I developed this outline of Revelation in 2006-07 for
classes I was teaching at the time. It is an attempt merely to organize the
information in the book, not to interpret it from any particular perspective. -JME
The Revelation of Jesus Christ: Overview
Outline of the Book:
1.
The
Announcement (1-3)
The Seven Churches
The Seven Churches
2.
The
Prelude (4-5)
The Throne of God and the Lamb of God
The Throne of God and the Lamb of God
3.
The
Conflict (6-7)
The Seven Seals
The Seven Seals
4.
The
Action (8-11)
The Seven Trumpets
The Seven Trumpets
5.
The
Explanation (12-13)
Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes
6.
The
Resolution (14-19)
The Seven Bowls
The Seven Bowls
7.
The
Conclusion (20-22)
The Final Judgment and The New Jerusalem
The Final Judgment and The New Jerusalem
Summary of the Chapters:
1.
Glorified
Christ
2.
Letters:
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos,
Thyatira
3.
Letters:
Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
4.
Heaven’s
Throne
5.
Slain
Lamb
6.
1st
Six Seals
7.
144,000
Sealed
8.
7th
Seal, 4 Trumpets
9.
2
Trumpets, 2 Woes
10.
Little
Book
11.
Measure Temple
12.
Dragon
and Child
13.
Two
Beasts
14.
144,000
Redeemed
15.
Bowls
Announced
16.
Bowls
of Wrath
17.
Harlot
18.
Babylon Fallen
19.
Armageddon
20.
Millennial
Reign
21.
New
Jerusalem
22.
Paradise Restored
The Revelation of Jesus Christ:
Outlined
Revelation
1: The Glorified Christ
1.
Preface
(1-3)
a.
Introduction
(1-2)
i. Identification:
revelation, bondservants, soon to occur
ii. Communication:
signified, angel, John, testified
b.
Beatitude
(3)
i. Read, hear, heed
ii. Time is near
2.
Address
(4-8)
a.
The
Address (4-6)
i. Greeting (4-5a)
ii. Doxology (5b-6)
b.
The
Announcement (7-8)
i. Affirmation (7)
ii. Confirmation (8)
3.
Vision
of Glorified Christ (9-20)
a.
The
Command (9-11)
i. Setting: companion
in tribulation, Patmos, Lord’s Day, in Spirit
ii. Charge: trumpet,
write book to send to seven churches in Asia
b.
The
Character (12-16)
i. What John did:
turned to look
ii. What John saw:
description of Christ
c.
The
Comfort (17-20)
i. Confounded: fell as
a dead man
ii. Consoled: do not be
afraid, identify stars and lamps
Outline of book in
verse 19:
Things you have seen
– John was an eyewitness to the history of the conflict in the book (Rev. 5-6a,
12)
Things which are – A
divine perspective on current events; i.e. see them as they are (Rev. 13)
Things which will
take place – Future, i.e. judgment of the harlot and beasts as well as the end
of time
Revelation 2-3: The Letters
to the Seven Churches in Asia
1.
To
Ephesus (2:1-7)
a.
Characterization
of Christ (1)
i. The One who holds
the seven stars in His right hand
ii. The One who walks in
the midst of the seven golden lampstands
b.
Commendation
(2-3)
i. I know your works,
labor, patience, and intolerance for evil
ii. Tested those who
claimed to be apostles and proven them false
iii. Persevered for My
sake and not grown weary
c.
Condemnation:
You have left your first love (4)
d.
Correction
(5)
i. Remember, Repent,
and Renew
ii. Otherwise I am
coming quickly and will remove your lampstand
e.
Concession:
You do hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans (6)
f.
Conclusion
(7)
i. He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
ii. He who overcomes
will eat of tree of life in the Paradise of God
2.
To
Smyrna (2:8-11)
a.
Characterization
of Christ (8)
i. The first and the
last
ii. Who was dead and has
come to life
b.
Commendation
(9)
i. I know your
tribulation, your poverty, and your true wealth
ii. I know the blasphemy
of false Jews who are a synagogue of Satan
c.
