Category: The Revelation

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

We now move from the dark catacombs of the judgments into the fresh heavenly air of John’s last vision, which is a glorious message for believers.

Revelation 21:1-27 – John describes the New Jerusalem.

1. John’s vision (Revelation 21:1-8)
   1. The new creation (Revelation 21:1-2)
      1. The new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1) no longer any sea.
      2. The new Jerusalem descending from heaven. (Revelation 21:2) made ready as a bride.
   2. The new concept (Revelation 21:3-8)
      1. The words of the angel (Revelation 21:3-4)
         1. God will mingle with his people (Revelation 21:3) the tabernacle, among them, with them, Emmanuel.
         2. God will minister to his people (Revelation 21:4) wiping away every tear, no more death, no mourning, crying, pain; all have passed away.
      2. The words of the Almighty (Revelation 21:5-8)
         1. God will be the Father to the saved (Revelation 21:5-7)
            1. All things will be made new.
            2. These words are faithful and true.
            3. It is done, Alpha and Omega, First and Last.
            4. I will provide a spring of the water of life at no cost.
            5. He who overcomes will inherit these things.
            6. He who overcomes will be my son.
         2. God will be the foe to all the unsaved (Revelation 21:8)
            1. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars – not so much.
            2. These will be a part of the lake that burns, the second death.
2. John’s visit (Revelation 21:9-27)
   1. The new consort (Revelation 21:9-21)
      1. The angle will show off the bride of the Lamb (Revelation 21:9)
      2. John is shown the new Jerusalem coming down (Revelation 21:10-21)
         1. The glory of God, costly stones (Revelation 21:11)
         2. The 12 gates, named for the 12 tribes (Revelation 21:12)
         3. Three gates on each side (Revelation 21:13)
         4. There are foundation stones along the wall, named for the 12 apostles (Revelation 21:14)
         5. The one who spoke had a gold measuring rod (Revelation 21:15)
         6. The city is a square, 1500 miles of cube (Revelation 21:16)
         7. The wall is measured at 72 yards (Revelation 21:17) human and angelic measurements.
         8. The wall materials are listed (Revelation 21:18-20)
         9. The gates were made of pearl, one pearl for each gate (Revelation 21:21a)
         10. The streets were gold, like pure glass (Revelation 21:21b)
   2. The new conditions (Revelation 21:22-27)
      1. Sanctuary (Revelation 21:22)
         1. There is no temple.
         2. The Lord God and the Lamb are its temple.
      2. Sun (Revelation 21:23)
         1. There is no need for the sun or moon to shine.
         2. The glory of God has illumined it.
         3. The lamp is the Lamb.
      3. Saved (Revelation 21:24)
         1. The nations will walk by its light.
         2. The kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
      4. Security (Revelation 21:25-27)
         1. It will always be daytime.
         2. The gates will never close.
         3. They will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
         4. There will be nothing unclean, nor abominable practices, no lying.
         5. There will only be those who names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelation 22:1-21 – John continues his description of the new Jerusalem.

1. The river of life (Revelation 22:1-3)
   1. Clear and fresh from the throne of God (Revelation 22:1)
   2. Course runs freely through the middle of the street (Revelation 22:2a)
   3. Crops and fruit available every month (Revelation 22:2b)
      1. Both sides of the river.
      2. Leaves of the trees will heal the nations.
   4. Curse is finished forever (Revelation 22:3a)
   5. Contentment for everyone serving there (Revelation 22:3b)
2. The radiant light (Revelation 22:4-6)
   1. They will see his face (Revelation 22:4a)
   2. His name will be on their foreheads (Revelation 22:4b)
   3. There will be no need for light or lamps or the sun (Revelation 22:5a)
   4. God will illumine them, reigning forever (Revelation 22:5b)
   5. These words are faithful and true (Revelation 22:6a)
   6. His angel will show the things which soon must take place (Revelation 22:6b)
3. The return of the Lord (Revelation 22:7-14)
   1. Behold, I am coming quickly (Revelation 22:7a)
   2. Blessed are those who heed the words of this book (Revelation 22:7b)
   3. I am John, who saw, and heard, and bowed to worship (Revelation 22:8)
   4. The angel said, “Don’t do that, I am a servant like you,” worship only God (Revelation 19:10, 22:9)
   5. Don’t seal up this book, the time is near (Revelation 22:10)
   6. Let all remain as they are (Revelation 22:11)
   7. I am coming quickly and my reward is with me (Revelation 22:12)
   8. I am the Alpha and Omega, First and the Last (Revelation 22:13)
   9. Blessed are those who wash their robes (Revelation 22:14)
      1. They have a right to the tree of life.
      2. They may enter the city by its gates.
4. The responsibilities of life (Revelation 22:15-21)
   1. Outside are dogs, immoral persons, murderers, idolaters, and liars (Revelation 22:15)
   2. I am Jesus who have sent my angel to testify of these things (Revelation 22:16)
      1. The descendant of David.
      2. The bright morning star.
   3. The Spirit and bride say, “Come” (Revelation 22:17a)
   4. Let the thirsty drink freely from the water of life (Revelation 22:17b)
   5. Don’t add anything from this book (Revelation 22:18) or else the plagues are yours.
   6. Don’t remove anything from this book (Revelation 22:19) or God will take his part of the tree of life and the Holy City.
   7. Yes, I am coming quickly (Revelation 22:20)
   8. The grace of Jesus be with all (Revelation 22:21)

NOTES:

1. The Triad of Heaven (G. Campbell Morgan) is Love, Light, and Life.
2. What will be our heavenly activities (Revelation 22:3-5)?
3. How can you describe heaven? Is that something that people look forward to, or does it seem boring to the average church-goer?
4. No More Sea (Revelation 21:1) – symbolic of trouble, and a separator of people in the world.
5. Nations (Revelation 21:24) – this is referring to the Gentiles.
6. Healing (Revelation 22:2) – meaning is health-giving with the idea of serving or ministering.
7. Blessed is He (Revelation 22:7) – this is the sixth of seven beatitude in the Revelation (Revelation 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:14).
8. Let Him Be Unjust Still (Revelation 22:11) – this does not mean that men should remain unmoved by the prophecies of this book, but rather that if the prophecies are rejected, there is no other message of hope for them.
9. Be With You All (Revelation 22:21) – some important ancient manuscripts read, “be will all the saints.”
10. Christ lights up heaven; what other verses support this? (John 1:7-9, 3:19, 8:12, 12:35-36, 1 John 1:5-7).
11. What ways will be serve God in heaven?
12. What are your thoughts about Revelation 22:4?
13. The Bible begins with the story of creation and ends with the story of recreation. The point of the Bible is that mankind cannot save himself, so we need the grace of God to intervene. Sin drove mankind from the garden and grace brings mankind back to an everlasting paradise.

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

It is recorded here what seems vital concerning the eternal destinies of unbelievers. There is so much compacted into the 36 verses. Chapters 19-20 is the climactic event of Christ’s second coming to the earth (Revelation 19:11-21). Background to this event is found in Isaiah 63:1-6, 64:1-2, Zechariah 14:3-4, and Matthew 24:27-31. Perhaps review Revelation 16:13-16, reference to the battle of Armageddon.

Revelation 19:1-21 – The second coming of Jesus is where he returns to the earth and destroys his enemies. A vast crowd in heaven praises the Lamb.

