Chapter 13 – The Revelation Perspective
When dealing with the structure of the book of Revelation it is important to have an understanding of the Jewish mindset, especially concerning prophecy. Many attempt to interpret the book through western protestant glasses. This will lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and incorrect conclusions. The book of Revelation was written from a Jewish perspective and for a Jewish audience initially. At least the first ten years and 250,000 members of the Christian dispensation were basically of Jewish descent. It wasn’t until after this foundation had been well established that the Gospel began making significant inroads into Gentile communities.
The first journey begins when Paul, Barnabus, and Mark, set out from Antioch (Acts 13:4). This journey started after 44 AD and ended a “long time” (Acts 14:28) before 50 AD. John would not even record his visions and instructions in The Revelation until almost 60 years after Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary, by this time thousands of Jews had been converted to Christianity.
Rome was in turmoil and John was considered the main cause of contention. The emperor Domitian was filled with rage, He could neither dispute the reasoning of Christ’s faithful advocate, nor match the power that attended his utterance of truth; yet the emperor determined that he would silence his voice.
A legend states, John was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil; but the Lord preserved the life of His faithful servant, even as He preserved the three Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace (Dan. 3). It makes sense that this is how the story actually played out.
Failing to silence God’s faithful servant, Domitian had John banished to the Isle of Patmos; an isolated rocky prison off the coast of the Mediterranean, a place of banishment with no possibility of parole. It was there that God used His aged servant to offer up to the world the most significant revelations ever. Never think you are too old to be of significant service in the cause of Christ. John’s life is a testimony that God will use anyone willing no matter the age or circumstances.
John had a vast knowledge of the Old Testament scrolls, plus what had been offered through the other disciples and most of all Paul’s letters. For this reason, we find, out of the 404 verses in the Revelation, 276 are direct quotations from these other sources. John also had an experiential background with the Sanctuary Service growing up Jewish, and developed the most vivid understanding of all the disciples, as to its relevance to Christ the Messiah. Because of this background he was the perfect candidate to record the visions given on Patmos (the Revelation), ensuring that the foundation of the messages was tied directly to the Sanctuary Service and the Atonement.
Even with these fundamentals that establish the foundation of the book, the framework is also most relevant for those alive at the end of time, as the book was recorded specifically with those in mind. “The events that would take place in the closing scenes of this earth’s history were outlined before him (John); and there he wrote out the visions he received from God. When his voice could no longer testify to the One whom he loved and served, the messages given him on that barren coast (of Patmos) were to go forth as a lamp that burneth, declaring the sure purpose of the Lord concerning every nation on the earth.” (Acts of the Apostles pp 571) So the messages were for the entire planet, everyone at the end would be involved, not one nation would be left out of the loop.
This sure purpose concerning every nation is tied directly to the 6:1 ratio. As one examines the first seven chapters of Revelation we find a concerted emphasis in chapters one through six on Christ and His mission, with chapter seven focusing on those who receive this greater revelation of Christ and reflect His character (the 144,000). We’ve mentioned this before, but now let’s break it down further.
Chapter one not only identifies the churches selected for seven particular messages, but offers up an interesting description of Christ. This description itself is a 6:1 ratio, as six specific features are mentioned describing His countenance: Head/Hair were white – eyes a flame of fire – feet like brass – thundering voice – stars in His right Hand – double edged sword out of His month, (Rev. 1:14-16). “And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the paps with a golden girdle”. There is a reason why Christ is described as such.
John has been an eye-witness to the sufferings and passion of Christ his friend and Lord. He has seen Christ crucified, His visage marred as Isaiah would record, “As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men”, (Is. 52:14). Now revealed to John in vision is his Lord in a glorified appearance.
White is the color of purity, His head and hair are white like wool. Wool is soft, comfortable, soothing but also derived from sheep, the sacrificial choice for the tabernacle service. Here is represented a pure perfect sacrifice, one that was innocent of any crime, John’s Lord, a pure perfect sacrifice, risen to glory, acceptable unto God.
His eyes shine like fire, a brilliant penetrating color in contrast to the purity of His face. His eyes are ever searching for those in need, those who will stand for truth, those in conflict with evil.
“For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth. Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” ( Zech. 4:10-11) These are the two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.”