Comfort
and Encourage (10)
i. Do not fear the
tribulation you must endure
ii. Be faithful until
death and I will give you the crown of life
d.
Conclusion
(11)
i. He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
ii. He who overcomes
will not be hurt by the second death
3.
To
Pergamos (2:12-17)
a.
Characterization
of Christ: Who has the sharp, two-edged sword (12)
b.
Commendation
(13)
i. I know where you
dwell, where Satan’s throne is
ii. You did not deny My
faith even when Antipas was killed
c.
Condemnation
(14-15)
i. Tolerate teaching of
Balaam: stumbling block, idol-meat, immorality
ii. Tolerate teaching of
the Nicolaitans
d.
Correction
(16)
i. Repent
ii. Otherwise I am
coming quickly to make war with My sword
e.
Conclusion
(17)
i. He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
ii. He who overcomes
will have hidden manna, white stone, new name
4.
To
Thyatira (2:18-29)
a.
Characterization
of Christ (18)
i. The Son of God
ii. Who has eyes like a
flame of fire and feet like fine brass
b.
Commendation
(19)
i. I know your deeds,
love, faith, service, and perseverance
ii. Your recent deeds
are more than your first
c.
Condemnation
(20-21)
i. Tolerate Jezebel who
teaches saints fornication and to eat w/ idols
ii. I gave her time to
repent, but she has not repented
d.
Correction
(22-25)
i. Judgment on wicked:
sickness, tribulation, death
ii. Judgment for
righteous: no other burden, hold fast till I come
e.
Conclusion
(26-27)
i. He who overcomes
will share in authority of Christ and morning star
ii. He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
5.
To
Sardis (3:1-6)
a.
Characterization
of Christ (1a)
i. He who has the seven
Spirits of God and the seven stars
b.
Condemnation
(1b)
i. I know your deeds
You have a name that you live, but you are dead
c.
Correction
(2-3)
i. Wake up and
strengthen what is about to die
ii. Remember, retain,
and repent
iii. If you do not, I
will come like a thief when you do not expect it
d.
Concession
(4)
i. A few in Sardis have not defiled
their garments
ii. They will walk with
Me in white because they are worthy
e.
Conclusion
(5-6)
i. He who overcomes
will be clothed in white, recorded and confessed
ii. He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
6.
To
Philadelphia (3:7-13)
a.
Characterization
of Christ (7)
i. He who is holy and
true
ii. He who has David’s
key to open and shut and no one can alter it
b.
Commendation:
I know your deeds (8a)
c.
Comfort
and Encouragement (8b-11)
i. I have opened a door
which no one can shut
1.
Because
you have a little power and have not denied My name
ii. I will cause Satan’s
synagogue to bow to you and know I love you
iii. I will keep you from
the hour of testing coming on the whole world
iv. I am coming quickly:
hold fast so you don’t lose your crown
d.
Conclusion
(12-13)
i. He who overcomes
will be pillar in God’s temple and wear new name
ii. He who has an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
7.
To
Laodicea (3:14-22)
a.
Characterization
of Christ (14)
i. The Amen, the
Faithful and True Witness
ii. The Beginning of the
creation of God
b.
Condemnation
(15-16)
i. I know your deeds
that you are lukewarm
ii. Because you are
lukewarm, I will vomit you out of My mouth
c.
Correction
(17-20)
i. Since you are proud
and do not realize your miserable state…
2.
Buy
gold from Me to be truly rich
3.
Buy
white garments from Me to be truly clothed
4.
Buy
eye salve from Me to be able to truly see
ii. Whoever I love I
rebuke and discipline, so be zealous and repent
iii. I knock at the door;
I will dine with the one who opens to Me
d.