1. Allelujahs (Revelation 19:1, 3-4, 6) forefold Hallelujahs
   1. First angel: a loud voice and a great multitude (Revelation 19:1) salvation, glory, power.
   2. Second angel: smoke rises up forever (Revelation 19:3)
   3. Worship from the 24 elders and the four living creatures (Revelation 19:4)
   4. A great voice sounding like many waters and peals of thunder (Revelation 19:6)
2. Appointment for the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9)
   1. Come, the bride is ready (Revelation 19:7)
   2. She is clothed in fine linen, bright and clean (Revelation 19:8) the righteous acts of the saints.
   3. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper (Revelation 19:9)
3. Admonition for John to Worship God (Revelation 19:10) John tries to worship at the feet of the angels and they say, “don’t do that!” Worship only God.
4. Advent focused on the conquering Christ (Revelation 19:11-13)
   1. The white horse called faithful and true (Revelation 19:11a)
   2. He judges in righteousness and war (Revelation 19:11b)
   3. His eyes are flame, with crowns on his head (Revelation 19:12a)
   4. He has a name no one knows but himself (Revelation 19:12b)
   5. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood (Revelation 19:13a)
   6. His name is called the Word of God (Revelation 19:13b)
5. Armies follow him on the white horse, from heaven (Revelation 19:14)
6. Assignment from God to strike and rule (Revelation 19:15-16)
   1. His mouth has a sword to strike down the nations (Revelation 19:15a)
   2. He will rule them with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15b)
   3. He treads the wine press of his fierce anger (Revelation 19:15c)
   4. On his robe and on his thigh is the name, “King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16)
7. Armageddon: fall of the gentile powers and dominion (Revelation 19:17-21)
   1. Feast for the fowls (Revelation 19:17-18) assemble for the great supper, feeding off the flesh of kings and commanders.
   2. Federated armies (beast and kings) rise up against Christ and his army (Revelation 19:19)
   3. Foes of Christ in that day (Revelation 19:20)
      1. The beast was seized, along with the false prophet (who performed signs and deceived those who received the mark and worshiped).
      2. These two were thrown into the lake of fire.
   4. Final features of the battle (Revelation 19:21)
      1. The rest were killed with the sword from his mouth.
      2. All the birds were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 20:1-15 – Christ rules for 1000 years. After that time, Satan is finally defeated once and for all and thrown into hell. The great white throne judgment happens here.

1. The great chain (Revelation 20:1-3)
   1. Angel came down with keys to the abyss and a great chain (Revelation 20:1)
   2. He lays hold of the dragon, serpent, devil, and Satan (Revelation 20:2)
   3. Enemies are thrown into the abyss, it is shut and sealed (Revelation 19:3)
      1. They could deceive the nations no longer.
      2. They will be released after the 1000 years.
2. The great reign (Revelation 20:4-6)
   1. John sees thrones (Revelation 20:4)
      1. The souls of those beheaded for their testimony.
      2. Because of the word of God.
      3. Who did not receive the mark.
      4. And were raised to life and reigned with Christ for 1000 years.
   2. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the end of the 1000 years (Revelation 20:5)
3. The great revolt (Revelation 20:7-10)
   1. The adversary (Revelation 20:7) Satan released after the 1000 years.
   2. The apostasy (Revelation 20:8) he goes out to deceive the nations.
   3. The attack (Revelation 20:9a) They go after the saints and Jerusalem.
   4. The annihilation (Revelation 20:9b-10)
      1. They are consumed by the fires of heaven.
      2. Satan is consumed by the fires of hell.
4. The great throne (Revelation 20:11-15)
   1. The judge (Revelation 20:11) the Savior is sitting on his throne.
   2. The judged (Revelation 20:12-13) all the unsaved throughout history are now judged.
      1. The books: various books and the Book of Life
      2. The basis: the deeds done while on the earth.
   3. The judgment (Revelation 20:14-15) into the lake of fire forever.
      1. Death and Hades thrown into the lake of fire (the second death).
      2. With all those whose names were not listed in the Book of Life.

NOTES:

1. What is the marriage of the Lamb and who is his bride (Revelation 19:1-8, Ephesians 5:23-32)?
2. Who are the ones called to the marriage supper (Revelation 19:9, John 3:29)?
3. Who is the rider of the white horse and how is he described (Revelation 19:11-16)? Compare this with Philippians 2:5-11.
4. Righteousness of saints (Revelation 19:8), better is righteous deeds of the saints (see Ephesians 5:26-27).
5. How is the second coming different from what people call the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17)?
6. Compare the suppers listed here (Revelation 19:9, 17).
7. And They Lived (Revelation 20:4, John 11:25) these are the martyrs who died for their faith.
8. The millennium:
   1. In a book full of symbolic language, why do theologians call this literal?
   2. a thousand years is 10x10x10 which is the complete number 10 to the power of the trinity 3.
   3. Amillennialists say this 1000 years is the time from the first advent of Jesus to the second advent of Jesus… a complete time, not too soon nor too late. He will return at the right time, when the Father is good and ready. See Ray Summers for more information.
   4. For what purpose is the binding and the letting him go again (Revelation 20:8)?
   5. Regarding the first and second resurrection, in John 5:29, Jesus refers to two types of people raised, not two resurrections.
   6. What might you conclude about the millennium by how often it is mentioned in the Bible? (Three times in this one chapter, in a highly symbolic book). (See Ezekiel 20:34-38).
   7. Old Testament references about a future reign (Isaiah 2:2-4, 9:6-7, 11:4-9, 30:15-33, 65:17-66:14, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Psalm 72, plus Isaiah chapters 35, 44, and 49).
9. Gog and Magog (Revelation 20:7-10)
   1. Who instigates the battle?
   2. From where do you think he recruits his soldiers?
   3. What is your impression of this last battle of the world?
   4. Old Testament passages of prophecy (Jeremiah 51:27-36, Joel 3:9-15, Zephaniah 3:8).
10. Deceive the Nations (Revelation 20:8) the armies of these nations will never turn to Christ for salvation, though they outwardly obey his governmental rule. What is the point of this deception, especially when the “millennium” is over?
11. The throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)
    1. Who is the judge? (Revelation 20:4, 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, 2 Timothy 2:12)
    2. Compare these passages of Christ as judge: John 5:22, Acts 17:31, 2 Timothy 4:1, Matthew 19:28, 25:31.
    3. Who will be judged?
    4. In what ways have believers already been judged?
    5. What are the books and another book?
    6. Why are people judged on their deeds or works (Revelation 20:12-13)? What about Ephesians 2:8-9? How does Ephesians 2:10 provide the answer?
    7. What is the outcome?
    8. What is eternal death? (Continually dying or death that lasts forever, and the person is aware of what’s happening?)
12. What do you learn about Jesus in these two chapters?
13. Why is it necessary for judgment to be made in righteousness (Revelation 19:11, Genesis 18:25, Psalm 9:4, 8, 98:9, Isaiah 11:4, Acts 17:31, John 5:30)?
14. Perhaps the most important verse in the whole book (Revelation 20:15).

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

Not only is the fall of Babylon foretold, this section mentioned the sins of Babylon. The subject of Babylon comprises almost 14 percent of the prophetic chapters 6-22. The subject is not new in the Revelation (Revelation 14:8, 16:19). Now, with all the bowl judgments recorded, it is an appropriate time for John to backtrack and describe in detail his vision of fallen Babylon.

For background, read Genesis 10:10, 11:1-9 for the earliest references to the city of Babel (meaning the gate of God). There is a rich history of Babylon in the Bible. This city was a symbol of greatness to the world at large. Note that Revelation 17:1 is related to chapter 16; keep the bowl judgments in mind as we read this section.

Revelation 17:1-18 – John describes in highly metaphorical language a filthy religious prostitute.

