The Study of Revelation
Written by Darrell D. Genzlinger in June 2007

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Introduction
Taking the advice of good journalism practice I will start off by reporting on the five w's.

1. Who wrote Revelation? The Apostle John wrote Revelation.

2. What is Revelation? Revelation is the last book in the Christian Bible.

3. Where was Revelation written? On an island between Greece and Turkey called Patmos.

4. When was Revelation written? It was written about A.D. 100.

5. Why was Revelation written? Because God wanted it written so that His people would know how this age ends.

The book of Revelation is more accurately called The Revelation of Jesus Christ, as it was given to the Apostle John.  Revelation was penned by John who was told by Jesus Christ to write and what to write.

The word revelation is synonymous with apocalypse. Some Bibles have the book of Revelation called The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ.  Other variants with the word revelation or apocalypse in the title can also be found.

It is estimated to have been written in A.D. 96 when John was an old man while in prison on the island of Patmos.

Some theologian scholars would like for you to believe that John wrote Revelation in veiled language because he was afraid to tell you the facts for fear that the Roman government would chop off his head. I don't believe this. First, the message is from Jesus Christ, not John. Therefore, they would have to be saying God is afraid of what harm would come to John as a result of his penning this message. ---- Afraid? ---- I don't think so. Besides, John is an old man, in his late 80's or early 90's as a minimum. I think John would have welcomed death since all the original disciples were already martyred for their faith and were with their Lord.
 
Revelation can be divided up into three parts from two separate perspectives; the past, the present, and the future from a) around A.D. 100 when the book was written, and b) from our present day perspective. See Figure 1 below.
 

From the Apostle John's Viewpoint: Past - Present - Future - From Our Present Day Viewpoint: Past - Past and Present, up to the rapture - Future (post rapture) -

Revelation Chapter 1 Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 Revelation Chapters 4 through 22 Revelation Chapter 1 Revelation Chapters 2 through 6:11 Revelation Chapters 6:12 through 22

 

Figure 1: Different Perspectives of the Book of Revelation

First, I will discuss the past, present, and future from John’s viewpoint.

Jesus tells John in verse 19 of Chapter 1, "Write the things which you have seen [past], and the things which are [present], and the things which will take place after this [future]." Chapter 4:1 starts off with "After these things …" indicating future events. Thus, the book of Revelation can be divided into 'things' of the past, present, and future.

And for this reason many traditional pre-millennial thinkers have the rapture occurring at Rev. 4:1 when it states, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” [NKJV] The idea is that John experiences the rapture when Jesus says, "Come up here...." Christians will experience the rapture, this is true. But, I don’t believe that Revelation 4:1 is where the rapture occurs in Revelation.

I used to favor the tradtional approach to the rapture. I believed in a sudden and almost secretive rapture, as hinted at in Isaiah 57:1. I no longer subscribe to a 'stealthy rapture'. The resurrection of all Christians will be one of the most heralded events in all of cosmic occurrences. It compares to Noah's flood, and to Jesus Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection 2000 years ago. I was convinced after reading a book called Earthquake Resurrection written by David W. Lowe in 2005. [An introduction to the book can be found at <http://www.earthquakeresurrection.com>.] The great earthquake which is described in Rev. 6:12 through 6:16 as so great that 'every mountain and island was moved out of its place'. (NKJV)
 
Now from our present day viewpoint.

Chapters 2 and 3 are telling us about the seven types of churches in the world which are identified by Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. I would hope my earthly church is similar to the one described as the faithful church of Philadelphia. I suspect our earthly churches are some of each. All church members are members of one of these types of seven churches at any given time.
 
Chapters 4, 5, and the first part of 6 tells us what John would experience while he was transitioning from this life (the present) to the next life (the future).
 
The first five seals (Rev. 6:1 through Rev. 6:11) which Christ breaks open are the past 1900 years of history and present day occurrences.  There have been and will continue to be wars, fighting, conquering or being conquered, killing or being killed, famines, death, and catastrophes since the first century.  Has one-fourth of the world's population died as a result of these calamities over the last 1900 years? Yes, I think so. The four riders on the four horses are riding through history.

The sixth and seventh seals have not been broken yet, as of June 2007, by Jesus Christ.
 
