Reformed Bible Assembly

“Understanding Revelation” Series

Introduction

It is unfortunate that the book of Revelation, perhaps the Bible’s greatest portrait of Jesus Christ, is plagued by conflicting interpretations that too often conceal rather than reveal Him. The preterist view (“pre” meaning “before”) says that most of the book of Revelation represents the fulfillment of events that occurred in the time of the early church (most say in 70 A.D. as God’s final judgment on the ancient Jews). According to the historical view it is a survey of history between the two comings of Christ forming a single time line, with each detail representing a specific event, character or idea in church history. The futurist view sees it primarily as a prophecy of the end times leading up to Christ’s Second Coming.

The problem with these three interpretations is that they all require us to look to evidence outside of Scripture for their meaning, which has not only left us feeling that only “the scholars” can understand it, but it has led to broadly differing opinions and therefore great confusion. Scripture, however, is given not primarily to scholars but to Christians, who have the Spirit of God as their teacher (John 16:13), and have the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). Intellectual effort is certainly important in understanding the Bible, but even more so, the Bible is to be spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). The spiritual view, sometimes called idealist or ideological, sees Revelation primarily as a presentation of common spiritual themes which are repeated and developed throughout the whole Bible.

These spiritual themes would include the worship of God and His Anointed Son, Jesus Christ; the work of Satan and His forces to oppose God’s glory and His eternal plan; the protection of God’s people in the midst of persecution, their perseverance in the midst of apostasy, their comforts in the midst of calamity, their final security in contrast to the final separation and ultimate damnation of the unbelieving world. Many portions are believed to have a more literal fulfillment as well, and it is probably true that people and events in the past, present, and future are referenced in the book of Revelation – thus, the opinions of preterists, historicists and futurists should not be disregarded.  But the spiritual themes of the Christian conflict have meaning for all of God’s people throughout the age and find their ultimate fulfillment in this final book of Scripture. When viewed in this way, with Scripture interpreting Scripture, much of the confusion melts away, and the glory of Jesus Christ shines through most brightly.

The spiritual interpretation of Revelation is not new. Much of it has been lost in our day, but it’s been around for most of the church’s history, and perhaps an increasing number of commentators today see the book in this way. (A list of some of these will be included in one of the downloadable study sheets.) Early readers, especially those already familiar with Scripture, would have understood its symbolic, apocalyptic language, and regardless of one’s view of the end times, every Christian can be blessed by this understanding of this final book of Scripture.

Revelation Sermons in Order

The entire Revelation series is available in audio format by clicking the links to Sermon Audio. The following presents the sermons in the order in which they were given. Clicking on the title will take you to the Sermon Audio website where the sermons may be listened to or downloaded, and for many of the messages, study sheets may also be viewed and/or downloaded in .pdf format.

Introductory Sermons:

1. Approaching the Revelation with Discernment, Part 1: Introduction.  Text:  Hebrews 1:1-4; Revelation 1:1-3. Summary: In order to best discern God’s purposes in giving us the book of Revelation, we must understand the book’s style (not historical narrative or direct teaching, but a series of prophetic visions) and its spiritual purpose (written primarily for believers who had already knew and accepted the authority of the Scriptures).

2. Approaching the Revelation with Discernment, Part 2: Avoiding Common Pitfalls. Text:  Revelation 1:1-3.  Summary:  In order to benefit from the book of Revelation, we must take care to avoid common pitfalls, especially the pitfall of extra-biblical fascination (attempting to interpret the book using sources outside of Scripture), and the pitfall of hyper-literal interpretation, which is especially problematic when attempting to interpret a book that the Apostle himself declares to be a series of visions, that is, a picture-book, filled with well-established biblical symbolism.

3. Approaching the Revelation with Discernment, Part 3: Aids to Interpretation.  Text:  Revelation 1:1-3. Summary: Two aids to interpreting Revelation, recapitulation (a cycle that repeats the same events but from different perspectives) and progression (increasing intensity as the book unfolds), can help us to better understand and make proper use of the Book.

