1-15-2014 Vol. 7 Part 45 Book of Revelation (Revelation 20:1-6)

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1-15-2014 Vol. 7 Part 45 Book of Revelation

Psalms 119:40-49 Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness. Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD— Your salvation according to Your word. So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I have hoped in Your ordinances. So shall I keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, Which I love, And I will meditate on Your statutes. Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have caused me to hope.

Father God, we thank you for all your love. Bless and guide us down the path of life. Lead us Holy Spirit at every crossroads so that we will please Jesus in all that we do. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Revelation 20:1-6 NKJV

Last week’s lesson mentioned the Beast and the False Prophet being thrown into the Lake of Fire. Here is a picture that depicts that scene of the future.

Beast and False Prophet Into Lake of Fire

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

This Chapter starts out with Satan being bound and locked away, so the Battle of Armageddon ends with Satan being removed from this earth. Is this removal forever? Yes and no so let’s get started and see what scripture says.

1  Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven; It is very obvious that angels play a very important part in the Kingdom of God. Just from this study of Revelation we have been introduced to many tasks angels do and the power they have.

Having the key to the bottomless pit; This angel has the key to the bottomless pit, the same key that was mentioned in Chapter 9:1. This angel is the keeper of this key, but his instructions come from God in what to do with it. In 9:1 the angel was instructed to give the key to Satan. This angel no doubt is an angel of a higher rank and of greater power to have the key to the bottomless pit, but we aren’t told who this angel is. The Bible only names four angels those being Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and Apollyon. Could it be Michael or Gabriel?

And a great chain in his hand; This chain is to be taken literal, but it is a special chain, one that will bind and hold Satan. We know those of the spiritual world have bodies/form, therefore the infinite power of God Almighty can hold these beings. After all He created them and knows what it takes to bind them up and lock them away.

The Angel With the Great Chain

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

2  He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;

He laid hold; This verse may give us a little clue as to who this angel is based on Chapter 12. We studied that Michael threw Satan to earth in the spiritual battle that took place in the heavens. It very well could be Michael that will bind up Satan and cast him in the bottomless pit, but not for certain.

Of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan; Satan is described here in four different ways which portrays his character. A dragon = great power; a serpent = very cunning; the Devil = an accuser; Satan = the adversary.

And bound him for a thousand years; Some people think Satan is in Hell, but actually he is not. Scripture verses verify the fact that he roams the earth and heavens in times past and present. Look up these verses and see for yourself. Job 1:7; Ephesians. 2:2; Job 1:6. Satan will at some point in time be locked up for a thousand years and then release for a short time.

3  and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.

And he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him; Another term for the bottomless pit is the abyss. This abyss is in the center of the earth. Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The “prison” which Peter spoke about (I Peter 3:19), where Jesus preached immediately before His Resurrection, and Jude briefly mentioned also (Jude verse 6), is probably the “abyss” where Satan will be placed. There is a seal set on the doors so no one can go in or out for a thousand years.

So that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished; During this 1,000 year reign of Jesus, there will be no tempting or deception by Satan or any of his followers.

But after these things he must be released for a little while; John doesn't say why God releases Satan for a little while, but it is part of God's plan for judging the world. Perhaps it is to expose those who rebel against God in their hearts and confirm those who are truly faithful to God. Whatever the reason, Satan's release results in the final destruction of all evil mankind Revelation 20:12-15.

Dragon Chained

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

4  And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of 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, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them; John doesn’t tell us how many thrones, but we know from previous lessons there are 24 thrones. Who is seated on them, we don’t know for sure. Some say it is 12 individuals from the OT and 12 from the NT. I would venture to say the apostles will occupy 12 of the seats because Jesus told his apostles they would judge the twelve tribes and that God’s saints would judge the world. How this actually happens we don’t know, but the apostles and saints will be involved somehow with the end time judgment when Jesus is seated on the throne ruling and reigning. Matthew 19:28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 1 Corinthians 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Then I saw the souls of 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, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands; Those that gave their lives during the Tribulation for God and Jesus, will be right there along with all the other Saints that have lived from the beginning of time. If you had to live through the Tribulation, would your faith be strong enough not to deny Jesus, even if it meant death by guillotine?

