The Lord has provided the means to fight the lust of the flesh.
-- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Stop letting the flesh and its lust drive the bus. When the flesh rises up, take back control of your thoughts, quote a verse. I have found for me all that is needed is to repeat a few times: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.
-- Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
-- Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
(I do not suppose that there is anyway of applying BOLD or Italic text in the comments and responses?)
Perhaps this site has more people than I realized who believe this.
2 Thessalonians 2 states 2 Thessalonians
1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
The wording here is confusing; admittedly but the Day of Christ may be defined when He has begun His rule and reign on earth; and that has to begin with the process of judgments; the first of which is the man of sin in Revelation 6:1-2 being revealed; which the restrainer in verse 6 (that as I see it being the Spirit as it works in the churches today) is removed. That can be seen in the verses describing what MUST occur immediately after the description of the churches in Revelation 4:1 as symbolized by John the Apostle who likely literally saw into the future.
The idea of the bridegroom and bride going into the chamber may be seen as hinted in other verses in scripture such as Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Concluding thoughts on the image of the Beast (for now).
There are no words adequate for what scripture states that can be expressed in regard to this subject. What we see goes into our mind and memories define the state of our soul and who we end up being after our brief passing through existence in this world as a vapor. There is; no doubt MUCH more that I'd like to express here and again I can't emphasize enough how vital it is to be on the right side of existence in this matter.
The screenplay as it were is well written and the actors well rehearsed; it is up to the director to decide when the action starts to roll. Everybody is clamoring for this moment in the world elite; waiting for the main character to spring up; as it were. Everyone knows what's going down; many don't care to think about it. False assurances don't mean a thing; for when the timing is right things MUST happen as God's Word makes abundantly clear in Revelation 4:1.
In this case; of course we have a madman who has rehearsed this role in all sorts of previous side shows; as it were. The stage has been elaborately prepared so that all the props are in place to maximize effect and gain mass adoration at an exponential rate. For the enemy of our souls has misrepresented himself and deluded himself to think he is the director when indeed the true director is controlling him to accomplish another agenda altogether.
I don't wish to reduce the very real spiritual events to a human level to be condescending to God but it helps to illustrate some basic principles of what's going on. In Satan's mind of course everything is backwards; and clearly he plans to make it seem that God's ways are illogical instead. We are; of course not to pay any attention to the "man behind the curtain" so to speak.
No doubt the world considers the Master of our souls to be a reclusive nobody who carelessly manipulates things in a willy nilly manner based on the whim of a moment. We know better.
The Key Verses for Revelation 4:8 would be Isaiah 6:2-3, which reads, "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
So, they are mentioned as seraphims in Isaiah 6:2. Hope this helps.
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. ( Revelation 4:1-6).
In searching the Scriptures as far as Revelation is concerned, I don't see any shortcuts can give sufficient credit to honor God's glory s I am writing out this and will also for the rest of this chapter.
The first verse certainly seems clear as to being an event immediately after the churches are mentioned in chapters 2 and 3; and we are reminded of the open door for the Philadelphia church. The trumpet also reminds us of the last trump as mentioned in Thessalonians as well. Jesus comes when He finally does quickly; and we see that immediately John was taken in one form or another to the throne room. The symbolism in verse 3 is like in Ezekiel for the throne and the one on it; and the 24 elders symbolize the church in general. Verse 5 describes all of the churches being in the presence of God; the sevenfold Spirit as it were; and the last describes cherubim and the sea of glass. Let us envision this as it is what heaven looks like!
Revelation 4:2 - And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
So immediately, listen to this, I became in spirit:
That's how it literally reads. There's no definite article (the) with it. Immediately I became in spirit. So physically and geographically, he was still on the island of Patmos. But he was caught up in the spirit realm.
And he says behold, a throne was set, or placed in heaven, and one sat upon the throne. So that was the transition going from the seven messages to the seven churches. John is now transferred to heaven that he might see the things that God wants him to see.
Revelation 5:4 - And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
He says, and I wept much. The word wept is in the Imperfect Tense. It shows continuous action. He was weeping convulsively. He saw no hope, even in heaven, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the scroll, neither to look therein. So, he wept.
Revelation 4:2 - And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
So immediately, listen to this, I became in spirit:
That's how it literally reads. There's no definite article (the) with it. Immediately I became in spirit. So physically and geographically, he was still on the island of Patmos. But he was caught up in the spirit realm.
And he says behold, a throne was set, or placed in heaven, and one sat upon the throne. So that was the transition going from the seven messages to the seven churches. John is now transferred to heaven that he might see the things that God wants him to see.
Revelation 5:4 - And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
He says, and I wept much. The word wept is in the Imperfect Tense. It shows continuous action. He was weeping convulsively. He saw no hope, even in heaven, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the scroll, neither to look therein. So, he wept.
There are different theological approaches to the book of Revelation, and I'll try and point out some to you as we go through this. But Chapter 4 Verse 1 is the verse that's used by those who believe that the believers will be raptured prior to the Tribulation Period, because number 1, the door had been opened, and number two, a trumpet was talking to him.
It's the same as Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, as others which have no hope. He had just said in this chapter that the trump of God would sound. It would be a great shout, and the trump of God would sound. And so here is the trumpet talking to John saying come up here.
And those who hold the Pre-Trib. position see that as equivalent to the rapture of the church that is happening. And from now on, John will see everything from heaven, and the church will no longer be on the earth, but the multitudes will be in heaven.
And many believe that's an indication, among other scriptures, especially 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 where it gives us the Tribulation Period, and he says this is for the wrath of God, and we have not been chosen for the wrath of God.
Revelation 4:1 - After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
First, let me share with you that the Greek word for our English word hereafter is the word META TOUTA which means after these things.
After this, and the Greek text reads META TOUTA, after this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must happen hereafter, META TOUTA.
This of course is Christ. We know that from Chapter 1. But I wanted to read that last line of Verse 1. These are the things that must happen META TOUTA. And that's exactly what he said in Verse 19. So, the things that are hereafter go from Chapter 4 Verse 1 through Chapter 22 Verse 5.
So, we're starting on this part three, the things which shall be hereafter. And Chapter 4 Verse 1 through Chapter 5 Verse 14 is the description of the scene in heaven. The first two verses is the transition in heaven.
John says, after this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: The Perfect Tense verb shows that the door had already been open. It was standing open when John saw the door.
Secondly, and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; That would be back in Chapter 1 Verse 10. That's the Lord Himself, speaking as it were a trumpet, which said to him, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter, or META TOUTA.
So here, John says from the one who is, and who was, and who is coming; the I AM, the eternally existing one. That's God the Father. And then it says, and from the seven Spirits which are before His, that is, God's throne;
There are two schools of thought. Remember the number seven doesn't necessarily mean there are seven Spirits. Seven represents completeness, perfection. The Jews take it as a Hebraism. RASHI, one of the greatest Jewish scholars uses Isaiah 11:1-2 to show that what John is using is a Hebraism to denote the seven-fold Spirit of God. It means the Spirit of God is complete and perfect.
But what specifically is he making reference to? In Revelation 4:5, we see the same thing when we study what the throne is like in heaven. It says and out of the throne proceed lightnings, and thunderings, and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
In Revelation Chapter 5, the chapter where we see this scroll with seven seals on it, which is the title deed to the earth. And the call goes out who is worthy to take the scroll and loosen the seals thereof. And no one was found worthy in heaven. And John began to weep. And he was told don't weep; the Lamb of God is worthy.
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.
The seven eyes of Christ are the seven Spirits. So, it represents completeness, perfection. But its application is to the Lord's seeing. You see, he's talking about the all-encompassing Spirit who sees all things and knows all things. That's the way the Jews understood it. For scripture reference, Zechariah 4:10 talks about these seven eyes, meaning that God sees perfectly and completely all things. So, John is using a Hebraism here.
The last line of the introduction says, for the time is at hand, literally, the time is near. The end time is near. And if you follow the teachers of prophecy, you'll know that we are getting closer and closer to that time that is mentioned for us in the future tribulation in Revelation 4:1. But until Christ comes, we as believers are to heed to the teachings in the book of Revelation. It comes straight from Jesus Christ. And we are not to add to it or take away from it.
If a person comes along and claims to have a prophecy from God that's not in scripture, a prophecy or a message from God, that person is putting his prophecy and message equal to the bible if it's true, because if he received this message from God, then it's the word of God.
And that's where God says no! God is through speaking, as far as adding to and revealing further things, more than what the scriptures reveal. Revelation Chapter 22 says don't add to the prophecy of the book. It's the last book of the bible. That's why it is there.
But secondly, even if you don't go by that, every single person that might tell me that they are a "modern day prophet," I would tell them that everything they say is equal to the bible if it's the word of God. For some reason, they will not go that far!
But that's what they're doing. If they have a "message from God," then it's God's word. They'll present it as God's word, but not equal to the bible. Well, that's what the bible is. The bible is God's word! So, you have to be careful. God has given us a safeguard. He's given us the inspiration of His truth in written form so that we can know what is of Him and what isn't.
Galatians 3:14 - That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:16 - Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Revelation 4:11 - Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Revelation 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Revelation 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Revelation 4:1 and beyond are future events that have yet to take place.
Write the things which thou hast seen(past), and the things which are(ch 2-3, Past-Present), and the things which shall be hereafter;(Future: Tribulation is Revelation 4:1 (no one knows when but the Father) - Revelation 19:11-21 (2nd Coming of Christ.
Rapture 'seizing and carrying off' Just by this definition there is more then one rapture in the Bible.
Today is the day of salvation.
1) Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2) 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
3) Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (The 'rapture) (Start of Tribulation) ( rev 5:9-10 singing in Heaven before 1st seal is open, Made Chiefs Priests to reign with Christ)
4) Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (out of, meaning they were in it. Raptured saved and repented saints from 4:1 to to the sixth seal, subjects and not like those in Rev 5:9)
Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (servants in heaven day and night)
5) Revelation 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses raptured after BEING KILLED AND 3 DAYS LATER RESURRECTED BY GOD rev 13:7)
6) Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (144,000, the manchild raptured
Firstly, heaven ( Ephesians 1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21) is not the physical space of Universe called materially in human language as sky.
With the establishment of the 3rd heaven- Isaiah 51:16, Luke 20:35-36, 2Corinthians 12:2 combined with Revelation 4:1, the 1st and the 2nd heavens THAT WERE ESTABLISHED until this current time( Ephesians 1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21) being on FIRE (GOD is a consuming FIRE- Isaiah 33:10-14) shall be DISSOLVED (something similar to an implosion) as was prophesied. Seeing then that all these things shall be DISSOLVED, what manner of person ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness? 2Peter 3:10.
Actually until this current time were established two DISTINCTS heavens, and from now on will be established or planted ( Isaiah 51:16) the DISTINCT 3rd heaven for 1000 years, no more than 1000 years, that is the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18, incidentally Satan also ascended to the 1st and 2nd heavens- Revelation 12:3-and still is in heaven for now, but he will not ascend to the 3rd heaven, never will, on the contrary, he will be cast into the bottomless pit, and WHEN the thousand years(of the existence of the 3rd heaven) are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison and there will be another battle against him and his hosts, and fire will come down from GOD out of heaven, and will devoure them. After that, GOD will establish the environment of heaven of the heavens (an heaven above of the first three distincts heavens that were before).
That's what we interpret about heavens within the Scriptures. There are three that bear record (testify) in heaven, the Father (GOD the Father), the Word(the Word made flesh-JESUS), and the Holy Spirit (who is not a ghost as is written in English language, but a person): and these three are One. 1John 5:7
Yes, Notwithstanding SHE (Eve, Christ's wife), by allegory, the Church of the Lord JESUS, shall BE SAVED in child bearing..... generating children for the Kingdom of GOD, through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom. This has already lasted around 2000 years or two GOD's Day: Hebrews 1:1-3
1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days (last two GOD's Days-from the beginning of the fifth Day unto the END of the sixth Day)spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE(image by written) His Person(Person of GOD), and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
It's wonderful, what GOD really has revelead unto His people( Ephesians 1:3-8) makes us to fly high toward the third heaven ( Luke 20:35-36 combined with Revelation 4:1), the OT and NT are like two mighty wings to catch us and carry us to the third heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with John 14:3 and 17:24, and 2Corinthians 12:2-4, among many other biblical references, take a look. It's Wonderful, Indescribable, Unspeakable, ineffable. Hallelujaaaah!!!
2 ...Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's throne.
Yea, Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's throne, both Righteousness and Judgment are implicit in the Word. The Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing.
Who are the 24 elders sat on 24 thrones- Revelation 4:4 combined with Revelation 11:16-17?
They already are enthroned around GOD's Throne clothed in white raiment and they have on their heads CROWNS of gold. They're already crowned. In fact, GOD did choose 24 men unto which He would reveal His Word-even He Himself-to write the books of the Old Testament.
Here goes the 24 elders showed in Revelation 4:4.
They are the 24 messengers of the Word,the Word is GOD,beginning by Moses:
1 - Moses
2 - Joshua
3 - Samuel
4 - Ezra
5 - Nehemiah
6 - Job
7 - David
8 - Solomon
9 - Isaiah
10 - Jeremiah
11 - Ezekiel
12 - Daniel
13 - Hosea
14 - Joel
15 - Amos
16 - Obadiah
17 - Jonah
18 - Micah
19 - Nahum
20 - Habakkuk
21 - Zephaniah
22 - Haggai
23 - Zechariah
24 - Malachi
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth-Rev.4:6.