1. Information about the great harlot (Revelation 17:1-6)
   1. Her corruption (Revelation 17:1-2, 4)
      1. Sits on many waters.
      2. With whom the kings of the world committed acts of immorality.
      3. Clothed in purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, pearls, holding a golden cup full of abominations and immorality.
   2. Her compromise (Revelation 17:3)
      1. Sitting on a scarlet beast.
      2. Full of blasphemous names.
      3. Having seven heads and ten horns.
   3. Her caption (Revelation 17:5) written on her forehead, a mystery, “Babylon the great, mother of harlots.”
   4. Her cruelty (Revelation 17:6)
      1. Drunk with the blood of the saints.
      2. Drunk with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.
2. interpretation in regard to this great prostitute (Revelation 17:7-18)
   1. What John sees (Revelation 17:7) he wonders, and will be told the mystery of the woman and the beast.
   2. What John is told (Revelation 17:8-18)
      1. The woman represents a corrupt system depicted by the city of Babylon (Revelation 17:8)
         1. The beast will come up from the abyss and go down to destruction.
         2. Those whose names are not listed in the book of life will wonder at the beast.
      2. The beast represents various kings (Revelation 17:9) seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.
         1. Some have already ruled (Revelation 17:10-11)
            1. Seven kings.
            2. Five have fallen (Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Vespasian, Titus)
            3. One is (Domitian)
            4. One is yet to come (Nero)
            5. The beast is the eighth, and is one of the seven (Nero Redivivus myth)
         2. Ten kings are yet to rule (Revelation 17:12)
            1. Not yet received a kingdom.
            2. Receives authority as kings from the beast for one hour.
         3. One will be the most powerful (Revelation 17:13) they have one purpose, to give power and authority to the beast.
         4. These kings will destroy the woman but themselves be destroyed by the Lamb (Revelation 17:14-18)
            1. They wage war with the Lamb.
            2. They will be overcome by the Lamb.
               1. He is Lord of lards and King of kings.
               2. His people are called chosen and faithful.
            3. The waters are the peoples, nations, multitudes, and tongues.
            4. The harlot will be made naked, desolate, flesh eaten, burned with fire.
            5. God will put it in their hearts to execute his purpose, until God’s words are fulfilled.
            6. The woman is the great city (Roman empire).

Revelation 18:1-24 – John witnesses the destruction of the city of Babylon.

1. Condition of Babylon (Revelation 18:1-2)
   1. An angel descends and illuminate the earth.
   2. An angel’s declaration.
      1. Fallen is Babylon the great.
      2. She has become the dwelling place of demons.
      3. She has become a prison for ever unclean spirit.
      4. She has become a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.
2. Curse of Babylon (Revelation 18:3)
   1. All the nations are drunk with the wine of her passion of immorality.
   2. The kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her.
   3. The merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality.
3. Call out of Babylon of God’s people from above (Revelation 18:4)
   1. My people, come out of her.
   2. Don’t participate in her sins, and receive these plagues.
4. Cause and effect in Babylon remembered and rewarded (Revelation 18:5-6)
   1. Her sins have piled up as high as heaven.
   2. God has remembered her iniquities.
   3. God will pay her back double, according to her deeds.
5. Character of Babylon (Revelation 18:7) pride, plenty, presumption.
   1. To the same degree she glorified herself and lived sensually.
   2. To the same degree give her torment and mourning.
   3. Pride: “I sit as queen and not a widow.”
6. Consequences for Babylon (Revelation 18:8) death, mourning, famine, fire.
   1. In one day her plagues will come.
   2. The Lord God who judges her is strong.
7. Condolences for Babylon (Revelation 18:9-19)
   1. Mighty men of earth lament (Revelation 18:9-10)
      1. They will weep and lament when they see the smoke of her burning.
      2. They will stand at a distance in fear of her torment.
      3. Woe to the great and strong city.
      4. She fell in one hour of judgment.
   2. Merchants join the chorus (Revelation 18:11-19)
      1. They will weep and mourn because no one is buying their cargo.
         1. Gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, wood carvings, stone carvings, bronze, iron, and marble.
         2. Cinnamon, spice, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, slaves, and human lives (literally, souls of men).
         3. Fruit is gone, luxurious and splendid things are gone.
      2. They will stand at a distance in fear of her torment, weeping, and mourning.
   3. Mariners lament the city’s destruction (Revelation 18:17-19)
      1. The city laid to waste in one hour.
      2. These all stood at a distance.
      3. They cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning.
         1. What city is like the great city?
         2. They threw dust on their heads, weeping, and mourning.
         3. Woe to the great city.
8. Celebration for Babylon’s downfall (Revelation 18:20-24)
   1. Rejoicing in heaven (Revelation 18:20) saints, apostles, and prophets.
   2. Retribution inflicted (Revelation 18:21)
      1. The strong angel tosses a millstone into the sea.
      2. So Babylon will be thrown down with violence and be found no more.
   3. Ruin indicated (Revelation 18:22-24)
      1. The music will be heard no longer.
      2. The craftsmen will be unemployed.
      3. The mill sounds will be heard no longer.
      4. The light of the lamp will no longer shine.
      5. The voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard.
      6. The merchants and nations were deceived by her sorcery.
      7. In her was found the blood of prophets and saints who have been slain.

NOTES:

1. Clearly the woman represents Babylon (Revelation 17:18), but what is Babylon?
   1. The real Babylon located near the Euphrates? If this view is correct, the entire city would need to be revived between now and the end times. It was at one time the most splendid city in the world.
   2. A real city located somewhere other than the city near the Euphrates? The text mentions the seven hills upon which the city stands (Revelation 17:9). Rome is the likely city; the seven hills of Rome are as prominent today as they were back then. It is not difficult to imagine this city becoming the world capital described here. For John, Rome is this real city responsible for opposing God and killing the prophets, apostles, and saints.
   3. It symbolizes a world system? This view has a world-wide scope.
   4. It is a real city and symbolizes a world system of which it is the capital? All world systems (religious and secular) will be judged. Kings, merchants, and mariners will watch the system’s downfall. One would expect a system so described to have a real capital city.
2. Babylon here is described:
   1. World wide influence.
   2. Material wealth.
   3. Political power.
   4. Full of immorality.
   5. Religious power, anti-God, and anti-gospel (Refer back to Revelation 13).
3. Babylon has a prophetic destiny (of destruction).
   1. Contrast the beast and his league of nations (Revelation 17:12-13, 16) with the woman (Revelation 17:18).
   2. Who seems to mourn here downfall the most (those who have a financial stake in the game).
   3. What do you think about Revelation 18:13 referring to the souls of men?
   4. What do you think about the many times the word, great is used to describe this city?
   5. What do you think about the repeated phrase, in one day or in one hour?
4. What may be the purpose of Revelation 18:20?
5. Terms:
   1. Mystery (Revelation 17:5) – this word is not part of the woman’s title, but an introductory word to the title.
   2. Babylon the great (Revelation 15:5) – the seven hills makes it clear, this city being bend on opposing the authority of God.
   3. These will hate the whore (Revelation 17:16) – while centered on Rome, other harlot groups exercise political influence. The city becomes a challenge to the power of the other kingdoms.
6. Food for Thought:
   1. What characteristics of Babylon are prevalent in the world today?
   2. What current systems in the world can compete with what we see in biblical Babylon?
   3. What do these two chapters teach us about material wealth?
   4. What else do we know about satanic influence in world systems? (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11, 1 John 2:16-17, 4:3-4, 5:19, Galatians 1:4, Colossians 1:13, 2 Peter 2:20, James 4:1-4).

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

Revelation 15:1-8 – Seven angels prepare to pour out seven more judgments upon the earth. John hears the victors over the antichrist singing a song of praise to God.

