Two “Contradictions” Solved By Remembering Two Simple Rules by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=2818&b=Luke

Two “Contradictions” Solved By Remembering Two Simple Rules

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

On a regular basis, atheists, agnostics, skeptics, and Bible critics write our offices at Apologetics Press. Some of the feedback we receive is simply to inform us how naïve Christians are for believing in God, Jesus, and the Bible, or how ignorant creationists are for disbelieving in macro-evolution. We also receive numerous questions from these non-believers. (Unfortunately, due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we are unable to answer all of them.) Recently, one Bible critic sent the following note:

You say the Bible does not contradict itself but I have found several contradictions in the Bible. For example, in John 10:30 Jesus says that he and his father are one then in John 14:28 he says his father is greater than he. Did he change his mind?
So what were Jesus’ last words? Well Matthew, Luke and John seem to have all heard something different. In Matthew 27:46,50 Jesus said my god my god why has thou forsaken me then died but in Luke 23:46 he claims Jesus said father unto thy hands I commit thy spirit then died and finally in John 19:30 he claims that Jesus said it is finished then died. Well which one is it? These are just a few of many. Why would someone say the Bible doesn’t contradict itself when if you have read the words in its pages it does not take a genius to see all the falsities within.

Consider how easily these questions can be answered simply by remembering two basic rules of interpretation.
First, supplementation is not equivalent to a contradiction. For example, suppose you tell a friend about your trip to Disney World. You mention that you went to Magic Kingdom on Monday. Later, you state that you went to Hollywood Studios on Monday. Have you lied? Are these two contradictory statements? Not necessarily. It could be that you visited both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on the same day. Similarly, the seven statements the gospel writers recorded that Jesus made from the cross (including the three aforementioned statements—Matthew 27:46; Luke 23:46; John 19:30) all supplement one another. Nothing is said about Jesus making only one of these statements. What’s more, silence does not negate supplementation. Simply because John wrote that our suffering Savior said, “‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (John 19:30), does not mean that Jesus could not also have said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” after He had cried out, “It is finished,” and before His death (Luke 23:46). Nothing in John 19:30, Luke 23:46, or Matthew 27:46,50 is contradictory. We simply have three different statements that Jesus made at three different moments during His crucifixion.
Second, when comparing two or more Bible passages, one must also remember to consider the sense in which a word or phrase is used. Scripture repeatedly testifies that Jesus was more than a mere man—He was God in the flesh (John 1:1,14,17; 9:38; 10:30,33; 20:28). But how could Jesus truthfully say, “My Father is greater than I,” if Jesus was really deity? Though Jesus was and is God, while on Earth Jesus willingly humbled Himself, taking the form of a suffering servant in order to save mankind from the consequences of sin. Jesus was not denying His deity in John 14:28; He was professing His submission to the Father while in human form. John 14:28 must be understood in light of what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi concerning Jesus’ self-limitation during His time on Earth. Christ,

being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation [He “emptied Himself”—NASB], taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:6-8).

While on Earth in the form of a man, Jesus was voluntarily in a subordinate position to the Father. Christ “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7; He “made Himself nothing”—NIV). Unlike Adam and Eve, who attempted to seize equality with God (Genesis 3:5), Jesus, the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47), humbled Himself, and obediently accepted the role of a servant. Jesus’ earthly limitations (cf. Mark 13:32), however, “were not the consequence of a less-than-God nature; rather, they were the result of a self-imposed submission reflecting the exercise of His sovereign will” (Jackson, 1995, emp. added). While on Earth, Jesus assumed a position of complete subjection to the Father, and exercised His divine attributes only at the Father’s bidding (Wycliffe, 1985; cf. John 8:26,28-29). As A.H. Strong similarly commented, Jesus “resigned not the possession, nor yet entirely the use, but rather the independent exercise, of the divine attributes” (1907, p. 703).
The aforementioned Bible critic who recently wrote our offices alleged that she had found “several contradictions in the Bible” (including the two discussed in this article), and then concluded “it does not take a genius to see all the falsities within.” The truth is, however, it does not take a genius to see these “contradictions” for what they really are: unproven accusations. If a person merely gave the Bible writers the same measure of respect and benefit of the doubt he shows others with whom he communicates on a daily basis, he would quickly find that the only “falsities” are within the baseless and biased accusations made against Scripture, and not Scripture itself.

 

REFERENCES

Jackson, Wayne (1995), “Did Jesus Exist in the Form of God While on Earth?” Reason & Revelation, 15[3]:21-22, March, [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/264.
Strong, A.H. (1907), Systematic Theology (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell).
Wycliffe Bible Commentary (1985), Electronic Database: Biblesoft.

“Flee from the midst of Babylon!” by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/062-flee.html “Flee from the midst of Babylon!”

In the symbolic language of Revelation, Christians are commanded to distance themselves from false religions just like the Israelites were commanded to leave Babylon and restore true worship at Jerusalem.

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).

When this was written, literal Babylon had lost its power two hundred years earlier, as predicted by Isaiah and Jeremiah. Thus, in Revelation, Babylon obviously refers to something other than the literal city.

Considering the seriousness of this warning, it is vital that we know what it means to come out of Babylon, so we can avoid her sins and her punishment.

To understand the imagery, we must examine Old Testament passages about Babylon and compare them with the warning in Revelation.


What is the historical basis for Babylon’s symbolism?


Babylon had a long history of rebellion against God.

Babel, the forerunner of Babylon, was one of the first cities built. Nimrod, who “began to be a mighty one on the earth” (1 Chronicles 1:10) founded Babel (Genesis 10:10).

The name “Babel” means “confusion” and originates from the confusion of languages, which halted the building of the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:9).


Babylon used political force to promote false religion.

