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WHAT EVENTS FOLLOW THE RAPTURE?

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By Ken Blue

In a previous article I proved from Scripture that an event we call the rapture is taught. The references are I Cor. 15:51-58 and II Thess. 4:13-18. We also proved that a time period called the Tribulation, or The Day of The Lord was spoken of by Jesus and most of the Prophets.

We made it clear that we do not know the time of the rapture, nor does anyone else. It is believed by some that forty years will be the time between the rapture and the tribulation. We speculated on some events that could follow the rapture. One of those was the chaos that would follow the absence of believers in key positions. We are not given the details of what may happen.

Some of the major events that are required prior to the Tribulation are as follows: Israel had to return to their land and become a nation. This has happened. Israel must be considered a “burdensome stone” to the nations. They are in the world new every day. The surrounding nations must have governments of a fragile democracy. The surrounding nations must be at war with each other. The surrounding nations will form an Arab League of nations consisting of ten individual nations. These are some events that will take place before the Tribulation.

In addition to the above, Jesus said, “And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; the end shall not be yet. 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.”Mark 13:5-8.

These are some of the events to follow the rapture of the church. The above words are addressed and directed to the nation of Israel. Believers should watch what happens to, and around Israel. Also, pay attention to a shift in world opinion concerning Israel. Most, if not all nations will be against them. Read carefully the following verses.

“I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Joel 3:2. Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Zephaniah 3:8. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.” Zechariah 14:2.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 12

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Revelation

“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.  Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.  But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.  But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”  (Revelation 2:18-25).

Thyatira is a city ofAsia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Mysia. Lydia, the seller of purple, or rather of cloth dyed with this color, was from this city (Acts 16:14). It was and still is famous for its dyeing.

Jesus is presented in this letter as, “…the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.” The one who walked in their midst was like the Son of Man with penetrating, purifying eyes. Habakkuk 1:13 says of Him, “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…” It is our eyes that first behold evil and our feet are swift to take us to it. Eve’s sin resulted from what she saw. The same can be said of Achan, Lot, and King David.

The Son of God cannot look on sin with approval. His eyes are like unto a flame of fire. He sees and judges righteously. His is a walk of holiness. His feet, while on earth, were washed with water and tears. They were wiped with a towel and the hair of a woman. But now those feet are seen as bathed in a furnace of molten brass, purified seven times. His is a holy walk and so it must be of His followers.

Although there was much in this church to commend, there was also sin in the camp and it must be removed if that church was to remain (v.20). In each of the letters there is a sin connected to Israel’s past.  At Ephesus, there was the sin of false “apostles.”  At Smyrna, there were those who claimed to be “Jews” but were liars. At Pergamos, there were those who embraced the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes. In Thyatira, there was a false prophetess like unto Israel’s Old Testament Jezebel.

The indictment on this church is that a woman, like unto, or whose name was Jezebel, was within their midst. There were false Jews within the church who committed immoralities similar to those of their fathers. Those who follow her pernicious ways will be destroyed if they do not repent. It is worthy to note that false doctrine and immorality are the two causes of God’s judgment on these churches. False doctrine leads to false living, which leads to God’s judgment.

           “…as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan.” (v.24). The “doctrine” was the false teaching of Jezebel. Her teaching included deception and depravity. These two are the “depths” of Satan. This is his final objective. “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9). Some in the remnant will not be deceived, nor will they enter into the temptations of immorality. The 144,000 are an example of this.

In verse 25, the believing remnant had the truth and had taken a stand for the coming Christ. They were encouraged to be faithful and patient. He who is to come, will come.  “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”  “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:  And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.  And I will give him the morning star.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”  (Revelation 2:26-29).

The reader cannot possibly miss the fact that overcoming and good works are imperative for kingdom citizenship and ministry (v. 26-27). These, to whom the Revelation is written, will rule and reign with Christ for 1000 years. These promises are seen in the Old Testament, throughout the Gospels, and in the Jewish epistles.

We should keep in mind that when God ruled in the Jewish kingdom of the past, He did so through a theocracy. This will be the form of government in the kingdom. Christ will rule through His overcoming remnant.  Note the following: “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Psalm 2:9). “The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies” (Psalm 110:2). “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father” (Revelation 2:27). “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne” (Revelation 12:5). “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15).

            “And I will give him the morning star” (v. 28).  Jesus Christ is the morning star. This is clear from Revelation 22:16, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” He is the “root,” the “offspring,” and the “star.”

