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Post Info TOPIC: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
DJ

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BACK TO OUR STUDY

*Revelation 1:9, "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

After Christ has revealed Himself to John, John proceeds to portray the vision that he has has received from Christ. He introduces himself as he obeys Christ's command of writing down "in a book" the things which he is seeing.

Remember, in our study of Revelation 1:1 we discovered that John is a type of the church that receives the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.

The context or backdrop of the book of Revelation is the fact that John is bound in prison on the isle of Patmos. John is the last of the 12 original disciples living. The church is suffering from false doctrines, false prophets, divisions, and under heavy persecution from the Jewish leadership & The Roman Government (Emperor Domitian). To John, the church has appeared as about to fall. He is now discouraged. However, mans extremity is Gods opportunity. It will be no different with the church in these last days.

In this case, John represents the church.

 

The final Revelation will be given to the church when it has seemed to fall. God's faithful people within the church will be burdened down as John was on the isle of Patmos. But praise God, Jesus always shows up right on time!

 

John wrote Revelation under the most forbidding, hopeless, discouraging circumstances. But Christ came to give John a message of hope and assurance of salvation for him and his people! 

 

John was told to send the message to the 7 churches. The messages contained in this book are especially for the church! John was instructed to send this very important message to the 7 churches of Asia Minor in his day. The reason is clear: the church must first receive a clear revelation of Jesus before it can present the message to the world. Also, because this great & final light will be given to the church first, judgment will also begin with the church first (1 Peter 4:17). Which is why the first part of the vision of Revelation is addressed to the church (Revelation 1-3). 

 

We must understand that the final, full & complete revelation of Jesus Christ comes to the church when she is under distress from all sides, as seen in the (TYPE) case with John. This is still future. 

Thus we are told, 

 

"The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted outthe chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place. None but those who have been overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony will be found with the loyal and true, without spot or stain of sin, without guile in their mouths. We must be divested of our self-righteousness and arrayed in the righteousness of Christ." {2SM 380}

...Here we are told that the church will appear as about to fall. This is the same case with John receiving the revelation. The next part of the statement details why the church is appearing as if it is falling. It appears to fall because SO MANY of the members are being shaken out! The church remains while "the sinners in Zion" are being "sifted out". Only those who have overcome will remain after the "terrible ordeal" of the shaking process. This is why after Chapter 1, the next prophetic scene of the vision concerns the church and its shaking.

Revelation 2 & 3 is a picture of the FINAL SHAKING of God's church, where the "sinners in Zion are being sifted out---the chaff separated from the precious wheat"...which is the FINAL HARVEST---THE END OF THE WORLD.   [More On This Later]

*Revelation 1:9, "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

John is writing to the church UNDER PERSECUTION. He introduces himself as a "brother, and companion in tribulation". He notes that he shares in their sorrow and hardships. Don't miss the point.

THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST COMES TO THE CHURCH WHILE SHE IS BEING PERSECUTED!

We have already stated that the FINAL REVELATION begins with the OUTPOURING OF GOD'S SPIRIT---THE LATTER RAIN!

This point is further proven by the fact that the Latter Rain begins to fall on the church to empower her to take the gospel to the entire world during the TIME OF TROUBLE, which is a time of terrible persecution the world has ever seen. Dan. 12:1

 

We are told to "KNOW THE TIME OF OUR VISITATION" (Lk. 19:44). The time of our visitation is the time when Christ comes to His church to be received by her. This is what Israel missed. Their Saviour was right in their midst, yet they knew it not! And when Christ told them He was the messiah and Son of God they REJECTED Him. Little did they know, they rejected THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. This is why they were rejected as God's people and probation closed on them. 

*John 1:11, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

...This mistake cannot be done by us in these last hours of earth's history. It will be as fatal for us as it was for the Jews in their day. 

We love to talk about the time when Christ comes physically through the clouds in the sky (and rightfully so because this is the blessed hope), but we fail to realize that if we are not ready for THE FINAL SHAKING, THE FINAL CRISIS, THE MARK OF THE BEAST/SUNDAY LAW TEST, THE LATTER RAIN, THE HARVEST, THE FINAL JUDGMENT, & THE CLOSE OF PROBATION, then we will NOT be ready when Christ comes in the clouds literally & physically. We have already discovered that it is the REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST that brings on the Close of Probation. And Jesus came to His people BEFORE probation closed on them in 34AD. It will be no different with us. Jesus will again come to "visit" His church SPIRITUALLY. He will "visit" His church BEFORE probation closes. It is the REJECTION of Christ that always closes probation. We must be ready for when Christ comes to His church SPIRITUALLY. We are to know the time of our visitation. This is why in vision, the first thing John sees is the 7 Golden Candlesticks and sees Christ there in the midst. (Rev. 1:12-20) Here is a picture of Christ visiting His church! (More on this later). 

The Bible says, 

*John 14:16-18, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

 

...Here, a powerful promise is made by Christ to his disciples. Jesus is telling them that He must leave. But He will send them the Comforter who is the Holy Spirit. But the point to catch is that in Christ's going away speech, He tells them "I WILL COME TO YOU" (Jn. 14:18). Jesus is here saying that He will come to them and be with them through the Holy Spirit. This is important for us to understand in these last days. We have already discovered that The Revelation of Jesus Christ establishes God's Kingdom of Glory in the earth. God's Kingdom of Glory brings on the fullness of God's Spirit. This is why in Revelation 18, the announcement is made that the whole earth is lightened with glory. (Rev. 18:1). This message of God's glory we are told is the power of the Holy Spirit in Latter Rain power. The SOP says, The great outpouring of the Spirit of God lightens the whole earth with His [God's] glory. (CS 253). 

In plain language, The final Revelation of Jesus Christ BEGINS the final outpouring of God's Spirit, because the Holy Spirit REVEALS Jesus Christ, which is the whole point of the book of Revelation---THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. And as we have seen, it begins with the church. If God's Spirit is come, then Christ has "COME TO YOU". (Jn. 14:18). God's Spirit falls upon the church first. Jesus comes to the church in "visitation". For the church to reject the Latter Rain is to reject the Final Revelation of Jesus Christ. The fact of the matter is, to reject the Holy Spirit is to reject Christ. To reject the final outpouring of God's Spirit which is the Latter Rain is to reject the final Revelation of Jesus Christ. This is why the REJECTION of the Holy Spirit during the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST is the "unpardonable sin". IT IS TO REJECT THE SEAL OF GOD!

 

*Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST BEGINS WITH THE FINAL OUTPOURING OF GODS SPIRIT AS IT BEGINS TO FALL ON THE CHURCH.

...Please don't miss this point. John 14:16-18 tells us Jesus comes SPIRITUALLY when the Comforter comes. That applied to the "Early Rain" at Pentecost for the disciples. But how much more does it apply to God's people at the end of time at the "Latter Rain". Yes, much more so. 

"The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the former rain, and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant."
{8T 21}

 ...The time is at hand for God's Spirit to fall. In the fullness of time, God will pour out His spirit and lighten the whole earth with His glory. We are to prepare for this time and look forward by faith to this-Christ's glorious day. This is the great need of the "languishing church" and "impenitent congregation" of today in God's church.

"There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. If Satan had his way, there would never be another awakening, great or small, to the end of time. But we are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his power. When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come. Satan can no more hinder a shower of blessing from descending upon God's people than he can close the windows of heaven that rain cannot come upon the earth. Wicked men and devils cannot hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from the assemblies of His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted, not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6)." {1SM 124}


THE TIME IS AT HAND

 

*Zechariah 10:1, "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field."

