Chapter 5 – The Proper Framing
The proper framing of any structure is secured onto a solid 2 dimensional foundation. The framing adds a three dimensional perspective, defining more clearly the building particulars. It is the skeletal portion of the building on which hang all the finishing implements. If properly perceived the Scriptures also utilize framing, there are numerous examples of a 6:1 framing ratio in the Bible.
What circumstances and implements of the human heart would we expect to discover near the close of human probation? A world ready to meet their Savior? a people that have developed a close relationship with Christ; truly their best friend? I’m sure you realize the reality is quite the contrary, we find a world that is not ready in any sense for any such event, plus a church that is in part, also distracted from their mission. The proper framing of the book of revelation allows us to perceive just where we are in the scope of time and the final events of prophecy. It is an understanding of the framing that will create true reform and reformation within God’s end-time Church. The book of Revelation frames end-time considerations into three 6:1 ratios.
Chapters 1-6, then 7 forming the first 6:1 ratio
Chapters 8-13, then 14 forming the second 6:1 ratio
Chapters 15-20, then 21 (22) forming the last 6:1.
Chapters and verses are not typically under inspiration, having been added long after the original manuscripts. Yet, quite amazingly the book breaks down into an almost perfect series of three ratios, with the epilog of chapter 22 bringing us full circle, summarizing chapter one and adding a warning to those adding to or deleting any content. Let’s take a closer look at the breakdown.
The first 6 chapters of the book expound on the first five words, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” these words will be particularly insightful for those alive when probations hours are about to close, the saints near the end will need a greater understanding and experience of who Christ is and a greater appreciation of the Lord that they serve and His sacrifice.
The Greek word, Apocalypse (Revelation) – means to reveal, make known, to uncover. Jesus Christ (the Christos), is the anointed one, the one that would accomplish the atonement (the Messiah). Atonement means to satisfy, reconcile, fulfill, to cover. The first five words of Revelation could literally be stated as; THE UNCOVERING OF THE COVERING.
Chapter 7 reveals the results of this greater understanding of who Christ is, especially in regards to His sacrifice. The sure result of this greater understanding introduces the development of the 144,000, who will eventually be sealed for glory, these are individuals that never taste physical death, living through to be translated when Christ comes a second time.
The main focus for the next 6 chapters (8 – 13) is a time of trouble that occurs before probationary time closes, also referred to as the time of the Trumpets.
“And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound”. (Rev. 8:2, 6)
These are plagues or disasters that ravage the land but are still mingled with God’s mercy. These trumpet’s, sound a special warning to a distracted world.
Scripture presents them as affecting only one-third of a particular area, to reveal that humanity is still the recipient of some benefit of God’s mercy. There are many particulars in these chapters that we don’t have time to explore at this time, that are most insightful. This lesser time of trouble (before probationary time closes) will cause many problems for earth’s inhabitance. God is allowing this devastation to awaken as many hearts as possible to the nearness of probation’s close and His prompt return thereafter.
Chapter 14 opens again with the 144,000 who have now been sealed, called at the very last to bring the last message of warning to the world just before probation closes. The framing of these chapters reveals another 6:1 ratio.
The main consideration in chapters 15 – 20 reveal events that occur during a greater time of trouble (also known as Jacob’s time of trouble), as God’s wrath is poured-out, now unmixed with mercy since probationary time has closed. The Trumpets are the first 7 plagues that occur before probationary time runs out, after probation closes the last 7 plagues fall. The most important event in human history is that event that occurs between these two outpouring of plagues. The last plagues are devastating to the final unrepentant inhabitance of the planet, while they do not affect the remnant of God. God’s saints are now pictured as being (like Noah), in the ark of safety, none are harmed or martyred after probation’s close.
Chapter 21-2 is the last part of the final 6:1 framing ratio and deals with all things being made new, with sin having finally been purged from God’s creation. The chapter continues with a general description of the city of God which descends to the surface in preparation for the refashioning of the planet after the millennial rest (the 1,000 year shemitah).
Chapter 22 is a basic summary conclusion, tying together the entire book; the book of Revelation has revealed the ultimate events that occur on both sides of the main issue, the closing of probationary time. This is such an important issue there is a last warning given, against altering any of the content of the book. This warning is a safeguard as to preserve the framing of events and the 6:1 ratio.
The framing of any building is not only an extension of the foundation but defines the building more clearly. It literally takes a two-dimensional perspective that often times is imbedded at ground level and transforms it to a three dimensional reality. Even though all the finishing aspects are still necessary, the framing helps to further establish the parameters of the structure. The framing is the extension that ties together the foundation to all the finishing aspect of the building. It’s like the skeleton of the body, facilitating every function of it.
The foundation for the book of revelation is the Sanctuary Service; the framing extension ties together the reality of the details of that symbolic service directly accomplished by Messiah, who is the reality of that very service – the way, the truth and the life Jn. 14:6). God’s 7 cycle, displayed as a 6:1 ratio perspective in the book of Revelation, facilitates the focus of the final events in the plan of Salvation. The remnant or 144,000 then become the finishing aspects of the Sanctuary, supported by the power and strength of the framing (Christ Himself), and filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.