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