All Posts

Prophetic aspect of Revelation chapters 2-3

Understanding Revelation is critical to understanding where we’re at on the prophetic timeline! The Church age which is described in Revelation 2-3 is understood to be specific to the time when it was written. It is also understood to be universal to any given church throughout the ages. Including today. There is a prophetic understanding also. The seven churches describe different time periods of existence. Ephesus to Laodicea correspond with historical periods of time. The end of the Laodicean church corresponding with the church of today. This information is critical to the believer. We need to understand that the hour is late and that the coming of our Lord is at hand!

©2026 – Verse By Verse Ministry International (http://www.versebyverseministry.org). May be copied and distributed in its original, unedited form, including this copyright statement, and no fee is collected for its distribution.

• All Posts
• Let’s Get Started!
• New Music Demos
• Praise and Worship Music

Sardis the dead church Watch this video by Amir Tsarfati

Revelation chapter 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of  God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. The seven spirits are the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Revelation helps us in understanding Revelation!

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The church of Philadelphia

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 

Philadelphia and Smyrna are the only churches where correction is not necessary. An open door of effective ministry is provided by the Lord. This church has a wonderful promise. To be kept from experiencing the tribulation period. They will be kept from that hour, that time which shall come upon all the world. It doesn’t say I will keep you through the tribulation. It says I will keep you from the tribulation. Delivered from the tribulation via the rapture of the Church. 1Cor. 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Watch this video by Amir Tsarfati.

I will keep you from the hour of temptation (Tribulation)

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

These verses speak of permanency. Secured and established. Overcoming the world (with His help) enables us to reap these wonderful benefits.

The church of Laodicea

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

A lukewarm condition. People indifferent to what is happening in the church. Church leadership is probably more interested in numbers growth than personal growth and relationship with Jesus. A church in bondage is not a very effective tool of the Savior. Lukewarm!

Trusting in riches

The Laodiceans are probably trusting in riches and missing the mark. This brings to mind the story of Jesus and the rich ruler. Luke 18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through  a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Dining with Jesus

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Eating with someone signified becoming one with that person. Jesus was always wanting to eat supper with people. He wants to become one with us. Relationship is the currency of the kingdom. Gold and silver will not hold their value in the kingdom. As a matter of fact, they will be used as pavement which will be seen later on in the book. But right standing; relationship with the Lord holds much value. Drawing closer and closer to Him will translate into riches in the kingdom to come. It will also enable peace and blessed recreation in our lives in this world. Open the door, let Him in! Repent and trust in Him and His finished work at the cross.

Revelation Chapter 3 completes the documentation of the things that are of this current age. The Church age. The things which shall be hereafter starts with chapter 4 and are yet future after the rapture of the Church.

• All Posts
• Let’s Get Started!
• New Music Demos
• Praise and Worship Music

Revelation chapter 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; Verse 1:20 helps in understanding Revelation.

Revelation 1:20 says that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches.

2 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.

This church has it going on! Works, labor, patience. They hated evil. They had a spirit of discernment. False teachers were identified and found to be liars. For the Lord’s name they labored. They have not fainted. What more could you ask for? What a dynamic ministry. But wait. 

You left your first Love!

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Apparently the Lord is more interested in our relationship with Him than our works. He is not near as concerned about our establishing a mighty ministry as He is about our fellowship with Himself. We become sidetracked with ministry and doing works. Jesus says I just want to walk with you and talk with you. Enjoy time with you. (Our works don’t save us. Salvation is a free gift. Our good works motivated by the blessed rest and fellowship that we have in Jesus do evidence however the fact that we have received the free gift of Salvation.)

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Remember the first works. How your relationship with Him was the most important thing in your life. Remember, repent, and return. Or else be removed and become irrelevant.

Deeds of the Nicolaitans

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

They did hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans. This was a good thing. Nicolaitan comes from the combined Greek words nika (he conquers) and loan (people). So conquering or lording it over the common people. Hierarchy in the church. This is exactly the thing that the disciples were arguing over. Luke 9:46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.  And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

So we are to be childlike around one another. If one would desire to be great then he should become a servant. 

Remember the conditions of the blessing back in Revelation 1:3 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. If we overcome. If we hear the words and keep the things which are written therein then Jesus will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The tree of Life

We’ve heard about this tree before. Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

After Adam fell, this tree was no longer available to him. Genesis 2:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. 