...All that is left to begin the wheels rolling on the prophecy of the Revelation is for the fires of persecution to be rekindled. As we have already seen, the backdrop & context of John receiving the revelation is PERSECUTION. It will be no different for us if we are to receive the revelation as John did. We can see that persecution is right around the corner (ex. Eric Walsh, The Rise of the Apostate Religious Right, The Disregarding of the U.S. Constitution etc.). Religious liberty is soon to die out in this country. Then the last nation of light will fall into complete darkness in a world full of darkness. This will begin the setting & backdrop for the final Revelation of Jesus to occur. And as we see the signs of the shaking increasing in our church (WO, LGBT, APOSTASY, etc.) it lets us know that the FINAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER.

Persecution will drive the faithful in God's church to their knees to truly earnestly pray for the Latter Rain which will fulfill the conditions of Zechariah 10:1. God's promise is that He "shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain". 

THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST BEGINS WITH THE FINAL OUTPOURING OF GODS SPIRIT AS IT BEGINS TO FALL ON THE CHURCH.

 

 



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DJ

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*Revelation 1:9, "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

 

THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST COMES TO THE CHURCH WHILE SHE IS BEING PERSECUTED!

THE FINAL REVELATION begins with the OUTPOURING OF GOD'S SPIRIT---THE LATTER RAIN!

This point is further proven by the fact that the Latter Rain begins to fall on the church to empower her to take the gospel to the entire world during the TIME OF TROUBLE, which is a time of terrible persecution the world has ever seen. Dan. 12:1

The SOP says, 

"I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully...'The commencement of that time of trouble,' here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out." {Early Writings p.85-86}

Here is a powerful statement. Here we are told that the TIME OF TROUBLE comes right before we are "filled with the Holy Ghost" which again proves the point that we enter PERSECUTION right before the HOLY SPIRIT is poured out in LATTER RAIN Power. At this time,  "the work of salvation is closing" and "trouble" is "coming upon the earth". The "latter rain or refreshing from the presence of the Lord" comes to "give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and to prepare the sants to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out." This is to say that the LATTER RAIN empowers the church to preach and take the EVERLASTING GOSPEL into the entire world during the TIME OF TROUBLE. 

...This brings us back to John. He identifies himself as a "companion in trouble". 

Truly, 

*2 Timothy 3:12, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

"There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul declares that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12. Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled." {GC 48}

...When the church begins to accept the FINAL LIGHT on the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, there will be a "revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled."

 

*Revelation 1:9, "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

John identifies himself "in the kingdom" of God. Remember, the Revelation introduces the KINGDOM OF GOD to the church and the world. The "kingdom" John was apart of was the "KINGDOM OF GRACE". But in the FINAL REVELATION, God's saints will be apart of the "KINGDOM OF GLORY". The work of the kingdom of grace will prepare the saint for God's spiritual "KINGDOM OF GLORY" that will reign in the earth as all will have to either accept Christ as King or reject Him. (Sound familiar? Yes, a replay of Caesar chosen as king instead of Christ).

MORE ON THIS LATER.

The point is, 

*Acts 14:22, "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

...Again, PERSECUTION is the backdrop of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. One's acceptance of this FINAL REVELATION qualifies him/her to enter into Christ's KINGDOM OF GLORY. And as the Bible tells us, it is by "much tribulation" that we will enter in. 

Another major point is that John identifies himself in the "patience of Jesus Christ". 

The word "patience" in the original is to "remain under". He is literally resting & remaining in Jesus as He goes through tribulation. The text implies the exercise of self-control to endure a difficult situation when, by a surrender of faith, release might be obtained from the pressure of persecution. In Christ, Christians have the strength to "remain under" "in Jesus". (See Rom. 2:7)

This is important because like John, the saints that stand at the end of time have the "patience" that John here has. (See Rev. 14:12)

This again, proving the point that John is a TYPE or REPRESENTATION of the FINAL CHURCH.

It is because of John's faithful witness by his preaching and by his life that he is on PATMOS, the prison-island. He is there because of the "word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ". [For More Info See Study On Rev. 1:2]

Revelation 1:9 is very important because it sets the BACKDROP for the REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. The church will be in tribulation. God's Kingdom of Glory will reign in the earth, and God's people will be persecuted for the Word of God. But this is the exact time that God will vindicate His people, while His people are vindicating Him and His character, the work will be finished and the controversy ended!

 



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webmaster

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Thank you for this study here, DJ.  There is much to think on.  Your point about John being a type of the end-time church is very interesting, and I believe, appropriate. 

In your list of national and Seventh-day Adventist Church sins, the biggest one was unfortunately left out - abortion.  God:s Holy Spirit will never, ever be poured out on his church as long as it supports killing Jesus in the womb.

I believe you are correct that probation closes officially when a body officially rejects Jesus.  That was at the cross for the Jews, and October 22, 1844 for the Sunday Churches.

Why do you think: *John was instructed to send this very important message to the 7 churches of Asia Minor in his day*?  Is there something important about Asia Minor today?  Something important about 7 churches today?  I have no idea.



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DJ

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Yes, webmaster.

You are correct. Any apostasy from the truth of God's Word is on the "growing list" of sins in the church. Abortion is unfortunately on that list. In my listing I was not trying to lust out every sin or sins in a particular order/significance. ALL sin is offensive to God. Thank you for your point.

As far as your question goes about the 7 churches in Asia Minor, the importance is on the spiritual message of the 7 churches. They are still applicable for us today.

Ellen White says, 

"The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world."  {AA 585}

*1 Corinthians 10:11, "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."

 



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DJ

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BACK TO OUR STUDY

*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

...As we have studied so far, we have seen how important the first chapter of Revelation really is. It sets the tone for the rest of the book. All of the major themes of Revelation are drawn from this chapter and further expanded on through the rest of the book. This means that in order to fully understand the book of Revelation, one must have a really good grasp upon the 1st chapter. The 1st chpter provides the context and backdrop of the book of Revelation.

We have discovered, 

In verse 1 God deals with the KINGDOM OF GLORY that He will set up in the earth.

 

In verse 2 God deals with the Word of God, the Testimony of Jesus (Spirit of Prophecy & Straight Testimony) that will be preached into ALL the world, then the end will come (Matt. 24:14). This is the "gospel of the kingdom" that finishes the gospel work. The Kingdom of Glory that is set up in verse 1 cause God's people that join it to proclaim the gospel about it and welcomes all to join!

 

In verse 3 God deals with the "BLESSINGS" of receiving the Revelation of Jesus and joining His everlasting "Kingdom of Glory". This blessing is ultimately the blessing of the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Latter Rain power---THE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. 

 

In verse 4 God deals with the final message to the church that He is purifying & preparing to be ready for His soon return.

 

In verse 5 God deals with the message & truth of the cross which reveals the PLAN OF SALVATION.

 

In verse 6 God deals with the final product of His work in His saints to make them His representatives in the earth---"Priests & Kings" for Him.

 

In verse 7 God deals with the 2nd Advent of Jesus Christ.

 

In verse 8 God deals with the definition of prophecy and declares the truth about Jesus, the Lord of Prophecy. Ultimately, Jesus IS prophecy.

 

In verse 9 God deals with the setting of John (the church) receiving the revelation "in tribulation". 