John’s vision in chapter one is centered in the prophecies of Zechariah, the same Lampstands are revealed, the same stone which is Christ, the living law, He is the Branch (Zech. 3:8) – tseh-makh, that which has produced real fruit from the earth. These eyes searching the land are eyes looking for those that possess a heart for understanding.
Feet like brass – Daniel from the Old Testament sees the same figure in chapter 10, a being with dazzling glory as he stands near the great Tigris River. John knows this is his Lord that has trod the path to Calvary, only feet made of brass could endure such a trek. The context of chapter 10 in Daniel finds its basis in perseverance. He is left alone to experience the vision, he had been fasting for weeks, he was weak physically. This glorious being had also been delayed for weeks as the prince of the Persian kingdom stood against Him but now He has come to Daniel to impart strength and understanding. What a fantastic lesson to all who will live at earth’s darkest hour, when satan will come against God’s faithful in dragon-like wrath. May our feet be sod with a preparation of the gospel of truth; our feet too must be like fine brass; we must go the distance for truth’s sake.
“His voice as the sound of many waters” – Daniel hears the same voice like the sound of a vast multitude. This is a being that speaks with authority, the authority of heaven itself. This will be of particular concern for those living near probations close, for the world will be arrayed against the faithful of God. Every other voice will be demanding that the saints walk the broad road, a direction that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). Many will sound the message to concede to the majority and forsake the foolishness of Scripture and walk in the light of tradition. God’s remnant will hear the voice of the good Sheppard and follow Him, for it is the voice of authority and they can do none else, though they slay me, yet will I stand on God’s word will be their reply.
The seven stars in his right hand – The word for star is the word Aster and it means just what you’d think, a shining heavenly body. When we gaze into the heavenly we are amazed at the enormity and brilliance of God’s creation, and to think He calls them all by name (Ps. 147:4), for each one has its own unique brilliance (1 Cor. 15:41). These brilliant heavenly bodies are a fitting representation of the Angels of heaven, God’s special messengers to do His bidding and assist in His work of redeeming humanity. These are the faithful angels not the ones fallen from grace and cast out. The statement that He holds them in His right hand (the hand of authority) is a comforting sentiment for believers, to know that these faithful angels, these supernatural beings are under God’s supervision and have great joy in helping humanity in times of difficulty, this is a tremendous blessing.
From Christ’s mouth a sharp two-edged sword is revealed – What do you have with a sword that cuts both ways? What is the lesson, especially necessary for God’s people at the end of time? Here we see depicted a simple choice. The author of Hebrews reveals the same context in chapter 4, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb.4:12).
Discernment will be a most necessary characteristic for those living just before Christ returns. Deception will be the norm for all of society and even nearly every church organization. “For false christ’s and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, so much so that if possible they will deceive the very elect” (Matt. 24:24).
A casting off of the Bible as their creed will leave multitudes without the ability to discern danger. Christ says he has informed us ahead of time, verse 25 of Matt. Every living person will make a choice for life or death at that time, now is the time to settle that question.
All of these six descriptions of Christ shine forth in His countenance, a 6:1 ratio relevant especially for those living at the end. As we strive, through the power of the Holy Spirit to reflect Christ’s character, may each of these descriptions be revealed in our lives as well.
Chapters two and three provide the details of the messages to the seven churches. These also if correctly understood present a 6:1 ratio; this is a demonstration of the Hebrew exegesis at play once again, the idea that prophecy is something built upon with many applications contributing to the fulfillment, (multiple applications pointing to the ultimate fulfillment).
There were numerous church congregations sprinkled throughout the country-side in the 1st century but only seven churches are selected from Asia Minor to be listed in the beginning of John’s inspiration. So, we know these messages had a literal application since the local congregations met the criteria God needed. However, these messages would also be applicable to progressive periods of time extending to the 2nd coming of Christ. They would correspond to characteristics of God’s people relative to their experiences and relationship developed with Him, as well as illustrating the contrast between truth and error.
If a reader is not aware of the 6:1 framing of the book they will miss the ultimate message portrayed. The first six messages find their fulfillment in the last, the message to the Laodicean’s; all the basic characteristics of the first six are combined in the seventh. We have documented these in an end-time chart that is available through our website. What we want to do now is apply a summary comparison between each church listed with the last one (Laodicea).
