Now that we have a few simple keys to help us take some of the mystery out of Bible prophecy, let’s take a quick look at the book of Revelation.

There are four basic views about how to interpret this difficult book. One is the spiritual view of interpretation. People who use this method don’t take the book of Revelation literally. They believe the only purpose of Revelation is to teach fundamental spiritual truths that apply to the church throughout history. For example, it teaches believers to overcome and remain faithful to Christ in the midst of persecution.

Another view is the preterist view. According to this view, most of the prophecies of the book of Revelation were fulfilled in the first century during the Jewish War and destruction of the temple in A.D. 70. Therefore, they do not await future fulfillment.

The third is the historical view. People who hold to this interpretation believe the book of Revelation deals with the history of the church, from the first century to modern times. In other words, they believe the strange images and events described in Revelation are the experiences of the church as she goes through history. 

The fourth is the futurist view. This is the belief that the book of Revelation contains prophecies that will be fulfilled in the end times. This is the way the people I’ve quoted in this book – Tim Lahaye, Clarence Larkin, H.L. Willmington, J. Dwight Pentecost, John Walvoord and Hal Lindsey – interpret the book of Revelation. This is also my view.

Yet because we believe the book of Revelation contains prophecies about future events, this doesn’t mean we don’t recognize the possibility of past applications. As we have learned in our study of the keys, these images in Bible prophecy have an on-going nature. This being the case, there is no reason some of these images found in Revelation couldn’t have had meaning for God’s people in different periods of history. This multiple application is clearly demonstrated in the Old Testament prophecies concerning Israel’s coming Messiah.

And a good New Testament example of this multiple application comes from some words Jesus once said to His close disciples. As they were leaving the temple in Jerusalem, His disciples commented to Him about its beauty. At this time the Jewish temple was still under construction by King Herod. Herod was known far and wide for his marvelous stonework. Massive stones were not only intricately cut to fit tightly in place, but they were also beveled to enhance their beauty – even the foundation stones that wouldn’t be seen.

Jesus answered His disciples by saying, “Do you not see all these stones?  Truly I say to you, not one stone here shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down” (Matthew 24:2).

Here we have a prophecy that has already been fulfilled. Less than 40 years after Jesus made this prediction, Roman soldiers surrounded and besieged Jerusalem. When the battle was finally over, the destruction inflicted upon the city had been so complete that not one of Herod’s beautiful stones was left upon another on the temple mount.

When Jesus made this prediction, His disciples wanted to know more. When they were alone with Him, they asked, “Tell us when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3).

Whether they knew it or not, they were asking Him two questions. Their first question was regarding the destruction of the temple. Their second was regarding when Jesus would return from heaven to set up His earthly kingdom. So Jesus responded in a way that would answer both of these questions.

But this confronts us with a problem. How do we know which sign applies to which question?  For example, when Jesus said, “Therefore, when you see the Abomination of Desolation which was spoken through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand); then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matthew 24:15-16). Was Jesus talking here about an event that would indicate the imminent destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, or His second coming?

Yet here is another beautiful example of how the Bible interprets itself. In the book of Luke, we find a parallel account of this incident. But here, the disciples only ask Jesus the first question. So in Luke, Jesus provides us with the answer to only the first question — the one regarding the destruction of the temple. His disciples only ask, “Teacher, when therefore will these things be?  And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” (Luke 21:7). The only question here is about the destruction of the temple.

 In answer to this more specific question, Jesus said, “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains … ” (Luke 21:20-21).

But in Matthew, where two questions were being asked, Jesus told them to flee to the mountains when they saw the Abomination of Desolation – not when they saw Jerusalem surrounded. In fact, Luke does not even mention something as important as the Abomination of Desolation.

We can infer from these two accounts that the sign Jesus provided His disciples for the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 was when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies. And the sign He gave us that would precede His return to earth would be the appearance of the Abomination of Desolation in the rebuilt temple.

Back to my main point. Here in Matthew we find an example of how the same prophecies in the Bible can have a meaning for God’s people at different periods in history and still be predictions about events that will occur in the end times. Now let’s take a look at the book of Revelation.

 The entire book of Revelation is a message Jesus wanted the Apostle John to deliver to seven churches that existed at that time in Asia Minor (Revelation 1:11, 22:16). 

