The Status and Blessing of the Saints in the end-timefrom the Book of Revelation
The 3rd year of the AMC volunteers Training Seminar
8th – 13th January 2006 at London church
Pr.H. H. Ko
A). Brief Introduction to the Book of Revelation :
Ⅰ. Prologue:
Recipients of the letter: This is the revelation of Jesus Christ to His servants.
(You, who do not doubt and who do God’s work willingly.) (Rev.1:1)
Recipient’s psychological preparation: Having heard the message, one should carry it out,
and not justsuperficially nod the head to show approval, but withinstill say: “How is that possible ? That’s too much !”; Like the Athenians who spend their time doing nothing but tellingand hearing something new(Acts. 17:21) or even those who sit by the walls : “As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other. “Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.” My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. When all this comes true – and it surely will – then they will know hat a prophet has been among them.”(Ezek. 33:30-33)
The revelation of Jesus Christ: Deliverer: Messenger-- John (Rev. 1:1)
For what must soon take place: ------ His servants.
Contents: “the word of God” and “the testimony of Jesus Christ”. (2)
(Rev. 1:2, 9; 6:9; 11:7; 12:11,17; 19:10; 20:4)
Blessings:
1). General blessings: Rain; Sunshine(Matt.5:45); Life; Breath (Acts. 17:25);grace and compassion;givingcrops in their seasons.(Acts.14:17) These are the blessings which God bestows upon everyone without partiality.
2). Particular (special) blessings:
Through the covenant, God promises to bless
His chosen people. eg;. God blessed Abraham.
Similarly;Revelation:
i). Revelation through Nature: eg. Man experiences God through God’s creations. (Rms. 1:19-20; Ps. 8; Ps. 19:1-6)
ii). Special Revelation: i.e. The mystery of the salvation of Christ. (Eph. 3:1-13);
The Book of Revelation.
Different kinds of “Covenants”:
a). Jeremiah 33:19-22 :
1). Covenant with the day and the night.—C. with Nature (Jer. 31:35)
2). Covenant with David – C. with Kingship.
3). Covenant with Priest – C. with Service.
b). Covenant with the True Jesus Church:
1). The absolute truth from the Bible: Basic Doctrines, Basic Beliefs
realized by the church organization ( timely)
2). The promise of the Holy Spirit: The promised Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost.
Ⅱ. Outlines of the Book of Revelation
a). In 4 parts: Based on the 4 visions in the book of Revelation.
1). (Rev. 1:10): “I was in the Spirit” – God’s visions to the seven churches.
2). (Rev. 4:2) : “I was in the Spirit” – Visions in heaven. From :”what must take place after this.”(Rev. 4:1) to “it is done !”(16:17) there are 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 bowls in between.
3). (Rev. 17:3): “I was in the Spirit.” – The vision of the great prostitute.
4). (Rev. 21:10): “I was in the Spirit.” – The vision of the bride of the Lamb.
* Comparison of these two women: the prostitute (17:3) and the bride (21:10)
Visions vs. Intentions: The mistranslation of languages, the truth being misled
The origins of a vision: It comes from God. (videre (Latin) vision (English) To see God’s revelation in the spirit.
The origins of intention: Comes from one’s own subconscious (example: plan; thoughts), An imaginary picture of the future in one’s consciousness.
During the time of Ezekiel, the difference between true and false prophets was thatbetween ‘vision’ and ‘intention’.
If we try to separate the Book of Revelation into parts (Rev. 1:19). this can be done in thefollowing two ways:
b). In 3 parts:
1). Everything seen that has taken place (chapter 1)
2). The present. (chapter 2, 3)
3). Future events. (chapter 4 – 22)
c). In 2 parts: What you have seen:
1). The present. (chapter 1—3)
2). Events that will take place in the future. (chapter 4 – 22)
B). The beginning of the end-time and its characteristics:
During the time of Daniel, the prophecy of the end-time was sealed. Even though the
beloved prophet Danielwanted to pursue his understanding,however, because the time was not yet come, he could obtain no answer from God,who used His kind words to comfort the old prophet who had finished his work. “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”(Dan. 10:1-3; 8:26; 12:4, 8-9, 13) Now, “because the time is near.”(Rev.1:3) He was able to open upthe scroll.(Rev. 5:5),with the repeated instruction, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book.”(Rev. 22:10)
1). The beginning and the end of the End-Time
Beginning : When the Lamb opens the first of the seven seals. And a white horse runs out.(Rev. 6:2; 19:11)—The rise of the True Jesus Church.