 

Now we look at verse 10, which is a continuation of the setting & backdrop of John receiving the revelation. Understanding this is very important because as we have seen, the same setting & backdrop of John receiving the revelation will be the same setting & backdrop for the church to receive the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. We have already proven that John represents the church, John is a TYPE of the church. John receives the revelation while suffering under persecution. So the church will receive the FINAL REVELATION while suffering under persecution.

Let us turn our attention to the verse of focus.

*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

The first thing we notice upon reading this text is that John is in the Spirit. In order to receive and understand the revelation, John must be in the Spirit. The same is for us.

*1 Corinthians 2:9-14, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

...Here is a powerful passage. We all know the text that says, "eye has not seen, nor ear has heard", but we hardly read the verse after that verse. Verse 10 says , "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit". This is a powerful promise!

God promises to those who are fully in the Spirit, that He will reveal HEAVENLY themes to them! This is what John is experiencing while he is "in the Spirit" receiving the Revelation of Jesus Christ! John sees heavenly realities, heavenly themes, and even heaven itself at the end of the book! John sees Christ, 24 elders, the angelic throng, the temple in heaven, and so much more! John is given a glimpse of heaven!

The wonderful promise doesn't stop at the Spirit revealing unto us heavenly realities. The promise includes "for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God". Here God promises to reveal unto us the "deep things of God". 

We are told,

"In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God." {Acts of the Apostles p. 584}

...This means that the book of Revelation can only be understood by the leading & guiding of the Holy Spirit. And because this is the LAST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, and we are dealing with the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS, we need the LAST/FINAL OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT in order to FULLY understand it. 

God is now beginning to pull the curtain back upon the final understanding of this book as the time is at hand.

We have already discovered, 

THE FINAL REVELATION begins with the OUTPOURING OF GOD'S SPIRIT---THE LATTER RAIN!

As we see in our text of focus, one must be "in the Spirit" in order to receive & understand the book of Revelation.

This is why a blessing is pronounced upon all who read and study this book. The ultimate blessing is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Latter Rain power, the SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS.

This is why "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 

Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. We can only understand the revelation in light of the Holy Spirit's guidance, "but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 

We must study "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little" (Is. 28:10), thus comparing "spiritual things with spiritual". 

 

*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

...John became oblivious to the things of earth and aware only of the impressions conveyed to him by the Holy Spirit. Natural perception gave way completely to spiritual perception. So it is with us.

Only as we "turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, then the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace".

*Hebrews 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;..."

*Romans 16:25-27, "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

 



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DJ

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*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

We have already seen a major piece of the backdrop & context of the REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, and that is---THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

John was "in the Spirit" in order to receive and understand the revelation. So it must be with us.

The next major point to consider is that John was "in the Spirit" "on the Lord's day".

Every verse and every line is very important in Revelation chapter 1. It all sets the backdrop & context of the rest of the book.

Here we are told that John was in the Spirit on THE LORD'S DAY.

Understanding this point is VITAL to our understanding of the context that John received the revelation in. For we have already discovered that it is this same context we will find ourselves in when the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST is being given to the church first, then the entire world.

What is the Lord's day?

Let us turn to God's Word to answer this most important question.

*Mark 2:27-28, "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."

...We know that according to the Bible, the Biblical Sabbath of the Lord is the 7th Day Sabbath (Gen. 2:1-3, Ex. 20:8-11, etc.).

The 7th Day Sabbath is the Lord's Day. John received the REVELATION on the Sabbath.

"It was on the Sabbath that the Lord of glory appeared to the exiled apostle. The Sabbath was as sacredly observed by John on Patmos as when he was preaching to the people in the towns and cities of Judea. He claimed as his own the precious promises that had been given regarding that day." {AA 582}

What does this mean?

This Means Gods People Must Have The Sabbath Experience In Order To Receive & Understand The Revelation.

We have already discovered that THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST BEGINS AT THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT---THE LATTER RAIN.

John was IN THE SPIRIT.

And John was in the Spirit, ON THE LORD'S DAY.

These two points go hand in hand. 

...In order to receive the LATTER RAIN, we must first be grounded IN the Sabbath and tested On the Sabbath. 

The Sabbath & The Holy Spirit accomplish the same work in the believer.

*Exodus 31:12;16-17, "Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign [seal] between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.

16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

17 It is a sign [seal] between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed."

...Notice here in Exodus God says the Sabbath is a SIGN/SEAL that He is the Lord that does "SANCTIFY" those that keep it. 

*Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."

...Here Paul says it is the Holy Spirit that seals us.

*Romans 15:16, "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

...Here Paul teaches the truth that we are sanctified by the Holy Ghost. In John 16, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will "lead us into all truth" and that we are "sanctified by the truth" (Jn. 16:13, 17)

Add all of these Scriptures together, the point is clear. The Bible teaches that we are SANCTIFIED by the Holy Spirit AND the meaning & message/truth of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is the SEAL and the Holy Ghost SEALS us.

The Sabbath & the Holy Spirit go hand in hand. They are TWO sides of the same coin---the work of God in the believer. 

Both the Sabbath & The Holy Spirit make us "HOLY". 

THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST will determine if we are prepared for the TEST OF THE SABBATH & THE TEST OF THE HOLY SPIRIT---THE LATTER RAIN.

In order to receive the LATTER RAIN, we must first be grounded IN the Sabbath and tested On the Sabbath.

We are told, 

"Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost." {5T 214}

...Here we are told that the LATTER RAIN will not fall upon us until we receive the seal of God.

"The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided.... [Revelation 13:11-17 quoted.] ...
This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who proved their loyalty to God by observing His law, and refusing to accept a spurious sabbath, will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday sabbath, will receive the mark of the beast."
(Letter 11, 1890) {7BC 976}

...And here we are told that we will not receive the seal of God until we are tested by the "Mark of the Beast" which is the Sunday law. "This is the test that the people of God must have BEFORE they are sealed."

If you put these statement together, the point is that we are tested on the Sabbath before we are sealed. Once we have passed the final test on the Sabbath (Sunday Law Test), then we we receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit---The Latter Rain.

Hence, the Sabbath & The Holy Spirit go hand in hand.

John was IN THE SPIRIT on THE LORD'S DAY.

He had both the fullness of the Spirit and the Sabbath truth in his mind/heart. So it will be with us if we are to receive the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.

 

 

 



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*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

...There is more to the Lord's day than what meets the eye on the surface. Truly, the foundation is in understanding which day is the Lord's day. Satan is doing his utmost to confuse the issues regarding the Holy Spirit and regarding the Lord's Day because these two truths explain a major piece of the context of the prophecy. John was IN THE SPIRIT. And he was in the Spirit on THE LORD'S DAY. 

The enemy of our souls desires that no one would understand the work of the Holy Spirit and the truth of the Lord's day.

As God's Word tells us, the Lord's Day is God's holy day. 

 

*Mark 2:27-28, "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."

 

...We know that according to the Bible, the Biblical Holy Sabbath of the Lord is the 7th Day Sabbath (Gen. 2:1-3, Ex. 20:8-11, etc.).

 

The 7th Day Sabbath is the Lord's Day. John received the REVELATION on the Sabbath.

 

"It was on the Sabbath that the Lord of glory appeared to the exiled apostle. The Sabbath was as sacredly observed by John on Patmos as when he was preaching to the people in the towns and cities of Judea. He claimed as his own the precious promises that had been given regarding that day." {AA 582}

 

What does this mean?

