ArmchairAdventists

    Revelation: Justification by Faith The Seven Periods of the Church [By M.L] Revelation mentions seven churches to which letters are addressed. These were real churches in literal cities that existed at the time, each with its own issues and virtues. A hasty reader might quickly skim through this section to get to the more exciting symbols of the seals, trumpets, and beasts. However, the more patient reader may wonder why these seven churches are included at all. Why are these seemingly ordinary churches featured in a book full of language about the end times and major events? Why were these specific seven churches chosen to be addressed? They seem entirely out of place in Revelation. In addition to the seven churches, Revelation also presents seven seals and seven trumpets, each representing successive events. From the very beginning, our focus is directed toward the end, and Revelation 1, the introduction to the seven churches, is filled with reminders that Jesus will alw...

  Revelation: Justification by Faith "Not by Might, nor by Power, but by My Spirit" The seven churches in Revelation are compared to seven lampstands found in the sanctuary, where the High Priest, Jesus, supplies oil to keep them shining. The Holy Spirit, described in Revelation as the seven Spirits, is this oil. The lampstands had seven branches, and the seven Spirits are perfectly sufficient for them. This imagery strongly connects to Zechariah 4, which is perhaps one of the most important chapters related to Revelation 1. This chapter reveals a fundamental truth that will become clear throughout Revelation. But first, let’s provide some context. Zechariah was a prophet in the time before Jesus. The Jews had just returned from exile in Babylon, thanks to the Persians. They were greatly humbled and still dependent on and under the Medes and Persians. However, the kings of Persia were favorable toward Judah by God’s hand. They were allowed to rebuild Jerusalem, the temple, an...

  Revelation: Justification by Faith The Firstborn [By m.L] Revelation 1:5–6 (ESV): "and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Here, Jesus is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings on earth. These titles are interconnected. They also appear in the Psalms: Psalm 89:21–30, 36–37 (ESV): "My hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers. He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my G...

  Revelation: Justification by Faith The First and the Last [By m.L] Revelation 1:17–18 (ESV): "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'" This is what happened to John when he saw Jesus. Falling down as though dead at the sight of someone is not uncommon in the Bible. Consider these examples: Isaiah 6:5 (ESV): "And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'" Daniel 10:8 (ESV): "So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength." Exodus 33:20 (ESV): "But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for man shall not ...