We will one day be able to again enjoy the fruit from this tree of life. The Lord promises it here in verse 7.  This fruit which improves our quality of life. We really begin to have access to it when we repent and turn and trust in Jesus Christ. He truly does give us life and that abundantly.

Now these churches all exist concurrently. In other words one can receive this teaching today. The conditions in any one of these seven churches can be seen in the church today. There is also a historical prospective which is interesting. The first church or Ephesus may be referring to the period of time during the ministry of the apostles or the first century.

The church of Smyrna could be referring to the second and third century church which experienced tremendous persecution. It was estimated that six million Christians were martyred during this period of time. Look at the Lords encouraging words to this church.

The church in Smyrna

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The second death

An interesting statement. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. This would naturally imply that he who doesn’t overcome would be hurt by the second death. Jesus is talking to believers here. As believers, we are secure in our salvation. Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Just don’t turn back to the ways of the world. Ezekiel 18:21-24.

But even if you do turn back, you can get saved again. Remember the prodigal son. Luke 15:11-32. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the only sin that will not be forgiven though. Matthew 12:31, 32. Jesus was responding to the Pharisees accusations of darkness and evil. They were saying that Jesus’ works which were the works of the Holy Spirit were of darkness and evil and of Satan. They were convinced. This is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit!

What is the second death. Revelation 20:13 says  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Verse 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Verse 15 whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. And again in Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The church in Pergamos

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is; and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him  white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. 

The state church

Possibly the development of the state church under Constantine. A church compromising the world. Trying to join with the worldly system. A church state system. An effort to legislate religious issues. We see idols coming into the church. Representations of Jesus and Mary and of the Apostles and Saints and Moses and so forth. The introduction of the arts and statues within the churches. External beauty and art. But we must worship internally. Jesus said in John 4:24 God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. This church also holds to the doctrine of the Nicloaitans previously mentioned.

The white stone

The white stone was a stone of acceptance. The black stone was a stone of rejection, black-balled. I will give them a white stone and will receive him. I will accept him and give him a name, which no man knows except him who receives it.

The church in Thyatira

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 

The unrepentant church will go into the tribulation period. The implication is that repentance would have spared them the suffering of the great tribulation.

23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

• All Posts
• Let’s Get Started!
• New Music Demos
• Praise and Worship Music

Revelation chapter 1:1. 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. 

Revelation is not a sealed book that is without understanding. It is the revealed testimony and prophecy of God. These things will come to pass on the earth. God gave it to Jesus. Jesus sent his angel to show it to John which he then wrote in the book. Things which must shortly take place doesn’t mean that they should have happened 2000 years ago. It means that the next event on the prophetic timeline is at hand. The rapture of the church. The removal of the Church from the earth. Once this event takes place, the earth will enter a dark and deceptive episode of history the likes of which have never been before nor will ever be again. Matthew 24:21

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. 

As one reads, studies, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy; one receives blessing and comfort. This should be the result of reading Revelation. Again, the time is at hand. Jesus is coming for His bride, the church. As we read we will discover that rapture of the Church could happen at any moment!

The Churches which are in Asia

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen 

Jesus comes twice

We know that Jesus is coming in two different ways. He is coming as a thief in the night and also with power and great glory in the clouds. The cloud reference is described in Matthew 24:29. This comes at the end of the tribulation period. The thief reference occurs at the beginning of the same period. Matthew 24:36 describes this event. Things are normal at the beginning or just before the tribulation period. This is when He comes as a thief. People aren’t expecting Him.

Explanation of the two comings

Matthew 24:29. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

(We know when this day will happen. It’s immediately after the tribulation)

31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (His elect will enter into the Millennium after the tribulation)

32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

(What day? The verse 36 day is a different day than the one in verse 30. Know one knows when this one will happen. The one in verse 30 happens at the end of the tribulation period. The verse 36 day is a secret day.)

Jesus explains the “secret day” Watch the video by Amir Tsarfati

Matthew 24:37. But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

(Things are pretty normal when this day happens. This is in contrast to the day in Matthew 24 verse 30 which happens at the end of the tribulation period. Things are not normal at all at the end of the tribulation period!)

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

(These people are taken on the secret day which is before the tribulation period.)