Conclusion
(21-22)
i. He who overcomes
will sit with Me on My throne
ii. He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Summary of the Seven
Churches in Asia
Church
|
Commendation
|
Condemnation
|
Instruction
|
Ephesus
|
Intolerant of evil
|
Left first love
|
Remember, repent,
renew
|
Smyrna
|
Spiritually
wealthy
|
None
|
Be faithful to
death
|
Pergamos
|
Endured
persecution
|
Tolerate false
doctrine
|
Repent
|
Thyatira
|
Increasing works
|
Tolerate false
teacher
|
Wrath ahead, hold
fast
|
Sardis
|
Some not defiled
|
Good reputation
but dead
|
Remember, retain,
repent
|
Philadelphia
|
Have persevered
|
None
|
Encouragement to
church
|
Laodicea
|
None
|
Lukewarm
|
Be zealous and
repent
|
Revelation 4-5: The
Throne of God and The Lamb of God
1.
The
Throne of God (4:1-11)
a.
The
Sight of God’s Throne (4:1-8)
i. On the throne: A
description of God
ii. Around the throne:
An emerald rainbow and 24 elders on thrones
iii. From the throne:
Flashes of lightning and sounds of thunder
iv. Before the throne:
The seven Spirits and a sea of glass like crystal
v. Circling the throne:
Four living creatures
1.
The
first was like a lion
2.
The
second was like a calf
3.
The
third had a face like a man
4.
The
fourth was like a flying eagle
b.
The
Sound of God’s Throne (4:9-11)
i. The Living
Creatures’ Praise
ii. The Twenty-four
Elders’ Praise
2.
The
Lamb of God (5:1-14)
a.
A
Sealed Book (5:1-5)
i. The Scroll: Written
inside on the back, Sealed with seven seals
ii. The Question: Who is
worthy to open the scroll?
iii. The Answer: No one
in heaven, on earth, or under the earth
iv. The Sorrow: There is
no one worthy to open the scroll
v. The Solution: The
Lion of Judah has prevailed to open the scroll
b.
A
Slain Lamb (5:6-7)
c.
A
Singing Creation (5:8-14)
i. The Living Creatures
and Elders Praise the Lamb
ii. The Angels Praise
the Lamb
iii. All Creation Praises
the Lamb
Notice in 5:4-5
No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth (Hades)
was worthy to open the scroll and disclose its message. No angel, no apostle,
no OT saint was qualified to do what Jesus did. Only Jesus could accomplish
what God intended. To study the superiority of Jesus further, read Hebrews 1-2
and Colossians 1:13-23.
Revelation 6-7: The Seven
Seals
1.
The
First Six Seals (6:1-17)
a.
The
First Seal: A White Horse / A bow and a crown – Conquest
i. Each of the four
horsemen was called by one of the living creatures.
b.
The
Second Seal: A Red Horse / A great sword – War
i. The rider has power
to take peace from the earth and incite violence.
c.
The
Third Seal: A Black Horse / A pair of scales – Famine
i. Basic foods would
cost a day’s pay; oil and wine would not change.
d.
The
Fourth Seal: A Pale Horse / Death and Hades – Death
i. Power over ¼ of
earth to kill with sword, famine, pestilence, beasts.
e.
The
Fifth Seal: Souls under Altar / Killed for word & testimony – Martyrs
i. They ask, “How long,
holy Lord, until our blood is avenged?”
ii. They are given white
robes and told to wait a little longer.
f.
The
Sixth Seal: Earthquake – Terror
i. The elements and the
earth are thrown into chaos and disheveled.
ii. Men ask the
mountains to fall and hide them from God’s wrath.
2.
An
Interlude (7:1-17)
a.
Judgment
Delayed (1-3)
i. Four angels at the
four corners of the earth holding back four winds
ii. “Do not harm the
earth until the servants of God are sealed.”
b.
144,000
Sealed (4-8)
i. 12,000 x Judah,
Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun,
Joseph, Benjamin
c.
Multitude
in White Robes (9-17)
i. A multitude from
every nation worshipping God in white robes
ii. Came out of the
great tribulation; washed robes in the Lamb’s blood
iii. No longer suffer,
the Lamb is their shepherd, every tear wiped away
3.
The
Seventh Seal: Silence (8:1)
a.