And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. All Born Again Christians with glorified bodies will live and be part of Jesus ruler ship during the Millennium.

5  But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

This verse would be better understood if it were termed this way. Those that are unbelievers from the beginning of time and those that followed the Antichrist are dead and in the grave and will not be resurrected until the end of the 1,000 years. Then they will be resurrected, given an indestructible body, judged, and then cast into the Lake of Fire. This will be their first resurrection. John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice  29 and come forth— those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

6  Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection; This phrase is referring to Born Again Saints and the resurrection of life, eternal life with Jesus our Saviour.

Over such the second death has no power; The second death referred to here is a spiritual death the unsaved will experience meaning eternal life in the Lake of Fire. A person can be born twice (human & spiritual birth) and die once (human death), or born once (human birth) and die twice (human & spiritual death). A Born Again Saint of God will only experience a human death because they place their faith in Jesus Christ and what He did on the Cross for them. It is their spiritual birth that will get them to Heaven, thus never having a spiritual death. It is our choice while here on earth to accept Jesus as our Saviour by admitting we are sinners by nature, asking for forgiveness, vowing to turn from a sinful lifestyle, and ask Jesus to come into our life and help us to lead a righteous life. John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

But they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years; Anyone that has a second birth, meaning a spiritual birth will live and reign with Jesus Christ during the thousand years.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock     https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness of all of my sins.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.”  (John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

1-8-2014 Vol. 7 Part 44 Book of Revelation (Revelation 19:11-21)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

1-8-2014 Vol. 7 Part 44 Book of Revelation

Psalms 119:29-39 Remove from me the way of lying, And grant me Your law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your judgments are good.

Father God, help us to absorb your Word, and live by Faith in what took place at the Cross, so we will be with your Son Jesus Christ when He returns. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Revelation 19:11-21 NKJV

This lesson starts out with a picture of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is His return along with His Saints to wipe the earth clean of Satan, his demons, and all sinful people.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Art used; by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992. To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site, http://revelationillustrated.com.

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse; Once again the doors of Heaven are opened to John just like in these verses, Revelation_4:1, Revelation_11:19, Revelation_15:5. The white horse our Lord will ride in on represents a war horse. He is coming to wage war against Satan and all evil. In ancient times a donkey was ridden if the message was peace, but if it was a message of war they rode a horse and ready for battle.

And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True; Jesus is faithful and true therefore He will appear in all His glory and power. He is faithful to the prophesies of old and true to fulfill them when the time is right.

And in righteousness He judges and makes war; This time when Jesus comes He will come to judge and it will be a righteous judgment of war. It won’t be like it was over 2,000 years ago as the Prince of Peace bringing a message of salvation and was rejected, but it will be to cleanse the earth of unbelievers so that He can set up His Kingdom to rule the next 1,000 years. It will be what the Jewish people hoped for over 2,000 years ago that Jesus would be there ruler and rule all nations at that time, but the time wasn’t right then. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

His eyes were like a flame of fire; Our Lords eyes will be like fire and with those eyes He will see into the soul of all mankind. He can see our darkest secrets and knows what type of a heart relationship each of us have with Him, therefore they are eyes of righteous judgment and each of us will get what we deserve. His eyes will be as the eyes of the super hero Superman that can see through all things and burn through all things, but it will be our hearts that He will be looking at, because our actions and words come from our heart. James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Matthew 12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

And on His head were many crowns; The many crowns on our Lord’s head signifies that He will rule all nations when He returns. The crown of thorns was a victor’s crown in Greek “stephanos”, where as these crowns are crowns of diadems/royalty signifying ruler of all.