Each of these titles is associated with David’s son through whom the Kingdom would be established. When Christ appears to Israel, He will bring righteousness, peace, and truth to His people. Those who wait and look for Him will enter into the glorious Kingdom with Him. They will receive what He receives and partake of all that is His. Thus, they are given the Morning Star.

In Numbers 24:17, Balaam prophesied of Him, “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.” One can see that a King and a Kingdom are in view here. When we come to the introduction of Matthew, we see the wise men of the east following His star and it leads them to the Christ. So, the promise is that the overcomers will rule and reign withChrist and receive all that is associated with His rule.

            “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (v. 29). This promise is to all the churches.

 

LET’S STUDY REVELATION# 11

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Revelation

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;  I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”  (Revelation 2:12-17).

Easton’s Bible Dictionary describes “The Church in Pergamos” as: “It was noted for its wickedness, insomuch that our Lord says, “Satan’s seat,” was there. The church of Pergamoswas rebuked for swerving from the truth and embracing the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes. Antipas,Christ’s “faithful martyr,” here sealed his testimony with his blood.  This city stood on the banks of the river Caicus, about 20 miles from the sea. It is now called Bergama, and has a population of some twenty thousand, of whom about two thousand profess to be Christians. Parchment (q.v.) was first made here, and was called by the Greeks pergamene, from the name of the city.”

The Lord Jesus is introduced to the churches as the One “…which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” This sword, which comes out of His mouth, is the spoken Word of God. It is He who spoke and it came to be. He said, “let us make man…” The Roman Centurion understood the power of His words when he said, “Say in a word and my servant shall be healed.” With this sword He judges the nations, beginning with Israel (see verse 16; 19:5, 21).

            “Satan’s seat” (v.13). It is a mistake to assume that Satan personally resided or had his headquarters at Pergamos. We saw in 2:9 that the synagogue of Satan was in Smyrna. The idea here is that Satan was working in their midst through the Jews and Synagogues where Jesus Christ was not acknowledged as Lord and King. We know that Satan did not physically dwell among them. He is not cast out of heaven until chapter 12.

We have no information about “Antipas,” the “faithful martyr.” He may have existed in John’s day or he may have been martyred just prior to the vision.

The Lord found some fault in this church. Some within the church embraced the doctrine of Balaam. That doctrine involved eating meat offered to idols and fornication. For a description of Israel’s sin see Numbers 25. Orthodox Jews, in the Day of the Lord, will be pork abstaining, Sabbath keeping and Law observing Jews. Many Jews will be immoral and apostate.

We have already been informed that amid the believing remnant there will be “false apostles” and “false Jews.” It doesn’t take any stretch of the imagination to believe that some within the assemblies will tolerate food forbidden to a Jew and will practice sodomy and immorality. Why should that shock any of us? We live in a day where any word against sodomy or homosexuality will be labeled as a hate crime and many pastors and churches are threatened with lawsuits.  One can find churches in any city in America where sodomy is accepted, and in many cases the pastor and staff members are sodomites. “And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” (Revelation 11:8).

Just who the Nicolaitanes were, no one seems to know for sure. Easton’s Dictionary says, “The church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:6) is commended for hating the “deeds” of the Nicolaitanes, and the church of Pergamos is blamed for having them who hold their “doctrines” (Revelation 2:15). They were seemingly a class of professing Christians, who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom or licentiousness, thus abusing Paul’s doctrine of grace (comp. 2 Peter 2:15-16, 19), and were probably identical with those who held the doctrine of Baalam (q.v.), Revelation 2:14.”

Dake says of the Nicolaitanes: “Followers of Nicolaus, a heretic. They are thought to have been a sect of Gnostics who practiced and taught impure and immoral doctrines, such as the community of wives, that committing adultery and fornication was not sinful, and that eating meats offered to idols was lawful. This was similar to the doctrines of Balaam and Jezebel of Thyatira (Revelation 2:6, 14-15, 20).”  This is one of those many issues in Scripture where the full understanding will be made clear to those to whom it is written.

Repentance of these foul deeds was required (v.16), or He would “come unto thee quickly” and “fight against them with the sword” of His mouth. Their candlestick would be extinguished and removed.

In verse 17, notice that the Spirit sends letters to all the churches, and only the “overcomers” will eat of the hidden manna and receive a white stone with a new name written in it. We are not told what this “hidden manna” is. If we speculate, we find ourselves in good company. There was manna within the Ark of the Covenant. It was placed and kept there to remind Israel of God’s provision and faithfulness. Perhaps the manna in our text is not literal, but symbolic of God’s faithfulness to the faithful remnant who overcomes. They simply will find sustenance and strength in their obedience of God. Jesus said in John 4:32, “…I have meat to eat that ye know not of.” In verse 34 He said, “…My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” The analogy may be to a spiritual experience or fulfillment at the return of Christ. It is also possible that this manna is reserved for those who will be forced to flee the city of Jerusalem and hide in the wilderness where they will be fed with hidden or reserved manna (see chapter 12).