1. Seven angels with seven plagues filled with God’s wrath (Revelation 15:1)
2. Saved people in triumph over the beast (Revelation 15:2-4)
   1. A sea of glass mixed with fire (Revelation 15:2a)
   2. Those victorious standing on the sea (Revelation 15:2b-4)
      1. Holding harps of God (Revelation 15:2b)
      2. Heralding the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3-4) singing about…
         1. Your works.
         2. Your ways.
         3. Your self.
3. Seven performers now ready to proclaim (Revelation 15:5-6)
   1. The temple is open (Revelation 15:5)
   2. The angels appear in white linen with golden sashes (Revelation 15:6)
4. Smoke permeates the temple from the glory of God (Revelation 15:7-8) literally, the sanctuary, the inner place of the tabernacle.
   1. One of the four living creatures hands the angels their bowls (Revelation 15:7)
   2. No one could enter the temple until the bowl judgments are finished (Revelation 15:8)

Revelation 16:1-21 – The seven angels pour out their seven bowls of judgment.

1. Bowl 1 – (Revelation 16:1-2)
   1. Place: poured out on the earth.
   2. Punishment: horrible malignant sores on those who received the mark.
2. Bowl 2 – (Revelation 16:3)
   1. Place: poured out on the seas.
   2. Punishment: waters become blood. killing all life in them.
3. Bowl 3 – (Revelation 16:4-7)
   1. Place: poured out on the rivers and springs.
   2. Punishment: these fresh waters become blood.
   3. Proclamation: the reason, to avenge the blood of the martyrs.
4. Bowl 4 – (Revelation 16:8-9)
   1. Place: poured out on the sun.
   2. Punishment: the sun scorches all the people with fire.
   3. Perversion: they respond by cursing God, refusing to repent.
5. Bowl 5 – (Revelation 16:10-11)
   1. Place: poured out on the throne of the beast.
   2. Punishment: his entire kingdom is plunged into darkness.
   3. Perversion: the people still refuse to repent.
6. Bowl 6 – (Revelation 16:12-16)
   1. Place: poured out on the river Euphrates, and the waters dry up. How does this compare to Revelation 9:15?
   2. Punishment: demons deceive the kings of the east to march their armies past the Euphrates, preparing for Armageddon. Notice the unholy trinity in Revelation 16:13-16.
   3. Promise: a blessing to those who prepare their hearts for Christ’s return (keeping their clothing and are without shame).
7. Bowl 7 – (Revelation 16:17-21)
   1. Place: poured out into the air.
   2. Proclamation: a voice from the temple saying, “it is done.”
   3. Punishment:
      1. History’s greatest earthquake ever.
      2. Babylon split into three parts, drink from the cup of God’s wrath.
      3. Island fled away and mountains were not found.
      4. Hailstones of 100 lbs fell on men.
   4. Perversion: man blasphemed God because of the hail.

NOTES:

1. Up until now, the judgments have been partial, now it is complete, even using the phrase, “it is done” or “it is finished.”
2. What are two attribute of God in Revelation 15:8?
3. Comparing the first six trumpets with the first six bowls… earth, sea, waters, sun. Why the similarity?
4. The word “great” appears in chapter 16. In what ways are the bowl judgments the most severe?
5. Who are “they” in Revelation 16:10?
6. Why the parenthetical statement of Revelation 16:15?
7. What is the history and significance of the Valley of Megiddo? (see gotquestions.org)
8. Kings of Saints (Revelation 15:3) saints should be understood as nations.
9. No One May Enter the Temple (Revelation 15:8) when God turns loose his fury and wrath, it’s best to stand back and just let him have at it.
10. Armegeddon (Revelation 16:16) Har Megiddo (hill of Megiddo) located southwest of the Sea of Galilee (a number of battles happened here, Judges 4, 7).
11. Weight of a Talent (Revelation 16:21) the weight of 100 lbs.
12. The Revelation is concerned with these topics: the physical world of nature, the hearts, minds, and bodies of people, local and world governments.
13. What encourages you about the many partial punishments happening before this final series of judgments? What may be God’s purposes for such an extension?

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

This section will come Revelation 12-14 – while this is the general destiny of the peoples of the world, there is special application for the people of Israel. Some sections are parenthetical to supplement those visions describing key events of Israel during the end times.

OUTLINE OF THE BIBLE:

Revelation 12:1-17 – John sees an interplay between a woman and a dragon, symbolizing the nation of Israel and the devil.

1. The Sun-clad woman (Revelation 12:1-2, Isaiah 26:17-18, 66:7, Micah 4:10, 5:3))
   1. Clothed with the sun.
   2. Moon under her feet.
   3. Crown of 12 stars on her head.
   4. Pregnant, in pain, about to give birth.
2. The Satan (Revelation 12:3-4)
   1. An enormous red dragon.
   2. Seven heads, ten horns, seven crowns.
   3. Swept one-third of the stars to the earth, with his tail.
   4. Stood in front of the woman, ready to devour the child (Matthew 2:16-18).
3. The Son (Revelation 12:5-6, Genesis 3:15)
   1. A male child to rule the nations with an iron scepter.
   2. The child was snatched up to God and to his throne.
   3. The woman fled to the wilderness, prepared for her by God.
4. The Sustenance for the woman under trial (Revelation 12:6) taken care of for 1260 days.
5. The Strife – Michael successful over Satan (Revelation 12:7-9)
   1. A war in heaven (Job 1:12).
   2. Michael fought against the dragon and his angels.
   3. They were not strong enough and lost their place in heaven.
   4. The dragon (devil, Satan) was hurled to the earth.
   5. He leads the world astray.
6. The Statement by a heavenly voice (Revelation 12:10-12)
   1. The accuser of the brethren has been hurled to the earth.
   2. They triumphed over him.
      1. By the blood of the Lamb.
      2. By the word of their testimony.
   3. Therefore rejoice.
   4. Woe to the earth and the sea…
      1. Since the devil is with you.
      2. Since he is filled with fury.
      3. Since he knows his time is short.
7. The Security for the woman in times of distress (Revelation 12:13-17)
   1. Provocation (Revelation 12:13)
      1. Since he was thrown to the earth.
      2. Satan pursued the woman.
   2. Provision (Revelation 12:14)
      1. She has two wings like an eagle.
      2. She can fly to her place in the wilderness.
      3. She will be cared for for times and half-time.
      4. She will be out of the serpent’s reach.
   3. Pursuit (Revelation 12:15, Isaiah 59:19)
      1. The serpent spews water like a river.
      2. The woman is over-taken by the water and swept away.
   4. Preservation (Revelation 12:16)
      1. The earth helps the woman.
      2. The earth opens its mouth to swallow up the river of water.
   5. Posterity (Revelation 12:17)
      1. The dragon was enraged with the woman.
      2. The dragon goes to wage war with her offspring.
         1. Those who keep God’s commands.
         2. Those who hold fast to their testimony about Jesus.

Revelation 13:1-18 – John sees two beasts, one from the sea and one from the earth, symbolizing the antichrist and his false prophet.

