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LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 19

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Revelation
By Ken Blue

In the Old Testament and at the cross, He is the lamb crucified for sin. In John’s Gospel and the Revelation, He is the Lamb coming in wrath to remove sin from the earth. That is the theme of Revelation. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!

The seven horns and seven eyes are symbolic of His omnipotent and omnipresent Spirit that searches all the earth in righteousness. He is perfect in wisdom- the seven eyes, and He is perfect in power- the seven horns.

“And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 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;”   (Revelation 5:7-9).

When the Lamb took the book from the hand of Him who sat on the throne, there was great fanfare throughout all heaven (v.7-8). The four beasts and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. They had vials, as it were, full of the prayers of the saints which were made to the Father in the Tribulation. These prayers were a beautiful odor in the nostrils of God. (See Psalms 141:2).

       “And they sung a new song…” (v.9). When the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, and were redeemed out of Egyptian bondage, they sang a new song unto the Lord. That song was called the song of Moses. “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea” (Exodus 15:1).

John hears a new song. This time it is by those in heaven who represent all the redeemed of Israel. The Jews have been scattered throughout the whole earth and will return to Israel during the days preceding and following the Day of the Lord. However, not all Jews will return. The 144,000 will go into all the earth and offer the Gospel of the Kingdom to them first. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). The commissions in the Gospels will be obeyed and will be successful. “And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold.” (Luke 8:8).  

It is impossible for the church of this dispensation to obey this commission. If anyone doubts what we say, let him examine each commission and tell us who complies with them.

 

LET’S STUDY REVELATION #18

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Be sure and listen to the great songs to lift your spirit

Revelation

A Book, A Lion and A Lamb

 

“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. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.  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.” (Revelation 5:1-6).

The scene in heaven continues. We see a book, a lion, and a lamb. John’s attention shifts from the heavenly choir surrounding the throne, back to the One sitting on the throne and to the book in His hand. The book is in His “right hand,” and is “written within and on the backside…” and sealed with “seven seals” (v.1).

We have already commented on the “right hand” (v.1). It symbolizes power, security, and favor. Since no one in heaven or earth was worthy to open the book or look thereon, we can be assured that the contents of that book were the very words of Him who held it in His hand.

This book contained all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Day of the Lord. The book contained writings which no man or angel had seen, as yet. Daniel was told to seal the book, for it concerned the end time. “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). “And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end” (Daniel 12:9).

The time has come in the Revelation to open the book, and only the Lion of the tribe of Judah is worthy to open its seals. The fact that the book was written within and without, implies that it is filled with the wrath of God and His judgments. The seven seals simply show that its contents were complete and secure until the appointed time. The book was a roll or scroll. Imagine a scroll about seven feet long and twelve inches wide. Once the scribe finished writing on both sides, he rolled it about twelve inches and put a seal on the top and bottom rolls, and then he rolled it another twelve inches and placed seals again on the top and bottom. He continued this until all seven feet were rolled together with seven seals on it. This is how the book looked to John.

John“wept” when no one could be found worthy to open the book (v.4). This shows the sinfulness and hopelessness of man without the mercy and grace of God. In all creation, no one was worthy to open the book. Who is worthy to open the book and unleash these judgments on men and devils? What man could claim to be worthy to execute judgment on sin? The answer is no one. In doing so, he would condemn himself. If no one could be found, paradise was indeed lost and could never be regained. All the promises of God and the hopes for mankind were for naught, if no one could be found. Not only was no one worthy to open the book; no one was worthy to look upon it! “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

John is comforted and told not to weep for “…the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (v.5).  The lion was the symbol of a king and of the tribe of Judah. It was from this tribe Israel’s king was to come. “Judah is a lion’s whelp…” (Genesis 49:9).

Not only is He of Judah, but also He is the “Root of David.” He is David’s promised Son who would rule forever over a just and righteous kingdom. This is He of whom all the prophets spoke. He is the one subject of the Law of Moses, of the Psalms, and of the Prophets! In the volume of the book it is written of Him! Weep not John, for the One who came to His own, and they knew Him not has prevailed and is worthy to open the book!!

The Lamb had prevailed! He overcame temptation in the wilderness as the “Son of Man” by obeying the Word of God. He overcame in Gethsemane through prevailing prayer. He overcame at Calvaryby yielding Himself to the death of the cross, and He overcame the grave by His power over death. Weep not! The Lamb is worthy and has prevailed!

