Revelation Chapter 4, At This Point is the Church Already in Glory?

Part 1, Revelation chapter 4

On this Christmas Eve, I wish y’all a Merry Christmas. Remember, Christ is the reason for the season. Enjoy responsibly and reasonably.

Today I’d like to take up Revelation chapters 4. It marks a dramatic change of scene. Many bible expositors believe that at this point Christ has already taken the church. In other words, rapture has already taken place! I agree with this school of thought because rapture precedes tribulation period that’s covered from chapter 6-18. Why do I believe that at this point rapture has already taken place? Let me show you, the bride i.e. Christ’s church appears in chapter 19:7-8 already with Christ in heaven just before He returns to earth to give judgment and to reign in the millennial kingdom. I also believe rapture precedes great tribulation because Jesus promised the Philadelphian church and all the believers that they’ll be kept from the worldwide hour of trial. Check out the following verses, (Rev. 3:10; 19:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-10 and finally, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “…after that we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air….” First, let me explain what this rapture is all about. Rapture is derived from a Latin word raptu which means “caught up.” 1 Corinthians 15 describes the catching up of the church from the earth to meet Christ in the air. The rapture delivers the church (believers in Christ) from all distress, persecution, oppression, from the realm of sin and death and the coming wrath according to 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9.

So back to chapter 4, it introduces us to vision of Christ sitting on the Throne. This passage also introduces us to the 24 thrones for the 24 elders dressed in white robes and having crowns of gold on their heads. Before the thrones were also 7 blazing lambs; a sea of glass, clear as crystal and finally 4 living creatures covered with eyes. Let’s ask ourselves a few questions at this point? First we have already ascertained that rapture has already taken place and that it precedes great tribulation. So, who are these 24 elders and who do they represent? Why do they wear crowns of gold? Who are the 4 living creatures? Why do the 24 elders and the 4 creatures occupy a prominent position around the Throne?

Well, I might not be able to explain all the above because my own understanding is limited. However, I’ll try to pick what the scriptures say to answer some of the questions. I also invite you to contribute. Many people believe that the 24 elders are representatives from the 12 tribes of Israel as per the names written on the gates of Jerusalem (Rev.21:12) and the 12 apostles written on the 12 foundations of the city (Rev. 21:14). Others believe that they are angels. Personally I don’t agree on them being angels. Why I don’t agree is because from scriptures, I haven’t come across any scriptures that elect angels occupying thrones or wearing victor’s crowns, also the term elder (presbuteroi-presbyter) in scripture refers to men not angels.

A throne is a place of sovereignty and a place of judgment as well. The Magnificent One sits on the throne as the Sovereign Judge. The 24 elders also sit on “lesser” thrones. Is put lesser thrones to mean that Christ Throne is above the 24 other thrones. Does this suggest they are reigning/judge with Christ (Rev 2:26-27; 20:4; Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30?

The thunder, lighting and voices calls us to attention and brings us to a solemn time. The throne is already set in heaven and it’s time for the one who sits on the throne to administer judgment on the wicked. I simply cannot explain the four living creatures with six wings each and covered with eyes. This is metaphorical and my mind cannot comprehend the reality. Could they be the exalted order of angels in charge of worship? I just cannot decode it with human understanding. But it seems that the duty of the four living creatures is primarily that of worship. The Sea of glass clear as crystal remain a mystery to me. However all I can say that with Christ on the throne He is able to see everything crystal clear with glorified eyes. He is such an intelligent God.

In conclusion, the 4 living creatures, day and night they never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come” (Rev 4:8). This verse emphasizes the holiness as an eternal attribute of God.  The 24 elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever, they lay before Him their crowns and say, “You’re worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power.” They pay homage to Him as the Creator King (Rev 4:11).

Tomorrow we take part 2 of the heavenly scene- the Lamb and the seven sealed scroll.

Mingi love,

Kachel Nzaku

Inspired to inspire: Introduction to the Book of Revelation

Inspired to inspire: Introduction to the Book of Revelation: Before broaching into the Christology of Revelation, let’s first discuss a few fundamental matters. First, the genre of the book of Revelat...

Introduction to the Book of Revelation

Before broaching into the Christology of Revelation, let’s first discuss a few fundamental matters. First, the genre of the book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature (apocalyptic comes from Greek word apokalypsis meaning a revelation or a disclosure or uncovering from God concerning the imminent coming of the end of this age and the final advent of God’s kingdom. It is the very first word that opens the book, “The revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.”