This Means Gods People Must Have The Sabbath Experience In Order To Receive & Understand The Revelation.

We have already discovered that THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST BEGINS AT THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT---THE LATTER RAIN.

John was IN THE SPIRIT.

And John was in the Spirit, ON THE LORD'S DAY.

These two points go hand in hand. 

...In order to receive the LATTER RAIN, we must first be grounded IN the Sabbath and tested On the Sabbath. 

The Sabbath & The Holy Spirit accomplish the same work in the believer.

It is true that the foundation of the truth of the Lord's day is in understanding which day is the Lord's day. But that is not the whole point in the matter. God wants us to understand the message behind the Lord's Day.

The nation of Israel understood what day the Sabbath was on, but they missed the message behind the Sabbath.
The Sabbath has a message for us to learn. This is why the Sabbath is the seal and the Holy Spirit the one who seals us with the truth of the Sabbath (Ezekiel 31:12, 16-17 & Ephesians 4:30).

The Sabbath day alone will not save us. Ask the Jews. Sabbath-keeping alone does not save us.

Sabbath keeping isn't the only requirement to receive the Seal of God. Sabbath-keeping alone does not guarantee the Seal of God. Yes, Sabbath-keeping is important and is apart of obeying God's law. But there will be many Sabbath-keepers who will be lost.

 

Ellen White says, 

Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. {5T 213}

...Clearly there is more to the Sabbath than just keeping the 24 hour literal day.

The Bible & Spirit of Prophecy repeatedly outlines 7 requirements for receiving the Seal of God. 7 is Gods perfect number and is His number of completion, which is the work of the Holy Spirit and the message behind the Sabbath. To be complete in Christ and receive His seal, we are REQUIRED to do 7 things.

Here They Are:

1. TO LOVE GOD & MAN

*Matthew 22:36-40, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

*Romans 13:10, "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

...The foundation to God's law is LOVE because God IS love. 

"The law of God, which is perfect holiness, is the only true standard of character. Love is expressed in obedience, and perfect love casteth out all fear. Those who love God, have the seal of God in their foreheads, and work the works of God."  
{The Youths Instructor July 26, 1894}

2. KEEP ALL COMMANDMENTS

*Isaiah 8:16, "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples."

*John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

"The Seal and the Commandments.Many will not receive the seal of God because they do not keep His commandments or bear the fruits of righteousness."  (Letter 76, 1900)

3. SABBATH-KEEPING

To obey & keep God's law means to keep all 10 of God's expressed commands as outlined in the 10 Commandments that He has given to His people. This includes the 4th commandment which calls the world to "Remember the Sabbath day"(Ex. 20:8-11).

*James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

...It is the 7th day Sabbath that Satan especially attacks because it points men to the Creator God, the one who is truly God of the heavens and the earth. The man of sin has changed the signpost that points men to the creator and His law. Dan. 7 reveals an anti-christ power (the little horn) that sought to change times & laws. We know this attack is primarily against the Sabbath of the Lord, the Lord's day because understanding the Sabbath message is pivotal to understanding the revelation of Jesus. If Satan can get men to transgress the Sabbath, mankind becomes guilty of breaking the whole Law of God. 

"Those who would have the seal of God in their foreheads must keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.--{7BC 970 (1899)}

4. SIGH & CRY FOR THE ABOMINATIONS IN THE CHURCH.

*Ezekiel 9:4, "And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof."

"Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the church. The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God....{Mar. 240}

"Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God's sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of the wicked, represented by the work of the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those "that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done" in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in agony, even sighing and crying. Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel."            {Testimonies, Vol. 3 pp. 266, 267} 

5. SETTLING INTO THE TRUTH

*John 8:31, "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;"

*John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheadsit is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be movedjust as soon as Gods people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come.{Manuscript 173, 1902, SDABC, vol. 4, p. 1161}

6. VICTORY OVER SIN

*Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

*Hebrews 12:14, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"

*Philippians 2:12, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

"Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost."  {5T 214}

Like Christ in Character.The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character."
(The Review and Herald, May 21, 1895).

"I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fullyLet all remember that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence."  {EW-71}

7. SHOWING THE WORLD THE VALIDITY OF THE SABBATH WHEN THE LAW OF GOD IS MADE VOID.
(Keeping the Sabbath during the NSL)

*Psalms 119:126, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law."

*Isaiah 58:12-14, "And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."

"When Seal of God Is Refused.--If the light of truth has been presented to you, revealing the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and showing that there is no foundation in the Word of God for Sunday observance, and yet you still cling to the false sabbath, refusing to keep holy the Sabbath which God calls "My holy day," you receive the mark of the beast. When does this take place? When you obey the decree that commands you to cease from labor on Sunday and worship God, while you know that there is not a word in the Bible showing Sunday to be other than a common working day, you consent to receive the mark of the beast, and refuse the seal of God."
--Review and Herald, July 13, 1897.  {Ev 235.2}

"[Speaking of the NSL]...This is the test that the people of God must have before they are sealed. All who prove their loyalty to God by observing His Law, and refusing to accept a spurious Sabbath will rank under the banner of the Lord God Jehovah, and will receive the seal of the living God. Those who yield the truth of heavenly origin and accept the Sunday Sabbath will receive the mark of the beast." (Letter 11, 1890){BC Vol.7-420}{8BC 976}

...Those who follow these requirements are those who reflect the image of God fully. They reflect His character. They are sealed with the Seal of the Living God. It is important that we understand the message behind the Sabbath if we will be true Sabbath-keepers in the end. We must be in the Spirit and we must stand on the Lord's day. John received the revelation of Jesus in this context. It will be no different for us if we are to receive it in its fullness in these last days.

"Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God--candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour."  {5T 216.2}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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Those are solemn words about what we need to be doing now to prepare.

And we need to be sure to sigh and cry for all the abominations done in Jerusalem, or we will NOT receive God:s mark in the forehead.



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*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

...There is still one more point to consider about the Lord's day. And no doubt, we must consider its PROPHETIC significance. As we are told to study "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little" (Is. 28:10), we are to compare "spiritual [things] with spiritual" (1Cor. 2:13). God does not want us to miss this point. He has explained it all throughout the Scriptures, the law and the prophets. 

The message of the Sabbath is all throughout the Word of God, and so it only makes sense that if there is any prophetic significance concerning the Sabbath, that it too will be all throughout God's Word. Indeed it is. John being in the Spirit on the Lord's day is very important. 

We have discovered so far that understanding the context of John receiving the revelation is very important because as we have seen, the same setting & backdrop of John receiving the revelation will be the same setting & backdrop for the church to receive the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. We have already proven that John represents the church, John is a TYPE of the church. John receives the revelation while suffering under persecution. So the church will receive the FINAL REVELATION while suffering under persecution. John received the revelation IN THE SPIRIT. So the church will be IN THE SPIRIT under the showers of the LATTER RAIN when she receives the FINAL REVELATION. John was in the Spirit on THE LORD'S DAY. So the church will be tested & sealed by the message of the LORD'S DAY (The Sabbath) and must stand upon it.

 We now see how important Revelation 1:10 is...

*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

There is one more piece to understand.

When explaining prophecy, Jesus used the approach of  Luke 24:25-27,32.

*Luke 24:27, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

...We must do the same. Let us prayerfully do a study through Moses (the Law) and the prophets to unlock the key of the Lord's day in order to understand its prophetic significance.

