreasedknowledgeofGodandofJesusChrist,gainedthroughstudyingHisWord.ThuswemayhaveavisitwiththeverybestFriendwehave.”{Lt76-1900.8}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1-22"  “Ourlessonforthepresenttimeis,Howmaywemostclearlycomprehendand

presentthegospelthatChristcameinpersontopresenttoJohnontheIsleofPatmos,—thegospelthatistermed“therevelationofJesusChrist”?WearetopresenttoourpeopleaclearexplanationofRevelation.WearetogivethemthewordofGodjustasitis,withasfewofourownexplanationsaspossible.Noonemindcandothisworkalone.Althoughwehaveintrustthegrandestandmostimportanttrutheverpresentedtotheworld,weareonlybabes,asfarasunderstandingtruthinallitsbearingsisconcerned.Christisthegreatteacher,andthatwhichHerevealedtoJohn,wearetotaxourmindstounderstandandclearlytodefine.Wearefacingthemostimportantissuesthatmenhaveeverbeencalledupontomeet.”{CW29.2}

"  “IntherevelationthatChristgavearelinkedtogetherinachainoftruththeimportantmessagesofwarningthataretobegiventotheworldbeforeChrist’ssecondcoming.Thelastmessageofmercyistobeproclaimedwhereithasneveryetbeenheard.Theworkersaretolaborwithsuchself-denial,suchself-sacrifice,thatthemessagewillbebornetothosewhohavenotheardit.”Letter110,1902,p.4.(ToDr.DavidPaulson,July7,1902.){1MR372.3}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1-22"  “PropheciesofRevelationRepeatPropheciesofDaniel—Revelationisasealed

book,butitisalsoanopenedbook.Itrecordsmarvelouseventsthataretotakeplaceinthelastdaysofthisearth’shistory.Theteachingsofthisbookaredefinite,notmysticalandunintelligible.InitthesamelineofprophecyistakenupasinDaniel.SomepropheciesGodhasrepeated,thusshowingthatimportancemustbegiventothem.TheLorddoesnotrepeatthingsthatareofnogreatconsequence.”—Manuscript107,1897,pp.1,2.(“SearchtheScriptures,”nodate.){9MR7.5}

"  “InviewofthetestimonyofInspiration,howdarementeachthattheRevelationisamysterybeyondthereachofhumanunderstanding?Itisamysteryrevealed,abookopened.ThestudyoftheRevelationdirectsthemindtothepropheciesofDaniel,andbothpresentmostimportantinstruction,givenofGodtomen,concerningeventstotakeplaceatthecloseofthisworld’shistory.”{GC341.3}

9/6/19 39

EllenWhiteCommentsRev1-22"  TheCertaintyofProphecy“AllthatGodhasinprophetichistoryspecifiedto

befulfilledinthepasthasbeen,andallthatisyettocomeinitsorderwillbe.Daniel,God’sprophet,standsinhisplace.Johnstandsinhisplace.IntheRevelationtheLionofthetribeofJudahhasopenedtothestudentsofprophecythebookofDaniel,andthusisDanielstandinginhisplace.Hebearshistestimony,thatwhichtheLordrevealedtohiminvisionofthegreatandsolemneventswhichwemustknowaswestandontheverythresholdoftheirfulfillment.”{2SM109.1}

"  “IntheRevelationallthebooksoftheBiblemeetandend.HereisthecomplementofthebookofDaniel.Oneisaprophecy;theotherarevelation.ThebookthatwassealedisnottheRevelation,butthatportionoftheprophecyofDanielrelatingtothelastdays.Theangelcommanded,“Butthou,ODaniel,shutupthewords,andsealthebook,eventothetimeoftheend.”Daniel12:4.”{AA585.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1-22"  “ThebookofRevelationopenstotheworldwhathasbeen,whatis,andwhat

istocome;itisforourinstructionuponwhomtheendsoftheworldarecome.Itshouldbestudiedwithreverentialawe.Weareprivilegedinknowingwhatisforourlearning.ButdowetreatthewordofGodwiththereverencewhichishisdue,andwiththegratitudewhichGodwouldbepleasedtosee?“AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness:thatthemanofGodmaybeperfect,thoroughlyfurnisheduntoallgoodworks.”{RHAugust31,1897,par.4}“…Inthisbookaredepictedscenesthatarenowinthepast,andsomeofeternalinterestthataretakingplacearoundus;otherofitsprophecieswillnotreceivetheircompletefulfillmentuntilthecloseoftime,whenthelastgreatconflictbetweenthepowersofdarknessandthePrinceofheavenwilltakeplace.”{RHAugust31,1897,par.5}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1-22"  “ToJohntheLordJesusopenedthesubjectsthatHesawwouldbeneededby