The Alpha and Omega

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

(There were more that seven churches during this time. Seven refers to the complete church which would also include us.)

Seven golden lamp stands

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

The sound of many waters. Lake Mead in the US southwest has been shrinking for years. It’s now a fraction of what it used to be. Back in the early 80s it was full to the brim. Water was going over the spillways. You could walk the bridge over the spillway and experience that thunderous sound of many waters going over the damn. It was an awesome and frightening sound to be sure!

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 

(So we have a description of the Lord in his glorified form but we don’t ever get a description of his human form in any of the gospels or epistles.)

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 

(Jesus has the keys of hell and of death because after he died on the cross he descended into that realm. Afterwards, He ascended. He lead those captives from their captivity for He had the keys of death and hell and He presides over death and hell.)

The Key to Understanding Revelation

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 

The command to John in Revelation 1, verse nineteen gives the key to understanding Revelation. Understanding the book is dependent upon using the key. There are three divisions to the book of Revelation.

Write the things which you have seen (Rev 1:19), This is past tense; so, it was this vision that he wrote of Jesus Christ that he saw in chapter one. Secondly, the things which are (Rev 1:19), These are the present things. And thirdly, the things which shall be hereafter (Rev 1:19);

The words “here after” are a translation of the Greek words “meta autos”, which means “after these things”. So you have John writing that which he saw. He will be writing in chapters two and three the things which are during this present age, the things of the church. And then as you begin in chapter four, he is going to write of the things that happen after the church is gone, the things that will be hereafter, or after these things. This is a master key to understanding Revelation. 

Meta Autos

Chapter four begins with the Greek words “meta autos”. “After these things, I saw a door open in heaven: and the first voice was as of a trumpet saying unto me; Come up hither, and I will show you things which must be”. Again the repetition of the Greek words “meta autos”, “after these things.” Chapter 4 starts the third section of the book. The future aspects of the book. 

We are now living in the eras of chapters two and three, “the things which are”. The church continues to exist, and the testimony and the witness of the church, and the witness of Jesus concerning His church.

There are three separate sections of the book. If you don’t get this, confusion will ensue. You will see the church in the midst of the tribulation and try to make the 144,000 the church and so on. There are all kinds of mixed up and exaggerated ideas that have come from the book of Revelation because people did not see the key in this first chapter.

Mystery of the Seven Stars

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

(Now, the Lord explains the vision) The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the [messengers] of the seven churches (Rev 1:20):

The word “aggelos” in Greek is literally “messengers”. It is usually used of a heavenly messenger, but also used of earthly messengers too. Anyone who is bearing a message could be an aggelos, a messenger. The word by usage has come to mean a divine messenger, a heavenly being.

The seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches (Rev 1:20) The seven churches are the complete church and those who are ministering (messengers).

Chapter one completes the vision that John was given. The “things that you have seen” portion of the book of Revelation. The first part of the key of understanding the book. Chapters 2 and 3 will complete the second part of the key of understanding. Things that are. The Church age which is here and now. Chapters 4-22 will complete the third part of the key of understanding. Things that are still future. The other side of the Church age. After the Church is gone.

• All Posts
• Let’s Get Started!
• New Music Demos
• Praise and Worship Music

These verses are speaking to Israel

Verse 20 mentions the sabbath which identifies the intended recipient of the message as Israel. This helps in understanding revelation.

Matthew 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

¹⁷ Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

¹⁸ Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

¹⁹ And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

²⁰ But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

The Lord will supernaturally care for and protect this Jewish remnant a thousand two hundred and  threescore days or 3 and a half years during the tribulation period. Revelation 12:6.

The great tribulation

²¹ For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

This isn’t the tribulation of John 16:33 which is worldly and a result of sin in the world. This is the great tribulation wrath of God poured out on the earth during the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy. The Church is missing during this period. It has been delivered from God’s wrath by the precious blood of Jesus. 1 Thess 5:9  For God hath not appointed us  to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

²² And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

The elect are those who will enter the millennial period and repopulate the earth.

²³ Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

²⁴ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

²⁵ Behold, I have told you before.

²⁶ Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

²⁷ For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

²⁸ For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

²⁹ Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

The second half of the tribulation period will be the worst. The last 3 and 1/2 years.