4. A Letter from God, Part 1.  Text:  Revelation 1:4-18.  Though John is the human author of the book, Revelation is actually a letter from God to man.  This message looks at the urgency of the letter, the unique circumstances of its origin, and the portrait of the resurrected and glorified Christ (the letter’s divine Author) which introduces the book.

5. A Letter from God, Part 2.  Text:  Revelation 1:10-20. Most of the book of Revelation constitutes a letter from God to man, and should be thought of as such in order that it might have its necessary effect on us.  Having considered the uniqueness of the letter and its divine Author, this message looks at the recipients of the letter, the church. Considering Jesus’ statement in Mt. 16:18, we try to determine what exactly is “the church,” and exactly to whom the book of Revelation is written.

Letters to the Churches:

6. Seven Stars and Seven Churches, Part 1. Text: Revelation 2:1-7, 12-29. Summary: God promises that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against the church, a reference not to individual local assemblies can often fall into apostasy, but to the universal church made up of individuals who persevere in the truth.  In this first of three messages on the letters to the seven churches, we consider three churches in a state of decline (Ephesus, Pergamos, and Thyatira), with strengths that are commended by Christ, and weaknesses that receive His reprimand.

7. Seven Stars and Seven Churches, Part 2. Text: Revelation 2:8-11; 3:7-13. Summary: God promises that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against the church, a reference not to individual local assemblies can often fall into apostasy, but to the universal church made up of individuals who persevere in the truth.  In this second of three messages on the letters to the seven churches, we consider the only two churches of the seven that received only commendation (Philadelphia and Smyrna), thus giving us the perfect model for a “successful church.”

8. Seven Stars and Seven Churches, Part 3. Text: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-21. Summary: God promises that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against the church, a reference not to individual local assemblies can often fall into apostasy, but to the universal church made up of individuals who persevere in the truth. In this third of three messages on the letters to the seven churches, we receive instruction from two churches (Sardis and Laodicea) that had nothing for Christ to commend, and thus, are about to die.

Scenes of Worship and wonder in Heaven:

9. The Risen Christ in His Present Glory.  Text:  Rev. 4:1-11. Summary: God’s revelations of the glories of His Son, both before His first coming and after His Resurrection, direct us to a humble view of our present condition and a sober view of our future destiny.

10. A Kingdom for the Lamb Who is Worthy.  Text:  Rev. 5:1-14.Summary:  As momentary despair is quickly diminished by worshipful joy in heaven, so is the prospect of eternity with God when compared with the struggles of our brief span of life on earth.

The Seal Judgments:

11. The Secret of the Seals, Part 1.  Text:  Rev. 6:1-11. Chapter Summary:  Revelation chapter six, the breaking of six of the seven seals of judgment, presents timeless, terrifying images of God’s wrath upon impenitent sinners, all attended by the supplications of departed saints.  This message considers Seals 1 through 4 (four horses and their riders), and Seal 5, the cry of the departed saints.

12. The Secret of the Seals, Part 2.  Text:  Rev. 6:12-17. Chapter Summary: Revelation chapter six, the breaking of six of the seven seals of judgment, presents timeless, terrifying images of God’s wrath upon impenitent sinners, all attended by the supplications of departed saints.  This message considers Seal 6: the terror of a trembling world.

Another Heavenly View:

13. Sealed for Salvation, Part 1. Text:  Rev. 7:1-8. Chapter Summary: In the face of coming tribulation on earth, John, along with the saints in all ages, finds needed comfort in the sealing of God’s people on earth, and the rejoicing of the heavenly assembly. This message considers preparation for coming judgment, and protection (sealing) of the earthly saints, who are represented and identified by the highly symbolic number of 144,000.

14. Sealed for Salvation, Part 2. Text:  Rev. 7:9-17. Chapter Summary: In the face of coming tribulation on earth, John, along with the saints in all ages, finds needed comfort in the sealing of God’s people on earth, and the rejoicing of the heavenly assembly. This message explores the identity of the heavenly assembly, and their activities, which represent a prophetic fulfillment of the Old Testament Feast of Tabernacles.