He had a name written that no one knew except Himself; What this phrase is alluding to is that no man has the capability to live up to the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood; This phrase reminds us why Jesus came to earth in human flesh as a sacrifice for all mankind. Without this act of love this world would be in such darkness that we cannot comprehend the state it would be.

And His name is called The Word of God; This phrase tells us who Jesus is. He is recorded in the Bible; He is the Bible; the Bible is all about Him; it is His life. This is why we are to live according to every word of the Bible because the Bible is the word of God, Jesus, true and faithful. God’s Word is an eternal life survival guide. Our free will gives us the choice to read it, believe it, and live our lives according to its contents, by placing our faith in Jesus Christ which the reward will be Heaven, eternal life, or not read it and listen to religious doctrine, our flesh, and worldly things, and placing our faith in ourselves and religion, which our reward will be Hell, eternal death.

14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.

This army following Christ will be the Saints of God. All the Saints (Born Again) who have ever lived will be behind Jesus riding white horses and clothed in white righteousness. All that ever lived and placed their faith in Jesus along with those taken up at the Rapture will return with Jesus.

15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations; The Words of God, recorded in the Bible, is a sword. They will cut a person’s heart to the inner most core with conviction, if one allows it. At the battle of Armageddon Jesus will only have to speak the words and all evil will be wiped out just like God spoke this earth into existence. Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron; Those that will be ushered into the Millennial Reign, meaning all that did not take on the mark of the beast will be ruled in a fashion that breaking God’s Laws will not be tolerated.

He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God; The winepress represents the Battle of Armageddon. The battle will be of fierceness because the wrath of God will exterminate all evil. The blood will flow like juice from a winepress. It will take 7 months to bury the dead. Ezekiel 39:12 For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land.

16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

There won’t be any mistaken identity here with “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” written on Jesus robe and thigh. His appearance from the gates of Heaven will cause people to die of fear.

17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; Why is this angel standing in the sun? We don’t know, we can only speculate that it would be to signify evil is gone; there will be no more darkness; it will only be the light of Jesus that will shine for eternity.

And he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven; Have you notice throughout this study of Revelation that God uses the elements of nature that He created, to bring about His will. Earthquakes, hail, water turned to blood, darkness, etc. It tells us of His power and that He has control of what we call nature. He controls floods, tornadoes, snow blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc., what we should ponder when these things take place is why? Is God trying to tell us something? Are they a message for us to repent of our lifestyle? It also tells us that Satan does not have power over Gods creation.

Come and gather together for the supper of the great God; This feast is the complete opposite of the Wedding Feast, which will be a celebration and the other devastation.

18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."

This verse tells us that God’s wrath will fall on all living according to the flesh. Whether on the front lines of Armageddon or in some secure place, they will die. It won’t matter if they are kings, paupers, slaves, or free, if they aren’t living for Christ they will die.

19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.

This will be the greatest gathering of kings coming together under the direction of the Antichrist that we can imagine. The Antichrist will be leading this mighty army. This army could include China, Japan, Vietnam, and other countries in that region of the world. Daniel also stated that countries to the north like Russia, Eastern Europe, etc. could also be involved in this great army. We don’t know how many countries will actually join forces to wage war on Israel, but we do know it will be the greatest army ever gathered together. Daniel 11:44

20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.

We have studied the beast and false prophet in previous lessons in how they deceived people to take on the mark of the beast, 666, but here what we can learn from this verse is that they will be cast into the Lake of Fire alive where they suffer for eternity.

21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

This verse tells us that all remaining after the Antichrist and the False Prophet are thrown in the Lake of Fire, Jesus will just say the word and they will meet their demise. The sword is the Word of God/Jesus and whatever is said by Jesus will be done.