Sign of the Son of man

³⁰ And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

This is when the protected Jewish remnant acknowledges the one whom they pierced and receive their Messiah. The feast of Trumpets  Yom Teruah (“Day of the Shofar”) and Day of Atonement Yom Kippur are realized at this time. The last feast of Booths Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles will be realized when they are escorted into the Millenial Kingdom by the Savior Himself!

³¹ And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

All those who refused the mark of the beast and survived. All the saints of old. The resurrected and those elect alive on the earth.

The Fig Tree is Israel

³² Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

The fig tree is Israel. The Lord had just cursed the fig tree in front of His disciples for failing to bring forth fruit. So the disciples were convinced He was once again speaking of Israel. Israel is now coming alive but still without fruit. This event corresponds with Israel’s national revival in 1948.

³³ So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

When we see Israel become a nation once again, 1948, we can know that the end of the world is near. Even at the doors!

³⁴ Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

The generation that witness’ the rebirth of national Israel will not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. The exact length of a generation is not clear. The bible speaks of a generation of 70 years, 80 years, 100 years. The important thing is that we make ourselves ready as a bride for His soon coming. Living each day as if it were the Day!

³⁵ Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

³⁶ But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Know one knows the exact day or hour of His coming. Not even Satan. But the Father only. But we can clearly see that we are living in the season of His coming. Prophecy and world events testify of His soon coming!

The Days of Noah

³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

³⁸ For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

³⁹ And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Things were normal in the days of Noah. People eating, drinking, giving in marriage, working. The day came upon them suddenly and unexpectedly. The secret coming of the Son of man will be in the same manner. This is the secret coming down of the Lord. The last trump for the Church will sound. Jesus will come down to meet us. The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive will be changed and rise to meet Him in the air. 1 Thess 4:16, Rev 4:1. He will come back at the end of the tribulation period. That’s a different coming. Everyone knows when that will happen. The end of the tribulation period. He will come back and defeat His enemies and establish His Millennial Kingdom on the earth.

⁴⁰ Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Two women grinding at the mill

⁴¹ Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Two in the field. Two people working. One is taken, rapture, one is left to experience the tribulation and wrath of the almighty. Verses 40-44 are kept in context and refer to the secret coming at the beginning of the 7 year tribulation period when Jesus comes down and lifts His church out of the tribulation that is about to happen on the earth. Just as Noah was lifted above the flood and destruction of his time.

Watch and be ready

⁴² Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

⁴³ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

⁴⁴ Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

⁴⁵ Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

⁴⁶ Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

⁴⁷ Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

⁴⁸ But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

⁴⁹ And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

⁵⁰ The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

⁵¹ And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Delaying His coming in the heart is evil. Thinking that there is lots of time. Things will go on just as they have. Delaying His coming is turning away from righteousness!

Ezekiel 18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

• All Posts
• Let’s Get Started!
• New Music Demos
• Praise and Worship Music

Matthew 24:1-15 is key to understanding revelation.

Matthew 24:1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 

² “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?”

The end of the world

What is this “end of the world” that the disciples want to know about? Matthew 24:4-15 takes us right up and into the middle of it.

⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

⁵ For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

⁶ And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows.

⁹ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

¹⁰ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

¹¹ And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

¹² And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

¹³ But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

¹⁵ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Daniel’s “Abomination of Desolation”

The book of Daniel is a key to understanding Revelation. One of the chief angels of God came to Daniel and talked to him. 9:22 “I am now come forth to give you skill and understanding. At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Seventy weeks are determined. (Dan 9:22-24) (The word weeks in Hebrew means sevens.) Seventy sevens are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city or seventy “seven year periods.” (Dan 9:24), Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 

At the end of this seventy week period Jesus will return in the clouds to establish His rule and reign on the earth. Revelation 19:11

Seven weeks and threescore and two weeks

Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: (this would be done under Nehemiah’s leadership and equal to seven weeks of years. Then 62 weeks of years until the coming of the Messiah or 69 weeks of years. One week short of the 70 weeks required to finish the transgression, seal up the vision, and to anoint the most Holy). Then, the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times.

Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: (Messiah was cut off. Jesus was crucified and cut off before receiving His Kingdom. This happened 69 weeks of years after the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem was given.) And the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and its end shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. (The people of the prince did come and destroy Jerusalem and the sanctuary.)

The Destruction of Jerusalem

SEPTEMBER 8th, 70 AD, the destruction of Jerusalem was complete. Titus, the future Roman Emperor, had starved the city for months. At the end of July, they broke through the walls and, according to historian Josephus, the Romans killed over a million Jews in their conquest.

