My Introduction to the Book of Revelation

MY INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION - 8/15/04

The Setting and Preliminary Overview

We have shown the Day of the Lord, a single 12-Hour Day, will become Day One of a Thousand-Year-Day. To the Lord that Day is like about 365,240 days and yet like Day One. “Be not ignorant of this one thing beloved: the Day of the Lord is like 1000 years and 1000 years like Day One.” (Alfred Marshall: Interlinear Parallel NT in Greek and English for the NASB and NIV; Zondervan Publishers). 2 Peter 3:8; Rev.20:4-6.

The Lamb opens Seal Six. Rev.6:12-17. Calamitous warnings continue from Noon to Twilight. During the Hour of Trial all the wicked will be destroyed! We have found a three-fold purpose for billions of humans descended from the 12 tribes of Ishmael as well as from the 12 tribes of Isaac (and from Esau). This three-fold purpose requires the period of a literal expanse of 1000 years.

The purpose: (1) Encourage Endtime Saints to be faithful unto death. (2) Keep the New Covenant for an eternal kingdom to be established on the New Earth after the Millennium due to God’s grace. The testimony of Martyrs will be used of God to impress upon millions of those who were disobedient, but repent, that His way is the way of love; not the way of hate. (3) Prove...even with Christ's personal Presence...that only by God's grace will mankind embrace and worship Him.

While Martyrs will "serve God day and night for 1000 years as pillars in heaven’s Temple," overcomers to the end reign with Christ after He smites the nations. Rev.3:12; Rev.7:15-17; Rev.20:4-6; Rev.19:15; Rev.2:25-27. With the testimony of these two groups and their divergent rewards in view, 250 verses in Revelation deal with the final Pre-Endtime and Endtime events from Seal One at Rev.6:1 to the first resurrection in Rev.20:6. Lastday events are interspersed throughout beginning with armies gathered to Armageddon and God’s Decree at Rev.16:12-17 and Seal Six at Rev.6:12-17.

These 250 verses, Rev.6:1 to Rev. 20:6, include 60% of Revelation. Of these 250 verses, 40% or 100 verses are fulfilled as the sun remains dark for 6 hours on the Day Christ comes with all the Saints. He destroys the wicked, relents and shows mercy to a third of Israel and to all who beg for mercy and begins to rule all nations in a 1000-Year-Day of the Lord. Zech.13:8-9; Luke 17:30-37.

The Day of God’s and the Lamb’s wrath includes Seal 6, Seal 7 and Trump 7 while Plague 7 remains suspended in the air until Trump 7 sounds. The last Plague implodes at the Hour of God’s wrath. After the Flashback from Rev.16:17 to Rev.6:12-17, and 15 of 22 major events take place, there are instant Flashforwards from Rev.14:10 to pouring out the “wine of God’s cup of anger and wrath” at Rev.16:19-21 and also from Rev.14:20 to the “treading of the great winepress” at Rev.19:15-21.

Plague #7 suspends in the air during the five Middle Concentric Path events in the Temple Drama of Testimony, Tribunal and Triumph. In Act One, the Prophets are resurrected in time to bodily join the Martyrs in Testimony to "God and the Lamb." Rev.7:9-10. This Middle Path of dramatic events begins at Rev.7:9 (Rev.15:5) when the Lamb completes the Outer Concentric Path events on the Lastday after opening Seal 6...with the world’s armies massed at Armageddon.

In the Outer Path the four winds are held back until the 144,000 Firstfruit unto God and the Lamb are sealed and the Lamb rescues them from Mt. Zion. Rev.7:1-8; Rev.14:1-5. The Son of Man proceeds to incarcerate the wicked in the great winepress from a cloud and then escorts the Firstfruit to heaven where they "present Him to the Ancient of Days" just before the Court of judgment in Act Two. Dan.7:13,22. Standing on a river/sea of fire, they sing their song of the Lamb and the Martyrs sing the song of Moses. Dan.7:9-10; Rev.14:1-5 and Rev.15:1-5. This completes the Outer Concentric Path of events and ignites the Middle Path events. The Temple opens for the Three-Act Drama!