People say, can’t Satan read what God’s word says, and yes he can but he doesn’t believe it just like all the people of the world that don’t believe it. They are deceived and believe in their own thoughts. It was pride and arrogance that got Satan thrown out of Heaven and it is still pride and arrogance that make Satan believe he can defeat God.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock     https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness of all of my sins.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.”  (John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

1-1-2014 Vol. 7 Part 43 Book of Revelation (Revelation 19:1-10)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

1-1-2014 Vol. 7 Part 43 Book of Revelation

Psalms 119:13-27 With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul breaks with longing For Your judgments at all times. You rebuke the proud—the cursed, Who stray from Your commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt, For I have kept Your testimonies. Princes also sit and speak against me, But Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors. My soul clings to the dust; Revive me according to Your word. I have declared my ways, and You answered me; Teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.

Father God, we thank you for the beautiful snow, the frosty designs on windows, the beauty of delicate snowflakes, etc. There is no other artist that can match your masterpieces. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Revelation 19:1-10 NKJV

This chapter has three main points, the first being a continuation of Chapter 18 with rejoicing that Babylon has fallen, the second part is the description of Jesus return, and the third is the description of the removal of evil from this earth. This lesson will be about the rejoicing of the fall of Babylon and the celebration of the marriage supper of Jesus and his bride.

1  After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!

This verse starts out with, “After these things” which speaks of the fall of Babylon from the previous chapter. All the inhabitants of Heaven are rejoicing and praising God. Some say the “great multitude” is in reference to only the 144,000, but as we read on we will see that it is all in Heaven rejoicing. To think it is only the 144,000 is absurd, when reading the following verses, and that is why you have to read verses before and after a particular verse you are interpreting. (A good rule of thumb is 7 verses before and 7 verses after.) Scripture tells us that in the spiritual world evil spirits interfere with God’s messengers and Jesus, causing havoc, so why wouldn’t everyone in Heaven rejoice in the fall of Babylon and the return of Jesus Christ? Daniel records an event involving evil spirit interference.

Daniel was praying and fasting for 21 days and Christ finally appeared to him. Christ was delayed for 21 days by the prince of Persia. Some say this was an angel that appeared to Daniel, but the description is like descriptions given describing Jesus, therefore my belief is it was Jesus that appeared to Daniel. Daniel 10:5-6 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz!  6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. In chapter one of Revelation we have a description of Jesus by John which is of the same. Revelation 1:13-15 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.  14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;  15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters.

Why was Jesus detained? We aren’t given the details, but whatever it was, it was of importance and Michael was called upon to take Jesus place so that He could go to Daniel’s aid. Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.

So all in Heaven are giving God a fourfold alleluia of salvation, glory, honor, and power because the Battle of Armageddon is about to commence and all of evil will be wiped from earth. “Thy kingdom come thy will be done” is about to happen. It is Praise that is the heartfelt response to God by those who love him. The more you get to know Jesus and realize what he has done, the more you will respond with praise. Praise is at the heart of true worship.

2  For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her."

For true and righteous are His judgments; “His judgments”, are of course referring to God almighty. His judgments are true; there is no other that judges with such righteousness as God. The judgments referred to here is pertaining to the Great Tribulations and the fall of the great harlot. Man thinks he can judge, but man judges many times with emotions and to please man and not God. This is why the world is in such a sad state that it is in presently.

Because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; This judgment of Babylon is directed at the false religions the great harlot promoted. Religions that promote salvation can be obtained through good deeds and not a spiritual birth/Born Again meaning faith in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. Even though during the Great Tribulation all religions will be wiped out around the world, they will be replace with the greatest false religion of all, and that will be worshipping the beast.

And He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her; With the destruction of the harlot, God has avenged the blood of all that gave their life for the cause of Christ for all time.

3  Again they said, "Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!"

Just as in verse one an “Alleluia” rings out again because all that Babylon represented is gone forever, to be no more because Jesus is about to rule forever. Her smoke that rises up must be a sweet savory odor to those in Heaven just like the smoke of a sacrifice was to God during OT times.