Summary Outline
Figure 2 summarizes the events of Chapters 4 through 19 of Revelation. The summary outline starts with John’s perception of the future events that will take place. Chapter 4 through Chapter 19 are the most difficult to decipher and to understand. Basically, Chapter 4 through Chapter 11 are sequential occurrences of the end time events. Revelation 11:19 takes us up to the Lord's Second Coming.

In Chapters 12 through 18, there are seven further embellishments of these end time events. Then it ends with Jesus Christ's return to earth in Revelation 19:1 through Revelation 20:3.

Chapter 20:4-10 is the one thousand year reign of Christ on earth. This is what is referred to as the millennial period or the millennial age.

Chapter 20:11-15 describes God's Judgment Day or what is referred to as the 'Great White Throne Judgment.'

Chapters 21 and 22 give to us a taste what heaven is like. It is a welcome sight after going through what this world has to offer. All the pain, sorrow, tribulation, and death that is lurking in this world. We can appreciate and gladly await Jesus' words, "Surely, I am coming quickly."

The above outline is further defined by the figures shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6.

 

Figure 2: Future Events

Figure 3 gives a summary outline of the events in Revelation 6 through 22.

Christ Opens Seals I) History Seal 1 Seal 2 Seal 3 Seal 4 Seal 5 II) Future Seal 6 Seal 7 Angels Blow Trumpets Trumpet 1 Trumpet 2 Trumpet 3 Trumpet 4 Trumpet 5 - Woe 1 Trumpet 6 - Woe 2 Trumpet 7 - Woe 3 Explanatory Visions Vision 1 Vision 2 Vision 3 Vision 4 Angels of the Lord Angel 1 speaks Angel 2 speaks Angel 3 speaks Angel 4 speaks Angel 5 speaks Vision 5 Bowls of Wrath of God Bowl 1 Bowl 2 Bowl 3 Bowl 4 Bowl 5 Bowl 6 Bowl 7 Vision 6 Vision 7 Christ's 2nd Coming Christ's Millennial Reign God's Judgment Day Eternity Described .

Rider on White Horse goes out to Conqueror Rider on Red Horse goes out to make War Rider on Black Horse goes out to cause Inflation and Starvation Rider on Pale Horse goes out to kill and bring Death to all and Hades to some Cry of the Martyrs to God to Judge Great Worldwide Earthquake & Rapture; 144,000 Israelites sealed Seven angels given 7 trumpets to blow [Tribulation Period Starts; Israel and Antichrist sign the covenant (Dan. 9:27)] one-third of trees & all green grass burned up one-third of seas became blood & one-third of ships destroyed one-third of river & spring water made bitter one-third of the sun, moon, and stars darkened Satan falls to earth & given permission to release demons from bottomless pit [Great Tribulation Starts; Antichrist breaks covenant] one-third of mankind killed by a 200,000,000 demonic army; two witnesses prophesy; witnesses were killed and lay dead for 3 1/2 days, and were resurrected by God; a great earthquake occurred the same hour; 7000 men are killed the kingdom proclaimed, the temple of God was opened and the ark of covenant was seen. There were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail; Christ returns to earth and defeats the Antichrist and his armies pageant of the history of Jesus Christ and the Messianic and Christian faith the characteristics and the origin of the Antichrist and False Prophet the sealed 144,000 Israelites praise God and the Lamb declaration of evangelistic messages Fear God and give glory Him, for the hour of His judgment has come Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drunk If anyone worships the beast &his image, & receives his mark will drink the wrath of God Jesus appeared on a white cloud with a sharp sickle Thrust in Your sickle & reap, for the time has come for You to reap the harvest of saved Thrust in Your sharp sickle & gather the clusters of the vine for the grapes are fully ripe of the unsaved God's wrath is expressed with seven last plagues malignant sores on men who had the mark of the beast and/or worshiped his image the sea turns to blood and every living creature in the sea died the waters of the rivers and springs turn to blood men are scorched with great heat the beast kingdom became dark the Euphrates River dried up preparing the way for the kings of the east to gather at Armageddon a mighty and great worldwide earthquake where every island and mountain disappeared Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen: false religions (churches) are destroyed Babylon, that mighty city is fallen: world economy and commerce are destroyed Christ returns with His army of saints. He destroys all of His enemies. Cast the Antichrist and False Prophet into the lake of fire and binds up Satan and throws him into the bottomless pit for 1000 years Saints reign with Christ for 1000 years. After 1000 years Satan is released. He deceives many from all over the world to follow him. Satan battles God in the great Gog and Magog war. God defeats Satan and his followers. God throws Satan into the lake of fire where the Antichrist & False Prophet are. God judges all people of the world. The Book of Life was opened to see if Jesus Christ has a persons name in it, or if it has been blotted out. If it is blotted out other books are opened to see if person has sinned. [All men are sinners and God will by no means clear the guilty.] Anyone not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire. Death and Hades are also cast into the lake of fire. God creates a new heaven and a new earth. It will last forever. There is no death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor any pain. There is no darkness and no need for a sun, nor a moon, nor any stars because Jesus Christ supplies the new world its light. .