As soon as the Firstfruit of 144,000 and the Martyrs sing their song of the Lamb and song of Moses, they enter the Temple to praise God and the Lamb in Act One. The songs of Rev.14:3-4 and Rev.15:3-4 prepare for their combined Testimony and the Tribunal and Triumph of the 7^th Seal and 7^th Trumpet from Rev.7:9 to Rev.8:5 and Rev.11:15-19. The song of the 144,000 Jewish "Firstfruit unto God and the Lamb" and the Martyrs’ song immediately precede the ascension of the Two Prophets and a great quake in Jerusalem for the joint participation in the Temple Drama!

Having rescued the 144,000, "the Son of Man casts the wicked into the great winepress of God’s anger." The 144,000 and the Martyrs sing their songs and then join in the Temple Drama. The Two Prophets arise for the Temple Drama at #10 of Lastday major events. The Temple is open at Rev.15:5 for the most revealing Flashback...the Drama from Rev.7:9 to Rev.8:5 and Rev.11:11-19. Plague #7 will suspend for 15 events until the 7th Trumpet sounds that "God’s wrath has come." We must realize these events begin after the armies are gathered to Armageddon.

Rejoicing in heaven immediately follows the 7^th Trumpet. There is a Flashforward from Rev.11:19 to Rev.19:11. The execution of God’s wrath, anticipated by Seal Six, Rev.6:15-16, requires the setting for Armageddon slaughter at Rev.16:15-16. After the rejoicing, Christ comes with "all the Saints." This is when the full impact of God’s purpose occurs.

Jesus says: “Behold, I come as a thief.” Anticipating His coming, John sees seven classes of men hiding in the hills from invading armies. With 200 million soldiers threatening as the sun turns dark, they frantically proclaim: “The Day of God’s Wrath has come!” This is when the Two Prophets are about to arise from death to join the Martyrs in the Court Scene of Seal 7 and Dan.7. They rise up after the last Martyr is killed but join in the song of Moses before being resurrected.

The prayer of the Martyrs shows why the Lamb opens Seal 6 and raises the Two Prophets on one of (3½) days after the Beast kills the Two Witnesses and the world celebrates their demise and expects Israel’s total annihilation. These two complete the task to manifest God’s Kingdom Power in 1260 days. Rev.11:1-7; Rev.12:10-14. They reveal God’s purpose to restore the kingdom to Israel when the last Saint “who must be killed is killed.” Gentile Times end with less than 3½ days remaining until Christ appears! Rev.6:9-11; Luke 21:24; Rev.11:7-12.

In this Lastday setting, be mindful of the primary subjects and of God’s purpose for them. The Saints who overcome to the end will anticipate Christ’s imminent return for surviving Saints so He may come with ALL the Saints. I Thess.3:13; Rev.17:14. They will reign with Christ on earth (1000 years) over the nations prior to the New Heavens and Earth while Martyrs serve God day and night as pillars in the Temple. Rev.2:25-27; Rev.3:12; Rev.7:15-17; Rev.20:4-6.

The purpose of Revelation is to prepare these Saints to glorify God and reign with Jesus on earth or else, if martyred, to serve God and be shepherded by the Lamb in heaven; to prepare Israel for Messiah; to destroy the wicked; and to see “all nations coming to worship before God.” He will “shut up both Jews and Gentiles in disobedience; then show mercy to ALL.” Rev.19:15-21; Rev.15:1-4; Rom.11:30-32.

We must identify the 22 events of “the days when time shall be no longer.” Then insert them between the decree out of the Temple saying: “It is Done” and the Hour Christ descends to Deliver and/or Destroy. In fact, we will insert 15 of these 22 major events between Rev.16:17 and Rev.16:18 before Plague #7 implodes. These events occur after countdown Time (1260 days) ends...when the 7^th Trumpet is about to sound.” Rev.10:6-7.

How do we Determine Order of Events on the Day of the Lord?

