From Advent to Advent
REVELATION
From Advent to Advent
It is not my intention to delay study of the text of The Revelation expounding upon the outline and organization of the book. I will provide a bit more explanation for my view of the seven perspectives or sections I see in the book, but I will not belabor my points.
Section 1: The letters to the churches—the Lord Jesus among the lampstands. Revelation 1:1 through 3:22
Revelation 2:1 speaks of “The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands”. (NASB 2020)
In this section (1:1-3:22) are:
Seven Spirits (or the sevenfold Spirit, much more on this later in our study)
Seven churches
Seven lampstands
Seven Stars
All these sevens help us to understand that completeness is important here. That seven churches were selected as recipients of letters from the Lord Jesus guides us, in my view, to understand that these letters pertain not only to the churches specifically mentioned, but to the Church in every time period until Our Redeemer returns with glory.
The message of the first section spans the time from the beginning of the Church to the return of her Husband to claim her out of the land of her oppressor. Its perspective is the fellowship of the faithful who must bear up under persecution and tribulation.
Section 2: A vision of heaven, the scroll and the seven seals. Revelation 4:1 through 7:17
This section opens with the majestic image of God enthroned and being glorified by heavenly creatures. He holds a scroll that no one can unseal. Just as John is weeping because no one is worthy, a slain Lamb comes into view. He is found worthy.
In these opening paragraphs we see depicted the need for someone to come and open the seals, then the Lord Jesus, appearing as a slain Lamb is called worthy. This brings His crucifixion and His resurrection into view, setting the beginning point for this section of the book.
Finally in chapter 6:14 we are shown that the sky is split apart like opening a rolled-up scroll. This imagery reminds us of depictions elsewhere of the second coming of the Lord Jesus. Next, we see the effect of His second coming on unbelievers. They cry out for rocks to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb.
Then chapter 7 ends with a wonderful image of a great multitude clothed in white (righteousness) experiencing great blessings. No more hunger or thirst, no scorching sun, being guided by their Shepherd to springs of living water, and every tear being wiped from their eyes.
Here again, the two advents of the Lord Jesus are in view.
Section 3: Seven trumpets. Revelation 8:1-11:19
Here again, the worthy Lamb breaks a seal on the scroll evoking His first advent. This time angels with trumpets warn the earth through events that evoke images of the plagues on Egypt in Exodus. These warnings continue and increase in intensity but still, chapter 9 closes saying that those who survived the warning plagues did not repent of their sin and idolatry.
In chapters 10 and 11, we read of things involving the people of God, consumption of the word, two witnesses martyred and redeemed. Finally, the section closes at the end of chapter 11 with a depiction of the victory and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.
From seal breaking through history to victory, again we find a depiction of the time between the appearances of Christ.
Section 4: The dragon persecuting the woman and her Man-child. Revelation 12:1 through 14:20
Chapter 12 verse 5 clearly depicts the birth of Jesus. The enemy tries to kill Him, but He is caught up to heaven. In turn, the enemy begins to persecute the woman. In chapter 13 He employs beasts and the great harlot Babylon. And in chapter 14 the section closes with Christ coming on the clouds in judgement and reaping the earth with His sickle.
I think this is one of the clearest depictions of the two advents in the book.
Section 5: The seven bowls. Revelation 15:1-16:21
Here are described bowls of wrath. These are again reminiscent of the plagues on Egypt. They are loud and violent warnings followed by stubborn rejection and blaspheming of God by those afflicted.
The enemy ups the ante, and a great battle for the souls of people ensues, yet even in the worst of it, many continue to blaspheme God.
In my view, we do not see both advents clearly here. This vision rather, focuses more on the period between the first and second coming. The age of the Church as it draws to a close.
Section 6: The fall of Babylon. Revelation 17:1-19:21
Following on the heals of the stark warnings of the bowls in section 5, we now come to the fall of Babylon. Preparations are made for the final judgement. The victory of the Lamb is foreshown, and chapter 18 begins by declaring that Babylon is fallen. It concludes with an account of the preparation of the bride of Christ, His coming, and the finality of judgement.
As section 5 focuses attention on the inter-advent period, this section is primarily focused on the end of that period and the time leading up to the consummation found in the final section of The Revelation.
Section 7: The final overthrow of the enemy, the judgement, the new heaven and earth. Revelation 20:1-22:21
We find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new era. In chapter 12:9 we were told that the devil was cast down. Here we see him bound for 1000 years after having been cast into the abyss.
Next, he is loosed for a short time and then in 20:10 (and following) he is overthrown completely. Here the great judgement is seen, paving the way for the new heaven and new earth, which are portrayed gloriously in the opening verses of chapter 21.
The Revelation closes with enrapturing depictions of the promised future blessing of all those who belong to Christ.
Having set the stage and discussed methods, we will next wet our feet in the text of The Revelation