In its prophetic sense, Revelation 1:10 gives us a time-frame to the book of Revelation. The vision of the apocalypse comes to John while he is in vision on the Lord's Day. That's the first point. The Lord's Day gives us the context of the vision.

John was given information & prophecies related to the Lords day. In the first sense, the Lords day represents the Sabbath of the Lord (Mark 2:28). But in a prophetic and deeper sense, the Lords day represents a specific period of time. The Old Testament writers referred to this day or time-frame in many places in the Scriptures. The Bible calls it the Day of the Lord.  The "Day of the Lord" is "The Lord's Day".

The book of Revelation focuses its attention on the great final day of the Lord and events leading up to it. For John to be "in the Spirit on the Lord's day" means that he was carried in vision down the stream of time to witness events connected with the Day of the Lord. 

The phrase day of the Lord  identifies events that take place at the end of history and is often closely associated with the phrase "that day". 

One key to understanding these phrases is to note that they always identify a span of time during which God personally intervenes in history, directly or indirectly (or both), to accomplish some specific aspect of His plan. In this case it is the FINAL REVELATION. It is God's FINAL & MOST DRAMATIC INTERVENTION in this earth's history. God will intervene among the nations to show who is KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORD'S, the kingdoms of this world will be the kingdoms of our Lord (Rev. 11:15).

 The day of the Lord in Scripture is associated with a period of time that will occur when Gods will and purpose for His world and for mankind will be fulfilled. It will be a period of time when Christ will reign throughout the world while He is cleansing His church and the heavenly sanctuary spiritually before He cleanses heaven and earth physically/literally at the 2nd Coming in the clouds of glory. This period of time will lead up to the actual literal day when Christ returns to earth to redeem His faithful.

 The phrase the day of the Lord is used nineteen times in the Old Testament (Isaiah 2:12; 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7,14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi. 4:5) and five times in the New Testament (Acts 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10). It is also alluded to in other passages (Revelation 6:17; 16:14).

 The Old Testament passages dealing with the day of the Lord often convey a sense of imminence, nearness, and expectation: Wail, for the day of the Lord is near! (Isaiah 13:6); For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near (Ezekiel 30:3); Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand (Joel 2:1); Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14); Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near (Zephaniah 1:7). This is because the Old Testament passages referring to the day of the Lord often speak of both a near and a far fulfillment, as does much of Old Testament prophecy. Some Old Testament passages that refer to the day of the Lord describe historical judgments that have already been fulfilled in some sense (Isaiah 13:6-22; Ezekiel 30:2-19; Joel 1:15, 3:14; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18), while others refers to divine judgments that will take place toward the end of the age (Joel 2:30-32; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:1, 5).

 The New Testament calls it a day of wrath, a day of visitation, and the great day of God Almighty (Revelation 16:14) and refers to a still future fulfillment when Gods wrath is poured out on unbelieving Israel (Isaiah 22; Jeremiah 30:1-17; Joel 1-2; Amos 5; Zephaniah 1) and on the unbelieving world (Ezekiel 3839; Zechariah 14). The Scriptures indicate that the day of the Lord will come quickly, like a thief in the night (Zephaniah 1:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:2), and therefore Christians must be watchful and ready for the coming of Christ at any moment.

 Besides being a time of judgment, it will also be a time of salvation as God will deliver the remnant of Israel, fulfilling His promise that all of Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26), forgiving their sins and restoring His chosen people to the land He promised to Abraham (Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 30:19-31, 40; Micah 4; Zechariah 13). The final outcome of the day of the Lord will be that the arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day (Isaiah 2:17). The ultimate or final fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the day of the Lord will come at the end of history when God, with wondrous power, will stand in final judgment,  punish evil and fulfill all His promises.

In considering the Day of the Lord, we at once are plunged into a tremendous Old Testament doctrine, a doctrine that covers many pages in the Old Testament. Before examining the Scriptural revelation, it is necessary to determine precisely what this expression, the day of the Lord means. Many say that the present age is the day of grace. This does not mean that there was no grace shown by God in the previous dispensations. Obviously, many of Gods dealings with man from the Garden of Eden down to the present day have manifested the grace of God. But God in this present age has especially singled out the doctrine of grace for display (understood correctly), revealing grace as the basis & foundation for salvation and for our Christian life leading to a life of faith which works by love. Grace speaks of Gods unmerited favor to us through Christ who loved us and who died for us & transforms us back into His image. The Scriptures picture that after this day of grace has come to its close the Day of the Lord will begin.

 The Day of the Lord is a period of time in which God will deal with wicked men directly and dramatically in fearful judgment. Today a man may be a blasphemer of God, an atheist, can denounce God and teach bad doctrine. Seemingly God does nothing about it. But the day designated in Scripture as the day of the Lord is coming when God will punish human sin, and He will deal in wrath and in judgment with a Christ-rejecting & truth-rejecting world. One thing we are sure of, that God in His own way will bring every soul into judgment.

 The word day is used in the Bible in various ways. Sometimes it is used to refer to daylight; for instance, the hours between dawn and sunset. Sometimes it is used to refer to a twenty-four hour day. The Jewish day began at sunset and continued to the next day at sunset. That also is referred to as a day. Sometimes the word day is used in the Bible as a period of time, just as we use it in English. We speak of the day of our youth; what do we mean by that? We do not mean that we were young only one day, but we mean the extended period of time in which we were young. In 1 Thessalonians 5 the Day of the Lord is used in the sense of an extended period of time, but having the characteristics of a twenty-four hour day. That is, it is a day which begins at midnight or in the darkness, advancing to dawn and then daylight. It will close again with another period of darkness after daylight has passed. That apparently is the symbolism involved in the Day of the Lord. A few sample passages, out of literally dozens of them in the Old Testament, will give the general content of this period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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*Isaiah 13:6-11, "Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:

8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.

9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible."

...Here the prophet Isaiah says the DAY OF THE LORD is a time of "destruction". It's a time that will "destroy the sinners" out of the land. Its a time when there will be signs in the heavens letting all know that Christ is at the door. God will "punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity". This is a time of FINAL JUDGMENT. 

*Joel 1:15, Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

*Joel 2:1-2, "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations."

...Notice here in Joel God says to "blow the trumpet in Zion" to prepare for the DAY OF THE LORD. John was in the spirit on the Lord's day and he hears behind him the voice of a trumpet (Rev. 1:10). This is the same imagery that the prophet Joel saw. This day is a day of "darkness", "gloominess", a "day of clouds", and of "thick darkness". This imagery is taken from Exodus where God called Israel to Mount Sinai to receive the Law of God and to enter into covenant relationship with God. (Ex. 19:16-20) That experience was a TYPE of judgment for Israel. [More on this later]

*Zephaniah 1:14-15, The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

...The prophet Zephaniah says THE DAY OF THE LORD is a time of "wrath". The book of Revelation certainly speaks about the time of God's wrath. Zephaniah says it is a "day of trouble". Daniel calls it a "time of trouble". This is a major focus of the book of Revelation.

If we tie all of these texts together we can see a picture.

The time-frame of the book of Revelation is pointing to the Lords day or the day of the Lord, which is a time of destruction, darkness, wrath, and trouble. John was to write in the book the things the Lord showed him about events that lead up to & transpire during the day of the Lord. These particular events will lead us to the second coming of Christ. The purpose of Revelation is to blow the trumpet of warning to the churches and the world to prepare for the last days and time of trouble ahead of them! The time-frame points to the final conflict or final battle between Christ & Satan!

This is the prophetic truth concerning THE LORD'S DAY or THE DAY OF THE LORD. 