The message to the churches was given to the Apostle John by visions. He didn't just hear the message; he also saw the message. It was broken up into three parts – the things John had just seen about Jesus, the things that are, and the things which shall take place after the things that are. Jesus said to John, “Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things” (Revelation 1:19). 

John had just seen Jesus standing in the middle of seven golden lampstands. But this Jesus didn’t look the same as the one John had laid his head against (John 13:23). John said:

   I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded 
   across His chest with a golden sash. His head and His hair were white like 
   wool, like snow: and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet where like 
   burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice 
   was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, 
   and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword: and His face was like 
   the sun shining in its strength (Revelation 1:13-16). 

It turned out the lampstands represented the seven churches Jesus wanted John to deliver this prophecy to. And the seven stars represented the seven angels of these seven churches. There’s much debate over whether these stars represent real angels or human pastors of the churches. At this time, I’m still open on the matter.

Remember I told you the book of Revelation is broken into three parts – the things John saw, the things that are, and the things that take place after the things that are.  Now let’s move from the things John saw to the second part of Revelation – the things that are. 

The “things that are” is the present age of the churches represented by the seven golden lampstands. Chapters 2 and 3 are letters to seven individual, first-century churches. Jesus praises them for what they are doing right and scolds them for what they are doing wrong.

Although Jesus had different things to say to each one of the churches, there was something He said to all seven. He warned them all to stay attentive to what the Holy Spirit had to say to the churches, and He encouraged them to overcome the world. For example, to the church at Ephesus Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).

You see, God didn’t place these churches in Asia Minor without purpose. They were like lampstands against the darkness – they were actually holding something back. These churches each differed in their circumstances, but they had the same assignment – they were to overcome the world. The world referred to Satan and his influence over the kingdoms of earth.

It is evident from these letters that it's possible for a church to fail in its assigned mission. Jesus warned the church at Ephesus, “But this I have against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place  -- unless you repent” (Revelation 2:4-5).

Fortunately, at this time, one church losing its lampstand did not represent the loss of all the churches. Although these early churches recognized the authority of the Apostles, at this time in Christian history they were still independent bodies (1 Thessalonians 2:14).

Unfortunately, by the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine, all seven of these churches were swallowed up by the Roman state superchurch. Yet, the concept of independent churches somehow managed to survive.

By “independent churches,” I’m not referring to what we know today as non-denominational churches. And I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with churches that organize themselves into denominations either. What I mean by “independent” are what some refer to today as “free churches.”  They only recognize Christ and the teachings of the original Apostles, as found in the Bible, as their authority and not some earthly ecclesiastic order or system.1 

After the Reformation, these independent churches would re-emerge as bright as ever. In fact, in my opinion, these independent churches are responsible for much of the blessings and freedoms we enjoy here in America. You see, I believe the effect these independent churches had was to reveal on earth what Jesus referred to as the “kingdom of heaven.” There are different views concerning the meaning of the kingdom of heaven. You may wish to study the opinion of others on this subject.

Let me give you my opinion. I believe the kingdom of heaven can be understood as an extension of the power, authority and presence of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, 4:20, Revelation 3:8). The kingdom of heaven on earth actually had its beginning before the establishment of the church. It began with the preaching of John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11-14). You see, Jesus brought the kingdom of heaven with Him. And when people believed in Jesus, they began establishing His earthly kingdom. When Jesus was crucified and returned to heaven, His power, authority and presence continued on earth in His churches. In other words, today the earthly kingdom of heaven is an extension of the churches that make up His church.

The kingdom of heaven was first offered to Israel. So, when Israel rejected it, it was offered to the Gentile world. To Israel, Jesus said:

    Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, 
   this became the chief corner stone; this came about from the Lord, and it is 
   marvelous in our eye’?  Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be 
   taken away from you, and be given to a nation producing the fruit of it. And he 
   who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whom ever it falls, it 
   will shatter him like dust (Matthew 21:42-44).

So the kingdom of heaven was offered to the Gentile nations. It took root in Asia Minor with the seven churches. This is why Jesus sent them a message in the book of Revelation. He wanted them to understand their mission on earth and what would happen when they were gone.

The Apostle John already understood this. In a letter he had said, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1John 5:4-5).

You see, when Jesus came to Israel, He stopped something. Satan’s control over the world through his vast Roman Empire was overruled by a greater power – Jesus, the Son of God.