Ending: The seventh angel sounds the 7th trumpet, and an angel pours out the 7thbowl,
and a loud voice says: ”It is done!”. (Rev. 11:15; 16:17)
Tasks: To realize the Kingdom of God. (Ex. 19:5-6; Matt.6:10; Rev. 1:6; 11:15; 21:1-5)
2). God’s work in the end-time:
“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”(Jn. 5:17)
We see the work done by the Father and Lord Jesus:
The Creation of the Father. (Rev. 4:11)
The salvation of the Son. (Rev. 5:9)
a). The kingdom of the End-Time
The kingdom of the end-time is the collection of people redeemed by the blood of Jesus.(Acts 20:28; 26:16-18; Col.1:12-14; Rev. 1:6-9) It is a spiritual kingdom; an ark of the end-time: True Jesus Church. It is the kingdom of “the Thousand Years” in the book of Revelation chapter 20 verse 1 to 10.
b). Prefiguration of the “kingdom of the end-time” in the book of Revelation
A woman in labour. (12:1-17)
“ A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of
(big light) (small light) Genesis 1:6twelve stars on her head.”
Woman: The church, the wife of Christ. (I Cor. 6:17; II Cor.11:2; Eph. 5:26-32;
Gal. 4:19 I am again in the pains of childbirth.)
Sun: The Christ. (II Sam. 23:4) “He is like the light of morning at sunrise.”
(Malachi 4:2) “Jesus is the sun of righteousness.”(Matt. 17:2)In the mountain of transfiguration, Jesus’ face shone like the sun.
Two meanings of “putting on Christ” (Eph. 5:26)
- For you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal. 3:26-29) – Because of the blood of Jesus, grace is freely given
- Functions of the sun: Healing (Malachi 4:2); Lighting (Lk. 1:78)
Moon:Moon rules the night time, it belongs to the world, belongs to the earth. (Gen.1:6) Devil controls the dark world.(Eph. 6:12)With the moon under her feet:
(Rms. 16:20) The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
(Matt. 16:18) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
(Rev. 1:18) Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.
(Eph. 1:21) Jesus has far exceeding rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given. And God placed all things under his feet.
Stars:Believers whom God loves, as precious as the stars in His hand. (shining stars,which is you !) (Rev. 1:16,20; Deut. 33:3) God determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. (Ps. 147:4)(Dan. 12:3) Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars for ever and ever.
Crown: In the original text, it was the same as the word “Stephanos” (Rev. 6:2; 12:1)
(Eph. 3:21): To Him be glory in the church ( all members).(I Peter 2:12 ):
The mockers may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. “She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth.(Rev. 12:2)
Childbirth: It is talking about evangelism. to have spiritual children via the gospel. (Gal. 4:19; I Tim. 1:2; II Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4)Cried out in pain: Evangelism which saves souls is a great spiritual battle. Cor.10:2-6)
The church is the Jerusalem that is above, and she is our mother. (Gal. 4:26)
Key Words:
Sun: Christ (Rev. 1:16; 12:1; Malachi 4:2; Gal. 3:26-29; Rms. 13:11-14; Gen. 1:6)
Moon: devil ( (Rev. 12:1; Gen. 1:6)
Stars : Believers ev. 12:1; 1:16,20; Deut. 33:3)
Woman:church (Rev. 11:3; Ex. 19:4)
Boys: Believers (12:5; 19:15; 20:4; Rms. 5:14)
Dragon: devil (12:3; 13:1; Isa. 9:14-15)
The tail of the red dragon swept – Satan’s style of attack (Rev. 12:4)
The heads and the horns of the red dragon: his power and glory (12:3; 13:1)
The tail of the red dragon: The prophets who teach lies are the tail. (Isa.9:14-15)
1st stage: Attacking from the front (12:6; 11:3). But God prepares a place, for us to escape.
2nd stage: Attacking from behind.(12:14-16; 22:1, 17)The mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river ( trends) vs. God’s river of life.
Jesus will crush the dragon’s head, but the dragon will strike your heel from behind(your weak faith or your shortcomings) like a curse (Gen. 3:15). At that moment, there will be no time for you to run, ( eg. The fast approaching tsunami, the landslide from above), however, God will give you a pair of eagle’s wings in time for you to fly to the wilderness ( to preach in the desert for 1260 days) (Rev. 11:3; Ex. 19:4)
Popular stories: ( the eagle; fat falcon vs. old sausage seller ;the sparrow)
The “worthless servant” in the Bible:
- He had done his duty, and talked to himself. (Lk. 17:7-10)
- He did not carry out his duty. “He is a wicked, lazy servant.” said the Lord.
(Matt. 25:30)Believers are “that boy”: ( synecdoche) (Rev.12:5; 19:15; 20:4; Rms. 5:14)who will rule with Jesus. (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 19:11-16; 20:6; Jn. 5:22; Rms. 5:17;Rms. 16:20; II Tim. 2:12 )
c). The work completed in the end-time
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and
he will reign for ever and ever.”(Rev. 11:15)
The spiritual kingdomof God: True Jesus Church is perfected, the promise of “now
the dwelling of God is with men.” is fulfilled.(Rev. 21:1-3)
The distant Kingdom of God in the Revelation chapter 4 is realized in the appearance
of the new heaven and new earth.( Rev. 21 –22)
John has revelation Before the 7th Angel blows his trumpet the 7th trumpet blows
(Rev. 1:3) he has to eat the scroll (10:7, 9-11) (Rev. 11:15)
The mystery of Godcompleted
The plan of God fulfilled.
3). The characteristics of the end-time:
A perspective on the history of the “kingdom of God” as an axis:
Garden of Eden (Gen. 2; 3)
The account of Adam (Gen. 5 – 6:8)
The great kingdom of Abraham (Gen.12:1-3; chapter 15; 17; 22)
The army of God came out from Egypt (Ex. 12:41)
Priesthood and a holy nation. (Ex. 19:6)
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed.(Gal. 3:29)
A chosen people,
A royal priesthood,
A holy nation,
A people belonging to God. (I Peter 2:9)
1.Christ’sseason(Eph.1:4)
The blueprint of the church is beyond time & space.
2. Heavenly Jerusalem(Heb.12:22-24)
The church is in spiritual realm and fulfilled in physical world gradually.
In the physical world, the point of creation: =>the beginning of time
It lasts until the completion of the salvation of Christ Jesus.
Then, the end-time => the time is ended.
Remarks: Infinite spiritual realm vs. the finite physical world .(Eph. 1:4)
The spiritual realm is beyond time and space, is not limited by time. But since the physical world is limited by time and space, we can only understand a bit of the spiritual world which has been revealed.
C). To study the Book of Revelation: According to the “Kingdom of God” (the church)
1). From the Book of Daniel (The Revelation in the OT)
Carried out == (Dan. 1:1-2)
God gave some of the articles from the temple of God to the enemy of Judah.
-So that Zerubbabel could rebuild the temple, fulfilling the will of God.(Dan. 1:2)
Two worlds made up of 3 levels are mentioned in the book of Daniel. We can also apply the same principle to study the book of Revelation.
Spiritual Realm (belongs to God)
material realm (belongs to the world,i.e. outside political world, etc…
Although Daniel lived in the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar physically, God protected
His vessel as well as His people from being defiled, by putting them in God’s kingdom.(ex. The Ark captured.)
* Comparison : (The King): sees the spiritual realm from the worldly perspective.
(Dan. 2:21,47, 36, 37) (chapter 1 to 6).
(The Prophet): sees the material realm from the spiritual perspective.
(Dan. Chapter 7 to 12); With God’s kingdom in mind,
therefore, How can one practise the teachings in the book of Revelation ( to
receive blessings from God ?)
2). Analysisof Matthew chapter 24, to check with the study method of “God’s kingdom”.
Using the “spiritual realm” and the “material realm” to analyse this chapter which Jesus talked about in the end-time.