Five of Ten Keys to the Book of Revelation are Necessary:

Lastday Key: Seal 6 and Temple Drama occur after 1260 Endtime days are past.

Text Key: One hundred verses, 25% of Revelation, concern the Lastday.

Pilot Key: The Last Plague suspends in the air during events of the Lastday.

Sequence Key: Flashbacks and Flashforwards determine the order of 22 events.

Prime Key: Three-Act Temple Drama issues in the wrath of God and the Lamb.

The Sequence Key consists of Flashbacks and Flashforwards to determine the order of Lastday events and timing of the Temple Drama. "No man could enter the Temple until the last Plague should complete God's anger." Rev.15:1,8. The Pilot Key requires this critical Drama to occur while Plague #7 suspends in the air!

No man could enter the Temple in Rev.7:9-17 until the Plagues “should be finished.” Long before the Martyrs stand and sing before God in Rev.15, the 7 angels exit the open Temple with their Vials/Bowls to receive their Plagues. When the Plagues exhaust God’s patience, the Martyrs will stand before God on a sea of glass mixed with fire and sing the victory song of Moses. Rev.15:1-4; Dan.7:9-10. This must take place before the Son of Man is "presented to the Ancient of Days." Dan.7:13.

Until His patience reaches the point of turning to wrath, “the Temple was filled with the smoke of God’s glory and power…so no man could enter.” The Plagues are completed prior to the Martyrs' song in Rev.15:1-4 and yet their song is recorded before the Plagues are described! The Martyrs also enter the Temple in Rev.7:9 nine chapters before the Plagues are described in Rev.16! The Martyrs stand on a river of fire and sing before God after the 7th Plague empties. Then they enter the Temple to praise God and the Lamb while the 7th Plague suspends in the air.

The Temple Drama determines the order of Lastday events before the execution of God’s wrath. I had discovered this Prime Key in June of 1993 while reading Rev. 15. Only Rev.15:5 and Rev.7:9 in the KJV use the words "after these things, I saw and behold" to introduce the Drama. The Flashback from Rev.15:5 to Rev.7:9 for these dramatic scenes is the most decisive key for understanding Lastday events. We move from Rev.15:5 to Rev.7:9...determined in part by what John saw "after these things."

Before the Temple opens, two hundred million soldiers are gathered to Armageddon. A Voice out of the Temple, from the Throne, signals the end has come! These armies from the East terrorize everyone except Believers. The Two Prophets remain dead up to 3½ days until another voice calls them up to heaven for the Three-Act Temple Drama. This call-up is critical for presenting two witnesses in the Court of Seal Seven.

Seven Flashbacks in Revelation determine the order of events before, during and after the Great Tribulation. The first Lastday Flashback, time-wise, occurs at Plague #7 as Seal 6 opens "in the days after great tribulation." Matt.24:29; Mark 13:24; Rev.10:6-7. The 2^nd Flashback, time-wise, occurs after the Martyrs and 144,000 Firstfruit sing their songs to God before entering the Temple!

Armies are gathered at Armageddon. During Seal Six, as Plague #7 remains suspended for heaven’s Three-Act Temple Drama, the 7^th Trumpet angel is ready and waiting to sound that "God’s wrath has come"…less than half way between Rev. 6 and 16! Rev.8:2; Rev.11:18. "After these things, John looks and behold: the Temple was open" so the Martyrs and 144,000 Jews, having sung their songs before God standing on a river/sea of fire, could enter the Temple to praise God and the Lamb. Dan.7:9-10; Rev.15:2-4.

Again, "after these things, he also looks and behold...even as one of the 24 elders marvels at the identity and source of the "countless multitudes coming out of great tribulation." Rev.15:5; Rev.7:13-14. The elder answers his own question and paints a picture of their (1000-year) destiny! Rev.7:15-17. This verifies that no one enters the Temple until the last Plague empties and the smoke clears!

