Assurance Of Inspiration: The Gospel
While Paul may say this much explicitly , Jesus and the Gospel writers indicate the same but by his constant refrain that the Scriptures have been fulfilled in his person and work . The covenant promises of God in the Scriptures have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and that is the greatest testimony to their divine origin. Should one seek assurance that the Scripture is nothing less than divine revelation one need look no further than the gospel itself. God has come through on his word.
Further Reading
To The *church In Laodicea
v14 Write to the *angel of the *church in Laodicea. Iam the *Amen. I am the loyal and the true witness. I rule over all that God hascreated. This is what I say to you. v15 I know all that you have done.You are like water that is neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were eithercold or hot. v16 You are warm, and neither cold nor hot. Because ofthis, I will *vomit you out of my mouth. v17 You say that you are rich.You declare that you are wealthy. You say that you need nothing. But you do notknow that you need help. You do not know that you are miserable, poor, blindand naked. v18 I advise you to buy gold from me. Fire has made this goldpure. Buy it so that you can become rich. Also, buy white clothing from me sothat you can dress yourself. Then you will cover up your shame and you will notbe naked. And put eye *ointment on your eyes so that you can see. v19 Icorrect everyone whom I love. And I give them strict discipline. So, be eagerand *repent. v20 Listen, I am standing at the door. I am knocking on it.If you hear my voice, then open the door. I will come in to you. I will eatwith you. And you will eat with me.
v21 To those who overcome, I will give a place withme on my *throne. In the same way, I overcame and sat down with my Father onhis *throne. v22 If you have an ear, listen! Hear what the Spirit saysto the *churches.
The hot weather warmed the pipes. The water was warm, not cold orhot. It was not nice to drink. Such water made one feel sick.
Focus On The Main Idea And Dont Get Lost In The Details
With most literary genres in the Bible, we begin with the details and work toward an understanding of the whole text. With Revelation, however, we should start with the big picture and work toward an understanding of the details. As we try to identify theological principles in Revelation, we should focus on the main ideas.
Read a section of Revelation and try to capture the main idea in a short statement. For example, the main idea of Revelation 45 relates to the ascended and exalted Lord, who alone is worthy to execute the divine judgments. The details of any particular section increase the impact on the reader but dont change that main idea. Resist the temptation to focus so much on the details that you miss the main idea. Dont let the main point of each section or vision fade. As has been said, when reading Revelation, the main thing is to make the main thing the main thing!
If the central interpretive rule is to grasp the main idea of each vision, it becomes important that we have a general understanding of how the book unfolds. We see the book unfolding in seven broad movements, bracketed by an introduction and a conclusion.
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The Strong *angel And The Little Book
v1 And I saw another strong *angel come down fromheaven. His clothes were like a cloud. There was a rainbow over his head. Hisface was like the sun. And his legs were like columns of fire. v2 Heheld in his hand a little book that was open. He put his right foot on the seaand his left foot on the land. v3 Then he shouted with a loud voice. Hisvoice was like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, 7 *thunders sounded. Thesound was like voices that spoke. v4 When the 7 *thunders spoke, Istarted to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven. Keep secret what the7 *thunders have said. Do not write it.
v5 The *angel that stood on the sea and on the landraised his right hand to heaven. v6 He made a promise in front of Godwho lives now and always. God created the heavens and all that is in them. Hecreated the earth and the sea and all that is in them. The *angel said, Therewill be no more delay. v7 When the seventh *angel sounds his*trumpet, God will act. He will complete his secret plan. He has announced thisplan to his servants the *prophets.
v8 Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoketo me again. The voice said, Go and take the open book from the hand of the*angel. He is standing on the sea and on the land.
Verse 1 John saw a great *angel come down from heaven. It seemedthat a cloud covered him like a coat. There was a rainbow above his head. Buthis face shone with a bright light like the sun. The impression of his legs waslike fire.
Revelation 1: 16 Praising The Lord For His Judgment
John heard the inhabitants of heaven crying out âAlleluiaâ , which means âPraise the Lord!â This praise was in response to Godâs righteous judgment upon Babylon. Knowing that God is a God of judgment enables Saints to endure in faith: âNo sooner is the idea of the existence of planted in the minds of men, than it gives power to the mind for the exercise of faith and confidence in God, and they are enabled by faith to lay hold on the promises which are set before them, and wade through all the tribulations and afflictions to which they are subjected by reason of the persecution from those who know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, believing that in due time the Lord will come out in swift judgment against their enemiesâ . Knowing that God will one day judge the enemies of His people can help Saints in the last days to endure in âpatience and ⦠faithâ .