Silence
in heaven for about half an hour
b.
This
silence precedes the judgment of the seven trumpets.
Revelation 8-11: The
Seven Trumpets
1.
The
First Six Trumpets (8:2-9:21)
a.
Introduction
to the Trumpets (2-6)
i. Seven angels are
given seven trumpets and prepare to sound.
ii. The prayers of the
saints are presented on the altar with incense.
iii. Fire from the altar
is thrown to earth: thunder, lightning, earthquake.
b.
The
First Trumpet: Vegetation
i. Hail and fire mixed
with blood is thrown to the earth.
ii. A third of the
earth, trees, and green grass are burned up.
c.
The
Second Trumpet: Sea
i. Something like a
great mountain on fire is thrown into the sea.
ii. 1/3 of sea became
blood, 1/3 of creatures died, 1/3 ships destroyed
d.
The
Third Trumpet: Waters
i. A great star fell,
burning like a torch, on the rivers and springs.
ii. Star is called
Wormwood; 1/3 of waters became bitter and men died
e.
The
Fourth Trumpet: Stars
i. 1/3 of sin, moon,
and stars were darkened; day and night disrupted
ii. “Woe, woe, woe
because of the three remaining trumpet blasts.”
f.
The
Fifth Trumpet: Locusts
i. Locusts released
from the bottomless pit by a fallen star
ii. Torment the men not
sealed with the mark of God for five months
iii. Frightful
appearance; Their king is angel of pit: Abaddon/Apollyon
g.
The
Sixth Trumpet: Army
i. Four angels released
at the Euphrates to kill 1/3 of mankind
ii. They bring an army
of 200 million cavalry: Fire-breathing lion heads
iii. The rest of mankind
still did not repent of idolatry and wickedness.
2.
The
Little Book (10:1-11)
a.
A
mighty angel with a little book; Seven thunders sound, do not record
b.
When
the seventh trumpet sounds, the mystery of God will be finished
c.
John
eats the book: sweet then bitter; “You must again prophesy.”
3.
The
Temple and the
Witnesses (11:1-14)
a.
The
Temple is
Measured (1-2)
i. John is told to
measure the temple, altar, and those who worship in it
ii. The court is
excluded and is overrun with the holy city 42 months
b.
The
Two Witnesses Prophesy (3-6)
i. Two witnesses
prophesy in sackcloth for 1,260 days
ii. They are the two
olive trees and two lampstands before God
iii. They are protected
by fire and have power to bring plagues
c.
The
Two Witnesses are Killed (7-10)
i. The beast from the
abyss makes war with them and kills them.
ii. Their bodies lie in
the street of the great city for 3 ½ days.
iii. Those who dwell on
the earth rejoice in their death.
d.
The
Two Witnesses are Resurrected (11-14)
i. God revives them and
then carries them to heaven in a cloud.
ii. An earthquake
collapses 1/10 of the city and 7,000 die.
iii. The rest of the
people are terrified and give glory to God.
4.
The
Seventh Trumpet: Temple (11:15-19)
a.
“The
kingdoms of earth belong to the Lord and Christ; They reign forever!”
b.
“You
have reigned; the nations were angry; You have brought judgment.”
c.
The
temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of the covenant appeared.
Revelation 12-13: The
Conflict and Its Characters
1.
The
Characters (12:1-6)
a.
The
Woman (1-2)
i. A great sign
appeared in heaven
ii. A woman: clothed
with sun, moon under feet, crown of 12 stars
iii. Pregnant and crying
out with pain in labor
b.
The
Dragon (3-4)
i. Another sign
appeared in heaven
ii. A red dragon: seven
heads, ten horns, seven diadems on his heads
iii. Threw 1/3 of the
stars to earth; poised to devour the woman’s child
c.
The
Child (5-6)
i. Gave birth to a male
child who would rule all nations with an iron rod
ii. The child was caught
up to the throne of God.
iii. The woman fled into
the wilderness for 1,260 days.
2.
The
Conflict (12:7-17)
a.