What are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth?
John 11:26 says... And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
A true believer is "crucified with Christ" and it is not I who live ( Gal. 2:20). Our experience will differ somewhat in timing from those already asleep ( 1 Thess. 4:16). As Hebrews 9:27 states we are all to "die once and face the judgment". Also it states being "absent from the body is present with the Lord." ( 2 Cor. 5:8). This necessitates the "Bema Seat" judgment to occur at death; or in the case of those still alive and raptured up; at that time. So in a sense; it will be in completing the death process of the sanctification which ultimately brings us eternal life.
I have often reminded people that martyrdom should it come is the end of a life of sanctification. In some ways that would be much like the Rapture in that there is a sudden end to our time on earth. It is possible someone could be martyred after a rather poor testimony and lukewarmness in this life; but more often scripturally at least it seems the persecutions and sufferings prepare a person for that end and death is simply a final display of Christ's holiness in the life of a saint. These truths are what makes all the claimed dreams about the rapture seem suspect. For one thing the Resurrection of the just is rarely even mentioned even though scripture states it to be the first thing immediately followed it seems by the Rapture of those still alive at the time. Some debate if Revelation 4:1 is indeed a foreshadowing of the Rapture; I would say it is and certainly the vision of Christ in the first chapter and his state of being as though dead will be our own condition when first beholding His glory. There is much ado about deceased relatives and other glories of a heavenly place and whatever is stated scripturally about that is true but of course the majesty of God overshadows that. Whatever the trip up is; the Bema Seat takes front & center
Book of Revelation is in three parts (past, past/present, future)
Revelation 1:19 ''write down the things which thou hast seen(past Rev 1:1-18), the things which are (past/present Chapters 2,3 letters to the churches in Johns time and for us today to know) and the things that shall be hereafter' (Future Rev 4:1 - Rev 19:11-21;Chapter 20,21,22)
Rev 4:1 (start of tribulation) - Rev 11:3;11:7/ Rev 13:5; Rev 13:7 (middle) - Rev 19:11-21 (end of Trib)
Matthew 24:3-14 tells us signs of the end before Tribulation.
End: From a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid) -- + continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost. a. termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be, (in the Greek writings always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time
Matthew 24:15-16 is speaking to those in judea near the end of Tribulation. Mark 13:14
Matthew 24:15 When ye (who read this during trib) therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"
Matthew 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:" (THOSE IN JUDAEA DURING TRIBULATION)
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains (mountains of Moab, Southern Jordan)
Well, now will be established the 3rd heaven in this WORLD, i.e. the 3rd celestial environment where John Apostle was caught up as a guest- Revelation 4:1- and Paul Apostle was caught up in vision, and through revelations of the Lord he heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 2 Corinthians 12:2-3
Again Luke 20:35-36: They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain(to reach) that WORLD(i.e. the 3rd HEAVEN to be established here in the Earth- Matthew 5:5 combined with Revelation 5:v.10 among others references), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL unto the angels; and are the children of GOD(John1:v.12), being the children of the resurrection. And 1Cor. 15:22 reveals: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Therefore, in this new millennium, there will be another NATURE, i.e. the NATURE of all things will be changed here in this Earth which was CURSED by GOD because of man, so instead of the CURSE, the blessing. This will be LITERALLY fulfilled from now on. Remember: The Word is GOD, the Word is self-executing according was preestablished and revealed by the Word of GOD.
Philippians 3:20-21 - 20 Our conversation is in heaven(current 2nd heaven, understand?); FROM WHENCE also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body( 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.Take a look.)-, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (the nature will be changed)
1 Cor.15:24-27
24 The END cometh when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to GOD, even the Father; when He shall have PUT DOWN ALL RULE and ALL AUTHORITY and power( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look)
25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Ps.97:2-4: -2 ... Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's Throne. 3 A fire goeth before Him, and burneth up His enemies round about. 4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw and trembled.
Yeah, Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's Throne, both Righteousness and Judgment are implicit in the Word of GOD-the Word is GOD, self-executing.
Revelation 4:4 - And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. "GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son,whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also GOD made the worlds- Hebrews 1:1-2;
And who are the 24 elders clothed in white raiment and sat on 24 thrones? They are the 24 messengers of GOD's Word. GOD the Father, beginning by Moses, has already crowned them. And they are already enthroned around GOD's Throne clothed in white raiment and they have on their heads CROWNS of gold.
GOD did choose and elected 24 men unto which He would reveal His Word to write the books of the Old Testament - the first Covenant - the first heavenly place in Christ. (Now we are in the 2nd heavenly place in Christ, the 2nd Covenant, the Covenant of the New Testament - Ephesians 1:3. Take a look)
That said, here goes the 24 elders showed in Revelation 4:v.4
1 - Moses
2 - Joshua
3 - Samuel
4 - Ezra
5 - Nehemiah
6 - Job
7 - David
8 - Solomon
9 - Isaiah
10 - Jeremiah
11 - Ezekiel
12 - Daniel
13 - Hosea
14 - Joel
15 - Amos
16 - Obadiah
17 - Jonah
18 - Micah
19 - Nahum
20 - Habakkuk
21 - Zephaniah
22 - Haggai
23 - Zechariah
24 - Malachi
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth. Praised be our GOD. Amen.
Resurrection, when the dead in Christ rise first. Who will teach during Tribulation? I am praying and 'quit the sin business' a preacher said once. So I can be found worthy to escape these things ( Revelation 4:1 - Revelation 19:11-21 ) Grace, Salvation and the Holy Spirit does remain before during and for some after Tribulation. When sharing those scriptures, it was a reply but I realize now I did not reply to the post. Advice taken is a wise thing to do, so I am all ears or in this case eyes, God Bless. We got to help each other, even if I am wrong . But we must not strife but get it right with each other out of love for one another. 2 Timothy 2:15-18 was just something I shared, to encourage others that we should not argue. Heb 3:15 God Bless you for that and continue to.
You said that you "don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated".
Remember that John the Baptist was an angel( Isaiah 40:1 to 14 reveal who is his person combined with Malachi 3:1), angels are born by the Power of the Word of GOD, by prophecy, even our Lord JESUS affirmed this( Matthew 11:9-10), and John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, knew JESUS before His birth, as even he testified: John the Apostle wrote about the testimony of John the Baptist, saying: John 1:18 - 18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
By the way, we must know with certainty through the Word of GOD that the TRUE BELIEVERS will be angels of GOD from now on, by the transformation and changing of the nature of them all, the Word of GOD will do it in the true believers, do you understand? Because they was born from GOD-from the Word-the Word is GOD- Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and Romans 8:18-25, Believest thou this?)