What do the names and titles in these verses reveal about the eternal mission of Jesus Christ? What thoughts and feelings do you have as you consider these names and titles?
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God Sends The Plagues So That All Mankind Will Turn To Him
Some people have the mistaken idea that God is harsh and crueldelighting in making people suffer. But this is most definitely not the reason God will bring these seven last plagues upon mankind.
As our loving Father, God always administers punishment to encourage us to turn from sinful conduct to obedience to His holy and beneficial laws so we can be blessed.
Conveying this principle to ancient Israel, God told the prophet Ezekiel: Say to them, As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel? .
This principle that God explained to ancient Israel is true for all peoplesnot just Israelites. God loves everyone and desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth .
The book of Revelations prophecies about the seven last plagues are terrifying and show there will be massive suffering and destruction around the world in the end times. This will be necessary for God to deal with a sinful and rebellious world. But the good news is this will be a temporary period of time. Afterward, Jesus Christ will return to stop the sufferings of the end time, deal with mankinds sins directly and begin ruling the world with righteousness.
This will result in 1,000 years of peace and prosperity.
To learn more about Gods expectations, we recommend the free downloadable booklet Change Your Life!
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The Power Of Confession
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me my vitality was turned into the drought of summer.Psalm 32:4
California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. In periods of modern droughts, aerial photographs document the receding water levels in reservoirs around the stateshorelines growing wider and drier as water levels fall.
Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long . It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him . And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made .
Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. Hiding sin does not remove it from Gods sight but when we seek Gods forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restoredthat is the power of confession.
The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession.Richard Sibbes
I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure.Psalm 119:162
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The Seven Last Plagues In Revelation Are:
First plague: The contents of the first bowl will cause painful sores upon those who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image . It appears these painful, open sores will be caused by some sort of skin disease or infection.
Second plague: When this bowl is poured out, the sea will become blood and cause all life in it to die . The death of saltwater marine life will destroy a major food source for millions of people.
Third plague: After the third angel pours out its bowl, the rivers and springs of water will become blood . This plague will destroy freshwater fisheven further impacting the food supply for millions of people.
Fourth plague: The fourth bowl will cause the sun to become so hot as to scorch men with fire .
Fifth plague: This punishment will bring darkness, pains and sores .
Sixth plague: The bowl containing this plague will be poured out on the Euphrates River, causing it to dry up and make land travel easier for the armies of the kings of the earth and of the whole world to assemble at Armageddon . From this location, the assembled armies will then advance toward Jerusalem for a final battle against Jesus Christ .
Revelation 1718 The Fall Of Babylon
In Revelation 16:17, the seventh angel poured out his vial, signaling the final destructive events that will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. These concluding events include the fall of Babylon, described in Revelation 17â18. Ancient Babylon had destroyed Jerusalem in 587 B.C., a traumatic and defining event in Israelâs history. Israelite prophets in turn wrote about the eventual destruction of Babylon , and John drew upon their language as he described the ultimate destruction of the spiritual enemies of Godâs people.
âIn Rev. 14:8 16:19 17:5 18:2, 10, 21, Babylon probably denotes Rome, the great antagonist of Messiahâs kingdomâ . It is likely that Babylon also represents all that is wicked in the world . Chapters 17â18 depict Babylon as a âwhoreâ holding a cup âfull of abominations and filthinessâ and as the âmother of harlotsâ . In this sense, Babylon is the antitype of the righteous bride that represents the Church and the antithesis of Zion as âthe pure in heartâ . Johnâs vision of Babylon parallels much of Nephiâs vision of the great and abominable church .
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Understanding Revelations In The Bible
What does historical Bible study have to say about gospel meaning and understanding revelations in the Bible?
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Discovering gospel meaning or understanding revelations in the Bible has baffled readers for centuries. In this 13th-century mosaic in the cupola of the Baptistry in Florence, a voracious Devil devours sinners. Historical Bible study indicates that when Revelations author refers to the place inhabited by Satan, he was thinking of Pergamons well-known monument: the Great Altar to Zeus.
Whether were looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the Bible, historical Bible study can help us find our way.
Ben Witherington III, author of the following article, Asking the Right Question, once hitched a ride from a couple who believed the Earth was flat. Why? Because the Book of Revelation says that angels stand on the Earths four corners. Can we use that logic when were understanding revelations in the Bible? Historical Bible study doesnt treat Revelation as a cosmology textbook.