In
Heaven (7-12)
i. Michael and his
angels fought the dragon and his angels.
ii. The dragon, Satan,
and his angels were cast out and thrown to earth.
iii. A loud voice in
heaven proclaimed:
1.
Salvation
has come; the accuser has been cast out.
2.
Saints
overcame by the Lamb’s blood - faithful even
to death
3.
Rejoice
in heavens – Woe to the earth – Devil’s time is short
b.
On
Earth (13-17)
i. After he was cast
down, the dragon persecuted the woman.
1.
The
woman was given wings to fly into the wilderness.
2.
She
remained in her place for times, times, and half a time.
3.
The
serpent sent a flood of water, but the earth swallowed it.
ii. The enraged dragon
went to make war with her other children.
1.
Those
who keep the commandments of God
2.
Those
who hold to the testimony of Jesus
3.
The
Collaborators (13:1-18)
a.
The
Beast from the Sea (1-10)
i. The dragon stood on
the shore, and a beast came up out of the sea.
1.
Ten
horns, seven heads, ten diadems on his horns
2.
On
his head were blasphemous names
3.
Beast
was like a leopard, bear’s feet, lion’s mouth
ii. The dragon gave the
beast his power, throne, and great authority.
1.
One
head appeared slain, but its fatal wound was healed.
2.
The
world marveled and worshipped the beast and the dragon.
iii. His mouth spoke
arrogant words and blasphemies.
1.
He
was given authority to continue 42 months.
2.
He
blasphemed God, His name, His tabernacle (those in heaven)
iv. Given power to make
war with the saints and overcome them.
1.
Given
authority over every tribe, people, tongue, and nation.
2.
Everyone
not written in Book of Life will worship him.
v. If anyone has an ear
to hear, let him hear.
1.
The
captor shall go into captivity; the killer shall be killed.
2.
Here
is the perseverance and faith of the saints.
b.
The
Beast from the Earth (11-18)
i. Beast coming out of
the earth: two lamb’s horns, spoke as a dragon
1.
Exercises
all the authority of first beast in his presence
2.
Causes
those who dwell on earth to worship the first beast
ii. He performs great
signs, making fire come down before men.
1.
Deceives
men by his signs
2.
Commands
men to make an image to the first beast
3.
The
beast gives breath to image of the first beast
a.
The
image of the beast speaks
b.
The
image causes those who will not worship to be killed
iii. He causes all to
receive a mark on their right hand or forehead.
1.
No
one may buy or sell without the mark or number of beast.
2.
Here
is wisdom: Number of beast is number of a man – 666
Revelation 14-16: The
Seven Bowls
1.
Proclaiming
the Judgment (14:1-20)
a.
The
Singers (14:1-5)
i. The Lamb was
standing on Mt. Zion with the 144,000.
1.
A
voice was heard from heaven like many waters and thunder.
2.
The
sound was like harpists playing.
ii. They sang a new song
before the throne, the creatures, and elders.
1.
No
one could learn the song except the 144,000 redeemed.
iii. The 144,000 are
blameless.
1.
They
are not defiled with women and have remained pure.
2.
They
follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
3.
They
have been purchased as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
4.
No
lie was found in their mouth.
b.
The
Speakers (14:6-13)
i. The messages of
three angels flying in the midst of heaven. (6-12)
1.
The
first had an eternal gospel to preach to all on the earth.
a.
Fear
God and give Him glory.
b.
The
hour of His judgment has come.
c.
Worship
the Creator.
2.
The
second declared the fall of Babylon.
a.
Fallen,
fallen is Babylon
the great.
b.
She
made all nations drink of the wine of immorality.
3.
The
third described the punishment of the beast worshippers.
a.
He
will drink the wine of God’s wrath mixed full strength.
b.
He
will be tormented by fire without rest before the Lamb.
c.
Here
is the perseverance of faithful, obedient saints.
ii. The message of a
voice from heaven and of the Spirit. (13)
1.
Voice
from heaven: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
2.
Spirit:
“Yes. They rest from labor. Their deeds follow them.”
c.