“All the people, nations and languages” were commanded to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s gold image (Daniel 3:1-7).

Isaiah and Jeremiah predicted the ruin of Babylon as punishment for idolatry.

“Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground” (Isaiah 21:9).

“Declare among the nations, proclaim, and set up a standard; proclaim, and do not conceal it - Say, ‘Babylon is taken, Bel is shamed. Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are humiliated, her images are broken in pieces’” (Jeremiah 50:2).

Bel and Merodach were Babylonian idols. Merodach was the patron deity of Babylon, a sun god, often pictured with a dragon.

Israel went into Babylonian exile as punishment for her own unfaithfulness and idolatry. God allowed the temple to be destroyed because He was disgusted by the hypocritical worship being conducted there (Isaiah 1:13-15).

Because the temple was indispensable for Old Covenant worship, the Israelites could not worship God according to His word in Babylon. When their captors asked them to sing a song of Zion, they replied: “How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4).


The Israelites were commanded to flee from Babylon.

To flee is to quickly get away from impending danger.

God used Babylonian captivity to bring Israel to repentance.

After 70 years of exile, the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem, rebuild the temple, and restore Old Covenant worship.

Considering the many warnings, some must have preferred to stay in Babylon!

A messianic undertone is discernable in passages where Israel is commanded to flee from Babylon.

“Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldees! With a voice of singing, declare, proclaim ‘The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!’” (Isaiah 48:20). [See verses 12-22.]

“Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD” (Isaiah 52:11). [See verses 7-12.]

“‘In those days and in that time,’ says the LORD, ‘The children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; with continual weeping they shall come, and seek the LORD their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces toward it, saying, “Come and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that will not be forgotten”’” (Jeremiah 50:4, 5). [For additional insight read chapters 50 and 51.]

“Flee from the midst of Babylon, and every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity, for this is the time of the LORD’s vengeance; He shall recompense her” (Jeremiah 51:6).

“We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed. Forsake her, and let us go everyone to his own country; for her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up to the skies. The LORD has revealed our righteousness. Come and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God” (Jeremiah 51:9, 10).

“My people, go out of the midst of her! And let everyone deliver himself from the fierce anger of the LORD” (Jeremiah 51:45).

“Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon” (Zechariah 2:7).

Observe that although God’s people in Babylon did not serve idols themselves, they were unclean and shared in her sins if they remained and did not go to Jerusalem to worship God according to His word.


What does Babylon represent in Revelation?

Babylon is first mentioned in chapter fourteen: “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication” (Revelation 14:8).

To know the meaning of Babylon, we must understand various symbols in Revelation. The dragon is the devil (Revelation 12:9). As in Daniel, beasts represent governments. To the first beast the devil gives “his power, his throne and great authority” (Revelation 13:2). A second beast, who resembles a lamb but speaks like a dragon, exercises all the authority of the first beast, and causes everyone on earth to worship the first beast (Revelation 13:11-14).

Under the influence of these two beasts, all the world worships the devil except those whose names are in the Book of Life: “All the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; ... All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:3, 4, 8).

There are only two classes: the saints of God and those who worship the devil. Only by the blood of Christ can one be conveyed from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13, 14).

The second beast is “the false prophet” (Revelation 19:20). This beast is religious (religious authority) and is supported by the first beast (political authority).

Babylon is a symbolic representation of the false prophet, pictured as a harlot riding on a beast: “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Revelation 17:4, 5).

The mystery is disclosed: “And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:18).

When this was written, any reader would think of the Roman Empire. Thus Babylon (Rome) is a depiction of the false prophet. All religious and political rebellion against God is symbolized by the harlot and the beast she rides!

The harlot is not the literal city of Rome, but Rome as a symbol. Paul was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:27, 28). In his letter to the Romans, he did not tell them to leave the city.

Like ancient Babylon, Rome spread false religion by political force. After Augustus (27-14 BC) everyone was commanded to worship the emperor. Thus, like Babylon, Rome is a fitting symbol of all political and religious rebellion against God.

Babylon and Rome are the first and last of four kingdoms in Daniel that would be vanquished by God’s Kingdom (Daniel 2:31-45; 7:17-27).


How has Rome evolved in history?

The harlot on the beast was “drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6).

Because they refused to worship the emperor, Christians were persecuted by pagan Rome, especially under Nero, Domitian and Trajan.

Pagan Rome mutated into “The Holy Roman Empire” (“holy” is a gross misnomer) with emperors appointed by the pope. Otto I was appointed by Pope John XII in 962.

Through the centuries this unholy Roman empire murdered non- Catholics with the blessing of the popes. Among the thousands killed was William Tyndale, the English Bible translator. He was burned at the stake in Vilvoorde, Belgium on 6 October 1536.

The “Holy Roman Empire” was dissolved by Napoleon in 1806.

After a period of conflicting claims to jurisdiction, the Vatican City State was recognized as a sovereign state in 1929. This ended Rome’s direct political power over kings. Even so, most European and many South American countries have Catholic political parties, and via its hierarchy, the Vatican exercises authority throughout the world.

The Roman Catholic Church is a world-wide, politically organized, pagan religion whose adherents worship images, dead people (“saints”) and a living, speaking idol, blasphemously called “the Holy Father”. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest body that claims to be Christian.


Why is Babylon called a harlot?

In prophetic symbolism, harlotry and fornication represent unfaithfulness to God: “They played the harlot with other gods” (Judges 2:17). [See also Exodus 34:15, 16; Leviticus 20:5; Deuteronomy 31:16; Psalm 73:27; Judges 8:33; Jeremiah 2:20; 3:1; Ezekiel 16:15-17.] Babylon’s fornication represents spiritual corruption. Babylon corrupts the world religiously.