IT IS THE TIME OF FINAL JUDGMENT.

We have already discovered that the FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST begins at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit---THE LATTER RAIN.

We have also discovered that in the FINAL REVELATION, THE WORD OF GOD WILL BRING ON THE FINAL JUDGMENT.

The Final Judgment is taking place because God's Kingdom brings the fullness of God's Spirit---The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit/The Latter Rain. If the fullness of God's Spirit is being poured out, that means the fullness of sin is being revealed, the fullness of righteousness is being revealed, and the fullness of judgment (the final judgment) is taking place (Jn. 16:7-11). 

This lines up with the truth of THE DAY OF THE LORD.

THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST & THE DAY OF THE LORD ARE ONE & THE SAME!!!

Please do not miss this point. John received the vision of the revelation on the Lord's Day.

Both the REVELATION and the DAY OF THE LORD reveal Jesus.

Both the REVELATION and the DAY OF THE LORD reveal end time events and the final judgment.

Both the REVELATION and the DAY OF THE LORD reveal the apocalypse.

Both the REVELATION and the DAY OF THE LORD begin with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit---THE LATTER RAIN.

[Joel 2:23-32 says the Day of the Lord is the time of the Latter Rain]

This is why Satan absolutely HATES the book of Revelation and the SABBATH! (THE LORD'S DAY/THE DAY OF THE LORD)!

Both the REVELATION and the DAY OF THE LORD teach the prophetic truth of THE CLOSE OF PROBATION.

It is Satan's desire that no one would see the truth revealed by the Revelation and the DAY OF THE LORD. Satan wants no one to see the truth about Jesus, the Sabbath, end time events, the final judgment, the apocalypse, the Holy Spirit & Latter Rain, and the Close of Probation.

Truly the REVELATION OF JESUS & THE SABBATH (LORD'S DAY/DAY OF THE LORD) are one and the same. And Stan hates it.

We are told, 

"Says the great deceiver: "We must watch those who are calling the attention of the people to the Sabbath of Jehovah; they will lead many to see the claims of the law of God; and the same light which reveals the true Sabbath reveals also the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and shows that the last work for man's salvation is now going forward. Hold the minds of the people in darkness till that work is ended, and we shall secure the world and the church also. {TM 472}

..."The same light which reveals the true Sabbath reveals the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary." Satan seeks to "hold the minds of the people in darkness till that work is ended". This is called "THE CLOSE OF PROBATION". 

"hold the people in darkness and impenitence till the Saviours mediation is ended, and there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which he [Satan] seeks to accomplish. {GC 518}

...Satan seeks to hold the people in darkness until the Saviour's mediation is ended at the CLOSE OF PROBATION.

"Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of Gods people from the present truth and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty. Satan knew this, and he was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many people as he possibly could wavering and unsettled on the truth."  {Early Writings p. 43}

"Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were, until the sealing was past, until the covering was drawn over God's people, and they left without a shelter from the burning wrath of God, in the seven last plagues. God has begun to draw this covering over His people, and it will soon be drawn over all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter. God will work in power for His people; and Satan will be permitted to work also." {Early Writings p. 44}

...Satan seeks to hold the church and the world in darkness until the sealing is passed and probation is closed! He wants all of mankind to be lost and to cry out those sorrowful words, "the summer is ended, the harvest is passes, and we are not saved!" (Jer. 8:20)

THIS IS WHY GOD MUST SEND THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST & THE DAY OF THE LORD!

This is why the Sabbath must be understood "MORE FULLY".

"And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully. {Early Writings p.33}

This is why we must understand the truth & message behind the Sabbath. We must understand the Lord's Day---THE DAY OF THE LORD.

Many believe the climax of the book of Revelation is the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ in the clouds of glory. While this is definitely a high point of the book (and the blessed hope), the climax of the book of Revelation is actually THE CLOSE OF PROBATION. Satan knows everybody believes Christ will come again. But he doesn't world the church and the world to know that it is actually the close of probation that determines who will be ready for the coming of the Lord. We must be ready for the close of probation BEFORE Christ comes in the clouds. This is the truth brought out in the REVELATION and THE SABBATH! "The same light which reveals the true Sabbath reveals also the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and shows that the last work for man's salvation is now going forward." {TM 472}

How does the Sabbath teach the truth of the Close of Probation? I am glad you asked.

Read Exodus 16. This passage deals with the falling of the manna, bread from heaven. Manna fell every day. On the 6th day, there was a double portion. However on the SABBATH, NO MANNA FELL. Probation closed on FRIDAY sunset, which is the beginning of the Sabbath, for gathering manna. Manna represents God's Word the bread of life. Jesus also said that He is the living bread which fell from heaven. The manna typified Him. This is all to say that on the Sabbath, there was no more access to the Word of God or to Christ Himself because PROBATION HAD CLOSED! The Bible speaks of a time where there will be a famine in the land for hearing the Word of God! (Amos 8:11). The Bible speaks of time where the Lord will not be found! (Is. 5:6) He will finish his work as mediator and his intercession will be complete! Mercy will no longer plead for the world. Probation will be closed! Anyone who tried to gather manna on the Sabbath was stoned---cut off! Those who are not ready for the close of probation and try to seek Christ and his forgiving intercessory power will realize that they have been cut off---eternally lost! This is why on the 6th day, Friday-PREPARATION DAY, the double portion was critically important. The double portion made provision for God's people. It carried God's people through the Sabbath by giving them enough food necessary to make it through. Likewise we need to take PREPARATION TIME seriously by receiving a DOUBLE PORTION of God's Spirit (The Early & Latter Rain) to carry us through the prophetic Sabbath before us---THE DAY OF THE LORD & CLOSE OF PROBATION.

This is the prophetic message behind the Sabbath, the Lord's day/Day of the Lord. This is the whole point of the book of Revelation.

This is why the Sabbath is the seal! The Sabbath is very important in these last days. This is why we are told to be ready for the Sabbath "an hour before sunset". This is because practice makes perfect in this preparation time. The prophetic hour of scripture is the "hour of His judgment is come". Before Christ comes in the clouds, there is judgment and the close of probation. Once sun sets it is too late to be ready for the FINAL SABBATH---THE FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST---THE DAY OF THE LORD. 



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DJ

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*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

...Now we can move forward to look at the last part of this verse. John hears behind him "a great voice, as of a trumpet".

We have discovered that John is in the spirit during the prophetic Day of the Lord. Old Testament prophets also called this time "the great day". Truly, it is the "great day of the Lord". There was only one day in the Jewish economy that was called "the great day"---THE DAY OF ATONEMENT.

The Day of Atonement was the great day in Israel. It was peculiarly holy (just like the Sabbath-The Lord's day), and on the Day of Atonement no work was to be done. The Jews called it "YOMA", THE DAY. The Day of Atonement occurred on the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishri). 

John being in the Spirit on the Lord's Day also means that He was in the Spirit during THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. 

We have already seen that the Sabbath points to the close of probation, the Day of the Lord points to the close of probation, and the Day of Atonement also points to the close of probation.

We have seen that the Day of the Lord is the time of FINAL JUDGMENT. Likewise, the Day of Atonement is the day of judgment. The message is clear. John was in vision during the time of final judgment right before the close of probation.

This is why there is a "voice behind him as the voice of a trumpet". The solemn feast of the Day of Atonement came after the FEAST OF TRUMPETS. 