Our Lord JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36-
35 - They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (next world-the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL UNTO THE ANGELS; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Matthew 25:4-6
4 - The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and SLEPT. (Similar Genesis 2:21-25)
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; GO YE OUT(yes, GO OUT)TO MEET HIM.
The beauty of the cross is perhaps no better described than in Isaiah 52:14. His appearance or "visage" was so marred from the beatings and other injuries before the crucifixion that Jesus was hardly recognizable as a man. But by His stripes; we are healed ( Isaiah 53:5 just a few verses later). He has brought us beauty from ashes ( Isaiah 61:3) which in context means Israel will have restitution after suffering judgment. But God in the flesh resulted not in admiration but in a man of sorrows acquainted with grief ( Isaiah 53:3).
God's awe inspiring attributes are seen in the visions of the Lord as seen by Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1:22 and associated verses in Revelation 15:2; etal; and Daniel 10:6; etal). The true beauty of God; of course ties in with His selflessness; agape love and other characteristics that are above storge; Philleo and eros type of human love. Satan himself was a most beautiful creation as Lucifer ( Ezekiel 28:12) UNTIL he fell. Now the beauty is vanity as it is with any fallen creature who pride has allowed to contaminate. God Himself deserves worship and is not being arrogant in stating this desire but there are no verses I am aware of that state God is PROUD of being the God of all creation; He is supreme and in that sense better than anyone else; but He calls His followers by name and "friends" ( John 15:15). This makes Him the perfect Father.
God created all things for His good pleasure including man ( Revelation 4:11). No doubt Adam and Eve in a sinless state were beautiful; and perhaps still externally appeared that way after the fall. All things were fearfully and wonderfully made ( Psalm 139:14) but man has sought out many inventions (see Ecclesiastes 7:29). 1 Chronicles 16:27 talks of the majesty of God which no doubt incorporates beauty as seen in the creation. This makes man without excuse; as Romans 1 and Psalm 19 make clear.
God's beauty is more than skin deep and indescribable as all other traits.
Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast SEEN, and the things WHICH ARE, and the things which shall be HEREAFTER;
Things which thou hast SEEN ( Rev 1:1-18) things which ARE ( Revelation 2,3) things which shall be HEREAFTER ( Revelation 4:1)
John wrote down what he had seen, in the order in which he saw them.
REV 2,3 'WHICH ARE' CHURCHES IN JOHNS TIME/CHURCHES TODAY
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth
Rapture 'seizing and carrying off'
There have been raptures already just by the definition above, more yet to come.
Enoch, Elijah, Captives free in the OT are 'raptures'
RAPTURES DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION.
(Disclaimer: John wrote it) Those who repent during tribulation before the 7th seal, later 144,000 and Two witnesses. Salvation will be available to those who ask for God's grace before the 7th seal though they must endure the first 6 seals.
REV 4:1 RAPTURE/TRIB (Dead in Christ rise first, they which are alive) 6 SEALS ( REV 7:14 Great multitude..'out of' meaning within. Two Witnesses, 144,000 man child)
TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION SEEK HIM WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND!
Mark 13:32 -But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
RAPTURE/START OF TRIBULATION ( Rev 4:2/19:11-21) 2ND COMING OF CHRIST
Chapter 7 starts 'after these' so chapters 4,5,6 have happened.
LITTLE HORN UPROOTS 3 NATIONS, AND OTHER 6 FALL IN LINE. AFTER 3.5 YEARS OF WAR.
Zechariah 14:16-23 - After Tribulation 'Those that left' 'year to year' for 1000 years. Will live, age, multiply and die. In Heaven until 1000 years are up. These nations satan will be let loose to deceive the nations one last time.
NOT THOSE RAPTURED SAINTS WITH CHRIST 2ND Coming, THEY WILL BE ETERNAL
Revelation 1:1 THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST ........ and he (the Spirit of Christ) SENT and SIGNIFIED IT (the REVELATION of himself) to his servant John:
Most think Revelation is a prophecy of anti-christ; even though, the WORD says it's the REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST.
The ENTIRE word of God is the voice and words of JESUS CHRIST, different men through the ages have taken pen in hand and recorded the WORDS of Christ, yet, they are Christ's words, not the words of the one who penned them.
These are Christ's words, REVEALING himself to the carnal mind of man:
Revelation 4:7 And the FIRST BEAST was like a lion, and the SECOND BEAST was like a calf, and the THIRD BEAST had a face as a man, and the FORTH BEAST was like a flying eagle.
Are these FOUR BEAST four different things, or, are they four descriptions REVEALING JESUS CHRIST?
Scripture says, NO VERSE is the private interpretation of the verse itself, but has to be understood by applying other verses of scripture to understand.
We have to find the interpretation of Revelation 4:7 in other scriptures to understand.
Numbers 24:7 He (the Spirit) shall pour the water out of his (Christ's) buckets, and his (Christ's) SEED shall be as many waters (peoples, tongues, and nations) and his (the Spirit's) king (Christ) shall be higher than Agag, and his (Christ's) kingdom shall be exalted.
Numbers 24:8 God brought him (Christ) out of Egypt; he (Christ) hath as it were the strength of a unicorn (ox): he (Christ) shall eat up the nations his (Christ's) enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows (words).
Numbers 24:9 He (Christ) crouched, he lay down LIKE A LION, and as a GREAT LION: who shall stir him (Christ, a lion) up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee (Christ, the Spirit of prophecy), and cursed is he that curseth thee (Christ, the spirit of prophecy).
LOOK to the scriptures; all FOUR BEAST, the lion, the calf, the man, the eagle, are CHRIST.
This is probably one of the most important facts that we need to know, just in understanding Revelation, and the various teachings that we hear about the book of Revelation, which I'll get to here in a moment.
The division of the book of Revelation is given to us right in the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:19 provides the division of the book. Jesus tells John, write the things which thou hast seen (which would be the vision of Christ), in Chapter 1 Verses 9 through 20.
Secondly, write the things which are, that is, presently in John's day. That would be Chapters 2 and 3, the messages to the seven churches.
And write the things which shall be hereafter;
The term hereafter is a Greek phrase that means after these things. Revelation 4:1 begins with after these things. After what things? After the things of the church which are existing in John's day. That would be Chapters 4 through 22, which actually present to us the Tribulation Period that breaks out upon the earth.
There's a threefold division in the book of Revelation. If someone has a method or system of interpretation of the book of Revelation, it must fit into the structure that Revelation itself sets out.
VIII. SECTION OUTLINE OF REVELATION:
REVELATION 1:1-8: Prologue
REVELATION 1:9-20 PART ONE: The Things which Thou Hast Seen
REVELATION CHAPTERS 2-3 PART TWO: The Things which Are
REVELATION 4:1-22:5 PART THREE: The Things which Shall Be Hereafter
REVELATION 22:6-21: John signs off with the promises for all those that hear and keep the words within this book.