Why is Babylon called the mother of harlots?

Remember that these symbols include everyone on earth who is not in the Book of Life (Revelation 13:3, 4, 8).

The researcher, David B. Barrett, identified 19 major world religions subdivided into about 10,000 distinct religions, and 34,000 denominations in Christendom. Now that is real Babel!

The devil has created this Babylonian “confusion” so people will worship him rather than God. The devil’s shopping mall offers something appealing for everyone. Denominationalism, which views divergent forms of Christianity as tolerable, is a tool of the devil. He encourages you to join the church of your choice rather than God’s choice.

Babylon in Revelation cannot refer to the Roman Catholic Church exclusively, as is sometimes claimed, since everyone in the world, except those in the Book of Life, worships the devil via these two beasts.

But the Roman Catholic Church is definitely the major embodiment (daughter) of prophetic Babylon as successor of the Holy Roman Empire and as the largest, most influential, false form of Christianity.

But she is not alone. Various Protestant denominations are merely spin-offs of the Catholic church, retaining many of her false doctrines and practices. All man-made denominations are daughters of the harlot because, like her, they do not submit to Christ. All false religions in the world are daughters of the harlot for the same reason. Islam, which is spread by political and physical force, is certainly a “daughter” of Babylon.


God will punish Babylon because of her sins.

As God punished ancient Babylon, He will punish prophetic Babylon.

“And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath” (Revelation 16:19). Religious and political opposition to God earn His wrath.

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her” (Revelation 18:2b, 3a).

Babylon’s ruin results from God’s defeat of the false prophet and the beast, representing all false religions and godless authorities. “Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet. ... These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20).

Their patron, the devil, is also defeated: “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

The unredeemed share the devil’s punishment: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels’” (Matthew 25:41).


We too must flee from Babylon!

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4, 5).

How do we flee from Babylon to escape her punishment?

Various passages in the New Testament clarify this warning. “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17). We may not participate in false religions or other forms of worldliness because that is spiritual fornication, uncleanness, unfaithfulness to God.

How can God’s people be in Babylon? Potential Christians and Christians associated with false religions must leave Babylon.

Among those called out of Babylon are people who will obey the gospel when they hear it.

Jesus told Paul: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ... for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9, 10). God had people in Corinth who would accept the gospel when they heard it. Paul’s preaching enabled them to escape from Babylon.

Among those called out of Babylon are also Christians who have compromised with “the lawless one” by being in denominations and religious organizations established by men rather than by Christ. The doctrine of such groups is always different from the doctrine of Christ, otherwise they would simply be a church of Christ rather than a human denomination.

Christians who associate with false forms of Christianity are trying to serve Christ in the camp of the antichrist! They think they can serve God although they worship with a denomination that deviates from the doctrine of Christ.

This is not possible because doctrinal soundness is essential to serving God. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).

Anyone who preaches a gospel that differs from the original gospel is accursed (Galatians 1:6-9).

When we fellowship those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ (even if we do not agree with them), we share in their evil deeds. “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).

“Belial” means “the worthless one” or “the lawless one”. The lawless one includes many who say, “Lord, Lord,” but do not obey Christ. Jesus tells them, “depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:21-23). They have allowed themselves to be deceived by the lawless one because they lack love for the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

The forces of religious evil called the “false prophet” and “Babylon” in Revelation, are called the “lawless one” by Paul and the “antichrist” by John. [See 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7.]

Since Israel returned from captivity, virtually no images have been worshiped by Jews. Yet, in describing the Jews of His day, Jesus said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8, 9).

Here Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 which describes Israel in the run- up to Babylonian captivity! Although the Jews had restored the temple service, their spiritual condition was the same as before the captivity!

The disciples were concerned that this harsh statement had offended the Pharisees, the strictest denomination of the Jews, but Jesus replied, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:13, 14).

“There is one body” (Ephesians 4:4), which is “the church” (Colossians 1:18). Thus, all religions and all denominations, which are not the church of Christ established by Him, constitute Babylon, are inspired by the devil, and will be uprooted by God.

If we are in a religious group of human origin, we must get out of it or we will be uprooted with it! We must serve God according to the faith “once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), we must serve God according to the gospel that went forth from Jerusalem in the first century! We must “ask the way to Zion” and “declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God.”


God’s warning is abundantly clear.

“Flee from the midst of Babylon, and every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity” (Jeremiah 51:6).

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” (Revelation 18:4). Amen.
Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Matters of mushrooms, vines and a grateful heart by Gary Rose

I think this little fella is appreciating this mushroom, don't you?  Rain falls on us all, doesn't it? And yet we have been blessed with life and somehow, someway, we have arrived at today? 

I remember year after year of wondering how I was ever going to "make it". Looking back now, I can see God's hand in everything and I mean everything! Otherwise, there is simply no reasonable explanation of how I have gotten this far.

Today, I will remember to thank God for HIS provisions in my life and express that heartfelt appreciation in prayer. 

Jonah, Chapter 4 (WEB)

  ⁵ Then Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made himself a booth, and sat under it in the shade, until he might see what would become of the city.  ⁶ Yahweh God prepared a vine, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the vine.  ⁷ But God prepared a worm at dawn the next day, and it chewed on the vine, so that it withered.  ⁸ When the sun arose, God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah’s head, so that he fainted, and requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 

  ⁹ God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the vine?” 

He said, “I am right to be angry, even to death.” 
  ¹⁰ Yahweh said, “You have been concerned for the vine, for which you have not labored, neither made it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night. ¹¹ Shouldn’t I be concerned for Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred twenty thousand persons who can’t discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much livestock?”  (emp. added GDR)

Jonah on the other hand was not grateful and was rebuked by God. His bad example is a lesson to us all. We need to be thankful for what God has done for us and appreciate our blessings.

