An MBA graduate's thoughts from a place of prayer, study and waiting on God…
Revelation 7:9, 13-17 The announcement by John in Rev 7:4-8 of the number of those who are sealed marks the completion of the sealing. John hears that their number is 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel. The reference here is not to a literal number but to what it signifies. The number 144,000 consists … Continue reading Who are the 144,000 – the sealed people of God?
Ezekiel 9:1-11; Ezekiel 20:12, 20; Hebrews 4:9-11; Revelation 7:1-3; Revelation 14:9-10, 12 In the Old Testament, winds stand for destructive forces by which God executes judgments upon the wicked (Jer. 23:19, 20; Dan. 7:2). These destructive forces are being restrained by divine intervention while the sealing of God’s people takes place. In ancient times, the … Continue reading What is this seal of God that saves from the seven last plagues; and what is the ultimate final test for God’s children?
Revelation 5:1-7 The scroll was lying on the throne at the right hand of the Father. It waited for the One who was worthy to take it and “ ‘to loose its seals’ ” (Rev. 5:2, NKJV). In the words of Ellen G. White, the sealed scroll contains “the history of God’s providences, the prophetic … Continue reading What is the scroll with seven seals?
Isaiah 6:2-3; Ezekiel 1:5-14; Ezekiel 10:20-22; Revelation 4:6-8 The four living creatures symbolize the exalted beings who serve God as His agents and the guardians of His throne (Ps. 99:1). They are higher order angels - cherubim and seraphim. Their wings point symbolically to their swiftness in carrying out God’s orders, and their eyes point … Continue reading What are these “four living creatures” in heaven?
Matthew 27:52-53; James 1:12; Revelation 3:4-5; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 5:8-10 The description of the elders in Revelation 4:4 shows that they are not angelic beings. The title “elders” in the Bible always is used for humans. In contrast to angels, who invariably stand in God’s presence, these elders sit on thrones. The white robes they … Continue reading Who are these 24 “elders” in heaven?
Revelation 1:20 Revelation’s seven messages to the churches show spiritual decline in the seven churches and have three main applications: Historical application. Those messages originally were sent to seven churches located in prosperous cities of first-century Asia. The Christians there faced serious challenges. Several cities set up emperor worship in their temples as a token … Continue reading Summary notes on Revelation ch. 2 & 3
Revelation 3:14-22; Revelation 16:15 The lukewarm church AD1844 till the end of time: The last church addressed by Jesus was in Laodicea, a wealthy city situated on a major trade road. It was famous for its woolen manufacturing industry; its banks (which held a vast quantity of gold); and a medical school, which produced eye … Continue reading The lukewarm church: AD1844 till the end of time
Revelation 3:7-13 The sixth church addressed by Jesus was Philadelphia (meaning “brotherly love”). The city was located on an imperial trade road and served as the gateway—an “open door”—to a large, fertile plateau. Excavations indicate that Philadelphia was a center to which people came for health and healing. Shaken by frequent earthquakes, the city’s inhabitants … Continue reading The faithful church AD1740 – AD1844
Revelation 3:1-6 Sardis had a glorious history. But by the Roman period, the city had lost its prestige. While the city was still enjoying wealth, its glory was rooted in its past history rather than in present reality. The ancient city had been built on top of a steep hill and was nearly impregnable. Because … Continue reading The dead church AD1565 – AD1740
Revelation 2:18-29 Thyatira symbolizes the condition of Christianity from AD538 - AD1565. Tradition replaced the Bible, a human priesthood and sacred relics replaced Christ’s priesthood, and works were regarded as the means of salvation. Those who didn’t accept the corrupting influences were persecuted or even killed. For centuries, the church found refuge in the wilderness … Continue reading The corrupt church AD538 – AD1565