15. Sealed for Salvation, Part 3. Text:  Rev. 7:9-17. Chapter Summary: In the face of coming tribulation on earth, John, along with the saints in all ages, finds needed comfort in the sealing of God’s people on earth, and the rejoicing of the heavenly assembly.  This message consider the Divine promises to the heavenly assembly.

The Trumpet Judgments:

16. Answered Prayers and Sounding Trumpets, Part 1.  Text:  Rev. 8:1-13. Chapter Summary: This chapter, which begins a new and more intense series of judgments, reveals events from several points of view as God oversees His perfect plan. As the trumpets are sounded, the saints are constant in their prayers (Part 1), the sinful inhabitants of the world are confounded in their sins (Part 2 & 3), and the heavenly beings are confident in their Master’s cause (Part 4).  This message considers how the prayers of the saints are aided, heard and made effective by divine intervention.

17. Answered Prayers and Sounding Trumpets, Part 2.  Text:  Rev. 8:1-13. Chapter Summary: This chapter, which begins a new and more intense series of judgments, reveals events from several points of view as God oversees His perfect plan. As the trumpets are sounded, the saints are constant in their prayers (Part 1), the sinful inhabitants of the world are confounded in their sins (Parts 2 & 3), and the heavenly beings are confident in their Master’s cause (Part 4).  In this message: the first Trumpet (hail, fire and blood on the earth); and the second Trumpet (a burning mountain in the sea).

18. Answered Prayers and Sounding Trumpets, Part 3.  Text:  Rev. 8:1-13. Chapter Summary: This chapter, which begins a new and more intense series of judgments, reveals events from several points of view as God oversees His perfect plan. As the trumpets are sounded, the saints are constant in their prayers (Part 1), the sinful inhabitants of the world are confounded in their sins (Part 2 & 3), and the heavenly beings are confident in their Master’s cause (Part 4).  In this message, Trumpet 3, a great falling star; and Trumpet 4, the sun, moon and stars darkened.

19. Answered Prayers and Sounding Trumpets, Part 4.  Text:  Rev. 8:1-13. Chapter Summary: This chapter, which begins a new and more intense series of judgments, reveals events from several points of view as God oversees His perfect plan. As the trumpets are sounded, the saints are constant in their prayers (Part 1), the sinful inhabitants of the world are confounded in their sins (Part 2 & 3), and in this message, part 4, the heavenly beings are confident in their Master’s cause: they obey, serve and believe Him without hesitation.

REVIEW: Revelation Survey, 1-8.  Text:  A review of Revelation chapters 1-8.  Message: From John’s first vision of Christ in His glory, to the announcement of coming woes upon the earth, the Revelation is clear in its exaltation of Christ, and in its call to repentance and a life of faith in Him.

20. Locusts from the Abyss, Part 1.  Text:  Rev. 9:1-12. Summary: Verses 1-12 of this chapter represent the 5th Trumpet judgment, and the first of three “woes.” Satan’s sway over the human race, accomplished with the aid of a massive army of evil spirit-beings (demonic forces, pictured by strange locust-like creatures), will continue until his final destination in the Lake of Fire.  This message begins the attempt to identify them by considering who their master is.

21. Locusts from the Abyss, Part 2.  Text:  Rev. 9:1-12.Summary: Verses 1-12 of his chapter represent the 5th Trumpet judgment, and the first of three “woes.” Satan’s sway over the human race, accomplished with the aid of a massive army of evil spirit-beings (demonic forces, pictured by strange locust-like creatures), will continue until his final destination in the Lake of Fire.  This message considers their meaning, & their mission.

22. Terrors of Four Angels Unbound.  Text:  Rev. 9:13-21. Summary:  Verses 13-21 of this chapter represent the 6th Trumpet judgment, and the second of three “woes.” When God in judgment removes His restraints on evil, the result is always a torrent of death and destruction that is beyond man’s power to hold back.