"THE BOOK OF REVELATION" Concluding Thoughts by Mark Copeland

                      "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                           Concluding Thoughts

As stated in the introduction to this study, the book of Revelation is
unique in that it contains apocalyptic literature. Filled with figurative
and symbolic language, it has been subjected to much abuse by many who 
have proposed to interpret it, especially by those who take a futuristic
approach to the book.

I am persuaded the key to handling and understanding Revelation properly
is to let the first three chapters set the context in which the book 
should be interpreted.  In those chapters we learn that the book:

*  Was intended to be understood (a revelation = an unveiling) - Re 1:1

*  Was about things that would soon take place, not thousands of years
   later - Re 1:1,3; 22:6,10

*  Could be understood even by an individual reading to a public audience
   - Re 1:1

*  Is filled with signs and symbols ("signified"), likely understood by
   the original readers - Re 1:1

*  Was addressed to seven specific churches in Asia, so any 
   interpretation must first be applicable to those churches and their
   times - Re 1:4,11; 2:1-3:22

*  Was written to churches who had already experienced persecution from
   unbelieving Jerusalem and pagan Rome, with more to come - Re 2:9-10,13

*  Contains promises to those in the seven churches who overcome by
   remaining faithful, even to death, which promises are mostly depicted
   in their fulfillment by visions later in the book - Re 2:7 (cf. Re
   22:2,14); Re 2:11 (cf. Re 20:6,14; 21:8); Re 2:26-27 (cf. Re 20:4-6);
   Re 3:5 (cf. Re 7:14-17; 20:12,15; 21:27); Re 3:12 (cf. Re 7:15;
   21:1-27; 22:4); Re 3:21 (cf. Re 20:4-6; 22:5)

The theme of the book is clear:  Jesus is coming to judge! He now
reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords! (Re 1:5,7; 11:15; 17:14).  His
coming judgment(s) as depicted in Revelation involve judging churches 
(Re 1-3), unbelieving Jerusalem (Rev 4-11), pagan Rome (Rev 12-19), 
Satan and the world (Rev 20-22).

Efforts to interpret the book should give special attention to clarifying
statements found throughout the book like these:

*  "...where also our Lord was crucified" (Re 11:8) - identifies the city
   being judged in the first half of the book as Jerusalem. 

*  "Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of
   the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666." (Re
   13:18) - makes clear that the identity of the beast could be known by
   the original recipients (likely "Nero Caesar", or the "Latin One")

*  "Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven 
   mountains on which the woman sits. There are also seven kings. Five
   have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he 
   comes, he must continue a short time. The beast that was, and is not,
   is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to
   perdition." (Re 17:9-11) - Identifies the harlot as being supported by
   Rome.  Also, that whatever the beast represented, it "is not" at the
   time of the writing of Revelation.   That suggests to me that the book
   was not written during the time of Nero or Domitian, but more likely
   during the reign of Vespasian. Similarly, that "kings" could not
   symbolize world empires, for that would rule out the Roman empire as
   having anything to do with the identity of the beast (since the Roman
   empire was in existence at that time). 

*  "These words are true and faithful" (Re 21:5; 22:6) - This expression
   prefaces and concludes the description of the new heavens and new 
   earth, along with the New Jerusalem, the holy city which descends out
   of heaven from God.  "True" means "real, genuine" and "faithful" means
   "trustworthy".  This suggests to me the possibility that the 
   description of the eternal state of the redeemed in Re 21-22 are more
   realistic and reflective of that which is to come than were the 
   visions seen earlier throughout the book (which were clearly 
   symbolic).  It certainly coincides with other scriptures that are not
   figurative in their context (cf. He 11:16; 13:14; 2Pe 3:13-14).

Despite its challenges, I find the book of Revelation fascinating and
filled with much benefit for the Christian today.  Studying Revelation,
we learn of Christ's power and sovereignty over the kingdoms of this
world.  Like other books of the New Testament that may have been written
to address specific situations affecting churches in the first century,
we can make application to our own lives should we find ourselves facing
situations similar to those endured by the Christians of the first 
century.

And remember, at some point Satan will be released once more to deceive
the nations in a last attempt to destroy the church (Re 20:7-10). Should
we find ourselves living at that time, let us never forget the key 
passage in this book:

   These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them,
   for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with
   Him are called, chosen, and faithful. (Re 17:14)

So with the aid of Christ and the rest of the New Testament to guide
us, let us heed these words of the apostle Peter...

   Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens 
   and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved,
   looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him
   in peace, without spot and blameless; (2Pe 3:13-14)

And may our attitude always be that as expressed by the apostle John at
the end of Revelation...

                  Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Re 22:20)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

"THE BOOK OF REVELATION" Chapter Twenty-Two by Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                           Chapter Twenty-Two

In the previous chapter John described the glory of the New Jerusalem as
the eternal destiny of the redeemed was revealed.  In the first six 
verses of this chapter, John's vision of the glorious future for the 
people of God is completed with a brief description of the river of life,
the tree(s) of life, and the throne of God and of the Lamb.  With the 
river of life proceeding from the throne, and the tree (the definite 
article is not in the Greek , so perhaps two trees on either side of the
river) of life bearing fruit every month along with its healing leaves,
the picture is one of provision from God.  Eternal fellowship with God,
stressed in the previous chapter (cf. Re 21:3-4,7), is emphasized again
with the promise of seeing His face and having His name on one's 
forehead.  With no more curse (cf. Gen 3:17-19), the redeemed shall serve
God and the Lamb on the throne. There is no night nor need for the sun, 
for the Lord God gives them light (cf. Re 21:23). The redeemed will also
reign forever and ever (1-5).