John looks and sees in the “midst of the throne” (v.6), not a Lion, but a Lamb as it had been slain. The Lamb that had been slain was now standing! He is the resurrected Christ, and so shall He be throughout all eternity. He will be “as a Lamb that had been slain.” One should run the cross references on the title, “the Lamb.”John refers to Him in his Gospel in chapter 1:29, 36.

In Revelation He is called the Lamb over 25 times!Paul never uses that title in any of his church epistles. This ought to convince anyone that the title is associated with Israel and her redemption. InJohn’s gospel, He is the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. In the Revelation, He completes that purpose.

 

THE MISUNDERSTOOD TRANSITION #1

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Be sure and listen to the great songs to lift your spirit

 

By Ken Blue

There will be nothing in this article about the church, the body of Christ. Therefore, the church must be excluded from our thinking as we read the following. The church, called “the one new man” was a mystery and has no place in Kingdom of Heaven theology. Thus, everything will be about literal Israel, and their literal earthly Kingdom

Definitions: The Kingdom of Heaven is God’s kingdom rule of “peace on earth, good will toward men” under the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ, from Jerusalem, through Israel. The closest thing to it, since Adam, wa s the rule of King Solomon. His kingdom was physical and earthly.

The Kingdom of God is spiritual, and both kingdoms were present underAdam. It will be present again when men give “glory to God in the highest…” Today, the Kingdom of God is in every Christian, but the Kingdom of Heaven is absence.

Ministry of John the Baptist

Perhaps there’s not a portion of Scripture more misunderstood or confusing to the Christian than that period from the first announcement of John the Baptist that their Messiah was present, to the end of the offer of the Kingdom Heaven.

John the Baptist came on the scene preaching repentance and baptism for the remission of sins to prepare Israel for their King and His Kingdom. His was a ministry of preparation.  Confession of sins and baptism was necessary when accepting John’s message. “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins” Matthew 3:5-6. John’s mission was twofold: he was to prepare a people to receive their Messiah, and present Him to His followers. This was why he came baptizing. “And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water” John 1:31.

The Death and Resurrection Were Not Part of The Transition Gospel

Note, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” Matthew 4:23. We invite the reader to examine every use of the word “gospel,” in the four gospels, and he will discover that it has to do with the promised earthly Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God.

We will go through the gospels and establish that the preaching of John, Jesus, and the Twelve never included or anticipated the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The first thing we will prove is that the death of Jesus had no place in the Kingdom gospel. Mark begins his account of our Lord’s ministry this way. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” Mark 1:1.  “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God” Mark 1:14.

When we hear a word certain pictures come to mind. For example, when I say “automobile,” “airplane,” “baptism,” or “gospel” you get a mental equivalent. Try it; you will see. However, your image may not match my intended use of the word. You will understand it according to your training and preferences. Only by understanding the context in which I use it, can you see what I mean. The same is true of any word in Scripture.

For example, the word “gospel” in our text means “good news.” But, the question is, what is the message of that good news? We are going to settle forever the fact that the good news preached in the four gospels, and that preached by Paul, are light years apart.

 

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 17

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Revelation

 

John is attempting to describe the glory of God. What one must do is to think of the most precious and spectacular stones imaginable and then attempt to describe the glory of God accordingly.  Many times the Lord gave a glimpse of His glory to His prophets before He revealed to them the coming judgment (see Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1).

A rainbow is one of the most beautiful, and, no doubt, the most mysterious sight in the heavens. It has always mystified man as he viewed its dazzling array of colors.  God used it as a token of His covenant with man. It was to remind him that God is faithful and will fulfill His promise to man in general, and to Israel in particular.  “And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:  I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.  And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:  And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.  And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.  And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.” (Genesis 9:12-17).

The twenty-four elders are also symbolic and are a heavenly representation of the governors of Israel(v.4). “All down through the history of the Jews we find mention made of the elders as exercising authority among the people. They appear as governors (Deuteronomy 31:28), as local magistrates (Deuteronomy 16:18), administering justice (Deuteronomy 19:12). They were men of extensive influence (1Samuel30:26-31)” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary).

The elders, like the living creatures, may be created representations, or they could be twenty-four elders of Israel to represent the new temple and the new government under the new King. They worship the Lord day and night. They serve Him at His bidding, and they represent believing Israel before the throne (see 1 Chronicles 24:1).

Verse 5 is a display of God’s almighty power and the judgment about to be poured out on the earth. The seven lamps are the seven Spirits of God. These speak of His omniscience.

The “sea of glass, like unto crystal;” (v.6) speaks of the purity required to approach His majestic throne. This area is “holy ground.” We are aware that it is not literal ground.  The laver inSolomon’s temple was called a sea (2 Chron.4:2). Not only was it symbolic, but it was also there for the priest to wash in prior to entering the Holy of Holies. Thus, this sea before the throne is like glass. It is undisturbed, calm, and holy. The rent veil means that the waters need not be disturbed any more.

