The sea beast represents unspecified nations, institutions, and powers that Satan uses to his ends. There is little wonder: the book seems mysterious, obscure, and challenging to the point that many do not want to tackle it. [29] Joseph Smith would be a latter-day example. It is first mentioned by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 16:18: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.. [20] This foundation is composed of three elements. The Seer turned and saw the Savior, albeit cast in dual symbolic forms: the Root of David and a Lamb as it had been slain, or better, sacrificed (vv. Unfortunately, the most popular prophetic teachers in our day are those who have gone out on a limb. Bring your order ID or pickup code (if applicable) to your chosen pickup location to pick up your package. He will talk peace, prosperity, and plenty, not as a means to lead us to God, but as ends in themselves. Nor quails before the loudest thunder shock. The book uses a variety of methods to unlock some of the mysteries surrounding the apocalyptic language that permeates the prophetic book in order to give a realistic . Ye call Me Noble and serve Me not. J. Vernon McGee, "One of the paradoxes of this age is that it is the age of Pacifism, but not the age of peace." He will use his freedom once more to make war, but that war will end in his eternal punishment and incarceration in the lake of fire and brimstone (20:10). In the notes which I have made on this book, I have attempted to avoid the pitfall of presenting something new and novel just for the sake of being different. They were in the midst of the greatest crisis yet faced by the early Church. Here they worship Him as Creatorthou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. In other words, the church comes out of this little earth which is God's creation, and they join in the worship because he created this earth down here. This is the reason that a knowledge of the rest of the Bible is imperative to an understanding of the Book of Revelation. This view was held by Renan and by most German scholars, also by Elliott. As the third vision of the Savior opens, the Lord stands with the 144,000 on Mount Zion. J. Vernon McGee, Dear Jane: His coming will mark the end of the period of evil. [20] The elements listed here pertain to Christian apocalyptic in general. Then He says, I was dead, and, behold, I am alive. And His instruction is, Write the things which are. This is present tense, referring to Christs present ministry. As stated, the teacher should use latter-day scriptures to inform Revelation. The Lord Jesus Christ. Then how can I be growing old Above all his fellows, he was obedient to the will of the Father and true to every trust imposed upon him. [12] It is important to note that he comes to make war. The second is the books exposure of the great enemies of the last days and their objectives and work. [10] The number is first used in chapter 7 as a symbol for those latter-day missionaries who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people . When Jesus Christ chose His disciples, He didn't choose Olympic champs or Roman senators. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges. (3.) No longer can it be defined as the power of unlimited coercion. That warning ought to make these wild and weird interpreters of prophecy stop, look, and listen. Especially since World War I, great strides have been made in this field. There are other indications: wealth beyond the wildest dreams of our forefathers, an income of 5 billion dollars in 1959, a building program that will see $800,000,000 spent in new church structures. Darkness and Light: The Day of the Lord That is, apocalyptic reality consists of two irreducible elements or opposing principles: good and evil. 1 (2013): 83107. Note chapter 18, verses 1213, which shows all she has to sell. To that grand statement I say hallelujah! Prophecy, like apocalyptic, is predictive, but concentrates on a future which arises out of the present such that historical flow is not interrupted. $31.99 Overview This verse-by-verse commentary offers a text-focused and Christ-centered approach to the book of Revelation. And to them will I reveal all the mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom. Thanks be to the interpretive material found in sections 29, 77, 88, and others of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, [and other latter-day scriptures], . Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Select the Pickup option on the product page or during checkout. Consideration 4: Difficult Passages and How to Teach Them. Another house not made by hand, Revelation: An Apostolic Commentary is a detailed journey through the Apostle John's vision as given to him by the glorified Jesus Christ while in exile on the island of Patmos. [43] The best solution seems to be to understand this number, as with all other numbers in Johns work, as metaphorical and symbolic. As a result of this falling away, that man of sin, a son of perdition, would be revealed, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple [that is, the Church] of God, showing himself that he is God (2 Thessalonians 2:34). Flaming eyes, feet burning as brass, or various colored stones are all means by which John catches and holds the minds eye. You'll be able to see things in Scripture that may have previously gone unnoticed, providing . Thus, only God will be able to overcome the power of Satan and wickedness which exist in it. The title emphasizes one important point: Jesus rules history and governs its outcome. [52] It is important that the book of Revelation not be skipped because Johns work gives added details on three important subjects. Ye call Me Fair and love Me not. Then the church is brought before us, and the whole history of the church is given. 