Secondly, various scholars suggest possible dates for the apocalypse. Some date it during the reign of Claudius (A.D 41-54), others during the administration of Nero (A.D 54-68) and others during Domitian reign (A.D 81-96). “Irenaeus, who wrote in 190-200 CE, is the earliest extant witness to the date of Revelation. He writes that the book was written near the end of Domitian’s reign who was a Roman emperor from 81-96 CE (Slater, Thomas B. 1999. Christ and Community: A Socio-Historical Study of the Christology of Revelation. p. 22). In addition, “Price suggests that Domitian’s reign corresponds the establishment of the imperial cult at Ephesus” (ibid).

Thirdly, the Book of revelation is addressed to seven churches in Asia and in general the body of Christ in all generations and all over the world-to rebuke compromise and sin and makes a clarion call to repent; under the shadow of imperial persecution Revelation was given to the churches to strengthen their faith and to inspire believers to remain faithful even unto death; finally to reveal the events during the 7 years (Great tribulation) preceding Christ’s second coming. The island of Patmos was the place John received the visions.

Fourth, the content of Revelation seems to be a medley of imagery and symbols. There is a progressive development of action that pervades it from beginning to the end. I suppose the reason why many people shun reading the book of Revelation is because of the difficult in interpretations. There are four main types of interpretation that make attempts to explain this book.

1. Preterist interpretation-views Revelation as descriptive of the historic conditions of the Asian churches at the end of the 1st century.

2. Historicist interpretation- assumes that the book of Revelation depicts the entire course of Christian history from the time of John until the consummation of ages.

3. Idealist interpretation-assumes the visions of the apocalypse are allegory not actual events.

4. Futurist interpretation-approaches chapter 4-22 as prophecy concerning events that will occur in the future.

Personally am of the futurist perspective because undoubtedly a large segment of Revelation is intended to describe the future “Come up hither, and I will show you what must soon take place (Rev.4:1).

As a preterist; I shouldn’t forget that most biblical prophecy has both immediate and a future application. As a Futurist view; I should not assume that I have “figured out" the future. Jesus said that no one will know the day of his return before it happens. As a Historicist; I should be careful before identifying currents events or leaders as fulfilling aspects of the book of Revelation. And as an Idealist, I should not avoid the book completely because it is difficult. I should try to understand Revelation within its broader literary context.  Addition on genre, there is much debate about the exact genre used in the book: 1. Some view it as purely epistle that the primary method is that of a letter, though prophetic material is given in the letter. 2. Others view it as Prophecy, thought it contains 7 individual letters, the primary literary form is that of prophecy similar to the prophecies found in the OT. Reason being that the primary purpose of the book was to describe events in the future. 3. Others believe this is apocalyptic literature. However not everyone agrees on the definition of apocalyptic literature. Although Ezekiel and Daniel and other OT prophets contain some apocalyptic characteristics, they were written to offer assurances to their readers that the Kingdom of God will triumph though there would be great persecution and trouble in the meantime. Their worldview is nearly always characterized by a dualistic conception of this present world and the world to come. 4. It is generally thought that Revelation contains elements of all the 3 of this. It is certainly written in an epistolary format; it appears to contain prophecy and it certainly contains some elements of apocalyptic literature from that period time” (Sammy Koech)

Fifth, the obvious emphasis or theology of this book is eschatology (future events of the church in the divine plan). There is also emphasis on the centrality of God’s throne, personality and God’s sovereignty; Christology; the destinies of both the believer and non-believers are clearly defined; angelology; demonic world of evil under domination of Satan and finally personal spiritual experience. All the above doctrines are related to the divine program.

It is my hope that the exposition of the book of revelation will be a great blessing and we will be able to understand what God is saying to us in this contemporary world.

Regards,

Kachel Nzaku Nashipae

The Message to Christ's Church

Today we are journeying through Revelation chapter 2 and 3, let’s have a glimpse of the social, political, economic and political milieu of the 7 churches. Some of the cities were rich while others were impoverished and some were of commercial importance. Laodicea was the wealthiest city. Sardis was also a city of great fame and wealth. Thyatira which stood at crossroads was known for its trade guilds. Philadelphia a city of commercial importance was located at the gateway to the high central plateau and had flourishing vineyards. From the detailed hints in the two chapters, there is evidence of harassment especially by the adherents of the imperial cult who expected some sign of reverence for the emperor cult and Jewish groups who disliked the Christians because of their belief that Jesus was worthy of divine honour. Mistreatment of Christians seems to have been spasmodic and periodically escalated into very serious regional persecutions. The pagan expectations caused tension to the social detriment of Christians. The letters hint that some Christians considered taking a more accommodating, less exclusive stance toward pagan society. As mentioned in the introduction, imperial cult was practiced strongly in Asia and in most of the eastern Mediterranean regions of the Roman Empire. Cities competed vigorously for the privilege of being declared neokoros, an official centre for imperial cult. A neokorate symbolized for these cities civic pride and devotion to the imperial cult.