Hispeopleinthelastdays.TheinstructionthatHegaveisfoundinthebookofRevelation.Thosewhowouldbeco-workerswithourLordandSaviourJesusChristwillshowadeepinterestinthetruthsfoundinthebookofRevelation.WithpenandvoicetheywillstrivetomakeplainthewonderfulthingsthatChristcamefromheaventoreveal.”ThefirstchapterofthebookofRevelationwasthenreadwithgreatsolemnity.“TheRevelationofJesusChrist,whichGodgaveuntoHim,toshowuntoHisservantsthingswhichmustshortlycometopass;andHesentandsignifieditbyHisangeluntoHisservantJohn,whobarerecordofthewordofGod,andofthetestimonyofJesusChrist,andofallthingsthatHesaw.Blessedishethatreadeth,andtheythathearthewordsofthisprophecy,andkeepthosethingsthatarewrittentherein;forthetimeisathand.”OurInstructorpresentedthesolemnmessagesthathavebeengivenintheirorderinRevelationandthataretooccupythefirstplaceinthemindsofGod’speople.Nothingelseistobeallowedtoengrossourattention.”{Lt211-1903.4-7}{8T302.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1-22"  “ThetestimonyofChrist,atestimonyofthemostsolemncharacter,istobe

bornetotheworld.AllthroughthebookofRevelationtherearethemostprecious,elevatingpromises,andtherearealsowarningsofthemostfearfullysolemnimport.WillnotthosewhoprofesstohaveaknowledgeofthetruthreadthetestimonygiventoJohnbyChrist?Hereisnoguesswork,noscientificdeception.Herearethetruthsthatconcernourpresentandfuturewelfare.Whatisthechafftothewheat?”{8T302.3}

9/6/19 43

EllenWhiteCommentsRev1-22"  “WeneednowtobediligentlysearchingthebookofRevelation—thehistory

thatChristrevealedtoJohnontheIsleofPatmos,biddinghimwriteitinabook,thatthechurchesmightknowwhatwastotakeplaceonthisearthjustbeforethecomingoftheSonofmaninthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreatglory.”{Ms14-1905.5}

"  “InthebookofRevelationwereadofaspecialworkthatGoddesirestohaveHispeopledointheselastdays.HehasrevealedHislawandshownusthetruthforthistime.Thistruthisconstantlyunfolding,andGoddesignsthatweshallbeintelligentinregardtoit,thatwemaybeabletodistinguishbetweenrightandwrong,betweenrighteousnessandunrighteousness.”{6T127.3}

9/6/19 44

EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:1-2"  “TheinstructiontobecommunicatedtoJohnwassoimportantthatChrist

camefromheaventogiveittoHisservant,tellinghimtosendittothechurches.Thisinstructionistobetheobjectofourcarefulandprayerfulstudy;forwearelivinginatimewhenmenwhoarenotundertheteachingoftheHolySpiritwillbringinfalsetheories.Thesemenhavebeenstandinginhighplaces,andtheyhaveambitiousprojectstocarryout.Theyseektoexaltthemselvesandtorevolutionizethewholeshowingofthings.Godhasgivenusspecialinstructiontoguardusagainstsuchones.HebadeJohnwriteinabookthatwhichshouldtakeplaceintheclosingscenesofthisearth’shistory.”{Ms129-1905.4}

9/6/19 45

EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:1-3"  “OfGabrieltheSaviourspeaksintheRevelation,sayingthat“Hesentand

signifieditbyHisangeluntoHisservantJohn.”Revelation1:1.AndtoJohntheangeldeclared,“Iamafellowservantwiththeeandwiththybrethrentheprophets.”Revelation22:9,R.V.Wonderfulthought—thattheangelwhostandsnextinhonortotheSonofGodistheonechosentoopenthepurposesofGodtosinfulmen.”{DA99.1}

