Revelation 3 The Church in Sardis

Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of  God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Verse 2.. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. The seven spirits being the fullness of the Holy Spirit. 

Verse 3.. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Verse 4.. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. Verse 5.. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Verse 6.. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

This church looks a lot like the Protestant Reformation.  To get a picture of dead Protestantism, we can take a look at Europe. We see a post-Christian era. Dark, no life, dead. The Protestant Reformation wasn't complete. Many pagan practices that originated in Babylonian religious systems were adopted. The celebration of Saturnalia for example. This was a huge celebration of drunkenness, feasting and the exchanging of gifts during the winter solstice. This occurred around December 25th. In an effort to convert the pagans, the early church changed the name of the holiday to Christmas. This didn't seem to stop the party though. Today people are still given to drink, feasting and gift giving. I doubt that most folks even think about Jesus while they are fighting the crowds and lines of people trying to do last minute Christmas shopping.

But not all is lost. There are a few which have not defiled their garments. So be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.

Verse 7.. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hat the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Verse 9.. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 

(PC) No rebuke for this church. They have a little strength which is enough. An open door allows them the go forth and bear fruit. Their ministry is effective and life giving. If the Lord opens the door, no man can close it. If the Lord has set you on your course, you don't have to fear when any man comes against you!

This is not a super church, these are not super saints. There is a doctrine known as the manifested sons of God that advocates the super sainthood. One of these days we are going to go into the phone booth and change our clothes and we are going to come out with super power and we are going to just point at the Russians and they will just shrivel and die. And all of the enemies of God we are just going to subdue when we are manifested finally as the sons of God before the world. Balderdash. You have a little strength.

We are not very strong. You know it is true that God is doing a wonderful work here and it is exciting to see what God is doing, but we have hardly touched the tri state area. There are so many out there who need Jesus Christ. We can't really sit back and say, "Look, how many we have got coming here." There are so many more to be reached. We have a little strength. Thank God we have a little strength. Thank God that He has set before us the open door.

Verse 10.. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. So this church won't be going into the tribulation period. They will be kept from that hour, that time which shall come upon all the world. This is the church that I want to be in!

Verse 11.. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Verse 12..  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Verse 13.. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

These verses speak of permanency. Secured and established. Overcoming the world (with His help) enables us to reap these wonderful benefits.

Verse 14.. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; Verse 15.. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold of hot. Verse 16.. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Verse 17.. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: What a difference between how we think of ourselves and how the Lord thinks of us! Verse 18.. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

(PC) A lukewarm condition. Indifference to what is happening in the church. Probably accepting all sorts of teachings and doctrines. Trusting in their increase and numbers. Rich in their own eyes. The final apostate condition of the church, the church of Laodicea represented by those ministers that are pro-abortion and pro-pornography and pro homosexual and pro every other evil that comes down the pike, who dress in clerical robes and claim to be ministers of Jesus Christ but are really of the synagogue of Satan.

Actually the church has put Christ on the outside. You read the polls and it is frightening to find out how many ministers do not really believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, do not believe in the virgin birth, do not believe that there is an actual heaven or hell. The percentages are falling. It is sad. You wonder why they are ministers. You might as well establish another religion on Mother Goose rhymes or something, or Aesops Fables. Why espouse a book that you can't trust or is not true? In Thessalonians Paul said that the wicked one won't be revealed until there is a falling away. 2 Thess. 2:3

The Laodiceans are trusting in their riches and are missing the mark. This brings to mind the story of Jesus and the rich ruler. Luke 18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Verse 19.. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Verse 20.. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother. Verse 21.. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.Verse 22.. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. Verse 23.. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. Verse 24.. And when Jesus say that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Verse 25.. For it is easier for a camel to go through  a needle's eye, that for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Verse 19.. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Verse 20.. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Verse 21.. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Verse 22.. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Eating with someone signified becoming one with that person. Jesus was always wanting to eat supper with people. He wants to become one with you. I always like to say that relationship is the currency of the kingdom. Gold and silver will not hold their value in the kingdom. As a matter of fact, they will be used as pavement which we will see later on in Revelation. But right standing; relationship with the Lord holds much value. Drawing closer and closer to Him will translate into riches in the kingdom to come. It will also enable peace and blessed recreation in your life in this world. Just open the door and He will come in and become one with you. He will eat supper with you!