If youre looking for gospel meaning, consider looking into more aspects of historical Bible studystarting with this article by Ben Witherington III.
The religion section of most bookstores includes an amazing array of Bibles. In our free eBookThe Holy Bible: A Buyers Guide
To The *church In Pergamum
v12 Write to the *angel of the *church in Pergamum.I have the sharp sword. It cuts with both edges. This is what I say to you. v13I know where you live. *Satan has his *throne there. But you remain true to myname. You did not deny your *faith in me, even in the days of Antipas. He wasmy loyal servant. He spoke the truth about me. The people in your city killedhim. That is where *Satan lives.
v14 However, I have a few things against you. Someamong you follow what Balaam taught Balak. Balak learned from Balaam how totempt the *Israelites. He caused them to *sin. He tempted them to eat food fromthe table of false gods. He tempted them to have wrong sex. v15 Also,some among you follow what the Nicolaitans teach. v16 You must *repent.If you do not *repent, I will come quickly. I will fight against them with thesword that comes out of my mouth.
v17 If you have an ear, listen! Hear what the Spiritsays to the *churches. To those who overcome, I will give some of the secret*manna. I will also give to each person who overcomes a white stone with a newname on it. Nobody knows this new name except the person who receives it.
Verse 12 The road north from Smyrna follows the coast for about40 miles. Then it turns away from the sea up a river valley. Ten miles from thesea is the capital city, called Pergamum. Here they had a large and famouslibrary.
Some also followed what the Nicolaitans taught. Perhaps theybelonged to the same group because they did the same things.
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Revelation : 45 No More Tears Death Sorrow Or Pain
Revelation 21:4 highlights the great restorative power of Christâs Atonement, which will ultimately make all things right. Through the Atonement, all of lifeâs disadvantages, contradictions, injustices, and unfairness will be made right. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed: âThe Atonement will not only help us overcome our transgressions and mistakes, but in His time, it will resolve all inequities of lifeâthose things that are unfair which are the consequences of circumstance or othersâ acts and not our own decisionsâ (âJesus Christ, Our Redeemer,â Ensign,
For information about the second death, see the .
Identity: Jews Who Are Dedicated To Serving God
The witnesses will be Jews who receive a special calling from the Lord. Revelation 7 indicates there will be twelve thousand witnesses from each of the twelve tribes of Israel: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. It is worth noting that Josephs name stands in the place of the tribe of Dan. Dan is strongly associated with idolatry, and some scholars have even speculated that the Antichrist would come from this tribe. We cannot be sure. Its possible that Josephs name is mentioned here to show that all the tribes will be reunited. What we do know is that, in the Millennial Kingdom, all thirteen tribes will receive a distribution of land .
In Revelation 14:4, we find a remarkably personal fact about the 144,000: These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. Many people have tried to spiritualize that verse. They suggest that it means the witnesses will not have committed spiritual adultery, but I think thats reading too much into the text. The following sentence in Revelation 14 says, These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
Whatever their marital status may be, the 144,000 will devote their hearts and souls to preaching the Gospel. Theyll be on a mission, and it will be a full-time task. In a world characterized by spiritual unfaithfulness, the witnesses will maintain absolute purity of heart and devotion to the Lamb of God.
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To The *church In Thyatira
v18 Write to the *angel of the *church in Thyatira.I am the Son of God. My eyes are like a flame of fire. My feet are like brightshining *bronze that has gone through a hot fire. This is what I say to you. v19I know what you do. I know your love, your *faith, your service, and yourpatience. You are doing more now than you did at the start.
v20 But I have this against you. You let that womancalled Jezebel remain among you. She calls herself a *prophet. She teaches andleads my servants into *sin. She encourages them to have wrong sex. She causesthem to eat food from the table of false gods. v21 I gave her time to*repent and to turn away from her *sins and wrong sex. However, she does notwant to change. v22 So, I will throw her on a bed where she will suffer.And whoever has sex with her will suffer greatly. I will do this unless they*repent. They must turn from the wicked things that they did with her. v23I will kill her children so that they are dead. Then all the *churches willknow that I examine minds and hearts. And I will give to each of you whateveryour works deserve. v24 Now to the rest of you in Thyatira, I say this.You have not believed what Jezebel taught. You have not learned what some callthe secret things of *Satan. So, I will not make life any more difficult foryou. v25 Only hold on to what you have. Hold on to it until I come.
Life in Thyatira was difficult for them. But they accepted allthe problems and they did not turn from the *Lord.