"  “ItwasGabriel,theangelnextinranktotheSonofGod,whocamewiththedivinemessagetoDaniel.ItwasGabriel,“Hisangel,”whomChristsenttoopenthefuturetothebelovedJohn;andablessingispronouncedonthosewhoreadandhearthewordsoftheprophecy,andkeepthethingswrittentherein.Revelation1:3.“TheLordGodwilldonothing,butHerevealethHissecretuntoHisservantsandprophets.”While“thesecretthingsbelonguntotheLordourGod,”“thosethingswhicharerevealedbelonguntousandtoourchildrenforever.”Amos3:7;Deuteronomy29:29.Godhasgiventhesethingstous,andHisblessingwillattendthereverent,prayerfulstudyofthepropheticscriptures.”{DA234.2-3}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:1-4"  “ManyhaveentertainedtheideathatthebookofRevelationisasealedbook,

andtheywillnotdevotetimeandstudytoitsmysteries.Theysaythattheyaretokeeplookingtothegloriesofsalvation,andthatthemysteriesrevealedtoJohnontheIsleofPatmosareworthyoflessconsiderationthanthese.”{RHAugust31,1897,par.2}“ButGoddoesnotsoregardthisbook.”{RHAugust31,1897,par.3}“ThebookofRevelationopenstotheworldwhathasbeen,whatis,andwhatistocome;itisforourinstructionuponwhomtheendsoftheworldarecome.Itshouldbestudiedwithreverentialawe.”{RHAugust31,1897,par.4}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:4-5"  “TheFatherisallthefulnessoftheGodheadbodily,andisinvisibletomortal

sight.”{SpTB0762.3}

"  “TheSonisallthefulnessoftheGodheadmanifested.TheWordofGoddeclaresHimtobe“theexpressimageofHisperson.”“Godsolovedtheworld,thatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinHimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.”HereisshownthepersonalityoftheFather.”{SpTB0763.1}

"  “TheComforterthatChristpromisedtosendafterHeascendedtoheaven,istheSpiritinallthefulnessoftheGodhead,makingmanifestthepowerofdivinegracetoallwhoreceiveandbelieveinChristasapersonalSaviour.Therearethreelivingpersonsoftheheavenlytrio;inthenameofthesethreegreatpowers—theFather,theSon,andtheHolySpirit—thosewhoreceiveChristbylivingfaitharebaptized,andthesepowerswillco-operatewiththeobedientsubjectsofheavenintheireffortstolivethenewlifeinChrist....”{SpTB0763.2}{Ms21-1906.9-11}{BTSMarch1,1906,par.1-6}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:4-5"  “InthefirstchapterofSecondPeterispresentedtheprogressiveworkinthe

Christianlife.Thewholechapterisalessonofdeepimportance.Ifman,inacquiringtheChristiangraces,worksontheplanofaddition,GodhaspledgedHimselftoworkinhisbehalfupontheplanofmultiplication.“GraceandpeacebemultiplieduntoyouthroughtheknowledgeofGodandofJesusourLord.”[Verse2.]TheworkislaidoutbeforeeverysoulthathasacknowledgedhisfaithinJesusChristbybaptism,andhasbecomeareceiverofthepledgefromthethreepersons—theFather,theSon,andtheHolySpirit.”{Ms57-1900.11}

"  “Jesussays,“Yeshallreceivepower,afterthattheHolyGhostiscomeuponyou,andyeshallbewitnessesuntome.”ItistheunionoftheHolySpiritandthetestimonyofthelivingwitnessthatistowarntheworld.TheworkerforGodistheagentthroughwhichtheheavenlycommunicationisgiven,andtheHolySpiritgivesdivineauthoritytothewordoftruth.”{RHApril4,1893,par.9}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:8;22:13"  “Itisessentialthatwearecareful,attentivestudentsofthepropheciesof

theOldandNewTestaments.”{Ms33-1897.25}

"  “WhenthestudentsofprophecyshallsettheirheartstoknowthetruthsofRevelation,theywillrealizewhatanimportanceisattachedtothissearch.ChristJesusistheAlphaandtheOmega,theGenesisoftheOldTestament,andtheRevelationoftheNew.BothmeettogetherinChrist.AdamandGodarereconciledbytheobedienceofthesecondAdam,whoaccomplishedtheworkofovercomingthetemptationsofSatanandredeemingAdam’sdisgracefulfailureandfall.ThetwoAdamswillmeetinParadiseandembraceeachother,whilethedragon,thebeast,andthefalseprophet,andallwhohaverefusedtheopportunitiesandprivilegesgiventothematsuchaninfinitecost,andhavenotreturnedtotheirloyalty,willbeshutoutofParadise.”{Ms33-1897.30}