4. Maybe I've struck a better job. There was a phenomenal growth in church membership, especially after World War II, but that took place for only a few years. As Savior, he was to prepare the hall, assemble the musicians, and see that the score was played out exactly as his Father designed so that the worlds history would end in a great crescendo exactly as God had planned. The revelation of Jesus Christ in the third vision (Revelation 14). One chapter is of particular note. This viewpoint has been answered and, I think, relegated to the limbo of lost things. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. This frail old shell in which I dwell 1112). [39] For discussion, see V. S. Poythress, Genre and Hermeneutics in Revelation 20:16, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 36 (1993): 4954. Eugene Boring has compiled an even more comprehensive list. This has raised a very serious problem, and later on we will have repercussions from it. In chapters 23 we see the church. The Possession of Jesus Christthe church in the world is His, chapters 23. Amillennial. The growth went from 20 percent of the population in 1884 to 35 percent of the population in 1959. 3. Then he moves up to the time of creation: All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:3). He has told us further that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the nightTherefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief (D&C 106:45). In Genesis was the marriage of the first Adam; in Revelation is the marriage of the Last Adam. However, it is important not to commingle the two revelations. Top 3. His glory you will see, sometime, somewhere. The book uses a variety of methods to unlock some of the mysteries surrounding the apocalyptic language that permeates the prophetic book in order to give a realistic . Hence we cannot go far in the study of the Revelation without seeing the Lamb. And there is no reason to misunderstand it. In very deed, the Lords scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come (D&C 97:23). And I hope that you are going to read it with me. Thus the depiction is an excellent symbol for those degenerate and depraved governments, institutions, businesses, and churches that exist in the last days, all of which, for wealth, fame, or power, misuse and corrupt those under their control or influence. Read it with your Bible open and your heart ready to go deeper as the Lord leads you through His Word. Therefore, I want to be with Him. Terms apply. [9] The Greek word sphaz, though denoting murder, was also a technical term describing the Mosaic sacrifice of a lamb. , another rough asyndeton. . . ., a symbolical and corporate expression for the historical origin of the church in the primitive circle of the disciples who adhered to Jesus (cf. I see a lovely cottage encircled by a white picket fence. Also, the four living creatures met in chapter 4, verse 6, are located simultaneously at the corners of Gods throne and at the exterior of his dais. There are a number of good Latter-day Saint commentaries that the teacher will find helpful. In spite of these challenges, the book can be understood. (2) In the midst of the street of it . And the actors can be heard on the media talk programs. He was really a back number, and he was still a postmillennialist. That is Gods intention, and that is Gods purpose. [46] Emil Bock, The Apocalypse of St. John the Divine, trans. [3] See Hugh Nibley, When the Lights Went Out: Three Studies in Ancient Apostasy (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1970), 194. At least ten great subjects of prophecy find their fulfillment in Revelation. One final example seems in order to show how this works. Being touched by nothing, they can be reached by nothing, and therefore saved by nothing, not even the terrible beating of the army of the horsemen, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone, who killed the third part of men (Revelation 9:1618). See The Words of Joseph Smith, ed. The symbols point to a desolating scourge [that] shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, which, as the Lord has said, shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming (D&C 5:19). Download the booklet. But such celebration seems premature; the enemy is still strong, arrogant, and eager for the challenge. When I was a young man and a new Christian, I was introduced to the theory known as postmillennialism. One of them is so complicated that I need a chart to understand his chart! Who really controls the world? The vision shows this is the time of judgment, and thus his vestments are bloodred (v. 13; compare to D&C 133:4647, 4951). Various ingenious attempts have been used to solve the riddle. Apocalypses were first written by the Jews but later picked up by the Christians. We are going to see that the living Christ is very busy doing things today. Down the vale a stream flows south to join the Lycus (near whose left bank Thyatira was situated), one of the chief tributaries of the Hermus, while its northern end is divided by only a ridge of small elevation from the Caicos Valley. I still can tread the Narrow Way, It was amazing to see how the facts of the Revelation could be dissipated into thin air by just saying, Well, these are symbols. But they never were able to tell us exactly what they were symbols of. To examine the ruins and study the locality is a very wonderful experience. Like direction posts along the road to remind us that He, who did by Himself purge our sins, is now highly exalted and that to Him every knee must bow and every tongue confess. John is the earliest known Christian writer to produce an original apocalypse using this genre as a kind of divine code. 6. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964), s.v. And wander 'round this earth no more, Both God and Satan have agents that work for them and strive to forward their objectives. When the beast shows up again in chapter 17, we can assume it denotes those same institutions. To us the Lord has stated, Unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man (D&C 68:11). The best guide is to allow modern revelation to inform Revelation. In chapter 17, the latter transforms into Babylon the great harlot, who drives the beast to do Satans bidding. And the Book of Revelation will complete the revelation of Christ. Rather, it was Gods direct response to their appeal. This is the first time he is pictured with these. Then on earth the Great Tribulation takes place, chapters 618. According to Doctrine and Covenants 33:1, the Saviors word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The imagery in Revelation emphasizes that the Lord continually exercises this power. He will direct your day as you continue to pray. The subject is not the beasts nor the bowls of wrath but the Sinbearer. From the whole observe, (1.) Apocalypses show that during the final evil age, righteousness will battle wickedness and win due to divine intervention that will bring in a glorious future. The message of the third vision. As with the images found in Ezekiel, the depictions are riddles demanding to be solved. Six would then be that which comes closest to wholeness but misses the mark and falls short of its potential. Celebrate the "NEW" God brings to our lives. In Genesis was Satans first rebellion; in Revelation is Satans last rebellion. The concern is, of course, not to be carried away by these and to use only those that best apply. 5. John did not choose the form of the vision; God did. But there is a tacit insistence that Gods ultimate victory is worked out within the frame work of human freedom. Also, it is important to note that not every detail described by John has deep significance. Use our Apostolic Bible commentary reference books to gain deeper insight in your studies. The word thus denoted any edged piece that was used for a specific purpose, including the saber used by the cavalry. K. Chesterton, "Thus spiritual death comes immediately through an unbroken line of posterity. I will be frank to say that I get a little disturbed today when I see what is happening in the world. Further, the book should be seen as showing general trends, personalities, and institutions that will be working from the time of the Restoration to the Lords Day. He will come as the warrior king to make the earth holy. The united witness of apocalyptic literature is that the consummation will come from outside the flow of history and thereby disrupt it to bring about Gods own ends. [21]. 2. This is a verse-by-verse composition of study notes through the Book of Revelation (a commentary in outline form). George McDonald, "If you will tell me why God let him loose in the first place, I'll tell you why God let him loose in the second place." II. [29] The book of Revelation proves this fact. In my opinion, interpretations of this type have hurt and defeated the purpose of the Book of Revelation. I have several charts sent to me by different men in whom I have great confidence. 12). She is able to win souls for the dragon by promoting acute materialism and immorality. In chapter 1, we see the glorified Christ. He chose simple people like you. . Their position? He was living when many of the Saints were discouraged, even frightened. Do you realize that He is the Head of the church? The triple repetition of the number intensifies the idea of incompleteness and failure. Appropriate for personal study and as a college and seminary text, this volume provides both in-depth notes and lay-oriented exposition for use by scholars, students, pastors, and laypeople. comment . Notice also that there is a tie between Genesis and Revelation, the first and last books of the Bible. He will spread the lie that men will never be better until they make society better." Some were fishermen, one was a political extremist, another was a publican, a nobody in that society. ", "The following notice appeared in a recent addition of the Sunday bulletin of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. It is seeing beyond the symbols to those realities that presents the biggest challenge to both teacher and student. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory. Even some of our premillennialists are trying to demonstrate that it is weird and wild. In his book he makes the statement that I was unable to answer his question. 