John is in the Spirit during the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles is behind him. The Feast of Trumpets is a 10 day feast. The last day of the Feast of Trumpets is the Day of Atonement. The Feast of Trumpets was preparatory to the Day of Atonement. The Feast of Trumpets was also a solemn call to all of Israel to prepare to meet their God. It announced to them that the day of judgement was coming, and that they must get ready for it. It was a merciful reminder to them of the need of confession and consecration. It was the time of preparation to stand in the time of judgment on the Day of Atonement. 

If you heeded and responded to the trumpet during the Feast of Trumpet, you would be prepared to stand during the Day of Atonement.

So John was "in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind [him] a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

The trumpet was as a voice behind him.

*Isaiah 30:21, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

...God's voice is as a trumpet and John is hearing the trumpet BEHIND him as Isaiah states that God's people will hear a word BEHIND them saying "this is the way, walk ye in it". By heeding God's word, we will be able to stand in these last days and be ready for the final issues and the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:9 says, "...Satan, which deceiveth the whole world". Revelation 13:3 says, "...the whole world wondered after the beast". How then do we avoid being deceived if the whole world is deceived? The answer is in the prayer of Christ for his disciples till the end of time.

*John 17:14-17,  "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

...Here we are told that because God has given us His Word, we are NOT OF THE WORLD. The world hates us as it hated Christ because we have the Word of God as Christ did. We are to be sanctified by the truth, sanctified by God's Word. This is what enables us to avoid being deceived. BECAUSE OF THE WORD OF GOD, WE ARE NOT OF THE WORLD. We must receive the love of truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:8-13). 

God's voice is as a trumpet. The first place we see God's voice as a trumpet is when God brought Israel out of Egypt and called them to Mt. Sinai to receive the Law of God and enter into covenant relationship with Him. This was also a TYPE of judgment.

*Exodus 19:10-20,  "And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.

16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.

17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.

18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

20 And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up."

 

...Here Israel was to be prepared and "sanctified" in order to meet God. As God came to meet them, they heard the voice of the trumpet.

 

*Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,"

The book of Revelation is giving the final trumpet call to the church and the world to prepare to meet their God. Those that heed the sound of the trumpet will stand on the Lord's Day, the Day of the Lord, The Day of Atonement. This is why after the message to the church (Rev. 2 & 3), and after the unfolding of the 7 Seals (Rev. 5-6) comes the trumpet call to the world in the vision of the 7 Trumpets (Rev. 8-10). The trumpet call gives the last warning message to the world.

*Hebrews 4:12, "...prepare to meet thy God, O Israel."



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DJ

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TYPO* Hosea 4:12, "...prepare to meet thy God, O Israel."

BACK TO OUR STUDY

*Revelation 1:11, " Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."

...In verse 10, we see John is IN THE SPIRIT---ON THE LORD'S DAY. He hears behind him a great voice as of a trumpet. The trumpet voice announces to Him who Jesus is. Jesus is Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the ending. He is eternal. He is prophecy. This vision is to be written down in "a book" for the church.

John is given the same commission that was given to the prophet Habakkuk.

*Habakkuk 2:1-3, "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

...The great theme of Habakkuk's message is that God is still in control of the affairs of the earth, even though sin and violence make the opposite appear to be true. Ultimately, righteousness and justice will prevail. This is the same with THE REVELATION. 

The book of Habakkuk answers the troublesome question as to why God permits sinners to flourish. This is one of the same issues in the book of Job. God demonstrates why God sometimes permits saints to suffer. Habakkuk sincerely loved the Lord and longed earnestly for the triumph of righteousness and justice (as we long for today), but he could not understand why God let apostasy and oppression go unchecked and unpunished among His chosen people (Hab. 1:1-4). God answers the prophets plaintive plea by assuring him that He is about to visit with Judah for its sins and that the Chaldean's (Babylonians), "that bitter and hasty nation" are about to "march through the breadth of the land" as instruments of remedial/corrective justice (vs. 5-11). [God always deals with His people/church first]. 

Staggering at the thought, Habakkuk asks in reply, "O Lord, thou hast ordained them for judgement?" How could a just God permit "the wicked" to devour "the man that is more righteous than he?" (vs. 12-17). In all earnestness and innocence Habakkuk demands an answer to what seems to him an unanswerable question (Ch. 2:1). In reply, God patiently assures the rash prophet of the certainty of the Babylonian invasion, and then quietly rebukes him for his temerity (the audacity to question God) (vs. 2-4). God outlines at length the sins of the Babylonians, by way of informing Habakkuk that He knows full well their evil ways and He will deal with them also. It is in this setting that "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Hab. 2:5-19).

Nevertheless, God is still in charge of human affairs, and it is appropriate that all the earth---including the prophet Habakkuk---"keep silence before him". God is the judge of the universe and He will judge righteous judgment in all the earth. None may question His wisdom and justice (v. 20). Meek and repentant, Habakkuk acknowledges God's wisdom and justice, yet in earnest devotion to Judah as the chosen instrument of God's plan on earth, he enters a humble plea that "in wrath" God will "remember mercy". Habakkuk realizes though God will "measure [judge] the earth" (vs. 6).

The prayer song of Ch. 3 consists of an ecstatic vision in which the prophet foresees the coming of the Lord in judgment upon the nations and for the salvation of His chosen people. At this righteous prospect the prophet rejoices and ascribes praise to God (vs. 3-19).  

This is the same context as the Revelation. John is told to "write in a book" the vision he sees from the Lord as Habakkuk was told to "write the vision, and make it plain". Though Babylon will take over the world, God uses this situation to awaken His church. 

*Revelation 18:1-5, "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."

 

*Isaiah 60:1-3, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."

...When the world is at it's worst, God will be at His best. In the darkest of the night, God's light will shine. The FINAL REVELATION OF JESUS will go into all the world. "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Hab. 2:2-3)

*Deuteronomy 27:8, "And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law very plainly."



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DJ

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It looks like there haven't been any questions or comments on this post since January 9, 2017. I took a break to allow time for study & digestion among other things in my personal life taking more time away from posting. I do plan on continuing, but I would like to allow time for more conversation on what has already been presented. The next phase of study goes even deeper. The rest of Rev. chapter 1 now more clearly focuses on the "REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST" before it moves to the SHAKING of the church (Rev. 2 & 3).

Please feel free to ask me any questions on Revelation 1:1-11.

 

Thanks,

 

DJ



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DJ

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BACK TO OUR STUDY

In our study so far we have seen an overview of the REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST and what is all about. God must prepare a people that will take the gospel into all the world and will vindicate His character at a time when the wrath of Satan is directed against the church and the world that has rejected the gospel has turned against the people of God. These extraordinary times will call for extraordinary measures. God will pour out His power from above, the fullness of His Spirit, the Latter Rain. This will reveal Jesus in a way never witnessed before. This move of God will equip the saints and will condemn the ungodly. This move will be a game changer. Everything hinges on the outpouring of God's Spirit in Latter Rain power. Satan knows this and he is doing his utmost to prevent it. But God will have a people who will pray & prepare for the showers of blessings that He longs to give to His people.

*Matthew 7:7-11, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

*Zechariah 10:1, "Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field."

The Latter Rain will lighten the whole earth with the glory of God and will finish the work of the gospel in the earth in speedy fashion. A people will be prepared to stand in the battle of the day of the Lord and Jesus can come. But before Jesus can come, the saints must be victorious in this battle. Satan has declared war on God's last day church and the battle has waxed stronger and stronger.

