In chapter 7, we saw these sealed to be kept safe. Now, we see not one of them was lost, for they are with the Lamb on Mount Zion, which is the church, heaven's vestibule. (Psalms 125:1; Hebrews 12:22-24) There is a sense in which heaven is ours while we are still on earth. (1 John 2:24-25) It is ou... [ Continue Reading ]
The speaker, or speakers, is not identified but the voice comes from heaven with an awesome sound like a large body of flowing waters and great thunder. It also had a sweet melody like harpers playing their harps. The word "they" here apparently refers to those who make up the voice in heaven. They... [ Continue Reading ]
These verses seem to describe in symbolic terms the spiritual purity of the men and women who make up the bride of Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2; James 4:4) Their purity is in clear contrast to the spiritual fornication others had committed with Babylon the great city. (verse 8) They follow Christ whe... [ Continue Reading ]
Hailey says the meaning of "in the midst of heaven" is the highest point the sun reaches. Thus we have an angel in a prominent place proclaiming the gospel in a loud voice to all people of the earth. This may be a symbolic way of portraying the preaching of the gospel to the whole world. The purpose... [ Continue Reading ]
God is so sure of victory that he announces it before the battle has begun. Babylon the great city must be Rome and all her pagan vices. The rest of the world had joined her in idolatrous worship, especially of Caesar, and would come to realize the cup of their rebellion would also become the cup of... [ Continue Reading ]
-11 Those who have worshiped idols will have to drink the cup of God's undiluted wrath. There will be no mercy for those who have spurned the blood of the Lamb and worshiped with Babylon. (Compare Hebrews 10:26-31) Fire and brimstone has been used both literally and figuratively in God's judgments u... [ Continue Reading ]
The previous three verses have described the judgment of those who oppose the Lord. The patience of the faithful will be rewarded ultimately with victory.... [ Continue Reading ]
The expressions "in him" and "in Christ" occur repeatedly in the New Testament and are associated with a number of blessings. One must be baptized to be in Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Corinthians 12:13) Earlier, the assurance had been given that those already martyred were at rest and those coming... [ Continue Reading ]
John now sees Jesus seated on a white cloud with a golden victory crown upon his head. In his hand is a sickle, so we assume he is preparing for a great harvest.... [ Continue Reading ]
-16 God dwells in his temple. This angel comes out from the temple shouting the command of the Father. Since he alone knows some seasons, particularly the time of the end, it is appropriate that he should direct Jesus when to begin the harvest. (Acts 1:7; Matthew 24:36) The word "ripe" carries the i... [ Continue Reading ]
This angel coming out from the altar with power over fire is likely the same as in Revelation 8:3-5. He, too, is to reap. The clusters are described as fully matured, thus ripe for judgment. It may be that this angel merely helps the Lord in harvesting the whole earth for judgment. However, in light... [ Continue Reading ]
Since those this angel harvests are cast into the winepress of God's wrath, we believe they are the wicked. The winepress is used as a symbol of judgment in other places. (Joel 3:13; Isaiah 63:1-6) The city the winepress is located outside of may be the new Jerusalem. The wicked thus would be punish... [ Continue Reading ]