After Jesus was crucified and returned to heaven, He left His followers and the church behind in His place (John 17:11-26, 21:21-23, Matthew 28:16-20). The Apostle Paul realized the great power of the church. He said, “And He put all things in subjection under His (Christ’s) feet, and gave Him (Christ) as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

And Paul even told us why God established the Gentile churches on earth – to demonstrate something. Paul said, “To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:8-10).

I believe this demonstration of God’s wisdom through the church has actually happened. Have you noticed?  It seems the whole world is attempting to make itself into the American image. And, as I said before, I believe the true Christian church – represented in the Bible by the seven independent churches – is responsible for the freedoms and blessing achieved here in America and other free nations.

When the founding fathers of any nation see fit to make a place for these Bible-believing churches, they are actually providing a place for the kingdom of heaven to take root. And this kingdom of heaven has provided the world with a foretaste of the promised Messianic Kingdom that is to come (Mark 4:26-32, Romans 10:19-21).

But this age of the reign of the overcoming churches will come to an end. And when it does, that old satanic darkness will return. Beginning with Revelation 4, this is what we find occurring.

Whether the churches have been raptured at this point, or if they have lost their lampstands through a great falling away from the faith, is subject to debate. But no matter what your view on this issue, in chapter 4 the churches have lost their lampstands, and the kingdom of heaven is no longer to be found holding back the satanic darkness anywhere on earth.

Remember, the book of Revelation was broken up into three parts. The first part was about the things John saw and the second part about the things which are – the overcoming churches. Now we’ve reached the third part – the things which take place after the things which are. This is why chapter 4, the beginning of the third part, starts out by saying, “After these things.”  In other words, starting with chapter 4, the events that occur are after the churches have lost their lampstands and the old satanic darkness has returned to reclaim its authority over the earth.

This new imbalance of power on earth calls for a response from heaven. So chapters 4 and 5 are about certain important events occurring in heaven. The first thing John describes to us are the thrones, and one of these thrones belongs to God. Then we read about a book that no one is worthy to open – no one, that is, except Jesus, the Lamb.

A parallel passage about these events that take place in heaven can be found in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:8-11). When taken together, these prophecies seem to indicate that these events in heaven will occur after the Antichrist has been revealed to the world and is boasting great things. If you take that thought farther, it suggests that all the events from Revelation Chapter 4 on take place over a three and a half year period, not seven – as is popularly taught. In other words, Chapter 4 marks the beginning of the Antichrist’s war against the Lamb and the Great Tribulation.

When Jesus breaks the seals on the book, a terrible series of curses and plagues are unleashed on the Antichrist and his followers. Beginning with Revelation 6, we find the results of the breaking of the seven seals. After the seven seals, we have the sounding of the seven trumpets. And, after that, we have the pouring out on the earth of the seven bowls of God’s wrath.

Believe me, you don’t want to be around for this wrath stuff. Fortunately, God’s wrath is not intended for His own people (1 Thessalonians 5:9). At some point in time before God’s wrath is poured out on the Antichrist and his world, we will be out of here.

Whether already removed from earth by the rapture, or removed from earth through a great persecution, it won’t matter. My point is that the wrath of God is not meant for His people. If you’re one of His people, before God’s wrath falls on earth, you will either be protected in some supernatural way, or you will be out of here. God’s wrath is only for those who have rejected the grace of the Lord Jesus and have instead embraced the kingdom of the Antichrist.

At the end of these torments, the global economic and religious system known as Babylon will be destroyed in one hour with fire by the Antichrist. Then, as the nations of earth are gathered for war in the land of Israel, Jesus will suddenly appear in the clouds of heaven. And guess what?  If you’re a Christian today, you and I will be returning to the earth with Him. Believe it or not, we’ll be taking our part in Christ’s final victory over evil.

The Antichrist and the False Prophet will be cast into the Lake of Fire, and Satan will be bound and thrown into the Bottomless Pit. And then Jesus, and all of us who have returned with Him, will establish His long-awaited kingdom of righteousness. In other words, we win!

There is much more to this great book. But my intention is only to give you a quick overview. Now we’ll move on to some of those difficult images of prophecy found in the book of Revelation.
 
 

1. For a good study on this subject see chapter 4 of Tim Lahaye’s book, Revelation: Illustrated and Made Plain (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975 Edition).