I do believe that Scripture does reveal that the Bride will see "that man of sin" before the Lord meets us in the air and calls up up with a shout...
1 Thessalonians 4:16
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"
1 Thessalonians 4:17
"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
2 Thessalonians 2:3
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"
Revelation 4:1
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."
The Lord has provided the means to fight the lust of the flesh.
-- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Stop letting the flesh and its lust drive the bus. When the flesh rises up, take back control of your thoughts, quote a verse. I have found for me all that is needed is to repeat a few times: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.
-- Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
-- Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
(I do not suppose that there is anyway of applying BOLD or Italic text in the comments and responses?)
2 Thessalonians 2 states 2 Thessalonians
1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
The wording here is confusing; admittedly but the Day of Christ may be defined when He has begun His rule and reign on earth; and that has to begin with the process of judgments; the first of which is the man of sin in Revelation 6:1-2 being revealed; which the restrainer in verse 6 (that as I see it being the Spirit as it works in the churches today) is removed. That can be seen in the verses describing what MUST occur immediately after the description of the churches in Revelation 4:1 as symbolized by John the Apostle who likely literally saw into the future.
The idea of the bridegroom and bride going into the chamber may be seen as hinted in other verses in scripture such as Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
I could elaborate further later.
There are no words adequate for what scripture states that can be expressed in regard to this subject. What we see goes into our mind and memories define the state of our soul and who we end up being after our brief passing through existence in this world as a vapor. There is; no doubt MUCH more that I'd like to express here and again I can't emphasize enough how vital it is to be on the right side of existence in this matter.
The screenplay as it were is well written and the actors well rehearsed; it is up to the director to decide when the action starts to roll. Everybody is clamoring for this moment in the world elite; waiting for the main character to spring up; as it were. Everyone knows what's going down; many don't care to think about it. False assurances don't mean a thing; for when the timing is right things MUST happen as God's Word makes abundantly clear in Revelation 4:1.
In this case; of course we have a madman who has rehearsed this role in all sorts of previous side shows; as it were. The stage has been elaborately prepared so that all the props are in place to maximize effect and gain mass adoration at an exponential rate. For the enemy of our souls has misrepresented himself and deluded himself to think he is the director when indeed the true director is controlling him to accomplish another agenda altogether.
I don't wish to reduce the very real spiritual events to a human level to be condescending to God but it helps to illustrate some basic principles of what's going on. In Satan's mind of course everything is backwards; and clearly he plans to make it seem that God's ways are illogical instead. We are; of course not to pay any attention to the "man behind the curtain" so to speak.
No doubt the world considers the Master of our souls to be a reclusive nobody who carelessly manipulates things in a willy nilly manner based on the whim of a moment. We know better.
The Key Verses for Revelation 4:8 would be Isaiah 6:2-3, which reads, "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
So, they are mentioned as seraphims in Isaiah 6:2. Hope this helps.
Blessings!
2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. ( Revelation 4:1-6).
In searching the Scriptures as far as Revelation is concerned, I don't see any shortcuts can give sufficient credit to honor God's glory s I am writing out this and will also for the rest of this chapter.
The first verse certainly seems clear as to being an event immediately after the churches are mentioned in chapters 2 and 3; and we are reminded of the open door for the Philadelphia church. The trumpet also reminds us of the last trump as mentioned in Thessalonians as well. Jesus comes when He finally does quickly; and we see that immediately John was taken in one form or another to the throne room. The symbolism in verse 3 is like in Ezekiel for the throne and the one on it; and the 24 elders symbolize the church in general. Verse 5 describes all of the churches being in the presence of God; the sevenfold Spirit as it were; and the last describes cherubim and the sea of glass. Let us envision this as it is what heaven looks like!
Agape.
Revelation 4:2 - And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
So immediately, listen to this, I became in spirit:
That's how it literally reads. There's no definite article (the) with it. Immediately I became in spirit. So physically and geographically, he was still on the island of Patmos. But he was caught up in the spirit realm.
And he says behold, a throne was set, or placed in heaven, and one sat upon the throne. So that was the transition going from the seven messages to the seven churches. John is now transferred to heaven that he might see the things that God wants him to see.
Revelation 5:4 - And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
He says, and I wept much. The word wept is in the Imperfect Tense. It shows continuous action. He was weeping convulsively. He saw no hope, even in heaven, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the scroll, neither to look therein. So, he wept.
Revelation 4:2 - And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
So immediately, listen to this, I became in spirit:
That's how it literally reads. There's no definite article (the) with it. Immediately I became in spirit. So physically and geographically, he was still on the island of Patmos. But he was caught up in the spirit realm.
And he says behold, a throne was set, or placed in heaven, and one sat upon the throne. So that was the transition going from the seven messages to the seven churches. John is now transferred to heaven that he might see the things that God wants him to see.
Revelation 5:4 - And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
He says, and I wept much. The word wept is in the Imperfect Tense. It shows continuous action. He was weeping convulsively. He saw no hope, even in heaven, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the scroll, neither to look therein. So, he wept.
Revelation 4:1 Continued
There are different theological approaches to the book of Revelation, and I'll try and point out some to you as we go through this. But Chapter 4 Verse 1 is the verse that's used by those who believe that the believers will be raptured prior to the Tribulation Period, because number 1, the door had been opened, and number two, a trumpet was talking to him.
It's the same as Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, as others which have no hope. He had just said in this chapter that the trump of God would sound. It would be a great shout, and the trump of God would sound. And so here is the trumpet talking to John saying come up here.
And those who hold the Pre-Trib. position see that as equivalent to the rapture of the church that is happening. And from now on, John will see everything from heaven, and the church will no longer be on the earth, but the multitudes will be in heaven.
And many believe that's an indication, among other scriptures, especially 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 where it gives us the Tribulation Period, and he says this is for the wrath of God, and we have not been chosen for the wrath of God.
Revelation 4:1 - After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
First, let me share with you that the Greek word for our English word hereafter is the word META TOUTA which means after these things.
After this, and the Greek text reads META TOUTA, after this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must happen hereafter, META TOUTA.
This of course is Christ. We know that from Chapter 1. But I wanted to read that last line of Verse 1. These are the things that must happen META TOUTA. And that's exactly what he said in Verse 19. So, the things that are hereafter go from Chapter 4 Verse 1 through Chapter 22 Verse 5.
So, we're starting on this part three, the things which shall be hereafter. And Chapter 4 Verse 1 through Chapter 5 Verse 14 is the description of the scene in heaven. The first two verses is the transition in heaven.
John says, after this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: The Perfect Tense verb shows that the door had already been open. It was standing open when John saw the door.
Secondly, and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; That would be back in Chapter 1 Verse 10. That's the Lord Himself, speaking as it were a trumpet, which said to him, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter, or META TOUTA.