The Temple Drama ends with the 7^th Trump declaring the Hour of wrath has come. Act One: Testimony/Victory; Rev.7:9-17. Act Two: Tribunal/Verdict; Rev.8:1-5; Act Three: Triumph/Vindication; Rev.11:15-18. The 7^th Angel trumpets: "God’s wrath has come. There were voices, flashes of lightning, peals of thunder and a great quake." Rev.8:5; Rev.11:19; Rev.16:18. God’s wrath follows Seal 7, Trump 7 and the implosion of Plague #7.

Armies of the Evil Trio cover an area of 180 miles…stage for the bloody winepress of The Armageddon slaughter. Lastday events are not fulfilled in chronological order! But once the armies are gathered, the 22 events of 100 verses, events that are fulfilled on the Lastday, begin to transpire. Back to back engagements by armies coming from "lands of the rising sun" set the staqe for the Lastday. In Trump 6 they kill a third of mankind. Rev.9:15-21. In Plague 6 they intend to destroy Israel. Rev.16:12-16. These events come together for the opening of Seal Six as people on earth are sending gifts to celebrate the Beast having killed the Two Prophets. Rev.11:10.

The threatening armies of the Evil-Trio will be held in check by the warnings of Seal 6 during the Temple Drama! In the same hour the Two Prophets arise, a great quake kills 7000 men of the Beast’s elite guard in a tenth of Jerusalem! The Prophets will be called up bodily to heaven to join the Martyrs in praising God and to witness in Act Two of the Temple Drama. Consternation on earth intensifies. The sun will have already turned dark. Rev.11:11-13.

Seven classes will be hiding in the mountains. But people will be at work in the mills or the fields as of any other day. The first inkling of that day’s global calamities sees the sun turning to darkness at noon in Israel. “God will not totally destroy the House of Jacob.” Amos 8:9; Amos 9:8. While the warnings of Seal 6 continue and the 7^th Plague remains suspended in the air, 15 of 22 Lastday major events fulfill 60 of their 100 verses in Revelation.

The catastrophic signs in the sun, moon and stars continue warnings of impending wrath until Trump #7 sounds and Plague #7 implodes. The impact of the warnings on that single day far exceeds the fearsome prospect of more deaths by armies of the Evil Trio. With these warnings all seven classes hiding in the hills call on falling rocks to “hide them from God’s and the Lamb’s wrath.” Their knowledge results from predictions already made by the Two Prophets. Rev.6:14-16.

Yet Seal Six opens five chapters before the Prophets begin to prophesy for 1260 days! The 100 verses of the Text Key are not fulfilled chronologically! The last Plague suspends in midair before Seal Six opens for events of the Lastday. We go retroactively from Rev.16:12-17 to Rev.6:12-17. The Lamb rescues the 144,000. They and the Martyrs sing their songs before God. Then we go retroactively from Rev.15:5 to Rev.7:9 for the Temple Drama.

I believe with settled conviction that the fulfillment of Seal 7, Trump 7 and Plague 7 on the Day of God's wrath requires six Trumpets and six Plagues to take place before the Lamb opens Seal Six! Seal Six opens to avenge the blood of the Martyrs when the last one is killed. Rev.6:9-11. Trump 6 and Plague 6 precede Seal 6. With Seal 7 the Court sits in final judgment for this age. Rev.8:1-5; Dan.7:22.

Before the Temple opens for the Drama in Rev.7:9 (Flashback from Rev.15:5), the Martyrs sing the victory song of Moses. The 144,000 sing the new song of the Lamb. The Plagues have "exhausted God’s anger." On entering the Temple, the evidence of six Trumpets from the inner scroll goes on open display (Flashback to judgments of great tribulation) during Seal 7’s half hour Trial! Rev.8:1-5. The Day of Wrath takes six hours; the Hour of Wrath takes less than One!