Figure 3: Summary Outline

Throne of God
The throne of God is described in Revelation 4. I attempted to make a figure that described the throne and the characters surrounding the throne. [It doesn't come close in doing God's Throne justice.] See Figure 4. We probably all have some questions about the characters; especially God, the angels, the four living creatures, and the elders. Nobody has seen God, but many people have seen Jesus Christ in His day. When Jesus walked on earth I believe that He probably looked like most men his age.

Some people have seen angels. They probably look a lot like men. No surprise there, but with spiritual features. They appear 'out of nowhere' and vanish 'into thin air' very fast.

I believe the four living creatures have the features that John described to them in Revelation. These are probably special creatures that were created by God for the express purpose of serving the Lord in the way as seen in Revelation. The four living creatures discussed in Ezekiel Chapter 1 are similar but different than these. The creatures in Ezekiel have four wings and these have six.

The twenty-four elders, we assume, are twenty-four Biblical patriarchs. Mainly, because there were twelve sons of Jacob and twelve disciples of Jesus. But, Judas is in hell. So, eleven of the original disciples plus the apostle Paul, gives us the necessary twelve apostles. ---- I don't think so. Why? Because the twelve sons of Jacob and the twelve apostles of Jesus haven't been resurrected yet. They haven't been given a glorified body yet. Remember, Christ was the first fruit from the dead.

I don't know who the four living creatures are, or who the elders are, or even, who the angels are.

Figure 4: Throne of God

Characters in Revelation (NKJV)
Those who are or will be in HEAVEN
---- God Father
---- Jesus
---- Holy Spirit (7 Spirits of God)
---- John, the apostle and author of Revelation
---- 4 living creatures
---- 24 elders
---- martyrs of the Lord
---- multitudes of believers or saints
---- 12 tribes of Israel (non-verbal)
---- 12 apostles of Jesus (non-verbal)
---- 7 churches of Asia Minor (non-verbal)
---- 144,000 Israelites (non-verbal)
---- 2 witnesses (non-verbal)
---- the archangel, Michael, and his angels (non-verbal)
---- 7 angels of the 7 churches (non-verbal)
---- 7 angels blowing the 7 trumpets (non-verbal)
---- 7 angels with 7 bowls of plagues
---- 5 angels with 5 messages from God

Those who are or will be in HELL or HADES
---- Satan
---- Antichrist
---- False Prophet
---- 1/3 of angelic beings
---- multitudes of demons
---- multitudes of unbelievers


Symbolism used in Revelation
Symbols are used in prophesy to emphasize the truths in the Bible. Especially, in the apocalyptic books of Daniel and Revelation. Symbols can be divided into two categories, There are 'good' symbols and 'bad' or 'evil' symbols, whether they are portraying something that is good or from God, or something that is worldly, demonic, or of Satan. Some of the more common symbols used in the book of Revelation are shown in Figure 5.

'Good' Symbols Jesus Christ church churches the nation Israel 12 tribes of Israel Jerusalem new Jerusalem two witnesses saints the saved (believers) angels sea (waters) earth (land) 'Evil' Symbols Satan human beings (leaders/rulers) hell Antichrist False Prophet false church economic/commerce demons unsaved fallen angels .