A View of the Church and Her Mission:

23. A Mighty Angel and a Little Book.  Text:  Rev. 10:1-11.  Summary: This chapter is an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets, in which John sees a mighty angel with a little book. After “eating” the book as he is commanded, John finds it to be both sweet and bitter, a reminder to the church of her secure standing with God, and of her necessary mission to the world.

24. Two Lamps in the Darkness, Part 1.  Text:  Rev. 11:1-14. Chapter Summary: This chapter represents the broad mission of the church in New Testament times, opposed and hated by the devil and his agents, but empowered and approved by God. In this prophetic vision, John is commanded in vv. 1-2 to measure the Temple, yet at the time of this writing, the Temple is likely already destroyed, and John is not in Jerusalem but exiled on Patmos. John’s measuring is thus not a literal act but a symbolic one. This message considers the spiritual meaning of John’s command to measure the temple in light of other Scriptural passages.

25. Two Lamps in the Darkness, Part 2.  Text:  Rev. 11:1-14. Chapter Summary: This chapter represents the broad mission of the church in New Testament times, opposed and hated by the devil and his agents, but empowered and approved by God.  This message considers the identity of the two witnesses.

26. Two Lamps in the Darkness, Part 3.  Text:  Rev. 11:1-14. Chapter Summary: This chapter represents the broad mission of the church in New Testament times, which is opposed and hated by the devil and his agents, but is empowered and approved by God.  This message on the two witnesses considers the nature and duration of their witness and the strife of spiritual warfare.

27. Two Lamps in the Darkness, Part 4.  Text:  Rev. 11:1-14. Chapter Summary: This chapter represents the broad mission of the church in New Testament times, which is opposed and hated by the devil and his agents, but is empowered and approved by God.  This message contrasts the human and heavenly response to the witnesses’ testimony.

The Seventh Trumpet, in heaven and on earth.

28. And He Shall Reign.  Text:  Rev. 11:15-19.  Chapter Summary: This chapter represents the broad mission of the church in New Testament times, which is opposed and hated by the devil and his agents, but is empowered and approved by God. The heavenly praise song following the sounding of the 7th Trumpet in verses 15-19, regardless of the exact timing of its events, is to be understood in the “prophetic present,” and reiterates the central theme of the book. This scene is especially powerful because of it’s contrast to the spiritual conflict on earth, seen in the effect of the witnesses’ testimony, the contempt heaped upon the saints, and the contrast between the two cities, the “holy city” (v. 2) and the “heavenly city” (v. 8).

29. The Dragon’s Futile Offensive, Part 1. Text: Rev. 12:1-6. Chapter Summary: Revelation 12 presents, in symbolic and dramatic form, the devil’s opposition to God, and its implications for mankind. In this message, the characters are introduced (dragon, child, woman); the dragon’s strategic objectives identified, along with the cosmic implications of the conflict.

30. The Dragon’s Futile Offensive, Part 2. Text: Rev. 12:7-12. Chapter Summary: Revelation 12 presents, in symbolic and dramatic form, the devil’s opposition to God, and its implications for mankind. This message examines archangels at war; a celebration of Michael’s victory; and the devil’s new frontier on earth.

31. The Dragon’s Futile Offensive, Part 3. Text: Rev. 12:7-12. Chapter Summary: Revelation 12 presents, in symbolic and dramatic form, the devil’s opposition to God, and its implications for mankind. This message considers Satan’s war against the world, and against the woman and her offspring.

32. The Satanic Trinity, Part 1: The Beast From the Sea. Text: Rev. 13:1-10. Chapter Summary: In this chapter, two beasts are revealed, which together with the dragon, form a Satanic trinity that claims universal dominion while deceiving the world and making war on the saints. This message considers the identity of the beast from the sea in view of his attributes, actions and advances.

33. The Satanic Trinity, Part 2: The Beast From the Earth. Text: Rev. 13:1-10. Chapter Summary: In this chapter, two beasts are revealed, which together with the dragon, form a Satanic trinity that claims universal dominion while deceiving the world and making war on the saints. This message considers the identity of the beast from the earth along with his enticements and the reach of his authority.