Revelation 1:4 Continued
So here, John says from the one who is, and who was, and who is coming; the I AM, the eternally existing one. That's God the Father. And then it says, and from the seven Spirits which are before His, that is, God's throne;
There are two schools of thought. Remember the number seven doesn't necessarily mean there are seven Spirits. Seven represents completeness, perfection. The Jews take it as a Hebraism. RASHI, one of the greatest Jewish scholars uses Isaiah 11:1-2 to show that what John is using is a Hebraism to denote the seven-fold Spirit of God. It means the Spirit of God is complete and perfect.
But what specifically is he making reference to? In Revelation 4:5, we see the same thing when we study what the throne is like in heaven. It says and out of the throne proceed lightnings, and thunderings, and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
In Revelation Chapter 5, the chapter where we see this scroll with seven seals on it, which is the title deed to the earth. And the call goes out who is worthy to take the scroll and loosen the seals thereof. And no one was found worthy in heaven. And John began to weep. And he was told don't weep; the Lamb of God is worthy.
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.
The seven eyes of Christ are the seven Spirits. So, it represents completeness, perfection. But its application is to the Lord's seeing. You see, he's talking about the all-encompassing Spirit who sees all things and knows all things. That's the way the Jews understood it. For scripture reference, Zechariah 4:10 talks about these seven eyes, meaning that God sees perfectly and completely all things. So, John is using a Hebraism here.
Revelation 1:3 Continued
The last line of the introduction says, for the time is at hand, literally, the time is near. The end time is near. And if you follow the teachers of prophecy, you'll know that we are getting closer and closer to that time that is mentioned for us in the future tribulation in Revelation 4:1. But until Christ comes, we as believers are to heed to the teachings in the book of Revelation. It comes straight from Jesus Christ. And we are not to add to it or take away from it.
If a person comes along and claims to have a prophecy from God that's not in scripture, a prophecy or a message from God, that person is putting his prophecy and message equal to the bible if it's true, because if he received this message from God, then it's the word of God.
And that's where God says no! God is through speaking, as far as adding to and revealing further things, more than what the scriptures reveal. Revelation Chapter 22 says don't add to the prophecy of the book. It's the last book of the bible. That's why it is there.
But secondly, even if you don't go by that, every single person that might tell me that they are a "modern day prophet," I would tell them that everything they say is equal to the bible if it's the word of God. For some reason, they will not go that far!
But that's what they're doing. If they have a "message from God," then it's God's word. They'll present it as God's word, but not equal to the bible. Well, that's what the bible is. The bible is God's word! So, you have to be careful. God has given us a safeguard. He's given us the inspiration of His truth in written form so that we can know what is of Him and what isn't.
Galatians 3:14 - That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:16 - Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Revelation 4:11 - Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Revelation 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Revelation 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Write the things which thou hast seen(past), and the things which are(ch 2-3, Past-Present), and the things which shall be hereafter;(Future: Tribulation is Revelation 4:1 (no one knows when but the Father) - Revelation 19:11-21 (2nd Coming of Christ.
We are in Matthew 24:3-14
God Bless
Today is the day of salvation.
1) Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
2) 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
3) Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (The 'rapture) (Start of Tribulation) ( rev 5:9-10 singing in Heaven before 1st seal is open, Made Chiefs Priests to reign with Christ)
4) Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (out of, meaning they were in it. Raptured saved and repented saints from 4:1 to to the sixth seal, subjects and not like those in Rev 5:9)
Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (servants in heaven day and night)
5) Revelation 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." (two witnesses raptured after BEING KILLED AND 3 DAYS LATER RESURRECTED BY GOD rev 13:7)
6) Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. (144,000, the manchild raptured
With the establishment of the 3rd heaven- Isaiah 51:16, Luke 20:35-36, 2Corinthians 12:2 combined with Revelation 4:1, the 1st and the 2nd heavens THAT WERE ESTABLISHED until this current time( Ephesians 1:3-8 combined with Philippians 3:20-21) being on FIRE (GOD is a consuming FIRE- Isaiah 33:10-14) shall be DISSOLVED (something similar to an implosion) as was prophesied. Seeing then that all these things shall be DISSOLVED, what manner of person ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness? 2Peter 3:10.
Actually until this current time were established two DISTINCTS heavens, and from now on will be established or planted ( Isaiah 51:16) the DISTINCT 3rd heaven for 1000 years, no more than 1000 years, that is the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18, incidentally Satan also ascended to the 1st and 2nd heavens- Revelation 12:3-and still is in heaven for now, but he will not ascend to the 3rd heaven, never will, on the contrary, he will be cast into the bottomless pit, and WHEN the thousand years(of the existence of the 3rd heaven) are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison and there will be another battle against him and his hosts, and fire will come down from GOD out of heaven, and will devoure them. After that, GOD will establish the environment of heaven of the heavens (an heaven above of the first three distincts heavens that were before).
That's what we interpret about heavens within the Scriptures. There are three that bear record (testify) in heaven, the Father (GOD the Father), the Word(the Word made flesh-JESUS), and the Holy Spirit (who is not a ghost as is written in English language, but a person): and these three are One. 1John 5:7
Get ready
Yes, Notwithstanding SHE (Eve, Christ's wife), by allegory, the Church of the Lord JESUS, shall BE SAVED in child bearing..... generating children for the Kingdom of GOD, through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of GOD's Kingdom. This has already lasted around 2000 years or two GOD's Day: Hebrews 1:1-3
1 GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days (last two GOD's Days-from the beginning of the fifth Day unto the END of the sixth Day)spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of His glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE(image by written) His Person(Person of GOD), and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
It's wonderful, what GOD really has revelead unto His people( Ephesians 1:3-8) makes us to fly high toward the third heaven ( Luke 20:35-36 combined with Revelation 4:1), the OT and NT are like two mighty wings to catch us and carry us to the third heaven- Luke 20:35-36 combined with John 14:3 and 17:24, and 2Corinthians 12:2-4, among many other biblical references, take a look. It's Wonderful, Indescribable, Unspeakable, ineffable. Hallelujaaaah!!!
GOD BLESS
2 ...Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's throne.
Yea, Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's throne, both Righteousness and Judgment are implicit in the Word. The Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing.
Who are the 24 elders sat on 24 thrones- Revelation 4:4 combined with Revelation 11:16-17?
They already are enthroned around GOD's Throne clothed in white raiment and they have on their heads CROWNS of gold. They're already crowned. In fact, GOD did choose 24 men unto which He would reveal His Word-even He Himself-to write the books of the Old Testament.
Here goes the 24 elders showed in Revelation 4:4.