Alpha and Omega; Beginning and End; First and Last; Son of Man; Son of God; Amen; Faithful and True Witnesses; Beginning of the creation of God; Lion of the tribe of Judah; the Root of David; the Lamb; another mighty angel; male Child of woman (Israel); Lord of lords; King of kings; Faithful and True; a name written that no one knew except Himself; The Word of God; who is and who was and who is to come. moon under woman's feet; the Lamb's bride lampstands woman who bore the male Child garland of 12 stars on head of woman Sodom; Egypt; great city; great city where our Lord was crucified; great Babylon holy Jerusalem; great city; two lampstand two olive trees; two lampstands white cloud; armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen; white and clean harvest of the earth; multitudes from all nations; tribes, peoples and tongues clothed in white robes. stars in heaven all nations; peoples; multitudes, nations; tongues (refer to Rev. 13:1). the nation Israel (as referred to in Rev. 13:11). dragon; fiery red dragon; serpent; devil; great star fallen from heaven; king over locusts (or scorpions); angel of bottomless pit; Wormwood; Abaddon; Apollyon. riders on white, red, black, and pale horses bottomless pit; Hades the beast; scarlet beast [John refers to the Antichrist in other of his writings; 1 John 2:18 & 4:3] 2nd beast; lamb with two horns Babylon; Babylon the great; scarlet woman; mother of harlots Babylon; great city Babylon locusts from the abyss; scorpions cluster of grapes 1/3 of the stars cast out of heaven .

Figure 5: Good/Evil Symbols in Revelation

Symbol Analyses In Revelation
Figures 6a and 6b show a comprehensive discussion of these events as seen by John the revelator and relevant for our day, that is, from Revelation Chapter 1 up to eternity. A thorough outline is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. Figure 6a goes up to Jesus Christ's Second Coming, i.e., Rev. 1:1 through Rev. 11:19. Figure 6b goes from Rev. 12:1 all the way to the end of Revelation.

The symbols are usually listed in the right column along with the Bible passage or passages it was taken from. The person, place, or thing that the symbol is talking about is in the left-hand column opposite the symbol. Sometimes the left-hand column has the person (or voice) who said what is in the right-hand column.

[ The symbols were taken from the New King James Version of the Bible. The symbols will be somewhat different in different versions of the Bible.]

Chapter 1 Jesus Christ ---- a loud voice ---- the voice ---- His voice Jesus Christ ---- head and hair ---- eyes ---- feet ---- voice ---- in right hand ---- out of mouth ---- countenance seven angels seven churches Chapter 2 Jesus Christ Jesus Christ ??? Jesus Christ Jesus Christ ---- eyes ---- feet ??? Chapter 3 Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Chapter 4 voice of God ---- God sat on throne ---- around God's throne 24 elders around God from God's throne seven Spirits of God ---- sea of glass four living creatures ---- first living creature ---- second living creature ---- third living creature ---- fourth living creature 4 living creatures 24 elders Chapter 5 God's right hand strong angel one of the elders Jesus Christ ---- seven Spirits of God Jesus Christ elders & creatures angelic hosts every creature Chapter 6 Jesus opens 1st seal 1st living creature saying ---- white horse & rider Jesus opens 2nd seal 2nd living creature saying ---- red horse & rider Jesus opens 3rd seal 3rd living creature saying ---- black horse & rider voice of God Jesus opens 4th seal 4th living creature saying ---- pale horse & rider Jesus opens 5th seal martyrs under altar Jesus opens 6th seal great worldwide earth- quake Satan & his angels fall to earth Chapter 7 4 corners angels Jesus Christ 144,000 sealed Israelites the saved (saints) heavenly hosts one of the elders John one of the elders Chapter 8 Jesus opens 7th seal silence for about1/2 hour 7 angels stand before God another angel with censer 1st angel blows trumpet 2nd angel blows trumpet 3rd angel blows trumpet 4th angel blows trumpet Chapter 9 5th angel blows trumpet - Woe 1 Satan kicked out of heaven demons released from hell ---- power ---- shape ---- faces ---- hair ---- teeth ---- breastplates ---- sound of wings ---- tails demon's king (Satan) called 6th angel blows trumpet - Woe 2 voice from 4 horns of the golden altar which is before God Chapter 10 Jesus Christ Jesus Christ a voice from heaven Jesus Christ a voice from heaven John Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Chapter 11 Jesus Christ ---- reed two witnesses (Enoch & Elijah) Antichrist Jerusalem voice from heaven 7th angel blows trumpet - Woe 3 loud voices in heaven 24 elders temple of God .