The Victorious Warrior-King:

34. The Lamb on Mt. Zion. Text: Rev. 14:1-5. Summary: Set in contrast to the apparent victory of antichrist over the church, chapter 14 opens with the Lamb firmly in control, the song of the redeemed surrounding His throne, and the elect firmly in His protection.
Kingdom Against Kingdom. Text: Rev. 14:6-13. Summary: Continuing the contrast between the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of antichrist, this passage contains a final message of warning from three angels to those who worship the beast, and words of comfort for the followers of the Lamb.

35. Kingdom Against Kingdom. Text: Revelation 14:6-13. Summary: Continuing the contrast between the kingdoms of Christ and antichrist, this passage contains a final message of warning to those who worship the beast, and words of comfort for the followers of the Lamb.

36. Planting, Nurturing and Reaping. Text: Revelation 14:14-20 & Selected texts. Summary: In this final section of Rev. 14, John sees the final reaping phase of the Lord’s earthly kingdom work, in which He has planted, nurtured and brought forth a people for His name. The chapter ends with the terrifying judgment of the nations, the harvest of the earth, and the return of its rightful owner, Jesus Christ.

37. The Song of Moses and of the Lamb. Text: Exodus 15; Revelation 15:1-4. Summary: The song that Moses and the people sang after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, like the Song in Revelation 15, expresses great truths about a sovereign God, a confounded enemy, and a privileged people, that are as meaningful for the modern people of God as they were for the ancient people of God.

The Seven Bowl Judgments:

38. Seven Last Plagues, Part 1. Text: Revelation 15:5-8. Summary: This passage reminds us that God’s testimony of Himself is time-sensitive, and that when His mercy is exhausted, destruction is imminent.

39. Seven Last Plagues, Part 2. Text: Revelation 16:1-21. Summary: The seven last plagues represent God’s final judgment upon this present world, the kingdom of antichrist, and the followers of the beast. This message considers the meaning of the plagues by listing and applying sound rules of biblical interpretation. Then, the timing of the plagues in considered (“When will these things be?”), followed by spiritual lessons gleaned from them.

Babylon, the great harlot:

40. Babylon is Fallen, Part 1: The Woman & the City. Text: Revelation 17:1-18. Chapter Summary: Chapter 17, by means of well-established Scriptural symbols, portrays the mystery of iniquity and the satanic power behind it, whose destruction will be described in the following chapter. This message looks at the symbol of the woman, and the symbol of the city.

41. Babylon is Fallen, Part 2: The Symbol of the Beast. Text: Revelation 17:1-18. Chapter Summary: Chapter 17, by means of well-established Scriptural symbols, portrays the mystery of iniquity and the satanic power behind it, whose destruction will be described in the following chapter. This message, in comparing this text with Daniel chapter 7, focuses on the beast that “was” and “the beast that “is not.”

42. Babylon is Fallen, Part 3: Seven Heads and Ten Horns. Text: Revelation 17:1-18. Chapter Summary: This passage, by means of well-established Scriptural symbols, portrays the mystery of iniquity and the satanic power behind it, whose destruction will be described in the following chapter. This message looks at interpretational challenges in considering the identity of the beast who hated the woman and made war against her.

43. Babylon is Fallen, Part 4: The Rise of the Beast & the Fall of Babylon. Text: Revelation 18:1-24. Summary: In this chapter the counterfeit bride, thinking she was invincible, meets her doom after being betrayed by her long-time lover, the beast. The message summarizes the conclusions on chapter 17 and considers the rise of the beast, and the woman riding the beast.

44. Destiny of the False and the True, Part 1. Text: Revelation 19:1-10. Summary: Both the setting of this passage and its contents emphasize Revelation’s theme of contrast between the true paradise of God’s kingdom which will endure forever, and the false utopian promises of Satan’s kingdom which will fall. In this message, the demise of the woman, the city and the beast in vv. 1-3, as apposed to the destiny of the saints in vv. 4-10.