They are the 24 messengers of the Word,the Word is GOD,beginning by Moses:
1 - Moses
2 - Joshua
3 - Samuel
4 - Ezra
5 - Nehemiah
6 - Job
7 - David
8 - Solomon
9 - Isaiah
10 - Jeremiah
11 - Ezekiel
12 - Daniel
13 - Hosea
14 - Joel
15 - Amos
16 - Obadiah
17 - Jonah
18 - Micah
19 - Nahum
20 - Habakkuk
21 - Zephaniah
22 - Haggai
23 - Zechariah
24 - Malachi
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth-Rev.4:6.
What are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth?
John 11:26 says... And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
A true believer is "crucified with Christ" and it is not I who live ( Gal. 2:20). Our experience will differ somewhat in timing from those already asleep ( 1 Thess. 4:16). As Hebrews 9:27 states we are all to "die once and face the judgment". Also it states being "absent from the body is present with the Lord." ( 2 Cor. 5:8). This necessitates the "Bema Seat" judgment to occur at death; or in the case of those still alive and raptured up; at that time. So in a sense; it will be in completing the death process of the sanctification which ultimately brings us eternal life.
I have often reminded people that martyrdom should it come is the end of a life of sanctification. In some ways that would be much like the Rapture in that there is a sudden end to our time on earth. It is possible someone could be martyred after a rather poor testimony and lukewarmness in this life; but more often scripturally at least it seems the persecutions and sufferings prepare a person for that end and death is simply a final display of Christ's holiness in the life of a saint. These truths are what makes all the claimed dreams about the rapture seem suspect. For one thing the Resurrection of the just is rarely even mentioned even though scripture states it to be the first thing immediately followed it seems by the Rapture of those still alive at the time. Some debate if Revelation 4:1 is indeed a foreshadowing of the Rapture; I would say it is and certainly the vision of Christ in the first chapter and his state of being as though dead will be our own condition when first beholding His glory. There is much ado about deceased relatives and other glories of a heavenly place and whatever is stated scripturally about that is true but of course the majesty of God overshadows that. Whatever the trip up is; the Bema Seat takes front & center
Revelation 1:19 ''write down the things which thou hast seen(past Rev 1:1-18), the things which are (past/present Chapters 2,3 letters to the churches in Johns time and for us today to know) and the things that shall be hereafter' (Future Rev 4:1 - Rev 19:11-21;Chapter 20,21,22)
Rev 4:1 (start of tribulation) - Rev 11:3;11:7/ Rev 13:5; Rev 13:7 (middle) - Rev 19:11-21 (end of Trib)
Matthew 24:3-14 tells us signs of the end before Tribulation.
End: From a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid) -- + continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost. a. termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be, (in the Greek writings always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time
Matthew 24:15-16 is speaking to those in judea near the end of Tribulation. Mark 13:14
Matthew 24:15 When ye (who read this during trib) therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"
Matthew 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:" (THOSE IN JUDAEA DURING TRIBULATION)
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains (mountains of Moab, Southern Jordan)
Well, now will be established the 3rd heaven in this WORLD, i.e. the 3rd celestial environment where John Apostle was caught up as a guest- Revelation 4:1- and Paul Apostle was caught up in vision, and through revelations of the Lord he heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 2 Corinthians 12:2-3
Again Luke 20:35-36: They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain(to reach) that WORLD(i.e. the 3rd HEAVEN to be established here in the Earth- Matthew 5:5 combined with Revelation 5:v.10 among others references), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL unto the angels; and are the children of GOD(John1:v.12), being the children of the resurrection. And 1Cor. 15:22 reveals: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Therefore, in this new millennium, there will be another NATURE, i.e. the NATURE of all things will be changed here in this Earth which was CURSED by GOD because of man, so instead of the CURSE, the blessing. This will be LITERALLY fulfilled from now on. Remember: The Word is GOD, the Word is self-executing according was preestablished and revealed by the Word of GOD.
Philippians 3:20-21 - 20 Our conversation is in heaven(current 2nd heaven, understand?); FROM WHENCE also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body( 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.Take a look.)-, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (the nature will be changed)
1 Cor.15:24-27
24 The END cometh when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to GOD, even the Father; when He shall have PUT DOWN ALL RULE and ALL AUTHORITY and power( Revelation 11:15-18. Take a look)
25 For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Get ready
Yeah, Righteousness and Judgment are the foundation of GOD's Throne, both Righteousness and Judgment are implicit in the Word of GOD-the Word is GOD, self-executing.
Revelation 4:4 - And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. "GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son,whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also GOD made the worlds- Hebrews 1:1-2;
And who are the 24 elders clothed in white raiment and sat on 24 thrones? They are the 24 messengers of GOD's Word. GOD the Father, beginning by Moses, has already crowned them. And they are already enthroned around GOD's Throne clothed in white raiment and they have on their heads CROWNS of gold.
GOD did choose and elected 24 men unto which He would reveal His Word to write the books of the Old Testament - the first Covenant - the first heavenly place in Christ. (Now we are in the 2nd heavenly place in Christ, the 2nd Covenant, the Covenant of the New Testament - Ephesians 1:3. Take a look)
That said, here goes the 24 elders showed in Revelation 4:v.4
1 - Moses
2 - Joshua
3 - Samuel
4 - Ezra
5 - Nehemiah
6 - Job
7 - David
8 - Solomon
9 - Isaiah
10 - Jeremiah
11 - Ezekiel
12 - Daniel
13 - Hosea
14 - Joel
15 - Amos
16 - Obadiah
17 - Jonah
18 - Micah
19 - Nahum
20 - Habakkuk
21 - Zephaniah
22 - Haggai
23 - Zechariah
24 - Malachi
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of GOD sent forth into all the earth. Praised be our GOD. Amen.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
You said that you "don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated".
Remember that John the Baptist was an angel( Isaiah 40:1 to 14 reveal who is his person combined with Malachi 3:1), angels are born by the Power of the Word of GOD, by prophecy, even our Lord JESUS affirmed this( Matthew 11:9-10), and John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, knew JESUS before His birth, as even he testified: John the Apostle wrote about the testimony of John the Baptist, saying: John 1:18 - 18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
By the way, we must know with certainty through the Word of GOD that the TRUE BELIEVERS will be angels of GOD from now on, by the transformation and changing of the nature of them all, the Word of GOD will do it in the true believers, do you understand? Because they was born from GOD-from the Word-the Word is GOD- Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and Romans 8:18-25, Believest thou this?)
Our Lord JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36-
35 - They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (next world-the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL UNTO THE ANGELS; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.
Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Matthew 25:4-6
4 - The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and SLEPT. (Similar Genesis 2:21-25)
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; GO YE OUT(yes, GO OUT)TO MEET HIM.