Revelation 4 The Heavenly Scene

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Back in revelation 1:19 John was instructed by Jesus to write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the  things which shall be hereafter; 

He saw the glory and the power and the majesty of Christ. The things which are or the things of the church seen in chapters 2 and 3. Now, the things which shall be hereafter. Hereafter what? After the things of the church. The time of the church is passed. The church is forcefully removed from the earth. 

Paul said in 1 Thess 4:13-17, "I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Verse 14.. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Verse 15.. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. Verse 16.. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Verse 17.. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

We also know that this event will happen at the same time the Antichrist is revealed. 2 Thess 2:7.. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Verse 8.. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: So the Holy Spirit who is keeping that Wicked from appearing will be taken out of the way and the church will taken with Him. 

We are now introduced to the heavenly scene. Revelation 4:2.. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. Verse 3.. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Verse 4.. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Verse 5.. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Some commentators believe that these elders refer to angels or heavenly beings. I believe they are representatives of the church. There is no instance in the bible where the word elder refers to an angel. It is always a person and a representative of the people. The seven lamps being the fullness of the Holy Spirit there before the throne.

Verse 6.. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. Verse 7.. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.  In Ezekiel 28 we see a parallel description of the creatures. He names them cherubim.

Verse 8.. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. Verse 9.. And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, Verse 10.. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Verse 11.. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Now it is interesting that these elders cast their crowns before the throne. When we look at the use of the word crowns in the bible we find. Phil 4:1.. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, 1 Thess 2:19.. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 2 Tim 4:8..  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. James 1:12.. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 1 Peter 5:4.. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Rev 2:10.. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev 3:11.. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.  

How fitting that these elders should cast their crowns before the Lord! It is because of him that the crowns are made possible!  

Revelation 5 The Book Sealed with Seven Seals

Revelation 5:1.. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. Verse 2.. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Verse 3.. And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. Verse 4.. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

So, the title deed to the earth. Sealed with seven seals. God created the earth. When God created man he gave him the earth. Adam turned the earth over to Satan when he disobeyed God and obeyed the suggestion of Satan. Jesus came to redeem the world back to God. The thought of the earth continuing in it's current state was just too much for John to bear. But wait!

Verse 5.. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Verse 6.. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Verse 7.. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. Verse 8.. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which re the prayers of saints.

Verse 9.. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 

Who are they that are singing this song? They are the ones who are the subject of the verse. Those redeemed to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; These are not angels singing. This is not their song. This is the church singing. We are there with the Lord in heaven before the first seal of the scroll is even opened. The Lord has snatched us away to be with himself before the tribulation period begins. The tribulation period begins with the opening of the first seal of the scroll.

Verse 10.. And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Verse 11.. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times then thousand, and thousands of thousands; 

Now in verse 12, everyone joins in the chorus for all can sing this part. Verse 12.. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 

Verse 13..  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lame for ever and ever. Verse 14.. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever.

"And every creature" see Romans 8:19-25
Verse 19.. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Verse 20.. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope, Verse 21.. Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Verse 22.. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Verse 23.. And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. Verse 24.. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Verse 25.. But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].

See also Romans 1:18.. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Verse 19.. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. Verse 20.. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Revelation 6 Horses of the Apocalypse

Verse 1.. And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four living creatures saying, Come and see. Verse 2.. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

When the first seal is opened, it begins... The White Horse of Revelation is revealed and events are set into motion. Chapters 4 and 5 revealed the throne room scene. In Revelation 5:9 we see those gathered before the throne of God singing a new song. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals of it: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and language, and people, and nation; This is the song of the Church. This could very well be the raptured church of 1Th 4:16.. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

This "new song" is sung by those redeemed to God by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). This singing and rejoicing pictures a pre-tribulation rapture because it starts before the first seal is opened. The opening of the first seal sets in motion the missing 70th week of Daniel's 70 week prophecy.

The stage is set. The Church has been lifted off of the earth along with the Holy Spirit. Now the Antichrist is revealed. 2Th 2:3.. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2Th 2:7.. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. Once the Holy Spirit and the Church are "taken out of the way", the "man of sin" will be revealed.

Now in Revelation 6:2, he appears. Riding a white horse, the cheap imitator or counterfeit. Going forth to conquer. It is his time. The Great Tribulation has begun! Wherein the white horse is a person, the following red, black, and pale horses are conditions that come upon the earth and will follow the appearance of the white horse.

The Bible has a lot to say about Antichrist. In Revelation 6 we see him riding a white horse. He's the imitator, or counterfeit of the Lord Himself who also comes riding a white horse in chapter 19. We see Antichrist in chapter 13. He is one of the heads of the beast which comes out of the sea. "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." The beast is a world system of government empowered by the people or "the sea" We learn about Antichrist in 1st John. "And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of Antichrist, of which you have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world." 2nd Thessalonians this "man of sin" will be revealed in his time.