The remainder of this chapter contains the grand conclusion of this
wonderful book. The angel who showed John the holy city stressed that the
events described in this book were soon to take place, such that John is
not to seal the book (cf. Re 22:6,10; contrast this with Dan 8:26). Jesus
Himself states three times that He is coming quickly (cf. Re 22:7,12,20),
which I take to refer to His coming in judgment as described throughout
this book (cf. Re 3:10-11).  With a reminder of the blessedness of those
who do His commandments, Jesus, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the 
Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the  Root and Offspring of
David, the Bright and Morning Star, declares that He sent His angel to
testify of these things to the churches.  The Spirit and the bride join
in with an invitation to let those who thirst come to drink of the water
of life freely.  The book ends with a fearful warning not to add to or 
take away from the book, a final promise of the Lord's coming, and a 
two-fold prayer calling for the Lord Jesus to come, and for His grace to
be with all the brethren (6-22).

POINTS TO PONDER

*  The eternal destiny of the redeemed, in terms depicting provision from
   God

*  How things revealed in this book were soon to take place 

*  The promises and warnings given as the book concludes

OUTLINE

I. THE RIVER, THE TREE, AND THE THRONE (1-5)

   A. THE RIVER OF LIFE (1)
      1. John sees a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal
      2. It proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb

   B. THE TREE OF LIFE (2)
      1. On either side of the river was a tree of life
      2. The tree(s) bore twelve fruits, yielding fruit every month
      3. The leaves were for the healing of the nations

   C. THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB (3-5)
      1. There shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and the
         Lamb shall be in it
      2. His servants shall serve Him
         a. They shall see His face
         b. His name shall be on their foreheads
      3. There shall be no night there
         a. They need no lamp nor light of the sun
         b. For the Lord God gives them light
      4. They shall reign forever and ever

II. THE GRAND CONCLUSION (6-21)

   A. THE TIME IS NEAR, DO NOT SEAL THE BOOK (6-11)
      1. John is told by the angel that these words are faithful and true
         a. The Lord God has sent His angel to show His servants the
            things which must shortly take place
         b. The Lamb proclaims:  "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is
            he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
      2. John attempts to worship the angel
         a. He falls down at the feet of the angel who showed him these
            things
         b. The angel forbids him
            1) The angel is his fellow servant, and of his brethren the
               prophets and of those who keep the words of this book
            2) John is to worship God
      3. John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy of this book
         a. For the time is at hand
         b. Let he who is unjust be unjust still, the filthy be filthy 
            still
         c. Let he who is righteous be righteous still, the holy be holy
            still

   B. THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS (12-17)
      1. His first declaration:
         a. "Behold, I am coming quickly"
         b. "My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his
            work"
         c. "I am the Alpha and the Omega"
         d. "The Beginning and the End, the First and the Last"
      2. The promise:
         a. Blessed are those who do His commandments (or wash their 
            robes)
            1) That they may have the right to the tree of life
            2) That they may enter through the gates into the city
         b. Those outside the city
            1) Are dogs, sorcerers, sexually immoral, murderers, and
               idolaters
            2) Whoever loves and practices a lie
      3. His second declaration:
         a. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things
            in the churches"
         b. "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and
            Morning Star."
      4. The invitation:
         a. The Spirit and the bride say "Come!"
         b. Let him who hears say "Come!"
         -- Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely

   C. A WORD OF WARNING (18-19)
      1. Do not add to the words of this book, or God will add to him the
         plagues written in it
      2. Do not take away from the words of this book, or God will take 
         away his part from:
         a. The Book (or Tree) of Life
         b. The holy city
         c. The things written in this book

   D. CLOSING PROMISE, FINAL PRAYERS (20-21)
      1. The promise of Him who testifies to these things:  "Surely I am
         coming quickly."
      2. John's two prayers:
         a. Concerning his Lord:  "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"
         b. Concerning his brethren:  "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
            be with you all. Amen."

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The river, the tree, and the throne (1-5)
   - The grand conclusion (6-21)

2) What does John see proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb?
   (1)
   - A pure river of water of life, clear as crystal

3) What is on either side of the river? (2)
   - The tree(s) of life

4) How many fruits did the tree bear and when?  What were the leaves for?
   (2)
   - Twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit every month
   - The healing of the nations

5) What no longer existed?  What was in the city instead? (3)
   - There shall be no more curse
   - The throne of God and of the Lamb

6) What is said concerning the servants of God and of the Lamb? (3-5)
   - His servants shall serve Him; they shall see His face
   - His name shall be on their foreheads; they shall reign forever and
     ever

7) What is said of night and the light of the sun? (5)
   - There shall be no night there
   - They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them
     light

8) What is John told about the things which he has seen? (6)
   - "These words are faithful and true"
   - The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His 
     servants the things which must shortly take place

9) What promise and assurance is given in verse 7?
   - "Behold, I am coming quickly!"
   - "Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

10) What did John try to do when he heard and saw these things? (8)
   - Fall down and worship before the feet of the angel who showed them
     to him

11) What did the angel tell John? (9)
   - "See that you do not do that."
   - "I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and
     of those who keep the words of this book."
   - "Worship God."

12) What is John told regarding the prophecy of this book?  Why? (10)
   - Not to seal the words of the prophecy of this book
   - For the time is at hand

13) What is said of the unjust and filthy? The righteous and holy? (11)
   - Let them be unjust and filthy still
   - Let them be righteous and holy still

14) What promise and assurance is given in verse 12?
   - "Behold, I am coming quickly"
   - "My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work"

15) How does Jesus describe Himself? (13)
   - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First
     and the Last."