1. First beast from the sea (Revelation 13:1-10, 17:3) representing a secular power.
   1. Appearance and character (Revelation 13:1-2)
      1. Ten horns, seven head, ten crowns on its heads.
      2. Each head had a blasphemous name.
      3. The beast resembled a leopard.
      4. The beast had feet like a bear.
      5. The beast had a mouth like a lion.
   2. Appeal to Christ-rejectors on Earth (Revelation 13:3-4)
      1. Wounded fatally.
      2. Wonderful recovery.
      3. Wonder filled people followed the beast.
      4. World worshiped the dragon.
         1. The dragon gave his authority to the beast.
         2. Who is like the beast?
         3. Who can wage war against it?
   3. Authority to blaspheme for 3.5 years (Revelation 13:5-6)
      1. The beast has a mouth to utter blasphemies.
      2. The beast exercises his authority for 42 months.
      3. The beast blasphemes God and slanders his name, heaven, and those who live there.
   4. Antagonism against the people of God (Revelation 13:7-8)
      1. The beast was given power to wage war against God’s people and conquer them.
      2. The beast was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.
      3. All the earth will worship the beast, (those whose names are not in the book of life).
      4. The Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the earth.
   5. Apprising the signs and situation (Revelation 13:9-10)
      1. He who has ears to hear, let them hear.
      2. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.
2. Second beast from the earth (Revelation 13:11-18) representing a religious power.
   1. His deception and devotion to the first beast (Revelation 13:11-13)
      1. Diversity (Revelation 13:11)
         1. Two horns, the appearance of a lamb.
         2. The voice of a dragon.
      2. Demands (Revelation 13:12)
         1. With the authority of the first beast.
         2. He forces the world to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.
      3. Demonstrations (Revelation 13:13-14)
         1. He performs great signs.
         2. He causes fire to come down from heaven in view of the people.
         3. He deceives the people.
         4. He sets up an image in honor of the first beast.
   2. His deeds and decrees to mankind (Revelation 13:15-18)
      1. Life to an image (Revelation 13:15)
         1. He has power to give breath to the image of the first beast.
         2. He was able to speak.
      2. Laws (Revelation 13:15-16)
         1. He was able to have killed those who refused to worship the image.
         2. He forced all those who worshiped the beast to receive a mark.
      3. Label for all to wear (Revelation 13:16-18)
         1. The mark was on the hand or forehead.
         2. The mark allowed people to buy and sell in the marketplace.
         3. The mark is the name of the beast.
         4. The mark is the number of a man, calculated to be 666.

Revelation 14:1-20 – The 144,000sing a song of praise to God. John is given a preview of Armageddon, when Christ will return triumphantly to the earth and will wipe out his enemies.

1. Harpists: the song of the redeemed (Revelation 14:1-5)
   1. What John sees (Revelation 14:1)
      1. The Lamb standing on Mt Zion.
      2. The 144,000 with him (his name and the Father’s name on their foreheads).
   2. What John hears (Revelation 14:2-5) rushing waters and peals of thunder.
      1. Heavenly harps (Revelation 14:2)
      2. Heavenly hosannas (they sang a new song (No one could learn it except the 144,000 of the redeemed).
         1. Who did not defile themselves with women.
         2. Who were virgins.
         3. Who followed the Lamb wherever he goes.
         4. Who were purchased and offered as first fruits.
         5. Who had no lie in their mouths.
         6. Who were blameless.
2. Heralds: the message of the angles (Revelation 14:6-12)
   1. The first angel (Revelation 14:6-7) flying midair proclaiming the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people.
      1. Fear God.
      2. Give him glory.
      3. He will judge.
      4. Give him worship.
   2. The second angel (Revelation 14:8) Babylon has fallen (who made all the nations drink the wine of her adulteries).
   3. The third angel (Revelation 14:9-12)
      1. The plea (Revelation 14:9) don’t receive the mark (or you’ll drink the wine, too).
      2. The penalty (Revelation 14:10-11)
         1. Eternity in the lake of fire (in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb).
         2. Smoke and torment will rise forever.
         3. There will be no rest for those who worship the image or the beast (those with the mark).
      3. The perseverance (Revelation 14:12)
         1. Patient endurance on the people.
         2. Keeping his commandments.
         3. Remaining faithful.
3. Helpers: the assurance of the Spirit (Revelation 14:13)
   1. Blessed are the martyrs who die from now on.
   2. Martyrs will soon be rewarded.
      1. They will rest from their labor.
      2. Their deeds will follow them.
4. Harvesters: the reaping of the harvest (Revelation 14:14-20)
   1. The judge (Revelation 14:14-16)
      1. Jesus is the reaper, with a sickle, seated on a white cloud.
      2. Accompanied by three angels: the first angel from the temple: tells the Lamb to take his sickle, it is time to reap, and the earth was harvested.
   2. The judged (Revelation 14:17) the second angel has a sickle.
   3. The judgment (Revelation 14:18-20) of the third angel with a charge of fire and the second angel.
      1. The unrepentant and unsaved will be crushed like grapes in a wine press.
      2. Their blood will flow out a stream of 180 miles, as deep as horses’ bridles.

NOTES:

1. The climax of the book begins in chapter 15, so chapter 14 prepares the way.
2. Rod of Iron (Revelation 12:5) – Psalm 2:9 uses this phrase in its messianic prophecy.
3. 1260 Days (Revelation 12:6) – some refer to half of Daniel’s 70th week (their is tranquility during the first half of the week).
4. War in Heaven (Revelation 12:7) – for a similar theme, see 1 Kings 22, Job 1-2, Zechariah 3, Luke 10:18.
5. Michael (Revelation 12:7) – this angel is the traditional champion of Israel (Jude 1:9, Daniel 10:13, 12:1).
6. Satan (Revelation 12:9) – his character is revealed by his names (Satan means adversary, dragon suggests fierceness, serpent suggests deceit, devil means slanderer or accuser).
7. Beast (Revelation 13:1) – some refer to this as the antichrist of 1 John 2:18 (the most outstanding of all false people), the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3), the little horn (Daniel 7:8), the prince who shall come (Daniel 9:26), the willful king (Daniel 11:36), and the beast (Revelation 11:7, 14:9, 11, 15:2, 16:2, 10, 13, 17:3-17, 19:19-20, 20:4, 10).
8. 666 (Revelation 13:18) – one might twist this number into most anything. One interpretation is the emphatic number of six, traditionally the number of fallen mankind. The person of insight suggests that John had a person in mind, and the faithful believers knew to whom he was referring.
9. First Fruits (Revelation 14:4) – compare to James 1:18. Some consider this to be the people who get saved toward the end of the tribulation.
10. Patience or endurance (Revelation 14:12) – a call to be the overcomers from chapters 2-3.
11. Blood (Revelation 14:20) – out of the wine press, flowing like a river. Likely hyperbole.

THOUGHTS:

1. How do you account for the preservation of Israel over the millennia?
2. Why then is there so much tribulation for Israel in the last days?
3. What enemies are lined up against Israel today?
4. How might the tensions in the middle east be resolved?
5. How do we account for the miraculous powers of Satan in Chapter 13?
6. Why do people continue to blaspheme God?
7. How do you explain how a God of love can dish out so much wrath?
8. What might be a prominent spiritual lesson found in these three chapters?

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

It is here that we move into a few parenthetical chapters which fall between the trumpet judgments and the bowl judgments. These judgments (seals, trumpets, bowls) are intensifying and the visions are getting harder to interpret since they don’t appear to be happening in chronological order.

THE OUTLINE BIBLE:

Revelation 10:1-11 – John is given a little scroll and told to eat it. He does, and is as predicted, it tastes sweet in his mouth but makes his stomach sour.

1. Declaration by the strong angel (Revelation 10:1-4)
   1. His appearance.
      1. He is robed in a cloud with a rainbow over his head.
      2. His face was like the sun and his legs like fiery pillars.
   2. His actions.
      1. What he holds: open scroll in his hand.
      2. What he does: stands on the land and the sea.
         1. Right foot on the sea.
         2. Left foot on the land.
      3. What he says: he gave a shout like the roar of a lion.
         1. Voices of the seven thunders.
         2. John hears but is forbidden to write it down.
2. Delay is Over (Revelation 10:5-7)
   1. Sworn by the angel:
      1. Raised his right hand to heaven.
      2. There will be no more delay.
   2. Seventh trumpet is about to sound.
   3. Secrets of the mystery of God are about to be revealed.
3. Demand made upon the scribe (Revelation 10:8-11)
   1. To partake: eat the scroll.
      1. Sweet like honey in the mouth.
      2. Sour when it hits the stomach.
   2. To prophesy: You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.

Revelation 11:1-19 – John sees two witnesses of God carrying out their 1260-day ministry before being murdered by the antichrist. Then the seventh trumpet is blown.

1. The place of worship is measured (Revelation 11:1-2)
   1. The command: go measure the temple.
   2. The count: number the worshipers.
2. Placed wasted for 3.5 years (Revelation 11:2)
   1. The court: exclude the outer court, given to the Gentiles.
   2. The contempt: the Gentiles will trample the holy city for 42 months.
3. Persons witness for 3.5 years (Revelation 11:3-4)
   1. Duration of their prophetic ministry: 1260 days.
   2. Dedication of their prophetic ministry: God’s olive trees and lampstands.
4. Powerful works performed by them (Revelation 11:5-6) Devastation of their ministry.
   1. Devour their enemies by supernatural fire.
   2. Cause 3.5 years of drought.
   3. Turn waters into blood.
   4. Strike the earth with plagues.
5. Peril of warfare from the pit against them (Revelation 11:7)
   1. Who he is: the antichrist himself.
   2. Where he comes from: the bottomless pit.
6. Pleasure of the watchers followed by fear (Revelation 11:8-10)
   1. What he does: does not allow the burial of witnesses.
   2. Where he does it: they remain in the streets of Jerusalem.
   3. Why he does it: to show contempt for the witnesses.
   4. Who celebrates their deaths: the entire world.
7. Panic and woe as an earthquake strikes (Revelation 11:11-14)
   1. Resurrection: they are raised up to heaven.
   2. Destruction: an earthquake destroys one-tenth of Jerusalem leaving 7000 dead.
8. Peal of the seventh trumpet sounds (Revelation 11:15-19)
   1. World sovereignty of Christ acclaimed (Revelation 11:15)
   2. Worshiping elders also acclaim and worship (Revelation 11:16-18)
   3. Weariness and woe of mankind: (Revelation 11:19)
      1. God’s temple in heaven is opened.
      2. God’s ark of the covenant is seen.
      3. God’s five-fold trouble: lightning, rumblings, thunder, earthquake, hail storm.

NOTES:

1. Measuring (Revelation 11:1) – the image of staking it out. God is giving assurance that he will take note of those who faithfully worship him during trials and tribulation.
2. Forty-two months (Revelation 11:3) – interpreters differ as to whether these months refer to the first half of the seven years or the second half.
3. Two witnesses (Revelation 11:3) – there is nothing to give answer to the identity of these two people. Some suggest it is Moses and Elijah.
4. Beast out of the abyss (Revelation 11:7) – this beast is Satan, the word occurring 18 times in the Revelation.
5. Ark of the covenant (Revelation 11:19) – a great picture of God’s grace carried all the way to the end of time.

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

These judgments defy human comprehension. Language is inadequate to describe these visions. Remember that all judgments have their ultimate source in God. Some are permitted by God (Revelation 9:1) and others are sent directly from him (Revelation 8:7). We don’t need to expect God to use elements that already exist (consider a great mountain blazing with fire – Revelation 8:8). Some judgments God uses the satanic world of demons which defy description (like the locusts of Revelation 9:1-11). Supernatural judgments are already a part of OT history, so why would God not do the same in the last days (2 Peter 3:1-7, Exodus 9:8-12)?

Prophecies in the Revelation concern two realms: spiritual and physical/political. a literal interpretation does not transfer from one to another. For example, a great mountain cast into the sea (Revelation 8:8) – literally is would be a large physical object thrown into the water, yet figuratively is could be a powerful nation falling in defeat.

Revelation 8:1-5 begin with the censer of fire (Revelation 8:2-3) and the casting of fire upon the earth (Revelation 8:4-5).

1. Trumpet 1 – (Revelation 8:6-7, Exodus 9:18-26)
   1. Hail, fire, mixed with blood.
   2. A third of the earth burned up.
   3. A third of the trees burned up.
   4. All the green grass is consumed.
2. Trumpet 2 – (Revelation 8:8-9, Exodus 7:17-25)
   1. Something like a huge mountain was thrown into the sea.
   2. A third of the sea turns to blood.
   3. A third of the sea creatures died.
   4. A third of the ships were destroyed.
3. Trumpet 3 – (Revelation 8:10-11, Exodus 9:8-10) what might be the meaning of “as it were” or “something like” in Revelation 8:8?
   1. The star Wormwood falls from the sky (who could this star be? Isaiah 14:12-17, Luke 10:18, Revelation 12:7-9). “Fall” could be translated as “has fallen”.
   2. Hitting a third of the rivers and springs of water.
   3. A third of the waters turned bitter.
   4. Many people died due to the water.
4. Trumpet 4 – (Revelation 8:12-13, Exodus 10:21-23)
   1. A third of the sun was struck.
   2. A third of the moon was struck.
   3. A third of the stars were struck.
   4. A third of the say was dark.
   5. A third of the night was dark.
   6. A woe to the people of the earth, for the next three trumpets.
5. Trumpet 5 – (Revelation (9:1-12)
   1. Their home: a star had fallen to the earth, having a key to the shaft of the abyss.
      1. The open abyss releases smoke from a giant furnace.
      2. The sun and sky was darkened by the smoke.
   2. Their action: from that smoke came locusts.
      1. They had the power of scorpions.
      2. They were not to harm the grass or any trees.
      3. They were to harm only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
      4. They were not to kill them, but only torture them for five months.
      5. The agony of the people was like being struck by scorpions.
      6. The people will seek death but not find it.
   3. Their appearance: the locusts look like horses prepared for battle.
      1. Golden crowns on their heads.
      2. Faces resembled humans.
      3. Hair like a woman.
      4. Teeth like a lion.
      5. Breastplates of iron.
      6. The sound of their wings: like horses and chariots thundering.
      7. Tails with stingers, tormenting people for five months.
   4. Their administrator: they had as king over them the angel of the abyss named “Destroyer” (Abaddon/Apollyon).
   5. The first woe is past, the other two are yet to come.
6. Trumpet 6 – (Revelation 9:13-21)
   1. Their home: a voice from the four horns of the golden altar.
   2. Their release: the four angles who are bound at the Euphrates.
   3. Their hostility: they have been kept ready (year, month, day, hour) for this occasion, to kill a third of mankind.
   4. Their number: 10,000 times 10,000.
   5. Their nature: horses and riders looked like…
      1. Breastplates: red, blue, yellow.
      2. Horses heads resembled lions’ heads.
      3. Out of the horses’ mouths came fire, smoke, and sulfur, killing a third of mankind.
      4. The power of the horses came from their mouths and tails (which were like snakes inflicting injury).
   6. Their reaction: the rest of mankind not killed did not repent of their deeds, their worshiping demons and idols, their murders, magic arts, sexual immorality, or thefts.
      1. They refuse to repent.
      2. They continue to rebel.
7. Trumpet 7 (the little book, two witnesses, and the seventh trumpet are in the next lesson).

NOTES:

1. Altar (Revelation 8:3) – the word appears eight times in the Revelation (Revelation 6:9, 8:3, 11:1, 14:18, 16:7).
2. Saints (Revelation 8:3) – both an OT and a NT word (Revelation 8:4, 11:18, 13:7, 10, 14:12, 15:3, 16:6, 17:6, 18:24, 19:8, 20:9).
3. An Angel (Revelation 8:13) – the best manuscripts read “an eagle.”
4. Bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1) – translated as abyss, the abode of demons or wicked spirits (Revelation 9:2, 11, 11:7, 17:8).
5. Locusts (Revelation 9:3) – some interpret locusts to be symbolic and the horses (Revelation 9:16) as literal (see Deuteronomy 28:38, 42, Nahum 3:15, 17, Amos 7:1-3 where locusts are symbolic of God’s judgment).
6. Five Months (Revelation 9:11) – literal interpretation my be intended but the emphasis is on an extended time that is not permanent.
7. A King Over Them (Revelation 9:11) – the locusts of this judgment are a unique host (Proverbs 30:27, were locusts have no king).
8. Magic Arts (Revelation 9:21) – may include the use of drugs associated with witchcraft.