4  And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!"

This verse tells us that all in Heaven will be rejoicing when Babylon is destroyed as stated in verse one. The twenty four elders and the four living beasts also fall down and worship God for His will being done on earth as it is in Heaven. This is the third “Alleluia” but also proceeded with an “Amen” signifying all in Heaven are in complete agreement with God. It’s been a long time in coming and the day is at hand for Jesus to return on His white horse.

The twenty-four elders represent all men, women, and children that are Born Again Saints, while the four living beast represent all of creation that God created. It will be after Jesus return that creation will be able to live according to God’s intended purpose. Isaiah 11:6-9 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.  7 The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den.  9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.

5  Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!"

Then a voice came from the throne, saying; This voice is not identified, but is no doubt an angel, one of Gods messengers.

Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great; This voice is rallying all in Heaven to give God praise; all that serve Him; all that fear Him; and all of various ranks. All that serve him is pretty much self explanatory, but what about those that fear Him? It is not that those in Heaven fear God, but it is fear of eternal Hell that brought these saved souls to repentance and they asked Jesus into their heart. These are the individuals this voice is rallying to praise God. Here on earth as human beings we fear power, whether it is people of great power or the power of a machine, we respect out of fear. A police officer we respect and fear what can happen to us if we disobey the laws and it is the same type of respect and fear when we come to realize the truth of God’s Holy Word that inspires us to be obedient and fear God’s wrath. God is omnipotent and righteous, therefore we bow down and praise Him out of love, respect, and fear.

The small and great refers to the ranking order of those in Heaven. Just like the angels, there are angels of higher rank than others and the same will be with individuals. God’s Saints will have different duties in Heaven based on what they did for God’s kingdom here on earth, therefore there will be some type of rank. When God’s children stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ they will receive their rewards based on what they did for Jesus here on earth. Revelation 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,  13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.  14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 2 John 1:7-9 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.  8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.  9 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. Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,  24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

6  And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

Every voice in Heaven joins in with praising God saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” There are so many voices they all run together to sound like the roar of the water going over  Niagara Falls; or the waves crashing on the shore; or the rumble of thunder. Any person that is a spirit filled believer, praises God on a continual basis. It is part of the change or regeneration of a person when they come to Christ.

7  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready."

Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory; What this pertains to is what Jesus did for us on the Cross. He died and was resurrected so that all would have a chance to believe and place their faith in Jesus. Without this there would only be a minute number of people worthy of Heaven. This is something to shout about!

For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready;

Who is the Lamb’s wife? It is Born Again Saints of all times, from the beginning of time to the Second coming of Jesus. What will the marriage ceremony be? We don’t know for sure, but scripture gives us a hint in Revelation 21:9-10 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife."  10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. We also have a hint in this verse; Revelation 21:2-3 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Putting the puzzle pieces together could the ceremony be that the Lord will take His resurrected people and place them in that Holy City, the New Jerusalem, where they will be with Him for eternity?

8  And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

“And to her”, is referring to the bride and of course all redeemed individuals will be clothed in white representing holiness. This clothing could very well be clothing of light because those in Heaven will have glorified bodies. Clothed in light so bright it would appear as a covering. Whenever God appeared it was as a bright light, and as redeemed souls we will be like Him. We know sin has a clothing of nakedness based on Adam and Eve after their fall. It is very possible they had a glow about them and their body form could not be distinguished before they disobeyed God. Many scriptures speak of this clothing of light. Psalms 104:2 Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. Matthew 13:43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

9  Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."

Then he said to me; Who is “he”? The next verse tells us that he is a man of equal rank.

"Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' " And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."; “Blessed are those”, pertains to all Born Again believers and this man is telling John to record the events of the marriage supper, and accepting and believing the message of the Cross, will be the invitation to the wedding celebration. Once recorded in God’s Word they will be true and something a person can bank on.

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Since John fell at this person’s feet, this person must be in apparel similar to what Jesus wore, but it is clear that he was a person that was saved by faith through the finished works of the Cross based on the description he gave to John of himself.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock     https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness of all of my sins.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.”  (John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)