The final week of years or 7 year period hasn’t happened yet. We have 69 weeks of years up and until the death of Christ who was cut off before receiving His Kingdom. The best way to describe it is that we are in a holding pattern. After the death of Christ a new age was instated. We are currently living in the Church age. At the end of this age (which is getting close) the final week of years or 7 year tribulation period will begin. Revelation chapters 4-22 describe this period and beyond. Now we jump forward to the middle of the final seven year period.

Daniel 9:27 And he (speaking of Antichrist here whom Titus was a type) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: (one week referring to the final week which is missing from the 70 weeks of years) and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. Notice also that the consummation time is poured out upon the desolate, not the church. The church isn’t around during this time.

69 weeks of years

Now, 69 weeks of years is an important date in history because according to the prophecy, from the time that the commandment goes forth to restore and rebuild Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens, or sixty-nine seven-year cycles, or 483 years. 483 years from March 14, 445 B.C., according to the prediction, the Messiah should have come.

The years in the prophecies of Daniel are 360-day years which were based upon the Babylonian calendar of a 360-day year. We use a Julian calendar of 365 and a quarter days a year. But Daniel’s prophecies were based upon the Babylonian calendar 360 days a year. It would be better to transpose the 483 years into days in order to figure out the time of the coming of the Messiah the Prince. And transposed into days, 483 times 360 would give you 173,880 days. Work it to our calendar and you’ll find it comes out to the date Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem.

Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey

On this day, Jesus said to His disciples, “Go over into the city and on a corner you’ll find a colt that is tied. Untie him and bring him to me. And if while you are untying him the master say, ‘What are you doing untying my colt?’ just tell them that the Lord has need of him.” They went over and just where Jesus told them they saw the donkey tied and they untied it.

The owner said, “Why are you untying my donkey?” And they said, “the Lord needs him.” And they brought the donkey to Jesus and they began to lay their garments in the path between Bethany and Jerusalem. They began to wave palm branches as they cried, “Save now, save now, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Psalm 118 declares, “This is the stone which was rejected by the builders, but the same has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s work and it is glorious in our eyes. Hosanna, hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of Lord. This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

There is one seven-year cycle that has not yet transpired. Seventy sevens are determined upon the nation Israel. These seventy sevens were to begin at the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, 445 B.C. They were to culminate in the coming of the Messiah. That is, sixty-nine of them. But the Messiah would be cut off. The prophetic time clock stopped at that point. There is another event that will signal the beginning of the time clock.

The Prince of the People

(We’re still in Daniel Verse 27. This is the beginning of the tribulation period.) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week (the middle of the tribulation period) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

The prince of the people that shall come is the Antichrist. He will be in league with ten nations federating together which were once associated with the ancient Roman empire. Go back to Daniel, chapter 2. Nebuchadnezzar had a vision of a great image, the legs of iron representing the Roman Empire and the feet of iron and clay with ten toes. Iron representing still the Roman Empire but mixed with clay showing that it is not as strong as the Roman Empire. It is weakened because it is a democracy, nations that are joined together with treaties.

Then there is the parallel vision of Daniel as he sees these nations as a beast with ten horns in chapter 7. This other little horn comes up and devours three of the horns. So the leader that will arise over this ten nation confederacy related to the Roman Empire will confirm the covenant with many for one week (Dan 9:27): or seven years.

Not with all of Israel, but with many of them. When he confirms the covenant it will not be with everyone in support of it, but with many. He will probably confirm the covenant that God established with Israel whereby they could relate to Him on the basis of sacrifices that they would offer.

The last 7 years

And when that covenant is confirmed by the little horn, the prince of the people, then at that point the last seven-year cycle will begin. The seventieth seven, the final seven-year cycle will begin. When it’s completed, Jesus’s reign on earth will be established. It will complete an important stage in the prophetic picture.

(This prince of the people will break the covenant half way through the tribulation period. He’s a liar. 2 Thess 2:3 describes this guy.)

2 Thess 2:3. Let no man deceive you by any means. For [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.

(In other words, the Holy Spirit has His hands on things at the present time. When the Holy Spirit who dwells in the church is taken out of the way, along with the church (rapture), the wicked one will be revealed.)