Come up hither- Revelation 4:1
Hallelujah, praise our GOD
The beauty of the cross is perhaps no better described than in Isaiah 52:14. His appearance or "visage" was so marred from the beatings and other injuries before the crucifixion that Jesus was hardly recognizable as a man. But by His stripes; we are healed ( Isaiah 53:5 just a few verses later). He has brought us beauty from ashes ( Isaiah 61:3) which in context means Israel will have restitution after suffering judgment. But God in the flesh resulted not in admiration but in a man of sorrows acquainted with grief ( Isaiah 53:3).
God's awe inspiring attributes are seen in the visions of the Lord as seen by Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1:22 and associated verses in Revelation 15:2; etal; and Daniel 10:6; etal). The true beauty of God; of course ties in with His selflessness; agape love and other characteristics that are above storge; Philleo and eros type of human love. Satan himself was a most beautiful creation as Lucifer ( Ezekiel 28:12) UNTIL he fell. Now the beauty is vanity as it is with any fallen creature who pride has allowed to contaminate. God Himself deserves worship and is not being arrogant in stating this desire but there are no verses I am aware of that state God is PROUD of being the God of all creation; He is supreme and in that sense better than anyone else; but He calls His followers by name and "friends" ( John 15:15). This makes Him the perfect Father.
God created all things for His good pleasure including man ( Revelation 4:11). No doubt Adam and Eve in a sinless state were beautiful; and perhaps still externally appeared that way after the fall. All things were fearfully and wonderfully made ( Psalm 139:14) but man has sought out many inventions (see Ecclesiastes 7:29). 1 Chronicles 16:27 talks of the majesty of God which no doubt incorporates beauty as seen in the creation. This makes man without excuse; as Romans 1 and Psalm 19 make clear.
God's beauty is more than skin deep and indescribable as all other traits.
REVELATION IN 3 PARTS Past-Present-Future
Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast SEEN, and the things WHICH ARE, and the things which shall be HEREAFTER;
Things which thou hast SEEN ( Rev 1:1-18) things which ARE ( Revelation 2,3) things which shall be HEREAFTER ( Revelation 4:1)
John wrote down what he had seen, in the order in which he saw them.
REV 2,3 'WHICH ARE' CHURCHES IN JOHNS TIME/CHURCHES TODAY
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth
Rapture 'seizing and carrying off'
There have been raptures already just by the definition above, more yet to come.
Enoch, Elijah, Captives free in the OT are 'raptures'
RAPTURES DURING THE GREAT TRIBULATION.
(Disclaimer: John wrote it) Those who repent during tribulation before the 7th seal, later 144,000 and Two witnesses. Salvation will be available to those who ask for God's grace before the 7th seal though they must endure the first 6 seals.
REV 4:1 RAPTURE/TRIB (Dead in Christ rise first, they which are alive) 6 SEALS ( REV 7:14 Great multitude..'out of' meaning within. Two Witnesses, 144,000 man child)
TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION SEEK HIM WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND!
Mark 13:32 -But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
RAPTURE/START OF TRIBULATION ( Rev 4:2/19:11-21) 2ND COMING OF CHRIST
Chapter 7 starts 'after these' so chapters 4,5,6 have happened.
LITTLE HORN UPROOTS 3 NATIONS, AND OTHER 6 FALL IN LINE. AFTER 3.5 YEARS OF WAR.
Zechariah 14:16-23 - After Tribulation 'Those that left' 'year to year' for 1000 years. Will live, age, multiply and die. In Heaven until 1000 years are up. These nations satan will be let loose to deceive the nations one last time.
NOT THOSE RAPTURED SAINTS WITH CHRIST 2ND Coming, THEY WILL BE ETERNAL
.
Revelation 1:1 THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST ........ and he (the Spirit of Christ) SENT and SIGNIFIED IT (the REVELATION of himself) to his servant John:
Most think Revelation is a prophecy of anti-christ; even though, the WORD says it's the REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST.
The ENTIRE word of God is the voice and words of JESUS CHRIST, different men through the ages have taken pen in hand and recorded the WORDS of Christ, yet, they are Christ's words, not the words of the one who penned them.
These are Christ's words, REVEALING himself to the carnal mind of man:
Revelation 4:7 And the FIRST BEAST was like a lion, and the SECOND BEAST was like a calf, and the THIRD BEAST had a face as a man, and the FORTH BEAST was like a flying eagle.
Are these FOUR BEAST four different things, or, are they four descriptions REVEALING JESUS CHRIST?
Scripture says, NO VERSE is the private interpretation of the verse itself, but has to be understood by applying other verses of scripture to understand.
We have to find the interpretation of Revelation 4:7 in other scriptures to understand.
Numbers 24:7 He (the Spirit) shall pour the water out of his (Christ's) buckets, and his (Christ's) SEED shall be as many waters (peoples, tongues, and nations) and his (the Spirit's) king (Christ) shall be higher than Agag, and his (Christ's) kingdom shall be exalted.
Numbers 24:8 God brought him (Christ) out of Egypt; he (Christ) hath as it were the strength of a unicorn (ox): he (Christ) shall eat up the nations his (Christ's) enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows (words).
Numbers 24:9 He (Christ) crouched, he lay down LIKE A LION, and as a GREAT LION: who shall stir him (Christ, a lion) up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee (Christ, the Spirit of prophecy), and cursed is he that curseth thee (Christ, the spirit of prophecy).
LOOK to the scriptures; all FOUR BEAST, the lion, the calf, the man, the eagle, are CHRIST.
God Bless You!
VII. THE DIVISION OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION:
This is probably one of the most important facts that we need to know, just in understanding Revelation, and the various teachings that we hear about the book of Revelation, which I'll get to here in a moment.
The division of the book of Revelation is given to us right in the book of Revelation. Revelation 1:19 provides the division of the book. Jesus tells John, write the things which thou hast seen (which would be the vision of Christ), in Chapter 1 Verses 9 through 20.
Secondly, write the things which are, that is, presently in John's day. That would be Chapters 2 and 3, the messages to the seven churches.
And write the things which shall be hereafter;
The term hereafter is a Greek phrase that means after these things. Revelation 4:1 begins with after these things. After what things? After the things of the church which are existing in John's day. That would be Chapters 4 through 22, which actually present to us the Tribulation Period that breaks out upon the earth.
There's a threefold division in the book of Revelation. If someone has a method or system of interpretation of the book of Revelation, it must fit into the structure that Revelation itself sets out.
VIII. SECTION OUTLINE OF REVELATION:
REVELATION 1:1-8: Prologue
REVELATION 1:9-20 PART ONE: The Things which Thou Hast Seen
REVELATION CHAPTERS 2-3 PART TWO: The Things which Are
REVELATION 4:1-22:5 PART THREE: The Things which Shall Be Hereafter
REVELATION 22:6-21: John signs off with the promises for all those that hear and keep the words within this book.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"
1 Thessalonians 4:17
"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
2 Thessalonians 2:3
"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"
Revelation 4:1
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."