16) What blessedness is promised to those who do His commandments (some 
    manuscripts say "wash their robes")? (14)
   - They will have the right to the tree of life 
   - They will enter the through the gates into the city

17) What is outside the city? (15)
   - Dogs, sorcerers, sexually immoral, murderers and idolaters
   - Whoever loves and practices a lie

18) Why had Jesus sent His angel? (16)
   - To testify these things in the churches

19) How does Jesus describe Himself? (16)
   - "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning
     Star."

20) Who extends the invitation to "Come!"?  Who else is to extend this 
    invitation? (17)
   - The Spirit and the bride
   - Him who hears

21) To whom is this invitation extended?  What is offered? (17)
   - To him who thirsts
   - To take the water of life freely

22) What warning is given to those who hears the words of the prophecy of
    this book? (18-19)
   - If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues
     written in the book
   - If anyone takes away from the words of this book, God will take away
     his part from the Book (or Tree) of Life, the holy city, and the 
     things written in this book

23) What promise is given by Him who testifies of these things? (20)
   - "Surely I am coming quickly."

24) What two prayers does John express as he closes the book? (20-21)
   - "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"
   - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

"THE BOOK OF REVELATION" Chapter Twenty-One by Mark Copeland

                       "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                           Chapter Twenty-One

Following the Judgment scene at the end of the previous chapter, the
eternal destiny of the redeemed is now revealed.  The motif of a new
heaven and new earth, along with the New Jerusalem, is used to provide
great hope and comfort to Christians.  This is certainly nothing new,
for both the Old and New Testaments provided similar pictures to increase
anticipation of the future (cf. Isa 65:17-25; 66:22-24; He 11:10,13-16;
13:14; 2Pe 3:13).  In each case, the eternal destiny of God's faithful is
described in terms that provided the greatest meaning and encouragement
to the people of that dispensation.  Here we see the destiny of the 
redeemed in terms depicting fellowship with God and protection by God.

John first sees all things made new.  There is a new heaven and a new
earth, for the first heaven and first earth are no more (cf. Re 20:11).
 He sees the holy city, New Jerusalem, "coming down out of heaven from
God."  A loud voice from heaven declares that God will dwell with His
people and be their God.  God, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the
Beginning and the End, will comfort His people by removing all that
causes pain, and provide the fountain of the water of life freely to him
that thirsts.  While those who overcome inherit all things and enjoy the
blessings of being God's children, the wicked and unfaithful have their
part in the lake of fire and brimstone (cf. Re 19:20; 20:10,14-15) which
is defined as the second death (1-8).

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls (cf. Re 15:7; 16:1) then
carries John to a great and high mountain, to show him "the bride, the 
Lamb's wife".  This is none other than the great city, the New Jerusalem,
which is seen "descending out of heaven from God." It is a city having 
the glory of God, and the bulk of the chapter describes its prominent 
features.  A great and high wall surrounds the city. Standing about 216
feet high and made of jasper, the wall has twelve pearly gates upon which
are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, with an angel at each gate.
The wall has twelve foundations, each made of precious stones of various
colors, upon which are the names of the twelve apostles. The city itself,
made of pure gold like clear glass, is 1500 miles long in its length, 
breadth, and height.  The street of the city is also pure gold, like 
transparent glass (9-21).

The glory of the holy city is described further by noting that there is
no temple, for God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  There is no
need for the sun or moon, for the glory of God and the Lamb illuminate
the city.  Its gates are never shut, there is no night there, and the
nations of the saved along with the kings of the earth bring their honor
and glory into it.  Only those written in the Lamb's book of life enter
this glorious city, ensuring that it remains free from any abomination 
and defilement (22-27).

POINTS TO PONDER

*  The eternal destiny of the redeemed, in terms depicting fellowship
   with God and protection by God

*  The new heaven and new earth (cf. 2Pe 3:13), along with the holy city,
   New Jerusalem "coming down out of heaven from God" (cf. Re 3:12; 
   21:2,10) 

*  The detailed imagery used to describe the heavenly city, the New
   Jerusalem

OUTLINE

I. ALL THINGS MADE NEW (1-8)

   A. THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (1)
      1. John sees a new heaven and a new earth
      2. The first heaven and earth had passed away, and there was no sea

   B. THE NEW JERUSALEM (2)
      1. John saw the holy city coming down out of heaven
      2. It was prepared as a bride adorned for her husband

   C. THE PROCLAMATION FROM HEAVEN (3-4)
      1. "The tabernacle of God is with men"
         a. "He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people"
         b. "God Himself will be with them and be their God"
      2. "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes"
         a. "There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying"
         b. "There shall be no more pain, for the former things have
            passed away"

   D. THE PROCLAMATION FROM THE ONE WHO SAT ON THE THRONE (5-8)
      1. "Behold, I make all things new"
         a. "Write, for these words are true and faithful"
         b. "It is done!"
      2. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End"
         a. "I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to
            him who thirsts"
         b. "He who overcomes shall inherit all things"
            1) "I will be his God"
            2) "He shall be My son"
      3. "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually
         immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars..."
         a. "Shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and
            brimstone"
         b. "Which is the second death"

II. THE NEW JERUSALEM (9-21)

   A. JOHN IS SHOWN THE HOLY CITY (9-11)
      1. By one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with
         the last plagues
         a. Who offered to show John "the bride, the Lamb's wife"
         b. Who carried him away in the Spirit to a great and high
            mountain
      2. He sees the great city, the holy Jerusalem
         a. Descending out of heaven from God
         b. Having the glory of God
         c. With light like a jasper stone, clear as crystal