The
Reapers (14:14-20)
i. One like the Son of
Man reaps the harvest of the earth.
1.
One
like the Son of Man sat on a white cloud.
a.
He
wore a gold crown and carried a sharp sickle.
2.
An
angel came out of the temple and cried out to Him.
a.
“Reap.
The hour has come. Earth’s harvest is ripe.”
3.
He
swung His sickle over the earth and it was reaped.
ii. An angel reaps and
presses the clusters of earth.
1.
Another
angel came out of the temple with a sharp sickle.
2.
An
angel with power over fire came from the altar.
a.
“Put
in your sickle; gather the clusters from earth’s vine.”
b.
“The
grapes are ripe.”
3.
The
angel swung his sickle and gathered the clusters.
a.
He
threw them into the winepress of God’s wrath.
b.
The
grapes were trodden outside the city.
i. Blood came out of
the press.
ii. The blood reached
horses’ bridles for 200 miles.
2.
Preparing
the Judgment (15:1-8)
a.
Another
sign appeared in heaven, great and mighty.
i. Seven angels with
the seven last plagues that finish God’s wrath
ii. A glass sea mixed
with fire
iii. The victors over the
beast standing on the sea with harps
1.
They
sang the song of Moses and of the Lamb
2.
“Great
are Your works. Your judgments are manifested.”
b.
The
temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened.
i. Out came seven angels
clothed in linen, gold sashes around chests.
ii. One of living
creatures gave angels the seven bowls full of wrath.
iii. The temple was
filled with smoke from God’s glory and power.
iv. No one could enter
until the seven plagues of the angels are finished.
c.
A
voice from the temple: “Go pour out the bowls on the earth.” (16:1)
3.
Pouring
Out the Judgment (16:1-21)
a.
The
First Bowl: Loathsome Sores (2)
i. The first bowl was
poured out onto the earth.
ii. Sores came on those
who worshipped the beast and wore his mark.
b.
The
Second Bowl: Sea turns to Blood (3)
i. The second bowl was
poured out into the sea.
ii. The sea became blood
like a corpse, and every living thing in it died.
c.
The
Third Bowl: Waters turn to Blood
(4-7)
i. The third bowl was
poured out into the rivers and springs of water.
ii. The waters became
blood.
iii. The angel of the
waters praised God for His justice.
1.
The
enemies had poured out the blood of saints and prophets.
2.
God
had given them blood to drink as they deserved.
iv. The altar said:
“True and righteous are Your judgments.”
d.
The
Fourth Bowl: Scorching Heat (8-9)
i. The fourth bowl was
poured out on the sun.
ii. Men were scorched
with heat, blasphemed God, and did not repent.
e.
The
Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain (10-11)
i. The fifth bowl was
poured on the throne of the beast.
ii. The kingdom became
dark; they gnawed their tongues with pain.
iii. They blasphemed God
and did not repent.
f.
The
Sixth Bowl: Euphrates Dried Up (12-16)
i. The sixth bowl was
poured out on the great river, the Euphrates.
1.
Its
water was dried up to prepare the way for kings of the East.
ii. 3 demons like frogs
came from the mouths of the dragon and beasts.
1.
They
gathered the kings of earth for war at Armageddon.
g.
The
Seventh Bowl: Earth Shaken (17-21)
i. The seventh bowl was
poured out into the air.
ii. There was lightning,
thunder, and the mightiest earthquake ever.
iii. The great city split
into 3 parts; cities of the nations fell.
iv. Every island fled,
mountains gone; 100 lb. hailstones fell on men
Revelation 17: The
Harlot
1.
Information
About the Harlot (17:1-6)
a.
An
angel with one of the bowls beckoned John to come see the Harlot.
i. She sits on many
waters and commits immorality with kings.
ii. Those on the earth
are drunk with the wine of her immorality.
b.
A
woman was sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names.
i. The beast had seven
heads and ten horns.
ii. The woman was
clothed in purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones.
iii. Gold cup of
abominations; Mystery, Babylon,
Mother of Abominations
iv. She was drunk with
the blood of saints and witnesses of Jesus.
2.
Interpretation
of the Harlot (17:7-18)
a.
Angel:
“I will tell you the mystery of the woman and the beast.”
b.
The
beast was, is not, and is about to come out of abyss to destruction.
i. The seven heads are
seven mountains where woman sits.
ii. They are seven
kings: five have fallen, one is, and one will come.
iii. The beast is an
eighth and one of the seven and goes to destruction.
iv. The ten horns are
ten kings who receive authority for one hour.
v. They have one
purpose and give their power to the beast.
c.
They
will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them.
d.
The
waters where the harlot sits are peoples, multitudes, and nations.
i. The ten horns and
the beast will hate the harlot and burn her.
ii. They will fulfill
God’s purpose until His words are fulfilled.
iii. The woman is the
great city which rules over the kings of the earth.
Revelation
18: Babylon is
Fallen
1.
Babylon’s Judgment
Announced (18:1-8)
a.
An
angel coming down from heaven with great authority cried:
i. “Babylon the great is fallen and has become a
dwelling for demons.”
ii. “The earth has drunk
her wine and become rich by her sensuality.”
b.
Another
voice from heaven said:
i. “Come out of her my
people lest you share her sins and her plagues.”
ii. “Punish her
according to her acts; the Lord her Judge is strong.”
2.
Babylon’s Judgment
Acknowledged (18:9-20)
a.
The
kings who committed immorality with her will mourn. (9-10)
b.
The
merchants who became rich by her will mourn. (11-17)
c.
The
shipmasters and sailors who traded with her will mourn. (17-19)
d.
The
saints, apostles, and prophets will rejoice in God’s vengeance! (20)
3.
Babylon’s Judgment
Accomplished (18:21-24)
a.
A
strong angel threw a stone like a great millstone into the sea.
b.
“Thus
Babylon will be
thrown down. There are no sounds of joy in her.”
c.
“The
nations were deceived by her sorcery.”
d.
“In
her was found the blood of prophets, saints, and all the slain.”
Revelation
19: Armageddon
1.
The
Celebration in Heaven (19:1-10)
a.
Praising
God for His Judgment of the Corrupt Harlot (1-5)
i. A great multitude in
heaven: “Hallelujah! He has avenged the saints.”
ii. The elders and
creatures worshipped saying: “Amen. Hallelujah!”
iii. A voice from the
throne: “Give praise to God, all you who fear Him.”
b.
Praising
the Lamb for His Marriage to a Pure Wife (6-10)
i. A great multitude:
“Rejoice for the Lamb’s marriage has come.”
ii. The bride was
clothed in pure linen, the righteous acts of the saints.
iii. An angel: “Blessed
are those invited to the marriage supper.”
iv. John tried to
worship the angel but was rebuked. “Worship God.”
2.
The
Confrontation on Earth (19:11-21)
a.
The
Victor (11-16)
i. Faithful and True,
righteous judge and warrior, sits on a white horse
ii. His eyes are a flame
of fire; His head has many diadems
iii. He alone knows His
name; His robe is dipped in blood; Word of God
iv. His armies follow in
white, clean linen on white horses
v. His mouth has a
sharp sword; He rules; He treads the winepress
vi. Name written on robe
and thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords
b.
The
Victory (17-21)
i. Angel standing in
the sun: “Come to supper of God; eat the kings.”
ii. The beast and kings
of the earth assembled their armies for battle.
1.
The
beasts were seized and thrown alive into the lake of fire.
2.
The
rest were killed with the sword from His mouth.
3.
The
birds were filled with their flesh.
Revelation
20: Millennial Reign
1.
The
Reign (20:1-6)
a.
An
angel came down with the key to the abyss and a great chain.
i. He bound the dragon
in the abyss for a thousand years.
ii. The bound dragon may
no longer deceive the nations.
b.