45. Destiny of the False and the True, Part 2. Text: Revelation 19:1-10. Summary: Both the setting of this passage and its contents emphasize Revelation’s theme of contrast between the true paradise of God’s kingdom which will endure forever, and the false utopian promises of Satan’s kingdom which will fall. The heavenly kingdom is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant of grace, visualized in the great marriage supper.

Armageddon, the Final Battle:

46. Armageddon, the Final Battle, Part 1. Text: Revelation 19:11-21. Summary: This passage presents the fulfillment of a final, eschatological battle between God and Satan that was prophesied in the Old Testament and its fulfillment described multiple times in the New Testament. In this message, the meaning of “Armageddon,” is considered, along with the Biblical evidence for a final battle.

47. Armageddon, the Final Battle, Part 2. Text: Revelation 19:11-21. Summary: This passage presents the fulfillment of a final, eschatological battle between God and Satan that was prophesied in the Old Testament and its fulfillment described multiple times in the New Testament. In this message, the timing of the great battle, and its place in the sequence of end-times events.

48. Armageddon, the Final Battle, Part 3. Text: Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:7-10. Summary: This passage presents the fulfillment of a final, eschatological battle between God and Satan that was prophesied in the Old Testament and its fulfillment described multiple times in the New Testament. This message focuses on the participants in the final battle, and the meaning of “God and Magog.”

49. Armageddon, the Final Battle, Part 4. Text: Revelation 20:9. Summary: Revelation 19:11-21, in parallel with Revelation 20:7-10, presents the fulfillment of a final, eschatalogical battle between God and Satan that was prophesied in the Old Testament and its fulfillment described multiple times in the New Testament. This message considers the depth of meaning implied by Rev. 20:9. It attempts to answer the question, “Is ‘the camp of the saints and the beloved city’ literal or symbolic, and are the land and people of national Israel the final target of the beast’s rage?”

50. Armageddon, the Final Battle, Part 5. Text: Revelation 20:9 & Selected Scriptures. Summary: Considering the rebirth of modern Israel and the great gentile apostasy we are now witnessing in the world, the Reformed church should reconsider Romans 11 and the possibility of a mass conversion of national Israel in the end times.

The Millennium:

51. The Millennium, Part 1. Text: Rev. 20:1-6. Summary: The time period referred to as the thousand years, which begins with the binding of Satan and ends with Christ’s Second Coming, both of which are defined in other passages, seems best understood as the current age, and as a symbolic reference to an indefinite period of time whose conclusion is known only to God, and is described here from an earthly and a heavenly perspective. This message considers the meanings implied by “bound,” “restrained,” “released.” and “judged.”

52. The Millennium, Part 2. Text: Revelation 20:4-6. Summary: The time period referred to as the thousand years, which begins with the binding of Satan and ends with Christ’s Second Coming, both of which are defined in other passages, seems best understood as the current age, and as a symbolic reference to an indefinite period of time whose conclusion is known only to God, and is described here from an earthly and a heavenly perspective. Basic and accepted rules of biblical interpretation that are important for understanding this chapter are stated and applied.

The Resurrection and the Judgment:

53. Resurrection of the Just and Unjust, Part 1. Text: Rev. 20:4-15. Summary: The subject of what happens to a person after death (called individual or personal eschatology), though often subject to novel interpretations, is discernible from Scripture and is dramatically and powerfully presented in this passage, where it serves as both a comfort to Christians and a warning to unbelieving sinners. Common errors regarding the judgment and afterlife are given and evaluated in relation to this passage. Based on the evidence of Scripture, understanding this topic may be confusing, but it is comprehensible, as evidenced by the almost universal agreement of the classic Reformed confessions.

54. Resurrection of the Just and Unjust, Part 2. Text: Rev. 20:4-15. Summary: The subject of what happens to a person after death (called individual or personal eschatology), though often subject to novel interpretations, is discernible from Scripture and is dramatically and powerfully presented in this passage, where it serves as both a comfort to Christians and a warning to unbelieving sinners. This message reviews common unorthodox beliefs about the afterlife, and then presents a biblical timeline of the doctrine of the resurrection.