Look at the Centerpiece, Home Page, for the 15 major Lastday events that occur before Plague #7 implodes. Then at 7 events including the resurrection of all believers and devastation to the wicked in the Flashforward from Rev.11:19 to Rev.19:11-21. In this Sequence we see another Flashforward from Rev.14:10 to Rev.16:18-21 for the Hour of Trial. Earthquake after-shocks destroy earth’s cities and mountains as Plague #7 implodes with God’s cup of anger and wrath. The Hour of Destruction and Deliverance ends at twilight as millions are “left” on earth of the tribes who beg for mercy. They will be “kept alive.” Zech.14:7-16; Luke 21:36; Luke 17:33.

The Flashforward also jumps from Rev.11:19 to rejoicing in heaven and the Saints' preparation for the Lamb’s wedding and to Christ's descent from heaven. So Rev.11:19 links to Rev.18:20 as heaven rejoices before Christ destroys the wicked. He will gather the elect from earth to meet Him before destroying the wicked. Mark 13:27. Rejoicing ends with the great display of God’s glory, Satan's two Beasts cast to Hell and Satan to the Abyss for 1000 years. Rev.19:11-21.

Jesus Christ invades the atmosphere, instantly gathering to Himself innumerable Saints as two billion unbelievers remain on earth at the Hour He appears. The latter instantly bow and beg for mercy or their tongues rot while gasping for a mouthful of air. Luke 21:35; Zech.14:12. This Day and Hour are "Near." Nearness concerns the Day of Decision; not passing generations. Joel 3:14-15.

You may ask why Martyrs, including the Two Prophets, and the 144,000 "Firstfruit unto God and the Lamb" must stand before God on a crystal river/sea of fire before entering the Temple. Or why the Temple is filled with the smoke of God’s glory and power so that no man enters before the last Plague empties. My answer: The Son of Man must be "presented to the Ancient of Days" as the Saints’ worthy Bridegroom and with the right to rule the nations before the Court sits in judgment in Dan.7 and Seal 7. Dan.7:9-10,13-22; Rev.7:9 to Rev.8:1-5; Rev.11:15-19.

The Lamb was found worthy to open the 7 Seals because He shed His blood. Rev.5:4-12. He will be worthy to wed His completed Bride when the Son of Man rescues the 144,000 living, surviving Jewish Firstfruit as His gift to the Father. The Saints in heaven, including all the Martyrs, will prepare for the wedding moments before He descends from heaven as King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev.19:7-10.

The “Left Behind” series promulgates that Seal Six anticipates a 7-Year Endtime. That premise makes all Trumpets and Plagues subsequent to Seal 6…instead of Seal 6, Seal 7, Trump 7 and Plague 7 being among 22 major events of the Day Christ comes in glory. So we begin the study of that Day’s 22 major events found in 100 verses…beginning at the two Flashbacks from Rev.16:12-17 to Rev.6:12-17 and from Rev.15:5 to Rev.7:9-Rev.8:5 and Rev.11:15-19.

We will study the events that lead to the effects of the Hour of Trial as Trump #7 sounds. We find that, while 7 Trumpet judgments are described in retrospect after the 7th Seal, six Trumpets actually sound before Seal 6 opens. And although the 7 last Plagues are described 5 chapters after Trump 7 sounds, the armies of Plague #6 gather to Armageddon before the Day of Wrath begins! This Introduction is a Quick Overview.

“Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one who is watching and wearing his garments lest he walk naked and men see his shame. And He/they gathered them together to the place called Armageddon in the Hebrew. And the 7th angel poured out his vial and a great voice came out of the Temple from the Throne saying: `The End has Come.’” Rev.16:15-17.

“And I saw when (at that moment) the Lamb opened the 6^th Seal. And a great earthquake occurred. And the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair. And the whole moon became as blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth as the fig tree casts unripe figs being shaken by a great wind. And the heaven departed being rolled up like a scroll. And every mountain and island were (in the process of being) moved out of their places.

"The kings of the earth and the great men and the generals and the rich men and the strong men and every slave and free men had hidden themselves in the caves and the rocks of the mountains. They were saying to the rocks and the mountains: 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One sitting on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. Because the great Day of their Wrath has come and who is able to stand.’” Rev.6:12-17. (My translation).

Previous Next