John sees this scene again in chapter 15:2. “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” The lightning flashes from the throne would give the appearance of fire mingled with this sea of transparent glass. The fire was also symbolic of God’s impending judgment and the fiery trial these martyrs had come through. They were overcomers. They overcame the beast and were privileged, as priests, to stand on this sea of glass singing and praising their Creator and Redeemer.

The four beasts or living creatures were full of eyes before and behind.  The first was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third like a man, and the fourth like a flying eagle (v. 7). It appears that these living creatures are the same seen by Ezekiel in chapter 1 of his prophesy and that they are connected to creation and God’s holiness. They are also a personal representation of the four-fold ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. As a lion, He is King of Israel-Matthew’s Gospel. As a calf, He is Jehovah’s Servant-Mark’s Gospel. As man, He is the Son of Man-Luke’s Gospel. As an eagle, He is God-John’s Gospel.

An overview of the word “beast” will help us understand its varied uses throughout Scripture. It is found in the Book of Revelation 44 times. In the Book of Daniel it is used 6 times. The first time the word “beast” is used is in the Book of Genesis. The purpose there is to make a distinction between the animal kingdom and the creation of man, who was made in the image of God.

Noah was commanded to make a distinction among the animals and select a specific number of clean and unclean. “Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female… And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar” (Genesis 7:2, 8:20). The animals on the ark were called “beasts.”

The word is used of the domestic and wild animals. Some animals were classified as “clean” and others “unclean” in relation to Israel’s diet. “Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.  Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you” (Leviticus 11:3-4). All these are in the category of the “beast” of the field.

The heavenly creatures in Revelation 4:7 are also called “beasts.” That is because they have the faces of three beasts of the field; only one face is that of a man.

Some men and their kingdoms are also called “beasts” because of their vicious treatment and persecution of Israel. Daniel7:3-7 says, “And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.  After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.”

The false prophet of Revelation 13:11-12 is also called a “beast.” “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” This “beast” is religious and causes men to worship the political beast, the government.

Therefore, a beast can be:

  1. A beast of the animal kingdom.
  2. It can be of an angelic creature.
  3. It can be a man who is called a beast.
  4. It can also be a kingdom, which is called a beast.
  5. The false prophet and his religious system are also a beast.

These definitions are important and must be remembered as one considers their various uses throughout the Book of Revelation, especially when reading chapter 13 and 17.

            “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’ (v.8).  If six is the number of man, then we must assume that these beasts also represent mankind before the throne in some manner.  The verse needs little explanation. All creation is represented in these creatures, and they worship Him who is worthy (see Ezekiel 1).

 “And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 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, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”  (Revelation 4:9-11). 

In verses 9-10 the twenty-four elders join in the hallelujah chorus giving praise to Him who sat upon the throne. Verse 11 demonstrates the end or final objective of all God is and does. This is the conclusion Job came to after his “tribulation” experience. James calls it, “the end of the Lord.” (James 5:11).        “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” The “end” of all God takes His children through, is to refine them and bring glory to Him.

 

 

TWO THIRDS OF ISRAEL TO BE DESTROYED!

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By Ken Blue

It is not secret that the nation’s surrounding Israel are committed to their destruction. One would have to willfully blind not to see the coming storm. More and more, Israel’s enemies are outspoken on this objective. They will unite and come into the land like a cloud. What will be the fate of Israel?

Zachariah, the prophet is clear on the event and outcome. “7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. 8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”Zechariah 13:7-9.

One should read the above text several times. Also, there are many cross references that speak to this even. Verse seven speaks of the rejection and crucifixion of Christ. There is a gap between verse 7, and verse 8-9 until this war. It has been over two thousand years so far, but the events of verses 8,9 are near at hand.

This war if future and two thirds of Israel will be destroyed. Only one third will survive. Were it not for the intervention of God, no Jews would remain. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13. “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.Matthew 24:22.

Notice in verse 9 that the third will turn to the Lord and call upon Him, and He will hear them. This is the meaning of Joel. “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.” Joel 2:32. For those who think God is finished with Israel, let them accept these verses as they stand, and Paul’s confirmation of them. “25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” Romans 11:25-27. All Israel is a reference to the remnant.

The above prophecies are certain, and you are witnessing the prelude to them. Pray for Israel, that they will understand that Jesus was their Lord. Oh, Israel, get ready, for the day of judgment is coming to your land!