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

1. Seal 1 – the white horse (Revelation 6:1-2)
   1. The announcer (1st creature) and the command to come.
   2. The action and the conqueror with a crown.
2. Seal 2 – the red horse (Revelation 6:3-4)
   1. The announcer (2nd creature) and command to come.
   2. The action of taking peace from the earth.
3. Seal 3 – the black horse (revelation 6:5-6)
   1. The announcer (3rd creature) and the command to come.
   2. The action of the pair of scales, a famine is at hand.
4. Seal 4 – the pale horse (revelation 6:7-8)
   1. The announcer (4th creature) and the command to come.
   2. The action of Death, and Hades following behind.
      1. Power over a fourth of the earth.
      2. Power to kill by sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts.
5. Seal 5 – (Revelation 6:9-11)
   1. The martyrs under the altar given a white robe asking, how long O Lord?
   2. The Messiah’s reply – wait until the right number of fellow servants are killed/martyred.
6. Seal 6 – (Revelation 6:12-17)
   1. Unprecedented catastrophe involving earth and heaven (Revelation 6:12-14).
      1. Earthquake.
      2. Sun hidden.
      3. Blood moon.
      4. Stars fall.
   2. Understandable conduct by world leaders (Revelation 6:15-16).
      1. Hid in caves.
      2. Called on the mountains to fall on them to hide them from the Lamb.
   3. Unquestionable conclusion correct (Revelation 6:17) the wrath has come, who can withstand it?
7. Sealing of God’s servants (Revelation 7:1-8)
   1. The sealers (Revelation 7:1-3)
      1. Holding back the four winds.
      2. Hold back from harming the land and sea until the sealing in complete.
   2. The sealed (Revelation 7:4-8) sealing 144,000, 12,000 from 12 tribes.
      1. Levi is included when they received no inheritance.
      2. Joseph is named but not Ephraim, who is usually paired with his brother Manasseh.
      3. Dan is totally left out.
      4. Why are Gentiles left out?
8. Singing of God’s servants (Revelation 7:9-17)
   1. A great multitude no one could count (Revelation 7:9).
      1. White robes.
      2. Palm branches.
   2. From every nation, tribe, people, and language (Revelation 7:9).
   3. People cried out in a loud voice: salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb (Revelation 7:10).
   4. Angels worshiped SAYING… (Revelation 7:11-12)
      1. Amen.
      2. Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, strength to our God.
   5. Who are these in white robes? (Revelation 7:13-17)
      1. Their suffering: those coming out of the great tribulation.
      2. Their salvation: saved during the tribulation.
      3. Their service: they continually serve God in the temple.
      4. Their Savior: the Lamb will feed, lead, protect, and comfort his people.
9. Seal 7 – (Revelation 8:1-3)
   1. Seal opened and the 30 minutes of silence (compare to Revelation 7:9-12).
   2. Seven angels standing before God with seven trumpets.
   3. Supplementary angel with a golden censer.
      1. Incense offering.
      2. The prayers of God’s people (what may be the subject of these prayers?).
      3. Both going up to God from the angel’s hand.
      4. The censer is then filled with fire from the altar and hurled to the earth, resulting in thunder, rumbling, lightning, and an earthquake.

NOTES:

1. Seal 1 – some interpret this rider to be of Satan’s domain. Others take him to be Christ, the rider of the white horse in Revelation 19:11. How does the description of the next three riders support the first view?
2. Seal 2 – What state of the world do you see described by the words, “kill one another”?
3. Seal 3 – How is this a symbolic picture of famine? Apply Matthew 20:2 to the situation that a measure of wheat was approximately what a laborer would eat in one meal.
4. Seal 4 – the extent of death in the world is stated specifically here. Is a literal interpretation of the last sentence in Revelation 6:8 a natural one?
5. Seal 5 – in identifying the martyrs, consider this…
   1. Are the martyrs people of God?
   2. If the rapture takes place before the seals, and the seals are in chronological order, the martyrs will become believers after the rapture and during the tribulation. Does this tell us by whom they will be evangelized?
   3. If the rapture takes place some time after seal 5, who are these martyrs?
6. Seal 6 – What is the main characteristic of this judgment?
   1. Is there any reason for not interpreting the signs as actual celestial events (Isaiah 13:6-13, 34:4, Joel 2:1-2, 10, 30-31, Matthew 24:7)?
   2. Is there any numerical statistic of deaths cited?
   3. What is the effect of the seal on the people?
   4. What are the multitudes recognizing by their words in Revelation 6:17?
   5. The heritage of God’s servants.
      1. Sealed from harm on the earth.
      2. Privileged to sign in heaven.
      3. Qualified to serve in heaven.
7. Chapter 7
   1. How is the question in Revelation 6:17 answered in chapter 7?
   2. What is a clue as to whether or not this passage should be interpreted literally?
   3. Do the 144,000 experience the seal judgments?
   4. How are the two songs listed different?
   5. Various interpretations…
      1. How does Romans 11 fit concerning Israel. Has that prophecy been fulfilled?
      2. Are we to interpret this as literal Jews?
      3. What phrase identifies these Israelites as believers?
      4. Is this great multitude different from the servants in the previous paragraph?
8. Terms:
   1. Hell (Revelation 6:8) properly translated hades, a world of deceased unbelievers. See Revelation 1:18, 20:13, 14. Gehenna appears in Luke 12:5 but not in Revelation (more the lake of fire and the second death).
   2. Fourth part of the earth (Revelation 6:8) these are significant numbers.
   3. All the tribes of the children of Israel (Revelation 7:4) believing Jews, note the 12 tribes in the list.

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

1. The venue in heaven (Revelation 4:1) a door standing open.
2. The voice of the Son of Man (Revelation 4:1) a voice like a trumpet.
3. The vision of the throne (Revelation 4:2-11)
   1. Occupant of the throne (Revelation 4:2-3)
      1. In the spirit.
      2. Jasper and ruby.
      3. Rainbow like emerald encircled the throne.
   2. Others seated on 24 thrones (Revelation 4:4)
      1. There are 24 elders.
      2. Dressed in white.
      3. Wearing crowns of gold.
   3. Observation of what John saw (Revelation 4:5-11)
      1. Concerning the phenomena (voices, lamps, spirits)
         1. Flashes of lightning.
         2. Peals of thunder.
         3. Seven lamps blazing.
         4. Seven spirits of God.
      2. Creatures (Revelation 4:6)
         1. A sea of glass.
         2. Four living creatures in the center of the throne.
         3. Covered with eyes front and back.
      3. Characteristics of the creature (Revelation 4:7-8, Ezekiel 1:10)
         1. A lion.
         2. An ox.
         3. The face of a man.
         4. A flying eagle.
         5. Each had six wings and covered with eyes.
         6. A continuous praise, SAYING: holy, holy, holy.
            1. The Lord God Almighty.
            2. Who was, who is, and who is to come.
      4. Confession of the creature and the elders (Revelation 4:9-11)
         1. Giving glory, honor, and thanks.
         2. To the one who lives forever and ever.
         3. The elder fall down in worship.
         4. The elders lay their crowns at his feet.
         5. The elders SAY…
            1. You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power.
            2. You have created all things by your will.
4. The victor (Revelation 5:1-5)
   1. Sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1)
      1. With writing on both sides.
      2. With seven seals.
   2. Strong angel (Revelation 5:2) proclaiming, who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?
   3. Silenced sorrow (Revelation 5:3-5)
      1. There was no one in heaven or on earth.
      2. John wept because there was no one to open the scroll.
      3. One of the elders: see the lion of the tribe of Judah.
5. The verdict (Revelation 5:6-14)
   1. The lamb is worthy to open the book (Revelation 5:6-7)
      1. As if he was slain.
         1. With seven horns.
         2. With seven eyes.
         3. Which are the seven spirits of God sent out into the earth.
      2. Standing at the center of the throne.
      3. Surrounded by the living creatures and elders.
      4. He took the scroll from the right hand of the one seated on the throne.
   2. The loyal worship of the hosts of heaven (Revelation 5:8-12)
      1. Once taken, the creatures and the elders fall down before the lamb.
      2. Each one had a harp.
      3. Each one held a golden bowl of incense (the prayers of God’s people).
      4. They SANG a new song, SAYING:
         1. You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals.
         2. You were slain.
         3. You purchased people from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
         4. You made them to be a kingdom of priests to serve God.
         5. They will reign on the earth.
      5. Myriads of angels encircled the throne with the creatures and elders.
         1. They were SAYING…
         2. Worthy is the lamb who was slain.
         3. To receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
   3. The lamb-lion: the wonder of creation (Revelation 5:13-14)
      1. Every creature (in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea).
      2. They were SAYING…
         1. To him who sits on the throne.
         2. To the lamb.
         3. Be praise, honor, glory, and power, forever and ever.
      3. With a final response:
         1. The creatures say “amen.”
         2. The elders fell down and worshiped.