Christians who held that Christ not Caesar was Lord were facing increasing hostility. For instance, the Smyrna church is warned against the coming opposition; Philadelphia is told of an hour of trial coming on the world; John is already exiled to the island of Patmos because of the testimony of Jesus Christ and so on. In such situations, some of the believers began to advocate for compromise. John writes to encourage the Christians to resist staunchly emperor worship and stay faithful even to the point of death (Rev. 2:10).

The first letter is to the church in Ephesus. The city was famous for its temple of Diana or Artemis, (Acts 19:27). The temple priestesses were dedicated to cult prostitution. Jesus affirms the Ephesians’ positive actions-their deeds, hard work and perseverance and also notes their shortcoming-they had forsaken their first love. They no longer had the same passion for Christ as when they first believed. Their work was no longer motivated by love. He then calls them to repent and do the things they did at first (Rev. 2:5). In addition, He warns His church of impending judgment if they did not repent and at the same time adds another commendation concerning their doctrinal purity (they hated Nicolaitan teachings). Finally, He then promises a blessing to those who heed the word, that is, tree of life and the paradise of God.

The second letter is to Smyrna church. Jesus starts by acknowledging their trials, poverty and a spiritual wealth that no one could take away. After commending the church in Smyrna for their spiritual victories, Jesus warned them of coming persecution. However, He gives hope to His church and calls them to remain faithful in their suffering. He then makes a final promise to the believers in Smyrna that he who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death (Rev. 2:11).

The third letter is to the believers in Pergamum. On its acropolis, Pergamum had dedicated a high altar to Zeus and a temple to Athena and was the first to support the imperial cul. First, Jesus affirms the church’s positive actions-they did not renounce their faith in Jesus. The believers lived in a difficult place, surrounded by pagan influences, yet they held fast to Christ’s name and did not deny Him during difficult times. One Christian in Pergamum named Antipas was killed as faithful witness. Nevertheless, Jesus took note of their sin-some of the people held to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality and the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Jesus then issues a clarion call to repent of their sin. Finally, He makes a promise to the overcomers-hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name.

The fourth letter is Christ’s message to the church of Thyatira. Thyatira was a wealthy industrial town. Jesus affirms the church’s positive actions-their deeds, love and faith, service and perseverance. Then He also notes their sin-they tolerated that woman Jezebel who by her teaching she misled Christ’s servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols (Rev. 2:20). It seems the church was engaging in sexual immorality and dipping into in idolatry. Jesus calls the church of Thyatira to repent of their sin and encourages those who had remained faithful. Finally, Jesus registers His promises to the believers in Thyatira-to him who overcomes and does Christ’s will to the end, will be given authority over the nations and victory over all enemies, and the Morning Star (Jesus Himself).

Sardis was one of the oldest and best defended cities in the region. It was a strong pagan religious center. The fifth letter was addressed to the church in this city. Jesus condemns the lifeless state of the Sardis church-they had a reputation of being alive, but were spiritually lifeless (Rev. 3:2). Jesus then calls them to repent lest they be caught off guard when Christ returns. After the warning, He encourages the faithful remnant who had remained faithful and had not soiled their garments. Jesus makes a final promise to the believers in Sardis-that those who overcome will be dressed in white and their names will never be blotted from the book of life

The sixth letter is to the Philadelphian church. Philadelphia was a center of pagan worship and was known as ‘Little Athens’ indicating the philosophy, religion, and immorality of the large city of Athens were present in Philadelphia. Jesus affirms the church’s positive actions that though they had little strength, they kept Christ’s word and did not deny His name (Rev. 3:8). Because of this, the Lord promises them an open door of blessings. He then condemns the enemies of the Philadelphian believers; those who persecuted the believers. Jesus encourages the Philadelphian believers regarding His future coming so to hold on to what they have. Their faithful endurance would serve as a blessing. Jesus provides a final promise to the believers in Philadelphia and to all believers-him who overcomes He will make a pillar in the temple of His God.