   B. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY AND ITS WALL (12-21)
      1. It had a great and high wall with twelve gates
         a. With twelve angels at the gates
         b. With the names of the twelve tribes of Israel
         c. With three gates each on the east, north, south, and west
         d. With twelve foundations, on which were the names of the
            twelve apostles of the Lamb
      2. The measurement of the city, the gates, and the wall
         a. The angel had a golden reed to measure them
         b. The city is laid out as a cube, its length, breadth, and
            height are each 12,000 furlongs (1500 miles)
         c. The wall is one hundred and forty-four cubits (216 feet)
      3. The construction of the city, the wall, its foundations, and the
         gates
         a. The wall was of jasper; the city was pure gold, like clear
            glass
         b. The twelve foundations of the wall were adorned with precious
            stones:
            1) Jasper      5) Sardonyx      9) Topaz
            2) Sapphire    6) Sardius      10) Chrysoprase
            3) Chalcedony  7) Chrysolite   11) Jacinth
            4) Emerald     8) Beryl        12) Amethyst
         c. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate one pearl
         d. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass

III. THE GLORY OF THE HOLY CITY (22-27)

   A. ILLUMINATED BY THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND THE LAMB (22-23)
      1. Its temple are the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb
      2. It is illuminated by the glory of God and the Lamb

   B. ENHANCED BY THOSE WHO ENTER IT (24-27)
      1. The nations of the saved shall walk in its light
      2. The kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it
      3. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day, and there is no night
         there
      4. The nations shall bring their glory and honor into it
         a. Nothing that defiles, causes an abomination or a lie, shall
            enter it
         b. Only those written in the Lamb's book of Life enter it

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - All things made new (1-8)
   - The New Jerusalem (9-21)
   - The glory of the holy city (22-27)

2) What did John see? (1)
   - A new heaven and new earth

3) What happened to the first heaven and first earth? What of the sea?
   (1)
   - They had passed away; it was no more

4) What did John see coming down out of heaven from God? (2)
   - The holy city, New Jerusalem, prepared as bride adorned for her
     husband

5) What is said about the dwelling of God? (3)
   - The tabernacle of God is with men
   - He will dwell with them and they shall be His people
   - God Himself will be with them and be their God

6) What will God do?  What shall be no more? (4)
   - Wipe away every tear from their eyes; death, sorrow, crying, pain

7) What did the One on the throne say to John in verse 5?
   - "Behold, I make all things new"
   - "Write, for these words are true and faithful"

8) What did He say in verse 6?
   - "It is done!"
   - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End"
   - "I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who
     thirsts"

9) What is promised to those who overcome? (7)
   - He shall inherit all things
   - "I will be his God and he shall be My son"

10) Who shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and
    brimstone?  What is this called? (8)
   - The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral,
     sorcerers, idolaters, all liars
   - The second death

11) Who offered to show John the bride, the Lamb's wife? (9)
   - One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls

12) Where is John taken, and what does he see? (10)
   - To a great and high mountain
   - The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from
     God

13) What was the general description of the city? (11)
   - It has the glory of God
   - Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear
     as crystal

14) What surrounded the city? (12)
   - A great and high wall with twelve gates

15) What stood at each of the gates?  What was written on the gates? (12)
   - An angel; the names of the twelve tribes of Israel

16) How many foundations did the wall have?  What was written on the 
    foundations? (14)
   - Twelve; the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb

17) What was the length, breadth, and height of the city? (16)
   - 12,000 furlongs (about 1500 miles)

18) How tall was the wall? (17)
   - 144 cubits (about 216 feet)

19) What was the construction of the wall?  Of the city? (18)
   - The wall was of jasper
   - The city was of pure gold, like clear glass

20) What were the foundations of the city adorned with? (19)
   - All sorts of precious stones

21) What were the twelve gates?  What was the street of the city? (21)
   - Twelve pearls, each gate of one pearl
   - Pure gold, like transparent glass

22) Why was there no temple in the city? (22)
   - The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple

23) Why was there no need for the sun or moon to shine in it? (23)
   - The glory of God illuminated it, and the Lamb is its light

24) Who shall walk in its light?  Who shall bring their glory and honor
    into it? (24)
   - The nations of those who are saved
   - The kings of the earth

25) What shall not be shut at all day?  What about at night? (25)
   - The city's gates
   - There shall be no night there

26) Who will by no means enter the city?  Who will enter the city? (27)
   - Anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie
   - Only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012

"THE BOOK OF REVELATION" Chapter Twenty by Mark Copeland

                        "THE BOOK OF REVELATION"

                             Chapter Twenty

Previous chapters have illustrated the defeat of agents used by Satan to
persecute God's people.  One by one we have seen the fall of Babylon, the
beast, the false prophet, and the armies they had gathered.  What about 
Satan, the dragon who gave authority to the beast in his efforts to wage
war against the saints (Re 12:17-13:7)?  And what of those killed by the
agents of Satan?

This chapter reveals the binding of Satan for "a 1000 years".  It most
likely depicts a long period of time in which Satan is no longer able to
deceive the nations as he did during the time of the Roman empire (cf. Re
13:14; 20:3).  It began following the end of Roman persecution and would
continue for some time in the future.  During this period, John sees 
souls reigning with Christ, who were beheaded for their faithfulness to
Jesus and the word of God.  No mention is made of reigning on the earth,
so my conclusion is that they reign with Christ in heaven during this 
period (cf. Re 2:26-27; 3:21).  This "first resurrection" may be a 
special blessing for the martyrs of Christ during the intermediate state
(between death and the bodily resurrection at the end of time), while Re
7:9-17 may describe the intermediate state for the average Christian.  
Truly those who had been beheaded for the witness of Christ are "blessed
and holy" (1-6)!
 