Chapter 1 the Alpha and the Omega (Rev. 1:8 & 1:11) the Beginning and the End (Rev. 1:8) the First and the Last (Rev. 1:11) ---- as of a trumpet (Rev. 1:10) ---- that spoke to me (Rev. 1:12) ---- as the sound of many waters (Rev. 1:15) the Son of Man (Rev. 1:13-16) ---- white like wool ---- like a flame of fire ---- like fine brass ---- as the sound of many waters ---- were seven stars ---- went a sharp two-edged sword ---- like the sun shining in its strength seven stars of the seven golden lampstands(Rev. 1:20) seven golden lampstands(Rev. 1:20) Chapter 2 He who holds the seven stars in His right hand He who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (Rev. 2:1) the First and the Last (Rev. 2:8) (tribulation ten days) (Rev. 2:10) He who has the sharp two-edged sword (Rev. 2:12) Son of God (Rev. 2:18) ---- like a flame of fire ---- like fine brass (great tribulation) (Rev. 2:22) Chapter 3 He who has the seven Spirits of God and seven stars (Rev. 3:1) He who will not blot out his (your) name from the Book of Life (3:5) He who has the key of David, who opens & no one shuts, shuts and no one opens (3:7) He who will you keep from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world (3:10) Amen (Rev. 3:14) Faithful and True Witness (Rev. 3:14) the Beginning of the creation of God (Rev. 3:14) Chapter 4 like a trumpet speaking with me (John) saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." (Rev. 4:1, refer to Rev. 1:10) ---- like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance (Rev. 4:3) ---- a rainbow like an emerald (Rev. 4:3) 24 elders sat on 24 thrones clothed in white robes and with gold crowns on their heads worships God and cast their crowns before the throne of God (Rev. 4:4, 10) proceeded lightnings, thundering, and voices (Rev. 4:5) seven lamps of fire are seven Spirits of God before the throne of God (Rev. 4:5) ---- like crystal in the midst and around God's throne are 4 living creatures full of eyes in front and in back (Rev. 4:6-7) ---- like a lion ---- like a calf ---- face like a man ---- like a flying eagle do not rest day or night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" (Rev. 4:8) cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." (Rev. 4:11) Chapter 5 in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne was a scroll sealed with seven seals (5:1) a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?" (Rev. 5:2) said to me (John), "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals." (Rev. 5:5) Lamb having seven horns and seven eyes which are seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth (Rev. 5:6) ---- seven horns and seven eyes He (the Lamb) came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him (God) who sat on the throne (Rev. 5:8) the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seal; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth." (Rev. 5:9-10) the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Rev. 5:11-12) which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, saying, 'Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, forever and ever!" (5:13) Chapter 6 Jesus opens 1st seal heard one of the 4 living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see." (6:1) ---- conquering and to be conquered on earth (Rev. 6:2) the second living creature saying, "Come and see." (Rev. 6:3) ---- war on earth (Rev. 6:4) the third living creature saying, "Come and see." (Rev. 6:5) ---- inflation and starvation on earth (Rev. 6:5) a voice in midst of the 4 living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine." (Rev. 6:6) the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." (Rev. 6:7) ---- the rider was called Death and Hades and was given power to 'them' to kill with sword, with hunger, or by beasts 1/4 of people on earth (Rev. 6:8) martyrs cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (Rev. 6:9-10) ['under the altar' would indicate the saints have not been raised yet] every mountain & island moved out of its place [worldwide earthquake rapture?] stars of heaven fell to earth like a fig tree dropping its late figs (Rev. 6:12-14) Chapter 7 standing at the 4 corners of the earth, holding the 4 winds of the earth (Rev. 7:1) another angel [Christ?] ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God cried with a loud voice to the four angels to harm the earth and the sea, saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we [Father and Son?] have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads." (Rev. 7:2-3) 12,000 sealed Christian believers from each tribe of Israel; they were sealed on their foreheads (Rev. 7:4-8) a great multitude of all nations, tribes, people, and tongues, standing before the Lamb, clothed with white robes cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Rev.7:9-10) [Note: the saints are in heaven now, clothed with white robes.] all the angels, elders, and 4 living creatures stood around God's throne, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen." (Rev. 7:11-12) answered, saying, to me (John), "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" (Rev. 7:13) said to the elder, "Sir, you know." (Rev. 7:14) the elder said to me (John), "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. God will wipe every tear from their eyes." (Rev. 7:14-17) Chapter 8 Jesus opens 7th seal Tribulation Period starts?? [signing of covenant between Israel and Antichrist (Dan. 9:27] 7 angels given 7 trumpets (Rev. 8:2) filled with incense and prayers of the saints thrown down to earth causing noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake (8:3-5) hail and fire mingled with blood thrown to earth; 1/3 of trees burned up and all green grass burned up. (Rev. 8:7) something like a great mountain burning with fire thrown into the sea; 1/3 of the living creatures in the sea die; 1/3 of the ships destroyed (Rev. 8:8-9) a great star falls from heaven, burning like a torch and fell on 1/3 of the rivers and springs; waters became bitter; many men die (8:10-11) 1/3 of sun darkened; 1/3 of the moon and stars darkened; 1/3 of the day and night shortened; a flying angel said, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!" (Rev. 8:12-13) Chapter 9 5th angel blows trumpet - Woe 1 a star fallen from heaven to earth & he was given key to the bottomless pit (hell). (9:1-2) locusts (demons) came out of hell upon earth & commanded not to harm the green grass on earth nor any men who have the seal of God on their foreheads. The locusts were authority to torment but not to kill for 5 months. (Rev. 9:3-10) [Christ preached to these spirits; see 1 Pet. 3:18-19 and 2 Pet. 2:4] ---- like scorpions ---- like horses prepared for battle ---- like faces of men ---- like women's hair ---- like lion's teeth ---- like breastplates of iron ---- like sound of chariots with horses running into battle ---- like scorpions tails with stings in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (Rev. 9:11) saying to the 6th angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.' "The four angels (demons?) were released to kill 1/3 of mankind by fire, smoke, and brimstone which came out of their mouths. The size of their army was 200,000,000 (Rev. 9:13-19) Chapter 10 another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, with a rainbow on his head, his face like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. (Rev. 10:1) he had a little book open, in his hand; his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. He cried with a loud voice; 7 thunders uttered their voices. (Rev. 10:2-3) I, John, was about to write but a voice from heaven said to me, John, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them." (Rev. 10:4) the angel whom I, John, saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his hand to heaven and swore by Him (God) who lives forever and ever that there should be delay no longer and the mystery of God would be finished before the 7th angel blows his trumpet. (10:5-7) the voice which I, John, heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, "Go take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth." (Rev. 10:8) went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." (Rev. 10:9) and He said to me (John), "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth." (10:9) and He said to me (John), "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings." (Rev. 10:11) Chapter 11 angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months. And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." (11:1-3) ---- like a measuring rod two olive trees & two lampstands standing before the God of the earth (Rev. 11:4) ---- fire proceeds from their mouth to destroy those that would harm them (Rev. 11:5) ---- have power to shut heaven; no rain, turn waters into blood; strike earth with all plagues as often as they desire (Rev. 11:6) the beast that ascends out of hell and will kill the two witnesses (11:7) their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city called Sodom and Egypt where our Lord was crucified (Rev. 11:8) after 3 1/2 days the breath of life from God entered them, and loud voice from heaven said, "Come up here."; the two witnesses ascended to heaven; in the same hour there was a great earthquake and 1/10 of the city fell and 7000 men killed (Rev. 11:11-13) [another earthquake with a resurrection] loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Rev. 11:15) the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth." (11:16-18) the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. There were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail (Rev. 11:19) .

Figure 6a: Symbol Analyses - Part 1

Chapter 12 Vision 1 the nation of Israel ---- church ---- 12 tribes Jesus Christ Satan ---- tail of dragon fallen angels Satan a heavenly voice the nation Israel Satan Chapter 13 Vision 2 all nations Antichrist ---- 1st beast ---- feet ---- mouth ---- power & authority Satan Antichrist the world the nation of Israel False Prophet ---- two horns ---- spoke False Prophet False Prophet Chapter 14 Vision 3 Jesus Christ a heavenly voice 144,000 Israelites Angel 1 speaks Angel 2 speaks Angel 3 speaks a heavenly voice Jesus Christ ---- white cloud ---- words spoken ---- reap ---- harvest ---- clusters of grapes ---- great winepress ---- blood Angel 4 speaks another angel (Jesus Christ?) Angel 5 speaks Chapter 15 Vision 5 seven angels Jesus Christ tribulation martyrs temple Chapter 16 voice from temple Seven Last Plagues Bowl 1 Bowl 2 Bowl 3 Bowl 4 Bowl 5 Bowl 6 Bowl 7 Chapter 17 Vision 6 a bowl angel spoke. great harlot who sits on waters = false religions of the world. fornication = idolatry scarlet beast = Antichrist false church (religion) ---- idolatry ---- inhabitants ---- lies false religion Antichrist ---- 7 heads = 7 whole world ---- 10 horns = 10 kings or rulers that the Antichrist controls Antichrist ---- ascend out of hell ---- perdition = complete ruin the 'bowl' angel spoke 7 heads = 7 mountains = whole earth. 7 kings = 7 empires of 7 world kingdoms. 5 kings (or empires) have fallen. They are: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Mede-Persia, and Greece. 1 empire is: Rome (in John's day). 1 empire is yet to come, which is the Revived Roman Empire. (See Daniel 2 & 9:27) [See Daniel 7 and 8 for the definition of beast and horn.] Chapter 18 Vision 7 angel spoke another voice from heaven mighty angel Chapter 19 Christ's 2nd Coming multitude in heaven 24 elders and 4 creatures voice from throne (Jesus Christ) voice of a great multitude Lamb's bride = the Christian church Jesus Christ ---- eyes ---- on His head ---- name ---- name ---- robe ---- mouth ---- rule ---- name angel in the sun Chapter 20:1-10 Christ's Millennial Reign Chapter 20:11-15 God's Judgment Day Chapters 21 and 22 Eternity Described .