7. (McGee, J. Vernon. That being the case, we can detect four levels in which the story communicates with the reader: the linguistic level, which is composed of the record of the text itself to be read and heard; a visionary level, which consist of Johns actual visionary experience; the referential level, which consists of the particular historical identification of the objects seen in the vision; and the symbolic level, which consists of what the symbols in the vision connote about their historical referents. [40], Let us use as an example the four living creatures met in chapter 4. He warned against false prophets and their source of inspiration and emphasized that God would not allow them to continue without consequence. He will help you speak when you're feeling weak. I see the hero and the heroine sitting out in a yard. The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, closes with the mention of the Son of Righteousness which is yet to rise. i. Alleluia is Hebrew for "Praise the Lord," saying it in the imperative sense. The end of everything we call life is close at hand., General Douglas MacArthur said, We have had our last chance., Former president Dwight Eisenhower said, Without a moral regeneration throughout the world there is no hope for us as we are going to disappear one day in the dust of an atomic explosion., Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler, expresident of Columbia University, said, The end cannot be far distant.. The third is a general outline of how history will flow through the millennial era, but especially just before the Second Coming. 1. A different scene greets me there. The outline followed is that of Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1977), 1921. . aphistami (cited hereafter as TDNT); Stephen E. Robinson, Warring against the Saints of God, Ensign, January 1988, 34. The Lamb had seven eyes and seven horns, which symbolize his omniscience and omnipotence (see v. 6). On the symbolical level, it depicts Johns latter-day work, beginning with his assistance in restoring the Melchizedek Priesthood on the earth and his work in assisting in the gathering of the ten tribes (see D&C 77:14). They had none. If all men must die, and if, at the end, heaven and earth must vanish along with those whose lives are irredeemably bounded by their worldly horizons, then it is surely in accord with the mercy of God that he should send men from time to time forceful reminders of the insecurity of their tenure. [13] The point is that Jesus is always the Savior and he intervenes to save the world by destroying its enemies. 4. Keep in mind that those who are destroyed are not annihilated. You see Him in charge of everything that takes place. Indeed, in Revelation, they found neither the suffering servant of Mark nor the new Moses of Matthew. Snell has put it so well that I would like to quote him: In the Revelation the Lamb is the center around which all else is clustered, the foundation upon which everything lasting is built, the nail on which all hangs, the object to which all points, and the spring from which all blessing proceeds. And so it has been down through the years. But, since it is time for me to turn over and go to sleep, I slip over to the final page. Who sacrificed His life for me Ye call Me Master and obey Me not. This is one book that doesnt require our labor in making divisions in it. Indeed, it is the prayers of the Saints that act as the trigger for his coming (see 8:34). It holds out a hope for a cursed earth, and that hope is the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ. We've forgotten an elementary fact about Christian witness, something that should encourage you: God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. According to Jude 1415, Enoch spoke of that, which takes us back to the time of the Genesis record. The reason is that if it includes all it should, it is so complicated that nobody will understand it. Grey hairs are honorable, they say. It seems, rather, that John is not calling for his readers to engage in a mathematical exercise as much as he is asking them to use moral discernment in order to avoid being entrapped by the beast. Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Jane, don't forget that we still need the ordinary in the hands of Christ to turn the world upside down. : Nelson Reference & Electronics, 1997). Is growing stronger every day. When someone makes the statement that premillennialism is something that originated one hundred years ago with an old witch in England, he doesnt know what he is talking about. The idea of making wild and weird interpretations is one of the reasons I enter this book with a feeling of fear. [37] The Lord instructed the prophet to put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel (Ezekiel 17:2). $23.95 2 Used from $37.50 8 New from $23.95. The message is that God saves not only humans but also animals that fulfill the measure of their creation. Revelation: An Apostolic Commentary is a detailed journey through the Apostle Johns vision as given to him by the glorified Jesus Christ while in exile on the island of Patmos. Author unknown, They were looking for a king Nero had Paul and Peter destroyed, but he looked upon them as seditious Jews. The importance of understanding that the book is symbolic. Participants at the Uppsala Colloquium on Apocalypticism refrained from even suggesting a definition. I read the first chapter of Genesis and I saw the things as they were done. [28] Bruce R. McConkie, Understanding the Book of Revelation, Ensign, September 1975, 87. It is best to see the symbols as showing the general flow of history and the peoples and institutions that are a part of it. Satanic delusions are not to get in the way for a season until all is done. Bernard of Cluny, Also sign me up to receive Thru the Bible's monthly newsletter by email. Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout. This thought motivated them to raise their voice to him in supplication. There is a second factor that gives me a feeling of alarm as I enter this book. Each image always explains and illuminates some aspect of its historical subject. If you will keep the incense burning there, Dr. McGee clearly spells out Gods scenario for the future as described in the Bible, event by event, from the Rapture to the New Jerusalem. And give Him all the glory. First, it is nearly always eschatological. [5] Within the pages of Revelation, they came to understand that the Lord was very aware of their plight and that the day would come when he would respond not only to their desires but also to those of all the other Saints who would be mauled and persecuted through the last days. [18]. The postmillennialists believed that the world would get better and better, that the church would convert the whole world, and then Christ would come and reign. This momentarily upset John, but an angel reassured him someone was found (see vv. Dr. Everything is inevitable; nothing is left to chance. Among the righteous there is great celebration (see vv. The land beast/Babylon represents those philosophies and false theologies that push forward Satans agenda, and the beast from the sea represents those kingdoms, governments, and institutions that live by and promote that philosophy and give the system its muscle. In fact, it looks as if the Devil is having a high holiday in the world, and I think he is, but God is going to work it out. Taking on the beasts mark (see Revelation 13:16) does not refer to tattoos or electronic implants. And it worked well. To the modern reader, Johns work paints a graphic picture of the last days, pointing out the dangers the Saints will face and showing them how to overcome. Most of the bookand it is no problem to count the verses so includedis clear and plain and should be understood by the Lords people. The present age is subject to the powers of evil. John states that he saw a scroll in heaven sealed with seven seals (see Revelations 5:12). [31] And one more example for illustration: in Revelation 6:4, John sees a rider with a great sword. Greek speakers used the term machaira for such things as a scalpel, a butcher knife, and even the dreaded Roman short sword. In Genesis the curse was pronounced; in Revelation the curse is removed. Then after chapter 3, the church is not mentioned anymore. 22:10). The dragon and his earthly minions will gather during these last days to make war against the Savior and his people (see 19:19; compare 1 Nephi 13:1417). People become so addicted to her ways that nothing, not even the horrors of war, can drive them from her (see 9:2021 and 16:1011). The Seer wrote with a definite objective in mind. [16] The Savior and his people must have time to prepare the earth for celestial glory. 1:3). Nay, do not say ungranted. Though the Lamb bears the terrible mark of sacrifice, the wound does not dominate the scene; the horns and eyes do. Also very helpful in determining the meaning of various depictions are the commonplace associations, coming mainly from the Old Testament but also from certain cultural elements, of Johns audience. As mysterious as the book of Revelation appears, it can be understood and taught with success. The mark as a number stands for the beast. If he misquotes the other Bible expositors as he misquotes me, I would have no confidence in his book whatsoever. As in the past it may have been, Joseph Smith changed the number to twelve, thus tying the image to the power of priesthood, the means by which the Lord does, indeed, operate in the world. We are sorry. The most important theme that runs through Johns masterwork is the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1). The Great Tribulation, spoken of back in Deuteronomy 4 where God says that His people would be in tribulation. The Person of Jesus ChristChrist in glory, chapter 1. The problem was that there was no one on earth, in heaven, or in the spirit world who was worthy to open the book. The form is now called apocalyptic. This genre of literature received its name from the first word in the Greek text of the Book of Revelation, apocalypsis, and from this the English word apocalypse is derived. They have been seduced by the ideological sophistry that the false lamb spews through all forms of mediathe image the inhabitants of the earth willingly created for it (see 13:14). No other piece has the sweep, power, organization, and grandeur of this masterwork, to say nothing of authentic inspiration. What though I falter in my walk? It is not our purpose to enter into the debate. The text also tells of another great star that fell from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; and the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood (vv. Of great curiosity is the mark and number of the beast (see vv. Consequently, the mortal limitations of time, space, and logic do not always apply, meanings are clothed in symbols, and a symbol can and often does have more than one correct meaning or interpretation. [51] By using both ancient and modern scriptures, the major messages of Revelation can be discerned. Some of the visions particulars reflect what John saw and round out the image giving vividness and power to his presentation.
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