Spiritual realm : verse 4, 5, 9-15, 16-22, 23-28, 30-31, 32-51 signs of the end-time, based on the kingdom of God (the Church)
Physical world: verse 6, 7, 8, 16-22, 29 (sociological, political, economical, military,Cultural, universal natural aspects)
D). The Status of the Saints in the End-Time
1). Priests:
The origin and functions of the priests in the kingdom of God’s people:
a). Priests are God’s chosen people who serve God directly, entering the Most Holy
Place. (Heb. 10:19-23)
b). We, all the servants, are His priests (Rev. 1:6; 5:9,10; 20:6; Ex. 19:4-6;
II Peter 2:9). Thisstatus was bestowed upon us through the blood of Jesus.
c). Before the throne of God they serve him day and night in his temple; and He who
sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. (Rev. 7:15)
d). The temple was measured.(Ezek. 40:5; Zech. 2:1-5) The outer court of the temple will be trampled on by the Gentiles. This means only those priests who are in the temple can survive, the rest of the Israelites will be destroyed. (Lk. 10:19; 21:24; Rms.16:20; Dan.7:25; Rev. 11:1-4)
2). Kings:
The way that God chooses the king for a nation.
a). Lord Jesus is the king of kings, Lord of Lords. (Rev. 17:14; 19:16)
b). Purchased by His blood, and reigns on the earth. (Rev. 7:15)
c). This king will come to war with the King of Kings. (Rev. 19:11-16; 20:6;
Jn. 5:22; Rms. 5:17; Rms. 16:20; II Tim. 2:12; II Peter 2:20; I Cor. 6:2)
3). Prophets:
Therise of the prophets and their mission in the kingdom of God’s chosen people
a). The revelation of Jesus Christ was given to his servants the prophets.
(Amos 3:7,8; Rev. 1:1; 10:7; 11:18)
b). Having eaten the little scroll,. He “must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”(Rev. 10:11)
c). Two prophets clothed in sackcloth. (Rev. 11:1-13)
4). The Bride and the Guests
a). When the wedding of the Lamb has come, the people shouted: “Hallelujah!” rejoice and be glad and give him glory! (Rev. 19:1-6)
b). The bride herself is ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.
(Rev. 19:8)“Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.” (Rev. 19:7)
5). The inhabitants in heaven /The armies of heaven
a). Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them !(Rev. 12:12)
b). The mouth of the beast slanders those who live in heaven. (Rev. 13:6)
c). The armies of heaven (Rev. 19:14)
In contrast with the people who dwell in heaven are people who live on earth.
(Rev. 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8,12,14; 14:6; 17:2,8; 18:3)
6). Servants
a). Recipients of the revelation. (Rev. 1:1, 19; 4:1; 22:6)
b). God’s servants whose foreheads are sealed by God. (Rev. 7:3)
c). The suffering servants. (Rev. 1:9; 19:2, 5)
d). Servants who serve God. (Rev. 22:3)
7). The choir standing beside the sea of glass. (Rev. 15:2-4)
From “a sea of glass, clear as crystal” (4:6) to “a sea of glass mixed with fire.”(15:2)
8). The Cavalry of heaven (Rev. 19:14)
E). The blessings of the Saints in the End-Time
1). The Beatitudes
a). To view Matthew 5:3-11 from a few different perspectives:
(Matt. 5:3-10) The Beatitudes, -- “they”
(Matt. 5:3-11) Nine blessings, -- “you”
b). A single blessing and a double blessings. (Ps. 1:2; Ps.119:1-2)
c). The seven blessings of the end-time.(Rev.1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 14-15)
2). The seven Blessings of the end-time
I. The first blessing of the end-time: “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this
prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in
it.” (Rev. 1:1-3)
Preface:
The Bible says: “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7) Although God has absolute power over all things, His own mercy and passion is such that he would like to reveal the “mysteries and secrets” in His planto his servants and prophets beforehand. Therefore, the book of Daniel recorded: “The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men” (Dan. 4:17) who revealed in a dream what would happen in thedays to come to His servant Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in the form of a large statue made of gold, silver, bronze, iron and baked clay. (Dan. 2) At the same time, the Most High also revealed in a dream what would happen in days to come to His prophet Daniel in the shape of four great beasts, a lion, a bear, a leopard and a terrifying beast coming up out of the sea.(Dan. 7)When the apostolic era was about to enter into the first century, God sent Hismessenger to reveal to His servant John what would happen in the days to come in the end time. John recorded down what he had seen, in order to instruct all of God’s servants in the end-time (Rev.1:1,2). The work plan of God in the end-time is exactly the last of book in the Bible: -- The Book of Revelation.
Jesus who was the Word become flesh, in the beginning of the Beatitude: -- the key to open the mystery of the heavenly kingdom. “Blessed” is used repeatedly,nine times (Matt. 5:3-12) (‘the Beatitude’ is only used by Chinese Christians) God used the blessings to introduce the basic truths of God’s kingdom in the new testament time.