After the "1000 years" are over, Satan is released for a short time
where he once again seeks to "deceive the nations" to persecute the
people of God (cf. Re 13:14; 20:3,8,10).  The mention of "Gog and
Magog" is likely an apocalyptic reference to forces of evil at Satan's
disposal during this time, not any particular nation or nations.  But the
final attempt of Satan is quickly thwarted by the Lord, and the devil is
cast into the lake of fire, where the beast and false prophet were (cf. 
Re 19:20).  If any section of Revelation pertains to the time just prior
to the Lord's final coming, I believe it to be this one.  The description
is brief, for the book was written for the benefit of Christians in Asia
Minor about things to shortly come to pass (cf. Re 1:1-4; 22:6,10). Those
Christians would not experience this last attempt of Satan. But to assure
them (and us!) that Satan would ultimately be defeated, we have the 
description found in these few verses (7-10).

The chapter closes with a description of the final judgment.  Before
the great white throne and Him who sat on it, all the dead are judged. 
Books are opened, including the Book of Life, and judgment is based upon
their works.  None escape the judgment, for the sea, Death, and Hades 
give up all the dead that are in them.  Death and Hades are cast into the
lake and fire, described as the "second death".  The same end is given to
those whose names were not written in the Book of Life (11-15).

POINTS TO PONDER

*  The binding, future release, and ultimate defeat of Satan

*  The "thousand year" reign described in this chapter, and who will
   reign with Christ

*  The criteria used in the final judgment, and the importance of the
   Book of Life

OUTLINE

I. THE THOUSAND YEAR REIGN (1-6)

   A. SATAN BOUND FOR 1000 YEARS (1-3)
      1. John sees an angel come down from heaven
         a. Having the key to the bottomless pit
         b. With a great chain in his hand
      2. The angel binds Satan for a thousand years
         a. Casting him into the bottomless pit, shutting him up and
            setting a seal on him
         b. So that he should deceive the nations no more for a thousand
            years
      -- But afterward he will be released for a little while

   B. SAINTS REIGN WITH CHRIST FOR 1000 YEARS (4-6)
      1. John sees souls upon thrones, to whom judgment was committed
         a. Who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and the word
            of God
         b. Who had not worshiped the beast or his image
         c. Who had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their
            hands
      2. These souls lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years
         a. The rest of the dead not live again until the thousand years
            were finished
         b. This is the first resurrection
            1) Blessed and holy are those who have a part in the first
               resurrection
            2) Over such the second death has no power
            3) They shall be priests of God and of Christ
            4) They shall reign with Christ a thousand years

II. SATAN'S FINAL ATTEMPT AND DEFEAT (7-10)

   A. HIS RELEASE FROM PRISON (7-8)
      1. After the thousand years were completed
      2. He will go out to deceive the nations
         a. Those in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog
         b. To gather them to battle

   B. HIS FINAL ATTEMPT AND DEFEAT (9)
      1. To have the nations surround the camp of the saints and the
         beloved city
      2. But fire from God out of heaven devoured those Satan had 
         deceived

   C. HIS ETERNAL TORMENT (10)
      1. The devil who deceived the nations was cast into the lake of
         fire and brimstone
      2. The same place where the beast and the false prophet are
      3. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever

III. THE FINAL JUDGMENT (11-15)

   A. THE ONE ON THE GREAT WHITE THRONE (11)
      1. John sees a great white throne and Him who sat on it
      2. Before Whose face the earth and heaven fled away so no place
         was found for them

   B. THE JUDGMENT OF THE DEAD (12-13)
      1. John sees the dead, small and great, standing before God
      2. Books were opened, including the Book of Life
         a. The dead were judged according to their works
         b. The dead were judged by the things written in the books
      3. All the dead were judged, each according to his works
         a. For the sea gave the dead who were in it
         b. For Dead and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them

   C. THE LAKE OF FIRE (14-15)
      1. Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire (which is the
         second death)
      2. Anyone not found written in the Book of Life were cast into the
         lake of fire

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The thousand year reign (1-6)
   - Satan's final attempt and defeat (7-10)
   - The final judgment (11-15)

2) What did John see coming down from heaven? (1)
   - An angel, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in
     his hand

3) What did the angel do to Satan? (2-3)
   - Laid hold of him and bound him for a thousand years
   - Cast him into the bottomless pit and set a seal upon him

4) Why did the angel do this to Satan? (3)
   - So that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand
     years were completed

5) What souls did John see sitting on thrones? (4)
   - Those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the
     word of God
   - Who had not worshiped the beast or his image
   - Who had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands

6) How long did they live?  With whom did they reign? (4)
   - A thousand years; Christ

7) What is this reigning with Christ called?  Why are those who have a 
   part considered blessed and holy? (5-6)
   - The first resurrection
   - Over such the second death has no power, and they shall be priests
     of God and Christ and reign with Him a thousand years

8) What happens when the thousand years have expired? (7)
   - Satan will be released

9) What will he do? (8-9)
   - Deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth to gather them
     for battle
   - To surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city

10) What will happen before they succeed? (9)
   - Fire from God out of heaven will devour them

11) What will happen to the devil? (10)
   - He will be cast into the lake of fire, where the beast and false
     prophet are
   - They will be tormented day and night forever and every

12) What does John see next?  What about the earth and the heaven? (11)
   - A great white throne and Him who sat on it
   - They fled away; no place was found for them

13) Who does John see standing before the throne? What was opened (12)
   - The dead, both small and great
   - Books, including the Book of Life

14) How were the dead judged? (12)
   - According to their works
   - By the things which were written in the books

15) Who had given up the dead? (13)
   - The sea, Death and Hades

16) What is the lake of fire called?  Who was cast into it? (14-15)
   - The second death
   - Death and Hades, and anyone not found written in the Book of Life

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012