The first church is Ephesus, the name when used in Rev. 1 means “permitted” in other words the inspired message was being permitted to go to this city. The Greek definition of the name is “First, Darling or Desired One” The city Ephesus was certainly the darling of Asia Minor, situated on the sea coast of the Aegean Sea, it was so spectacular for its time it was also referred to as the Light of Asia.
The city was established as a pagan city by the Anatolians who promoted the worship of the goddess Diana. The temple to Diana established in Ephesus honoring her name was one of the ancient wonders of the world, 4 times the size of the Parthenon in Athens. The city boasted over 1 million residences.
The last church Laodicea lies on the same latitude line as Ephesus approximately 175 Kilometers further east. Just as Adam was the first man, a faithful and true witness for God before sin and the reported patriarch of Ephesus, the Church of Laodicea is proclaimed to be the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. (Rev. 3:14-15) Ephesus and Laodicea share these characteristics. The last generation proclaims itself to be an enlightened generation, Ephesus made the same claim.
Christ states of this 1st church, “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patients…nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Rev.2:2-4).
Though many positive attributes are mentioned, this 1st church has taken all that Christ has done for granted. This is certainly an easy trap to fall into and one that is highlighted as well with Laodicea; they are pictured as wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and not even aware of it (Rev. 3:17). They have not only taken Christ for granted, but their mission as well.
Next we have the church in Smyrna, ten years of persecution against Christians is highlighted, most likely a result of the deranged Emperor Diocletian. Smyrna lies about 60 Kilometers northwest of Ephesus, it is a sea port city and also quite popular for trade and cultural endeavors. It is the only one of the 7 listed to have survived all these years and is the modern Turkish city of Izmir.
Despite its pagan influence and rivalry from the neighboring cities of Ephesus and even Pergamos, Smyrna became a stronghold for the Christian faith. By the mid-2nd century it boasted Christian leadership such as Polycarp, a pastor who stood his ground even under the penalty of death. Polycarp was martyred in 156 AD, “be faithful until death and I will give you a crown of life”, this was what they held onto, the very promises of God. Many saints were martyred.
In the church of Laodicea, the last church represented, faithfulness will once again be a prime consideration. “For the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 12:17). A death decree will not dissuade the righteous from their mission of exalting the character of Christ and a proclamation of the truth.
The devil once again brings persecution upon the faithful, those living in the last dispensation of time; even until death. Their witness will be just as critical as was that of Polycarp and the rest of those who gave their lives for the cause of Christ.
Another 60 Kilometers north was the ancient city Pergamos which Scripture aptly labels the compromising church. Those in the city inherited and practiced the ancient system of sun worship. The roots of this pagan practice extended back to Babylon itself, with the city being identified as Satan’s seat or throne.
The name means elevated and was descriptive of the location, much of the city’s main attractions being built on the surrounding mount. It boasted a large library 2nd only to that in Alexandria and was well known for its medical establishments.
The church of Laodicea will also display these same qualities: a lukewarm or compromising church, one that is literate with a wealth of knowledge, medical and technological advancements are just a sample of that which the age of Laodicea can boast. The Laodicean’s, God’s end-time church will also fall prey to traditions rooted in Babylonian philosophy and religion. The similarities are uncanny “Thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balac to cast a sumblingblock before the children of Israel”. (Rev. 2:14) Christ says to Laodicea because of your lukewarmness, “I will spue you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:16). There are pictured many that have as well compromised the truth.
Thyatira is listed as the corrupt church primarily because the self-appointed prophetess Jezebel has been allowed to teach and seduce God’s servants. Truth is always going to be under attack, the enemy of God will always look for ways and means to deceive. The most effective method is one of infiltration, gain control at the teaching level where folks are vulnerable and easy to influence and the enemy will be effective at deception and distorting the truth. Is it any wonder why this church, Thyatira is in such pathetic shape compared to God’s ideal?
Thyatira among other trades was the text-tile capital of the ancient world; inscriptions found there mention the following: wool-workers, linen-workers, makers of outer garments, dyers, leather-workers, tanners, potters, bakers, slave-dealers, and bronze-smiths. The city was the smallest of the seven selected, and was 50 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.