He is a liar and a deceiver. 1 John 2:22 "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." 2 John 1:7 "For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

So we have a picture of Antichrist. Antichrist is a spirit that is upon the earth. Antichrist is also an individual who appears during the end days. He is the head of a world governmental system. He is a deceiver and a liar. He promises one thing but delivers another. We see him going forth gloriously to conquer and dominate. He will be hard to resist. Even the religious community will endorse his personage. Rev 13:11-16. So, as he goes forth, so does unparalleled war, famine, and death which are pictured in the red, black and pale horses.

Verse 3.. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, Come and see. Verse 4.. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Verse 5.. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on it had a pair of balances in his hand. 

Verse 6.. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see you hurt not the oil and the wine. A measure of wheat is about a quart of wheat and a penny is a day's wage for a laboring man. And what are laborers getting today? About 100 dollars? So 100 dollars for a quart of wheat. Oil and wine will have much value. More so than money. 

Verse 7.. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, Come and see. Verse 8.. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

Daniel 2 and Ezekiel 38 refer to the final Beast Empire. . The total land mass of this empire is equal to about a fourth part of the earth. Just exactly how these countries will align to form the final beast empire is hard to tell. The middle east and Russia would certainly cover a fourth part of the earth. Beasts of the earth in verse 8 are better translated "beast."

To better understand Antichrist's method and plan, we need to compare with Christ's method and plan.

Antichrist's method is compulsion... Christ's is voluntary conversion.
Antichrist practices force... Jesus preached faith.
Antichrist says to the masses "Convert of die!... Jesus said "Believe and live!"
Antichrist is swift to shed blood... Jesus shed His own blood for the salvation of many.
Antichrist is the taker of life... Jesus is the giver of life.
Antichrist's goal is to conquer the world... Christ's goal was to conquer sin's penalty and power by substitutionary atonement!

By mid-tribulation, the Beast will make war with the saints and overcome them. His authority during that time will encompass the entire earth. Revelation 13:7. 

These four horses give us a pre-mid picture of conditions on the earth as the Antichrist strives for dominance and control. 

Verse 9.. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: Verse 10.. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 

Verse 11.. And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled. These are tribulation saints martyred for their faith.

These could also picture the thousands of Christians being slaughtered even at this hour. 2015 was the worst year for Christian persecution on record. A new horrifying report details the unimaginable extent of Christian persecution. It confirms that at least 7,000 Christians were slaughtered in 2015 alone.

Even worse, in the last several years between 1 and 1.8 million Christians have been forced to flee or die in Iraq and Syria. In Iraq, less than 20% of its Christian population remains. ISIS - the Islamic State - is waging a genocide against our brothers and sisters in Christ like the world has never seen.

The persecuted ones are petitioning the Lord. How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? Those that are currently dwelling on the earth are the ones who perpetrated the evil. This group of martyrs could be created during the tribulation period or just before the tribulation period.

Verse 12.. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Verse 13.. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casts its unripe figs, when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Verse 14.. And the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places 

Verse 15.. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the generals, and the mighty men, and every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; Verse 16.. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: Verse 17.. For the great day of his wrath has come; and who shall be able to stand?

With the opening of the sixth seal, Rev. 6:12, cataclysmic events come into view. There is an earthquake so great and worldwide that mountains and islands are moved out of their places. This event is possibly the same as described in Ezekiel 38:19 & 20. We know that it is possible for an earthquake to shake the whole world because the 2004 Indian ocean earth quake had the longest duration of faulting ever observed. It caused the entire planet to vibrate and triggered other earthquakes as far away as Alaska. 

The sun is darkened and as a result, the moon also fails to give it's light. The stars fall to the earth (vs. 13) and the heavens depart as a scroll when it is rolled together. (vs 14) It's almost as if some gigantic object passes between the earth and the sun creating unprecedented cosmic disturbances. Pieces of debris would rain down on the earth giving the illusion of the entire heaven of stars falling.

In verses 15-16 all those that are upon the earth attempt to flee and hide from the wrath of God and the Lamb. They know that the great day of His wrath has come (vs 17). Perhaps the very throne of God becomes visible from the earth and their is no mistaking who is in charge.

We find out in the next chapter that the earth is not hurt until Israel is sealed and the tribulation saints appear before the throne.