• All Posts
• Let’s Get Started!
• New Music Demos
• Praise and Worship Music

A law of physics is a fundamental principle that governs the behavior of matter and energy in the universe. It describes a consistent and validated relationship observed in physical phenomena, such as gravity and electromagnetism. Laws apply universally regardless of location or time. These laws provide a framework for understanding how matter and energy interact.

A Law of Spiritual Truths

Likewise, a law of spiritual truths is a universal principle that governs the outcome of human behavior. These laws apply universally regardless of location or time just as a law of physics. This law of action vs reaction can be observed in Isiah 31:7, 8. For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made. “Assyria will fall by no human sword; a sword, not of mortals, will devour them. They will flee before the sword and their young men will be put to forced labor.

These passages refer to the future time when Israel will be regenerated and recognize the utter folly of idolatry. This time is referred to as the Day of the Lord or the time of Jacob’s trouble. It is a 7 year period of trial and tribulation that is coming on the earth. Jesus describes this time Matthew 24:21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.

During this time Israel will recognize the utter folly of idolatry. Idolatry is allowing the high place in heart, mind and soul to be occupied by thoughts and images other than those of relationship with the Almighty. The idols of silver and gold in verses 7 & 8 were most often female deities of fertilization that glorified lust and debauchery. Antichrist will seek to destroy Israel during this time of Jacob’s trouble. Israel will recognize and turn away from misguided allegiance to Antichrist and idol worship.

Action and Reaction

This repentance or action results in a reaction. Verse 8 “Assyria will fall by no human sword.” Compare Gog (Ezekiel 38-39 and the Antichrist of Revelation 19:20, 20:10 which the Assyrian portrays. The Assyrian represents the kingdom of man and the Antichrist which will strive to dominate the whole earth. Israel’s repentance or “action” results in God’s “reaction” which is the destruction of the kingdom of man which is dominated by Antichrist. God’s government will be established on the earth.

This spiritual law has individual application. When we realize the folly of trusting in man and repent and turn away from the lust of life. When we put away our idols and turn and seek forgiveness in our Savior Jesus Christ. This action initiates a reaction from the Almighty.

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Not only are we cleansed but also filled with the Spirit. Matthew 11:28, 29, 30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

• Understanding Revelation Commentary 6
• Understanding Revelation Commentary 5
• Understanding Revelation Commentary 4
• Understanding Revelation Commentary 3
• Understanding Revelation Commentary 2

Isaiah 3:25, 26 is describing the Day of the Lord. Your men shall fall by the sword and your mighty men in battle. This is a terrible 7 year period of God’s wrath that will be visited upon the earth. Matt. 24:21 says For then there will be great tribulation. Such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time. No, nor ever shall be. Rev. chapters 4-20 describe the terrors of this 7 year time period.

As we move into Isaiah chapter 4 we see the starting of the millennium or one thousand year rule and reign of Christ on the earth.

Cloud of smoke

Verse 5 describes the cloud of smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night protecting the remnant Israel during that time. Reminiscent of the pillar of cloud that stood over the tabernacle in the wilderness of old.

In fact, the seventh major feast of the Jewish calendar depicts this event. The feast of booths or tabernacles looks back to when the Lord delivered the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. He supernaturally cared for them in the wilderness during that time. The feast also looks forward to the one thousand year millennium when He will again protect His chosen remnant with cloud by day and a flaming fire by night!

Watch!

Believers won’t experience this terrible time of tribulation on the earth. But we have to watch! Matt. 24:42 Watch for you do not know what kind of a day your Lord is coming. Matt. 24:44 You also must be ready. The son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect Him!

If we are ready when He comes we will experience the marriage ceremony with Jesus and escape the terrors of the tribulation period. Matt. 25:10 The bridegroom came and those who were prepared went in with him to the wedding. And the door was shut.

Priests of God and Christ

We will return with Christ at the end of the tribulation period to rule and reign on earth for one thousand years. Rev. 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection (marriage feast). On such the second death hath no power. But they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

In conclusion the good news is that as believers we don’t have to experience this terrible time on earth which is fast approaching. This will be a time of pouring out of God’s wrath upon transgressors and sinners. Believers are not appointed to experience God’s wrath. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. How do we escape the day of the Lord (7 year tribulation period)? Repent and trust in Jesus!