"  “ItbecomeseveryonetounderstandtheWordofGod.Menmaypresentthetheoriesofthetruth,butunlesstheyapplythemselvestounderstandthetruth,diggingforitasforhidtreasure,unless,byearnestresearch,underthedisciplineoftheHolySpirit,theyunderstandthetruthforthemselves,itcanneversavethem.”{Ms33-1897.29}9/6/19 50

EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:9"  “Outofaheartoverflowingwithloveandgratitude,Johnborewitnessof

ChristasarisenSaviour,andnopowercouldstayhiswords.TopleasetheJews,theRomanshadcrucifiedChrist,andnow,topleasethemstillfurther,theysoughttoplaceJohnwherehisvoicecouldnotbeheardbyJeworGentile.Thinkingtosilencehimforever,theycasthimintoacaldronofboilingoil.Buthisvoicewasnotsilenced.Asthewordswerespoken,“SoperishallwhobelieveinJesusofNazareth,”Johndeclared,“MyMasterpatientlysubmittedtoallthatSatanandhisangelscoulddevisetohumiliateandtortureHim.HegaveHislifetosavetheworld.Hediedthatwemightlive.IamhonoredinbeingpermittedtosufferforHissake.Iamaweak,sinfulman.Christwasholy,harmless,undefiled,separatefromsinners.Hehadnosin,neitherwasguilefoundinHismouth.”ThefaithfulservantwaspreservedaswerethethreeHebrewsinthefieryfurnace.Johnwasremovedfromthecaldronbytheveryoneswhohadcasthimin.”{STMarch22,1905,par.1}

"  “Againtheenemiesoftruthsoughttosilencethevoiceofthefaithfulwitness.JohnwasbanishedtotheIsleofPatmos.Here,theythought,hecouldnolongertroubleIsrael,andhemustfinallydieofhardshipanddistress.”{STMarch22,1905,par.2}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:9"  “Tooutwardappearancestheenemiesoftruthweretriumphing;butGod’s

handwasmovingunseeninthedarkness.TheLordpermittedHisservanttobeplacedwhereChristcouldgivehimamorewonderfulrevelationofHimselfthanHehadeveryetreceived;wherehecouldreceivemostpreciousenlightenmentofthechurches.Hepermittedhimtobeplacedinsolitude,thathisearandheartmightbemorefullypreparedtohearandreceivetherevelationsthathewastobegiven.ThemanwhoexiledJohnwasnotreleasedfromresponsibilityinthematter.ButhebecameaninstrumentinthehandsofGodtocarryoutHiseternalpurpose;andtheveryefforttoextinguishlightplacedthetruthinboldrelief.”{STMarch22,1905,par.3}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:9"  “Patmos,abarren,rockyislandintheAegeanSea,hadbeenchosenbythe

Romangovernmentasaplaceofbanishmentforcriminals;buttotheservantofGodthisgloomyabodebecamethegateofheaven.Here,shutawayfromthebusyscenesoflife,andfromtheactivelaborsofformeryears,hehadthecompanionshipofGodandChristandtheheavenlyangels,andfromthemhereceivedinstructionforthechurchforallfuturetime.Theeventsthatwouldtakeplaceintheclosingscenesofthisearth’shistorywereoutlinedbeforehim;andtherehewroteoutthevisionshereceivedfromGod.WhenhisvoicecouldnolongertestifytotheOnewhomhelovedandserved,themessagesgivenhimonthatbarrencoastweretogoforthasalampthatburneth,declaringthesurepurposeoftheLordconcerningeverynationontheearth.”{AA570.4}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:10"  “ThepersecutionofJohnbecameameansofgrace.Patmoswasmade

resplendentwiththegloryofarisenSaviour.JohnhadseenChristinhumanform,withthemarksofthenails,whichwilleverbehisglory,inhishandsandhisfeet.NowhewaspermittedagaintobeholdhisrisenLord,clothedwithasmuchgloryasahumanbeingcouldbehold,andlive.WhataSabbathwasthattothelonelyexile,alwayspreciousinthesightofChrist,butnowmorethaneverexalted!NeverhadhelearnedsomuchofJesus.Neverhadheheardsuchexaltedtruth.TheappearanceofChristtoJohnshouldbetoall,believersandunbelievers,anevidencethatwehavearisenChrist.Itshouldgivelivingpowertothechurch.”{YIApril5,1900,par.6-7}