55. Resurrection of the Just and Unjust, Part 3. Text: Rev. 20:1-15. Summary: The subject of what happens to a person after death (called individual or personal eschatology), though often subject to novel interpretations, is discernible from Scripture and is dramatically and powerfully presented in this passage, where it serves as both a comfort to Christians and a warning to unbelieving sinners. In this message, the consequences of the resurrection for saints and sinners, including the setting, those summoned, and the outcome.

The New Jerusalem:

56. The New Jerusalem, Part1: The City of God. Text: Revelation 21:1-8. Chapter Summary: The New Jerusalem represents the long-awaited final gathering place of Christ and His church, described first by general introduction, then in terms of its measurements and materials, then the pilgrims that come there, and finally, its perfect harmony with the reordered world. This message looks at the anticipation of a heavenly city in Scripture, as the permanent dwelling place of the Lord and His people.

57. The New Jerusalem, Part 2: It’s Features, Measurements & Materials. Text: Revelation 21:9-21. Chapter Summary: The New Jerusalem represents the long-awaited final gathering place of Christ and His church, described first by general introduction, then in terms of its measurements and materials, then the pilgrims that come there, and finally, its perfect harmony with the reordered world. This message looks at the anticipation of a heavenly city in Scripture, as the permanent dwelling place of the Lord and His people. In this message, the security of the city is examined, as being the city of the Lamb’s wife, the city of the great King in Psalm 48, the strong city of Isaiah 26, as well as the new Jerusalem.

58. The New Jerusalem, Part 3: It’s Features, Measurements & Materials, continued. Text: Revelation 21:9-17. Chapter Summary: The New Jerusalem represents the long-awaited final gathering place of Christ and His church, described first by general introduction, then in terms of its measurements and materials, then the pilgrims that come there, and finally, its perfect harmony with the reordered world. In this message, the city of truth is seen in its foundations and in its measurements.

59. The New Jerusalem, Part 4: It’s Features, Measurements & Materials, continued. Text: Revelation 21:9-21. Chapter Summary: The New Jerusalem represents the long-awaited final gathering place of Christ and His church, described first by general introduction, then in terms of its measurements and materials, then the pilgrims that come there, and finally, its perfect harmony with the reordered world. This message looks at the New Jerusalem as the beautiful city, and contrasts the true beauty with the false.

60. The New Jerusalem, Part 5: Paradise Regained. Text: Revelation 21:22 – 22:5. Chapter Summary: The New Jerusalem represents the long-awaited final gathering place of Christ and His church, described first by general introduction, then in terms of its measurements and materials, then the pilgrims that come there, and finally, its perfect harmony with the reordered world. This message looks at the concept of Paradise, with a view of how it was lost by man, counterfeited by Satan, and regained as man is reunited with God.

Final Exhortations.

61. Final Exhortations, Part 1: “Behold, I Am Coming Quickly.” Text: Revelation 22:6-21. Summary: John’s reference to the nearness of Christ’s return implies an immediate and age-long fulfillment of the visions he saw, and has a general application to all who read or hear the words of this book. This message considers the meaning of Jesus’ expression, “Behold, I am coming quickly,” as a reference to the fact that it ushers in the last days, and in the sense that His return is imminent.

62. Final Exhortations, Part 2: “These Words are Faithful and True.” Text: Revelation 22:6-21. Summary: This passage, which forms the epilogue not only of the book of Revelation but of the entire Bible, leaves the reader with four profound points to ponder: the imminence of the Lord’s return; the blessedness of His people; the completion of His plan; and the sufficiency of His word.

63. Final Exhortations, Part 3: “Blessed Are They.” Text: Revelation 22:6-21. Summary: This passage, which forms the epilogue not only of the book of Revelation but of the entire Bible, leaves the reader with four profound points to ponder: the imminence of the Lord’s return; the completion of His plan; the sufficiency of His word; and the blessedness of His people. This message focuses on the blessedness of the saints in the presence of their Lord and Savior.