The stones, which will be received, may be likened to those in Aaron’s breastplate. Israel will have her twelve tribes in the future and they will consist of the remnant. This may be the reference to the name within the stones. Also, a black and a white stone was placed in a jar or container. It was used as a form of casting lots. The white stone meant the person would go free, a black stone meant death. The idea may allude to those who will enter the kingdom and those who will be cast out. Nobody knows what these names will be; they will be fully known at the end of the Lord’s Day.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 10 THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA

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Revelation

“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suff*er: 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. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Revelation 2:8-11).

The church at Smyrna, according to Easton’s dictionary means, “Myrrh, an ancient city of Ionia, on the western coast of Asia Minor, about 40 miles to the north of Ephesus. It is now the chief city of Anatolia, having a mixed population of about 200,000, of whom about one-third are professed Christians. The church founded here was one of the seven addressed by our Lord (Revelation 2:8-11). The celebrated Polycarp, a pupil of the apostle John, was a prominent leader in the second century in the church of Smyrna. Here he suffered martyrdom, A.D. 155.”

The glorified Christ is presented as “the first and the last” (v.8). He is the eternal God, the great “I AM.” He was before all things and will exist after all things have completed their purpose. He became the Son of Man in order to taste death for all men. His eternal existence was punctuated by His incarnation and death. He is the only one who has the “keys” of death and conquered it. In fact, He is the KEY! He gives this description of Himself to encourage faithfulness on the part of the remnant. Death cannot hold its prey. Their resurrection to eternal life was assured. The second death of verse 11, which is eternal banishment in the lake of fire, cannot touch those who overcome and are faithful to the end.

Some claimed to be apostles and were liars, and others said they were Jews but were not. To be a Jew “in deed” was to depart from evil and acknowledge Jesus as the Christ. No doubt it is this group John speaks of in his epistle (see 1 John 3:3-6; 9-11; 24. 4:1-4; 11-16. 5:2-5). The believing remnant will have a standard by which it will judge those who profess to be Jews. No doubt these are Abraham’s seed, but they are not his children. Their lack of truth and sincerity betray them (see John 8:39-44). Jesus called these Scribes and Pharisees, “children of the Devil.” They were the leaders of the synagogue and professed to sit in Moses’ seat, but in reality sat in Satan’s seat. They represented Satan and accomplished his purpose. Their goal was to destroy the righteous and all who professed Jesus as the Christ. As things were in the Acts period, so shall they be in the Day of the Lord. (The constant reference to things concerning the Old Testament, Jews, and Apostles ought to make it clear that these letters to these churches are not intended for the CHURCH, the body of Christ.)

Those at Smyrna were encouraged to fear none of these things because He was in their midst and secured them in His right hand. His victory over death assures their victory. The “ten days” are ten days and no other meaning should be sought.

John does not tell us what the “crown of life” is. The “overcomers” are to be “kings and priests.” Perhaps they will wear literal crowns. Their resurrection to new life may be the crown. Time will reveal the true meaning of what the many crowns are in Scripture. Note the ten crowns:

1. Crown of honor (Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 17:6; Esther 8:15; Job 19:9)
2. Crown of kings (2 Samuel 12:30; Esther 1:11; Esther 2:17; Rev. 19:12-16)
3. High Priest’s crown (Exodus 29:6)
4. Crown of pride (Isaiah 28:1-5)
5. Crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2-5)
6. Crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4; Proverbs 4:9; Proverbs 16:31; Isaiah 62:3)
7. Crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8)
8. Crown of life (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10)
9. Corruptible crown (1 Cor. 9:25)
10. Soul winner’s crown (1 Thes. 2:19)

John uses a form of the word, “overcometh,” eleven times in the book of Revelation! In 1 John, which is also a tribulation epistle, the word “overcome” or “overcame” is used six times. Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven requires one to overcome persecution and the mark of the Beast in the Day of the Lord. In the Revelation, millennial salvation is only assured to the “overcomers.”

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 9 CHURCH OF EPHESUS

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Revelation

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:”   (Revelation 2:1-2).

Ephesus was a great commercial center of Asia Minor, and was noted for the great temple of Diana, one of the wonders of the ancient world (Acts 19:27).  The site of the city is now covered with ruins.