"  “ItwasontheSabbaththattheLordofgloryappearedtotheexiledapostle.TheSabbathwasassacredlyobservedbyJohnonPatmosaswhenhewaspreachingtothepeopleinthetownsandcitiesofJudea.Heclaimedashisownthepreciouspromisesthathadbeengivenregardingthatday.”{AA581.4}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:13,20"  “Christisspokenofaswalkinginthemidstofthegoldencandlesticks.Thusis

symbolizedHisrelationtothechurches.HeisinconstantcommunicationwithHispeople.Heknowstheirtruestate.Heobservestheirorder,theirpiety,theirdevotion.AlthoughHeishighpriestandmediatorinthesanctuaryabove,yetHeisrepresentedaswalkingupanddowninthemidstofHischurchesontheearth.Withuntiringwakefulnessandunremittingvigilance,HewatchestoseewhetherthelightofanyofHissentinelsisburningdimorgoingout.Ifthecandlestickswerelefttomerehumancare,theflickeringflamewouldlanguishanddie;butHeisthetruewatchmanintheLord’shouse,thetruewardenofthetemplecourts.Hiscontinuedcareandsustaininggracearethesourceoflifeandlight.”{AA586.1}“ChristisrepresentedasholdingthesevenstarsinHisrighthand.Thisassuresusthatnochurchfaithfultoitstrustneedfearcomingtonought,fornotastarthathastheprotectionofOmnipotencecanbepluckedoutofthehandofChrist.”{AA586.2}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:20"  “God’sministersaresymbolizedbythesevenstars,whichHewhoisthefirst

andthelasthasunderHisspecialcareandprotection.ThesweetinfluencesthataretobeabundantinthechurchareboundupwiththeseministersofGod,whoaretorepresenttheloveofChrist.ThestarsofheavenareunderGod’scontrol.Hefillsthemwithlight.Heguidesanddirectstheirmovements.IfHedidnot,theywouldbecomefallenstars.SowithHisministers.TheyarebutinstrumentsinHishands,andallthegoodtheyaccomplishisdonethroughHispower.”{GW13.3}“ItistothehonorofChristthatHemakesHisministersagreaterblessingtothechurch,throughtheworkingoftheHolySpirit,thanarethestarstotheworld.TheSaviouristobetheirefficiency.IftheywilllooktoHimasHelookedtoHisFather,theywilldoHisworks.AstheymakeGodtheirdependence,HewillgivethemHisbrightnesstoreflecttotheworld.”{GW14.1}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:20"  “InthemessagetothechurchatEphesus,Christisrepresentedasholdingthe

sevenstarsinHishandandwalkinginthemidstofthesevengoldencandlesticks.Heisrepresentedas“walking”amongthem,thusillustratingHisconstantdiligenceinbehalfofHischurch.HethatkeepethIsraelneitherslumbersnorsleeps.NordoesHebecomeindifferent.Thesefiguresaretobecarefullystudiedbytheundershepherds,andfaithfullyappliedtotheirownexperience,thattheymaynotlosesightoftheirgreatprivilegeofsecuringlightfromtheSourceofalllightandgivingitinturntothoseforwhomtheylabor.”{Lt4-1908.9}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:20"  “TherearewanderingstarsprofessingtobeministerssentofGodwhoare

preachingtheSabbathfromplacetoplace,butwhohavetruthmixedupwitherrorandarethrowingouttheirmassofdiscordantviewstothepeople.Satanhaspushedthemintodisgustintelligentandsensibleunbelievers.Someofthesehavemuchtosayuponthegiftsandareoftenespeciallyexercised.Theygivethemselvesuptowild,excitablefeelingsandmakeunintelligiblesoundswhichtheycallthegiftoftongues,andacertainclassseemtobecharmedwiththesestrangemanifestations.Astrangespiritruleswiththisclass,whichwouldbeardownandrunoveranyonewhowouldreprovethem.God’sSpiritisnotintheworkanddoesnotattendsuchworkmen.Theyhaveanotherspirit.”[TestimoniesfortheChurch1:414.1.]{NL49.2}

“Theworldwillnotbeconvertedbythegiftoftongues,orbytheworkingofmiracles,butbypreachingChristcrucified.”[TestimoniestoMinistersandGospelWorkers,424.]{NL49.3}

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EllenWhiteCommentsRev1:20"  “Theworkoftheministerrepresentedbythesevenstarsisahighandsacred

work.Whenheentertainstheideathathisworkiscomprehendedinsermonizing,heoverlooks,andissuretoneglect,theworkdevolvinguponashepherdoftheflock.Itishisworktohavecare,tooverseetheflock,tosoarrangetheelementsofthechurchthateachmayhavesomethingtodo.”—TheReviewandHerald,May31,1887.{PaM40.2}

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