It should be remembered that, as the experiences of Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamos, will be repeated in the last church before the second coming of Christ, so the history of Thyatira will have its counterpart in the last generation also. The power of Jezebel will again be felt. What was once done by a church in days of intellectual darkness will be repeated in days of great light. The union of the church and state will be followed by laws compelling obedience to man-made laws, instead of the laws of God. The law of God will be trampled underfoot; for a church with civil power always works the works of Jezebel. Just as Elijah fled before ancient Jezebel, so those proclaiming the last warning message, of which Elijah was a type, will be persecuted by this power. This message is impressed upon the minds of those living in the latter days by the oft-repeated words, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Rev.2:7)
It takes conditioning to accomplish such a degree of corruption in any Government, business, or church organization. The Church in Thyatira did not follow the blueprint of God in many areas for decades, Laodicea follows the same course and becomes just
as corrupt, they teach in their seminaries and colleges the practices of Ignatius Loyola, the Jesuit founder; spiritual disciplines, contemplative prayer, age old seductive spiritualism, right from the Jezebel chronicles, leading multitudes away from the simplicity of the Gospel and the truth.
Sardis is the fifth church that is sent a message. It lies approximately 80 Kilometers east of Smyrna. God states, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive but you are dead.” There’s no way to fool our heavenly Father, He knows the end from the beginning. We are only kidding ourselves if we are playing church with God.
The real tragedy is those that witness such a display of indifference and unfaithfulness and do nothing; the impact it will create on individuals and society in general is a travesty. This church body was declared lifeless but perhaps thought, since it was going through the motions, this would be sufficient. This is much worse than being hot or even cold from a spiritual perspective. Unfortunately, this is just where Laodicea ends up also and yet the whole time thinking themselves to be rich and increased with goods in need of nothing. (Rev. 3:18)
Jesus condemned this behavior even when He was here on earth, Church leadership was not immune:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matt. 23:27)
They are declared lifeless because they lack the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that provides life to the body of Christ. Though they are a religious body they are not Spirit filled or led. Those in Sardis are likened to the foolish virgins in Matthew 25, pretending they are alive when they are not. The same character exits in the church of Laodicea at the end. The story Christ told in Matt. 25 (the wise and foolish virgins), illustrated the condition of his church just before He would return in the clouds of Glory – they had no oil!
In the sixth church God sets before the congregation an open door. The interesting aspect is that no one can close it. If a door can be opened it usually means it can also be closed but not so in this case. This is a door that was scheduled to be opened at just a particular time, the time of the church of Philadelphia. This door cannot be closed because it is out of human control to accomplish; this is expressing a work of God alone.
We see in the commentary of this church message, an indication that God could have come during this time in history, “Because thou has kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown,” (Rev. 3:10-11). Just before Christ returns the world will be in severe chaos and His people under tremendous trial.
Many scholars see in these verses (7-13) reference to the Sanctuary Service, with the opening and closing of doors illustrating the reality of the opening of the door to the Most Holy Place in Heaven, and closing the door of Holy place ministry by Christ in the Sanctuary above.
Many of the 404 verses in the Revelation are quotes from particularly Old Testament writers. Under inspiration John pulls from the writings of Isaiah and a story of a servant that is given the key to the house of David. This worthy servant is now in charge of who has entrance into the kingdom of God. (Isaiah 22:21) This is an obvious metaphor of the work of Christ in opening the door to the Most Holy where His Father’s throne is. It is only through this servant (Christ) that anyone has access to the Father (John 14:6).
This last phase of heavenly ministry by Christ is also an indicator that probationary time is drawing to a close. “He that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall go no more out…and I will write upon him, My new name. (Rev. 3:12)
This language pictures numerous end-time events that surround the coming of Christ: a time of Trumpets and Plagues separated by a closing of probationary time and even after the millennial period.
The Church of brotherly love (Philadelphia), is a major prerequisite for those alive when Christ’s comes to rescue His saints, in fact a greater understanding of this “sacrificial love” than ever before is necessary. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians challenges the brethren there to allow Christ to dwell in their hearts by faith; that they might be rooted and grounded in love (This challenge is for us as well).