The seventh and the last letter is addressed to the church in the city of Laodicea. Laodicea had no water supply, so water from hot springs six miles south of the city was brought through aqueducts to serve the community. By the time this water reached the city it was lukewarm. So when the Lord calls them Lukewarm, they could easily identify with the Lord’s reaction to their lukewarmness. In contrast to the other six churches, Jesus begins the message with condemnation-“you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!” (Rev. 3:15-17). With their indifference came a spiritual blindness; they claimed to be rich, blessed and self-sufficient. Jesus calls the Laodicean church to repent of its sin. Their material wealth had no eternal benefit, so Jesus commands them to come to Him for true, spiritual riches. He then makes a promise to the believers-that to him who overcomes, He will give the right to sit with Him on His throne.

What is the relevance of the above to the contemporary church and to every individual Christian? Each of the messages in the letters to the seven churches in Asia includes information appropriate to each church, and from these messages we can draw lessons applicable to our individual lives today and the body of Christ in every generation. We are called to heed the word, repent and make appropriate changes in our individual lives and in the body of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. For instance, like the Ephesians church, we can easily fall prey to a cold, mechanical observance of religion; we may tend to focus solely on doctrinal purity and activities, to the exclusion of true love for Christ; there are myriad of teachings that are contrary to God’s word. Today sexual compromise-homosexuality and prostitution has become a normal thing and many religions have become complacent and are accommodating immoral people in the church. Jesus desires purity among His people, and I believe church leaders have a responsibility to rebuke and remove false teachers from the church. Today’s church, is full of unsaved people going through the motions of religion but are spiritually dead. It’s time the church preaches the true gospel like the early apostles did. Finally, for the churches which are flourishing, rich and secure, we should never allow the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things to come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. The desired response to God’s reproof is zealous change and true repentance. In addition, no amount of zeal for the truth or moral righteousness can replace a heart full of love for Jesus.

What is the Lord saying to you through the above letters to the 7 churches in Asia?

Mingi pendoz,

Kachel

The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1)

There is an incredible variety of literary techniques that God used in His Word to convey what He wanted to reveal to us. Symbolic language is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which the book of Revelation is an outstanding example. It contains the account of visions in symbolic and allegorical language. At this point, let me mention that Revelation contains a variety of rhetoric or literary techniques namely metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism, imagery, hyperbole and chiasm among others. We will encounter these techniques and it is of paramount importance to understand so that we do not misinterpret scriptures. 

Here is the prologue or the initial opening remarks of the book of Revelation. "1.The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." The above opening verses are very significant. This prologue describes the source, contents, and audience of the book. First, this book is the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Yesterday I mentioned that the Greek word for revelation is apocalypsis which mean to uncover. It takes the cover off the hidden things of God. First, the source of the revelations is God. He gave Jesus these revelations. He gave them to show his servants what must happen soon. Second, this is a revelation about Jesus. It is the revelation of the person of Jesus Christ. He is the one who rose from the dead, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. It is a revelation of God’s glory and power. Third, this revelation gives a certainty of the things that must soon take place. Well, am sure someone will wonder, how soon is soon? In my view soon could mean that it will happen in the near future or to mean the certainty of what must happen. I can’t speculate when soon is soon but all I know is that God has said it, it will happen. As for the precise time, I don’t know. So what must you and I do as far as this revelation is concerned? Acknowledge that the source of this message is God Himself and that as verse three say, God will bless the person who reads, hears and keeps the words of this message. John warns that there is not much time left. Verse 4, introduces us to the seven churches and seven spirits of God. These representative churches are mentioned by name in Rev 1:11, and each is the recipient of a message (Rev 2:1–3:22). We are being informed that John sends the message to the 7 churches in the region called Asia. So, does that mean that it not applicable to the contemporary church? Certainly no! Seven is the biblical number suggesting fullness and completeness; thus the seer is writing for the whole church. Seven is a sign of something perfect or complete. John starts his letter with a prayer for grace and peace from the eternal God (who is, who was and is to come. The Alpha (first letter of the Greek alphabet) and Omega (the last letter of the Greek alphabet)).

In the following verses, John introduces himself and the glorified Christ to us, “ I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus,Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” 

Verses 12-16, Jesus is portrayed in all His glorious appearance. He is clothed with a garment right down to His feet, and girded with a golden girdle, thereby emphasizing His priestly and royal dignity. His hair, white like wool, symbolizes His wisdom, while His eyes that are as a flame of fire, symbolizes that nothing is hidden from His sight. His feet like fine brass as if they burned in a furnace, depict His absolute holiness and purity. As for the seven stars and lambstands are clearly explained. In verse 20, "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” Christ Himself is the Lamp. 

Let me pose a question who are those angels? I'll answer that tomorrow as we look at the individual churches. 

Baraka,
Kachel