Jesus is described as one who “holdeth” and “walketh.” The idea of holding the preachers or elders of the synagogue in His right hand was discussed to some degree in our comments on chapter 1 verse 20. The right hand is symbolic of a place of favor and privilege. Jesus is said to sit at God’s right hand. Stephen sees Him standing on the right hand of God. Thus, the right hand speaks of special privilege, honor, and protection. These ministers of God are assured of God’s love and protection in the Day of the Lord.

The glorified High Priest also walks in the midst of the churches. As the Lord walked in the midst of the camp so all Israel might know his presence, this glorified One was also in their midst. “For the LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy: that he see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee.” (Deuteronomy 23:14).

That presence assured them that He, too, was their brother in tribulation and suffering. This is the theme of many of the Psalms.

The Lord Jesus was fully aware of their works (v.2). The four Gospels and Hebrews through Revelation clearly teach the necessity for works to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. This explains why most religious systems think works are necessary for salvation in this day of grace. The problem is not that a works system for salvation is not taught; the problem is their inability to rightly divide the Word of God. The Gospels and Hebrews through Revelation are not written to the church of this dispensation. They concern Israel and their Kingdom.

Not only will works be required to enter the kingdom, great patience will also be needed to endure the tribulations. Luke12:43-46 gives a clear account of the patience and commitment needed to enter the kingdom, “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.” You have the same warning in a different setting in the parable of the ten virgins. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:10-13).

In 2:2 where it states, “…say they are apostles,” Jesus promised the Twelve apostles that they would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel in the kingdom. Just as Simon the sorcerer saw the advantage of apostolic gifts, so these, who say they are apostles, see some benefit to that title and possession. Just as it was necessary to manifest the “signs” of an apostle in the Acts period, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds” (2 Corinthians 12:12), so those within the Day of the Lord will also be “tried” and found to be false apostles.

“And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”  (Revelation 2:3-7). (The reader should note the frequency of the word “overcometh.”)

In verse 3, notice the past tense of their action. They were experiencing persecution and suffering when John was brought forward in the vision. The persecutions will begin between the Rapture of the Church and the beginning ofDaniel’s seventieth week. We are not certain how long that period will be.

In verses 4 and 5 the evidence that they had “left” and “fallen” was seen in their departure from their “first love.” Jesus said to His kingdom followers, “ye are the light of the world.” At the Second Advent of Christ, Israel is called on to rise and shine. They will mourn for Him and repent of rejecting and crucifying Him. Then their light will shine to all the earth. They will have returned to the One they had left, and He will recover them from their fall. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:1-3).

The positive note was their work, patience, and disdain for the present evil.  In addition, they hated the “deeds of the Nicolaitanes” (v.6).  We find little help from the commentaries on who these Nicolaitanes are or what their deeds were. Since they cannot be sure or agree, we will leave the revelation of their identity for the Day of the Lord.

It is the “churches” (plural), which are addressed in verse 7. This letter, as well as the others, is not only for those at Ephesus, it is intended for all the churches in the Day of the Lord. “Overcoming” will be the requirement for salvation and permission to enter the Kingdomof Heaven. To overcome is the same as to endure. The context of the four Gospels is the Day of the Lord and faithfulness is the requirement. None make that more clear than the Gospel of Matthew in chapter 24, which speaks specifically of that day. Jesus makes it clear that those who would be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven must endure unto the end of the Day of the Lord. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

The promise of access to the “tree of life” is to all those within the churches who overcome. This “tree of life” first appears in the paradise called Eden. It was there for man’s eternal physical life. That is why God forbade man to eat of it after the fall. “And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:” (Genesis 3:22).

Dake says concerning this verse, “There must have been an inherent virtue in the tree of life to preserve life indefinitely. If man was created to live forever should he not sin, then he lost eternal life in the fall.Christ brings it back to him (2Timothy1:10). The tree of life would have caused even sinful man to live forever physically; hence, the action of Genesis 3:22-24. See notes on  Genesis 2:9, Revelation 22:1-3.”

Those who overcome and endure to the end of the Day of the Lord will enter the kingdom in their natural bodies. They, no doubt, will “never die” and will maintain their eternal physical life by eating of the tree.  These and the saved nations, which come out of the Great Tribulation, will eat of the tree of life. Certain nations will be assigned a month in which to come up and eat. “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2. Zech. 14:16-18).

The “paradise of God” (v.7) speaks, not of heaven, but of the eternal bliss, comfort, and joy on the earth for those who overcome.  Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines it as, “A Persian word (pardes), properly meaning a “pleasure-ground” or “park” or “king’s garden.” This will be fulfilled in Revelation 21:1 where John says, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”