That they may be able to comprehend what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, a four dimensional love, which passes knowledge, that allows for the filling of all the fullness of God. Paul wants to make all men realize the extent of Christ’s love to save us, it is more of a mystery then most believe, in fact one which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God (Eph. 3:17-18, 9,10).
This mystery concerns not only the decision to save humanity but what the cost would be; according to the Eternal purpose, which He the Father purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (verse 11). You see that price was not only His physical death at Calvary but His Omnipresence, to satisfy the transgression of His Father’s eternal law. Christ must make two offerings, one human, one Divine (Eph. 5;2). His sacrifice would be infinite, eternal. (WOW!) (MORE THAN WOW!!) You can discover more of this amazing sacrifice in our publication, “The Ark Secret”.
The final church listed in John’s letter is Laodicea. What chance do they have? They are the embodiment of characteristics of all those that have gone before them. This leaves such a bad taste in the month of Christ He declares He will spue them out of His mouth. (Rev. 3:16)
What hope could there be for such a church that is: wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked? And they don’t even know it! (verse 17) Christ in mercy provides the answer, “buy of Me” three things; Gold, White Raiment, and Eye-Slave. The saints at the end of time must possess holy discernment (eye-salve), provided through the Holy Spirit; they must be wearing by faith the righteousness of Christ (His perfect character), and be utilizing the heaven sent asset (Gold) an experience of total trust in God’s ability to save. Gold that is tried, gold that has had all impurities burned away, the dross is gone, only the purity of the precious metal is left. This is a mighty tall order for those who know not their true condition but true love, heaven sent love will prevail. The word for love in verse 19 is the word Phileo, not perhaps the one Bible students would expect like agape (self sacrificing Love). Phileo means to love; but a; to be friendly kind of love, to approve, to like, to treat affectionately.
A true friend is just what we will need at that time; the sacrifice (the agape) has already been made, by God and His Son and also by those living through to the very end, for they will be sealed for Glory. “Gather My saints together unto Me, those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice (Ps. 50:5). All of God’s 6:1 ratios have a happy and joyous ending for the redeemed.
The next three chapters move us directly to the throne room where the Father is presiding. Notice that around the throne (chapter 4) there are 24 seats with 24 elders sitting on them, and also 4 living beast around the throne, (Rev. 4:6-8) another 6:1 ratio around God’s throne. Chapters five and six walk us through the seven seals, which if correctly understood presents another 6:1 ratio. We have an entire presentation in the 7 chapter series on the seven seals; this can be downloaded as an e-book or purchased in written form.
The loosening of the seals is something tied directly to Christ and His ministry, with the first six taking place apart from the opening of the scroll. The seventh occurs after the millennium and takes place in the context of the opening itself. Remember the information in the scroll is distinctly different than the loosening of its seals. The scroll cannot be opened until all 7 seals are loosened by Christ.
Chapter seven is the result of this greater revelation of who Christ is and the role He has played in our Salvation. This will be an essential element in the character development of the 144,000 mentioned in chapter seven. We have an entire presentation of the mission of the 144,000 in the 7 Chapter Series, this can be downloaded as an e-book or purchased with the binder system. It is not a coincidence that this group doesn’t show up again until the end of the next 6:1 ratio found in chapter 14.
The sure purpose of the framing structure in Revelation which is indicated through the 6:1 ratio is directly tied to the very first example of this ratio; that of the weekly cycle established at creation. As the book of Revelation concerns the end-time drama that will unfold, the weekly cycle is also at the heart of this controversy. Very few in the world today realize that what God established in the very beginning, (His weekly cycle, a 6:1 ratio) would be instrumental also at the very end to test His people and the entire world. The reason this is utilized is because it is completely fair, (He used a tree to test the entire world in Eden with Adam & Eve), and today no one has any more time than any other. Make no mistake about it though; it is a test of loyalty, the very same as in the beginning.
John is revealing in the very framework of Revelation the importance of this cycle of time at the end of the world. Six days are ours to use for work and pleasure, the seventh belongs to God. His fingerprint is all over it, having established it and set it aside for holy use. It is this use of His special time (the seventh day), that will determine the fate of many.