The
martyrs of Jesus who did not follow the beast reigned with Christ.
i. The sat on thrones
for a thousand years.
ii. This is the first
resurrection; the rest of the dead do not arise yet.
iii. Blessed is he of the
first resurrection; the second death has no power.
2.
The
Revolt (20:7-10)
a.
After
the thousand years, Satan will be released and deceive the nations.
i. He will gather the
nations, Gog and Magog, for war.
ii. They surrounded the
camp of the saints.
iii. Fire came down from
heaven and consumed them.
b.
The
devil will be thrown into the lake of fire where the beasts are.
c.
They
will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
3.
The
Reckoning (20:11-15)
a.
A
great white throne, earth and heaven fled, no place was found for them
b.
The
dead stood before the throne, and books were opened.
i. The Book of life was
opened.
ii. The dead were judged
by what was written in the books.
iii. All the dead were
raised and judged.
c.
Death
and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, the second death.
d.
All
those not in the Book of Life were thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21-22: The
New Jerusalem, Paradise Restored
1.
The
New Jerusalem (21:1-27)
a.
The
New Heavens and the New Earth (1-8)
i. A new heavens and
earth, the first are gone, there is no more sea
ii. The holy city, New
Jerusalem, came down like an adorned bride.
iii. A voice from heaven:
“The tabernacle of God is with men.”
1.
“He
will wipe away every tear, remove every sorrow and pain.”
2.
“The
former things have passed away.”
iv. He who sat on the
throne: “I make all things new. This is true.”
1.
“I
will give the fountain of life to him who thirsts.”
2.
“He
who overcomes shall inherit all things as My son.”
3.
“The
unbelieving will be assigned to the lake of fire.”
b.
The
New Jerusalem (9-27)
i. One of the angels
with the seven bowls took John to see the bride.
1.
A
great and high mountain with a great city
2.
Holy
Jerusalem
descends from heaven with the glory of God
ii. Description of the
New Jerusalem:
1.
Light
like a precious stone
2.
High
wall, 12 gates with 12 angels, names of 12 tribes of Israel
3.
12
foundations with the names of the 12 apostles
4.
Measurements
of the city:
a.
The
city is a cube: 12,000 furlongs wide, long, high
b.
The
wall is 144 cubits constructed of jasper
5.
The
city was pure gold like clear glass, street of gold
6.
Foundations
were adorned with 12 varieties of precious stones
7.
Twelve
gates were individual pearls
iii. Glory of the New
Jerusalem:
1.
There
is no temple, the Lord and the Lamb are the temple
2.
No
sun or moon, the glory of God illuminates it, Lamb = light
3.
Nations
bring glory into it, the gates never shut
4.
Nothing
unholy can enter, only those written in Lamb’s book
2.
Paradise Restored (22:1-21)
a.
The
Description (1-5)
i. A river of water of
life, pure and clear, proceeding from the throne
ii. The tree of life was
in middle of street and on either side.
1.
It
bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.
2.
The
leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
iii. There is no curse.
The throne of God is there, and His servants serve.
1.
They
shall see His face. His name shall be on their foreheads.
2.
The
Lord God gives them light. They shall reign forever.
b.
The
Exhortation (6-17)
i. The prophecy is
coming to pass quickly.
1.
Stated
by the angel to John.
2.
Affirmed
by Jesus.
ii. John sought to
worship the angel but was rebuked. “Worship God.”
iii. “Do not seal this
prophecy, the time is at hand.”
1.
Jesus
affirmed: “I am coming quickly. I will reward for works.”
2.
Obedient
will have access to the tree of life; unholy are outside
iv. Jesus said: “I have
sent My angel to testify of these things.”
1.
The
Spirit and bride say: “Come.”
2.
Whoever
thirsts, let him take of the water of life freely.
c.
The
Admonition (18-21)
i. Do not tamper with
the message.
1.
If
anyone adds to the prophecy, God will add plagues to him.
2.
If
anyone takes away, God will take his name from the book.
ii. Jesus says: “Surely,
I am coming quickly.”
1.
Even
so, come Lord Jesus!
2.
The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