Chapter 12 Vision 1 woman clothed with the sun (God's glory) (Rev. 12:1) ---- moon under woman's (Israel's) feet ---- on head a garland of 12 stars Israel bears a male Child with much labor and pain (Rev. 12:2) fiery red dragon with 7 heads and 7 diadems on his heads, and 10 horns (Rev. 12:3) ---- influence of Satan 1/3 of the stars of heaven cast out of heaven (Rev. 12:4) dragon, serpent, the devil (Rev. 12:9) a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." (Rev. 12:10-12). woman given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. (Rev. 12:14) serpent spewed water out of his mouth (told lies), but the earth (Petra ???) protected the woman (Israel) and he made war on the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 12:15-17) Chapter 13 Vision 2 the sea (waters) (Rev. 13:1) 1st beast having 7 heads and 10 horns, and on his horns10 crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name (Rev. 13:1-2) ---- like a leopard ---- like the feet of a bear ---- like a mouth of a lion ---- from Satan dragon (Rev. 13:3) one of the beast's heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed (Rev. 13:3) And all the world marveled and followed the beast (antichrist). So they worshiped the dragon (Satan) who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. And it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. (Rev. 13:3-7). the earth (land) (Rev. 13:11) 2nd beast (Rev. 13:11-16, refer to Rev. 16:13) ---- like a lamb (he sounds like Jesus) ---- like a dragon (Satan) exercises all the authority of 1st beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the 1st beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. (Rev. 13:12-14) he (false prophet) was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. The number of the beast is 666. (Rev. 13:15-18) Chapter 14 Vision 3 a Lamb (Rev. 14:1) a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder (14:2) first-fruits to God and to Jesus Christ (Rev. 14:4) another angel flying in the midst of heaven saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glorify to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water." (Rev. 14:6-7) another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." (Rev. 14:8) third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name." (Rev. 14:9-10) a voice from heaven saying to me (John), "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." (14:13) One like the Son of Man (Rev. 14:14) ---- holy ---- out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword ---- judgment ---- saved ---- unsaved ---- hell or the wrath of God ---- lack of blood or life (death) another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." (Rev.14:15) another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. (Rev. 14:17) another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe" (Rev. 14:18) Chapter 15 Vision 5 having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete (15:1) Lamb (Rev. 15:3) And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested." (Rev. 15:3-4) of the tabernacle of the testimony of heaven was opened (Rev. 15:5) Chapter 16 a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth." (Rev. 16:1) Seven Last Plagues the first angel poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foal and loathsome sore came upon men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image (16:2) the second angel poured out his bowl upon the sea, and it became as blood as of a dead man and every living creature of the sea died (Rev. 16:3) the third angel poured out his bowl upon the rivers and springs of waters and they became blood (Rev. 16:4) the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire (Rev. 16:8) the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness, and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain (Rev. 16:10) the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east. I, John, saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of mouths of Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet. These spirits of demons are able to perform signs which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle at Armageddon (16:12) the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" There were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and the greatest earthquake ever. The great city (Jerusalem) was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations were destroyed. The great Babylon was destroyed. [The city, if it is a city, represented by the symbol, Babylon, is not known definitively. Babylon represents everything that is evil, such as, Satan, demons, Antichrist, False Prophet, false religions, non-repentant sinners.] Every island and mountain destroyed. Great hailstones fell from heaven. Men did not repent but kept on blaspheming God. (Rev. 16:17-21). Chapter 17 Vision 6 one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, came and talked with me (John), saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication." (Rev. 17:1 - 2) woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Rev. 17:3) scarlet woman, the great harlot, Babylon the great, mother of harlots (Rev. 17:5) ---- fornication with harlot ---- idolaters ---- wine of her fornication Babylon, the great city or community which reigns over the kings of the earth (17:5) the beast that carries her (the scarlet woman) has seven heads and ten horns (17:3 & 7) the beast that you saw was, and is not and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition (Rev. 17:8). the angel said to me (John), "Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (17:7-8) Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits on. There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition. And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." And he said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat the flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (17:9-18) Chapter 18 Vision 7 another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." (Rev. 18:1-3) another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works in the cup which she has mixed, mix for her double. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.' Therefore her plagues will come in one day -- death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her." "And the kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble: cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. And the fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.' And every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like this great city?' And they threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate. ' Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!"(Rev. 18:9-20) a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. And no craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore. And the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. And the light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore. And the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth." (18:21-24) Chapter 19 Christ's 2nd Coming a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." Again they said, Alleluia! And her smoke rises up forever and ever." (19:1-3) saying, "Amen, Alleluia!" (Rev. 19:4) saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!" (Rev. 19:5). the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and hive Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." Then he said to me (John), "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God." And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (19:6-10) Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11) ---- like a flame of fire ---- many crowns ---- no one knows but Himself ---- Word of God ---- dipped in blood ---- sharp sword ---- rod of iron ---- King of kings and Lord of lords an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of our great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." (Rev. 19:17-18). Chapter 20:1-10 The devil is bound and cast into hell for 1000 years so that he can not deceive the nations. Saints reign with Christ for 1000 years. After 1000 years Satan is released. He deceives many from all over the world to follow him. Satan battles God in the great Gog and Magog war. God defeats Satan and his followers. God throws Satan into the lake of fire where the Antichrist and False Prophet are. (Rev. 20:1-10). Chapter 20:11-15 God judges all people of the world. The Book of Life was opened to see if Jesus Christ has your name in it, or if it has been blotted out. If it is blotted out other books are opened to see if you had sinned. [All men are sinners (Rom. 3:23) and God will by no means clear the guilty (Ex. 34:7).] Anyone not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire. Death and Hades are also cast into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:11-15). Chapters 21 and 22 God creates a new heaven and a new earth. It will last forever. There is no death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor any pain. There is no darkness and no need for a sun, nor a moon, nor any stars because Jesus Christ supplies the new world its light. (Rev. 21 and 22). Amen, Amen. .

Figure 6b: Symbol Analyses - Part 2



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