We are told, 

"After the wonderful manifestation of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Peter exhorted the people to repentance and baptism in the name of Christ, for the remission of their sins; and he said: Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38, 39.

In immediate connection with the scenes of the great day of God, the Lord by the prophet Joel has promised a special manifestation of His Spirit. Joel 2:28. This prophecy received a partial fulfillment in the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost; but it will reach its full accomplishment in the manifestation of divine grace which will attend the closing work of the gospel.

The great controversy between good and evil will increase in intensity to the very close of time. In all ages the wrath of Satan has been manifested against the church of Christ; and God has bestowed His grace and Spirit upon His people to strengthen them to stand against the power of the evil one. When the apostles of Christ were to bear His gospel to the world and to record it for all future ages, they were especially endowed with the enlightenment of the Spirit. But as the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power. He comes down having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:12. He will work with all power and signs and lying wonders. 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

For six thousand years that mastermind that once was highest among the angels of God has been wholly bent to the work of deception and ruin. And all the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought to bear against God's people in the final conflict. And in this time of peril the followers of Christ are to bear to the world the warning of the Lord's second advent; and a people are to be prepared to stand before Him at His coming, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3:14. At this time the special endowment of divine grace and power is not less needful to the church than in apostolic days."    {GC IX-X}

...The REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST reveals the final battle that takes between Christ and his angels and Satan and his demons. This battle will involve every soul and the people of God will be the target. But Jesus reveals Himself as the solution to every crisis the church will face. Jesus is the answer. The REVELATION OF JESUS will shut Satan's kingdom down! In the end, Christ wins!

*Revelation 1:10-20, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches."

...A summary of what we have discovered so far is as follows:

We have discovered, 

In verse 1 God deals with the KINGDOM OF GLORY that He will set up in the earth.

 

In verse 2 God deals with the Word of God, the Testimony of Jesus (Spirit of Prophecy & Straight Testimony) that will be preached into ALL the world, then the end will come (Matt. 24:14). This is the "gospel of the kingdom" that finishes the gospel work. The Kingdom of Glory that is set up in verse 1 cause God's people that join it to proclaim the gospel about it and welcomes all to join!

 

In verse 3 God deals with the "BLESSINGS" of receiving the Revelation of Jesus and joining His everlasting "Kingdom of Glory". This blessing is ultimately the blessing of the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Latter Rain power---THE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. 

 

In verse 4 God deals with the final message to the church that He is purifying & preparing to be ready for His soon return.

 

In verse 5 God deals with the message & truth of the cross which reveals the PLAN OF SALVATION.

 

In verse 6 God deals with the final product of His work in His saints to make them His representatives in the earth---"Priests & Kings" for Him.

 

In verse 7 God deals with the 2nd Advent of Jesus Christ.

 

In verse 8 God deals with the definition of prophecy and declares the truth about Jesus, the Lord of Prophecy. Ultimately, Jesus IS prophecy.

 

In verse 9 God deals with the setting of John (the church) receiving the revelation "in tribulation". 

 

In verse 10 we discovered the truth of the Lord's day and John being in the Spirit on that specific day. Verse 10 is key in that it provides the general all around context as it concerns the backdrop & setting of the final revelation. The only way we will receive the final light on the revelation is if we are in the Spirit standing during the "Day of the Lord", the Lord's day. 

Now John is ready for a REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.

*Revelation 1:10-11, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."

...As John hears the trumpet, he turns to see where the sound is coming from. The sound is as a voice. It is the voice of Jesus! He turns to see, and in his amazement, John sees Jesus! This time He is not a man of sorrows, but the Lord of victory!

In Rev. 1:4-10, John addresses to the seven churches his own introductory statement of the circumstances under which he receives the revelation. However, beginning with verse 11, he gives Christ's own authorization of the Revelation. It is appropriate that He should do so, for this is THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. The revelation itself begins with verse 11.

John is to write everything he sees in the vision down in a book. Visual communication and perception dominate the revelation. John saw visions, panoramic scenes in symbol, which he portrays as fully and accurately as finite language can. Many of these symbols represent infinite truths that transcend the words and experience of men. The revelation reveals the awesomeness of God overruling the universe, the intensity of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, and the glory of the final triumph are portrayed more vividly and magnificently than anywhere else in the Scriptures. Revelation makes clear what all the other books of the Bible have been saying. Yet, to understand the book of Revelation, the student of God's Word must have a good grasp of all the other books leading up to it, Genesis to Jude.

We are told, 

"In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end." {AA 585}

"The whole Bible is a revelation; for all revelation to men comes through Christ, and all centers in Him. God has spoken unto us by His Son, whose we are by creation and by redemption. Christ came to John exiled on the Isle of Patmos to give him the truth for these last days, to show him that which must shortly come to pass. Jesus Christ is the great trustee of divine revelation. It is through Him that we have a knowledge of what we are to look for in the closing scenes of this earths history. God gave this revelation to Christ, and Christ communicated the same to John." {Christ Triumphant 367 OR 7BC 953}

"The whole Bible is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ. Received, believed, obeyed, it is the great instrumentality in the transformation of character. And it is the only sure means of intellectual culture. The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led into temptation and sin is that they do not study the word of God and meditate upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided will power, which is manifest in life and character, results from their neglect of the sacred instruction of Gods word. They do not by earnest effort direct the mind to that which would inspire pure, holy thought and divert it from that which is impure and untrue. There are few who choose the better part, who sit at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, to learn of the divine Teacher."   {8T 319}

 

..."The whole Bible is a revelation of the glory of God in Christ". This is exactly what the book of Revelation makes clear. If received, believed and obeyed, this will finish the work. John saw the glory of God as He beheld Christ in vision. We too must do the same if we would be God's end time messengers to be used by God as He finishes the gospel work.

 

*Revelation 18:1, "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory."

 



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webmaster

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This statement: "fully and accurately as finite language can" is unfortunate, as the Holy Scriptures are the inspired words of God.



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DJ

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Hey webmaster, thank you for your reply. That was not the intended interpretation of that wording. John was no doubt in amazement and awe as he is capturing everything he can as he is seeing the vision of the revelation from God. Yes, of course ALL of Scripture is inspired by God and John definitely wrote down all that God  commanded & intended for him to write down. The point I was making is that as John is seeing beasts, and flying angels, and dragons, and a pure woman flying in the wilderness with wings, he is trying to capture all of this and understand it at the same time. It must have been a wonderful scene on the aisle of Patmos.

This is the same John who said,

*John 21:24-25,

"This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen."

...That's the essence of what I was trying to portray. I stand on the complete, unadulterated Word of God in its entirety. I apologize if the wrong impression & interpretation was suggested in those words.

Thank you & blessings



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*The whole Bible is a revelation of Christ*

Amen.

And *The Revelation of Jesus Christ* is the finale of this revelation, at least until the end of the Controversy.

Praise his holy name!



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DJ

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For continuing the study of this most important study please click on the following link as we continue our verse-by-verse in-depth and ongoing study on the book of Revelation.

 

http://thefinalrevelation.freeforums.net/board/1/general-discussion

 

Blessings!

 

-DJ



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DJ

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For continuing this most important study please click on the following link as we continue our verse-by-verse in-depth and ongoing study on the book of Revelation.

 

http://thefinalrevelation.freeforums.net/board/1/general-discussion

 

Blessings!

 

-DJ



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EarlySDA -> EarlySDA -> The Revelation of Jesus Christ
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