NOTES:

1. A door was opened in heaven (Revelation 4:1) – one futurist view sees the church as being raptured before the events listed in this chapter. The church so prominent in chapters 2-3 are not seen again until Revelation 22:16, and Revelation 19:7 (the wife of the lamb).
2. The 24 elders (Revelation 4:4) – the office of elder would be the ruling body of a congregation, originating in the OT (Exodus 4:29, 12:21, Numbers 11:25, 1 Kings 8:1) and carried into the NT (Acts 14:23, 15:6, 16:4, 20:28). The number 24 could be made up of 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. The symbolism may be the people of God in OT times and NT times.
3. Lightnings, thunderings, and voice (Revelation 4:5) – these phenomena happen before judgments fall, a pattern repeated in Revelation 8:5, 11:19, 16:18.
4. Four beasts (Revelation 4:6) – more accurately “the four living beings” (Ezekiel 1:5, 19), representing the four supreme orders in the world.
   1. Mankind: among all created beings.
   2. Eagles: among birds.
   3. Ox: among domesticated animals.
   4. Lion: among wild animals.
5. The song of the four living creatures (Revelation 4:8) and the 24 elders (Revelation 4:11) may be viewed as a pair. These could represent his church and the animated world (the former by the 24 elders and the later by the four living beings).
6. A scroll with seven seals (Revelation 5:1) – the seals represent a series of judgments that being in chapter 6. The contents is unsure; some believe it is a book of destiny. Others say it may the whole counsel of God. Other say it may be man’s losing his lordship over creation and the regaining of authority of saints by the Messiah.
7. We shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10) – perhaps a reference to an earthly reign of the saints with Christ (for one view, in the millennium mentioned in Revelation 20:6).

I have a series of Bible study books by a scholar named, Irving L. Jensen, so below are a few outline notes from the one on the Revelation. Why the Revelation? My church has an adult Bible study where we just started a study in this book. This is an outline of Jensen’s work with a few of my own additions.

Seven letters to seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2:1-3:22)

1. Ephesus – The careless church (seaport) (Revelation 2:1-7)
   1. To the orthodox but unloving church.
   2. From Christ, the faithful companion.
   3. How does a church lose it’s first love?
   4. What is the remedy?
      1. Remember.
      2. Repent.
      3. Return.
   5. Compare the promise of Revelation 2:7 with the fulfillment in Revelation 22:2.
2. Smyrna – The crowned church (dead 600BC-AD290) (Revelation 2:8-11)
   1. To the materially poor, yet spiritually rich church.
   2. From Christ, the loving Savior.
   3. How is LIFE a key phrase in this letter?
   4. What are the enduring riches (Revelation 2:9)?
   5. How does this crown of life relate to these riches (Revelation 2:10)?
3. Pergamum – The compromising church (library) (Revelation 2:12-17)
   1. To the tolerant (of false teaching) church.
   2. From Christ, the warring Lord.
   3. The church is guilty of what? (Revelation 2:14-15).
   4. Compare this church to Ephesus (Revelation 2:2).
   5. How do you account for the two words YOU and THEM? (Revelation 2:16)
   6. Compare the phrase “new name” (Revelation 2:17) with references in Revelation 3:12, 22:4, 21:1-5).
4. Thyatira – The corrupted church (huge ovens) (Revelation 2:18-29)
   1. To the church slipping into idolatry.
   2. From Christ, the heart-searcher.
   3. What is the impact of the word, “withstanding” (Revelation 2:20)?
   4. Compare Revelation 2:27 with Revelation 19:15.
   5. What is symbolized by the morning star (Revelation2:28, 22:16)?
5. Sardis – The crippled church (1500′ plateau) (Revelation 3:1-6)
   1. To the lifeless church.
   2. From Christ, the coming judge.
   3. Study the theme of watchfulness in this letter (Matthew 24:36-51).
   4. Compare Revelation 3:5 with Revelation 20:12 (the Book of Life).
6. Philadelphia – The committed church (door) (Revelation 3:7-13)
   1. To the faithful church.
   2. From Christ, the sovereign Lord.
   3. What is meant by “open door” (Revelation 3:8)?
   4. The word “temptation” means trial (Revelation 3:10).
   5. What does it mean “to keep you from the hour of”?
   6. Compare Revelation 3:12 with Revelation 21:2, 3, 22.
7. Laodicea – The comatose church (aqueducts) (Revelation 3:14-22)
   1. To the lukewarm church.
   2. From Christ, the reigning king.
   3. What spiritual condition is described by the word, lukewarm (Revelation3:16)?
   4. What is the sin of Revelation 3:17?
   5. Is this common today?
   6. What is the solution (Revelation 3:18)?
   7. Compare Revelation 3:21 with Revelation 22:3.
   8. How does Revelation 3:20-21 serve as a conclusion to the entire group of seven letters?

Notes:

1. Nicolatians (Revelation 2:6, 15) – likely a sect advocating deeds of abomination and impurity such as pagan feasts and “free love.”
2. Tribulation 10 days (Revelation 2:10) – likely symbolizing a short period of suffering.
3. Satan’s seat (Revelation 2:13) – likely a reference to the massive altar for Zeus, in Pergamum, the altar of Satan. There was much persecution; Antipas was a victim. This altar was discovered and unearthed and moved to Berlin, and the backdrop for Hitler’s rise to power.
4. Doctrine of Balaam (Revelation 2:14) – (a reference to Numbers 22-25, 31) likely about teaching that the people of God should intermarry with pagans and compromise into idolatrous worship.
5. That woman Jezebel (Revelation2:20) – likely a reference to Jezebel on the OT (1 Kings 16:31-33, 19:2, 21:1-16, 2 Kings 9:33-35), who corrupted her followers with immorality and idolatry.
6. I will keep you from the hour of trial (Revelation3:10) – likely not an exemption from trials but the hour or event of the trial. Premillennialists see this as being raptured before the seven year tribulation. However, this teaching apparently mocks the early church’s suffering when those who happen to be at the end times will miraculously avoid such suffering.
7. How are these churches similar to the churches of today?
   1. Sins?
   2. Spiritual threats?
   3. Source of power?
   4. Mission?
   5. Action to be taken against false teaching?
   6. Being an overcomer (1 John 5:4-5)?
   7. Patience and perseverance?
   8. What is meant by Jesus removing their candlestick (Revelation2:5) and spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16)?