Last week we saw that the key to the Book of the Revelation is found in Chapter 1 and verse 19 and we saw in this verse the threefold division of the book:
Division 1:
“Write” “the things which you have seen” and what John had seen is recorded in verses 10-18.
Christ in the midst of the 7 golden candlesticks (or lampstands) which is in past tense.
“and the things which are” these things will be recorded in chapters 2 and 3.
The professing church is traced from Pentecost to the Rapture. This is present tense and has been in progress since the Day of Pentecost.
Division 2:
“and the things which will take place after this”
This division begins with chapter 4 and continues until chapter 22 verse 5. This is essentially the prophetic part of the Revelation and this division is all future.
The seals, the trumpets, the vials, Babylon, the marriage of the Lamb, the Anti-Christ, Armageddon, the thousand year reign of Christ (the millenium), Satan’s imprisonment in the pit for a time are all future.
Division 3:
From Revelation 4:1 throughout the rest of the book is yet to be fulfilled. Where are we now?
Currently, we are living between Revelation 3: 7 and 3: 20 and there are members of the church of Philadelphia as noted in Revelation 3: 7 as well as there are representatives of the Laodicean church. The lukewarm who profess but do not possess the love of God and a genuine experience with the Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe that these are the closing hours of the Dispensation of Grace. Thus, the next outstanding event for the church is the Rapture and this could take place at any moment.
We have spoken before about Jesus words found in Matthew 24: 36 that reminds us that no ones knows the day or the hour.
Now 1 Thessalonians 5: 1, 7 reminds us we are not to be ignorant of the times and the seasons.
Revelation 1: 1-3 ESV says-
1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
In verses 1 and 2 it is clear that this is a Revelation to John from Jesus Christ, which He received from God Himself. The purpose is for you and I to know what is going to occur and that it is a testimony.
Then is verse 3 there is a threefold blessing pronounced. We spoke about this last week.
“Blessed is he who reads”
“those that hear the words of this prophecy”
“and keep those things which are written in it”
With that thought in mind, it is important then to know of the 12 distinct sections in the Book of Revelation. Understanding them will aid you in your study of this book.
Chapter 1: 1-9 is Introduction
Chapter 1: 10-18 is where Christ is seen in the midst of the 7 golden candlesticks which represent the churches in Asia.
Chapters 2 and 3: the church-Christ witness on earth-growing in departure from the truth and its first love. Moving farther and farther away from God until the church of Laodecia is spewed from His mouth and true believers are called out to meet Christ in the air (the Rapture).
Chapter 4 and 5: the saints are enthroned and glorified (1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18 will help in connection to this).
Chapters 6: 1 through 8: 1: the 7 seals are opened by the Lamb, who is the only one worthy to remove the seals.
Chapter 8 and 9, Chapter 11: 15-19 are the 7 trumpets sounded by 7 angels.
Chapters 12 through 14: 2 actors are seen and the 7 outstanding results of their actions.
Chapters 15 and 16: 7 vials of wrath are poured out on the earth, these are the wrath of God in His dealings with Israel and the earth.
Chapters 17 and 18: mystical Babylon in political and ecclesiastical affairs in the closing days of time.
Chapters 19 through 21: 8: this will be the time from the fall of Babylon until the eternal state begins. This opens with rejoicing in heaven, hallelujahs, which sound like “many waters” and closes with the terrible picture of eternal misery in the lake of fire.
Chapters 21: 9-22: 5: the bride of the lamb (the New Testament church) The Bride and the
Bridegroom in the Millennium in all its splendor.
Chapter 22: 6-21: solemn verses of warning, threatening, encouragement’s. . . and the
last prayer recorded in God’s Word. Revelation 22:20 John's prayer is-
"Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus".
I know that is my prayer and I hope it is yours, as well. Let me encourage you to come back next week for more on this subject.
I want to also wish all the Mom's out there a very happy Mother's Day. Trust you each have a very special and wonderful day.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy