REVELATION

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:3    Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.

    As I believe the time is NEAR, the critics would say - but John also thought it was near nearly 2,000 years ago. Whether by rapture or by death, seeing my Lord is NEAR. (DRM 11/14/1999)

    The Lord wants us to read and understand this Book. Most churches today avoid Revelation altogether, because it has warnings. I praise God that He gave me the desire to learn all about Him and not just some of it. Personal judgment day is always near. (DRM 10/20/02)

1:6    and He has made us to be a Kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

    When I read this verse I thought immediately of the 1993 voice that I heard. We will be a part of His Kingdom. We will be servants to the Lord God and we will give Him all the glory forever. (DRM 10/21/02)

    There are many aspects of this verse I could write about. I remember the voice of August 1993 referring to the Kingdom and its soon return. We are to be priests or servants to the Lord NOW and in the Kingdom, as He deserves all the glory and worship from His subjects - not just today, but forever and ever. (DRM 11/24/03)

    All believers in Christ will be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. As priests, we will be serving the living God and bringing Him all the glory for eternity. I will be glad to be there - because of Jesus' saving grace. (DRM 11/12/06)

1:8    "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

    The Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Thus God was at the beginning and will be at the end of time. To be at both ends, He is also currently with us. "The Almighty" is another word for God. While this verse doesn't state that Jesus spoke these words, v. 17 seems to do so.
    Jesus Christ is God and should be worshipped as equal to Him. (DRM 11/22/09)

1:10    I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet,

    Since Jesus' resurrection, most Christians worship the Lord on Sunday, the Lord's day, instead of Saturday, the Sabbath - which was the seventh day - God's day of rest. This verse shows that God spoke to John on a Sunday.
    While I have only heard God's voice once aloud, it was clearly loud and I knew it was from Him. When God speaks, you know it's Him! All other times He has spoken through the interpretation of the Bible - which is via the Holy Spirit - and that's a still small voice.
    So, generally God has a quiet, Holy Spirit voice, unless He really wants our attention, then He will be loud and direct. (DRM 11/6/11)

1:12, 13    And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; ¹³and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle.

    Imagery is a big part of the book of Revelation. This particular image seems to be based on John's faith. If he didn't have a personal faith in Jesus or God - he probably would have dismissed this whole book as a bad dream, but since he had faith, I believe he took the Lord's message as a direct revelation, to be told to the church. (DRM 11/13/06)

1:14    And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 

    Here on earth, we think highly of youth and NOT people with white hair! Heaven is not like that, apparently. Age generally indicates wisdom and a person who has lived many years, has many experiences to tell others. When eyes are like a flame, I think He has a message to tell, and it is our duty to LISTEN! (DRM 11/25/03)

1:16    In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.

    Here John is clearly describing Jesus (1:18) who held seven stars (the angels of the seven churches, 1:20c) and spoke the Word of God and glowed like the bright shining sun.
    There's a lot of things I could write about, but no one can look directly at the sun without getting eye damage. Since Jesus (the Son) is of the same brightness, we (I) can't look at Him with our normal, earthly, vision. That's why no one has "seen" God while living on earth. We would be blind from His brightness. (DRM 11/23/09)

1:17    And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laid His right hand upon me saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last. . .

    Angels consistently tell people not to kneel and worship them. When John did this, he wasn't told not to. So, it confirmed that the speaker was indeed Jesus=God. Jesus also doesn't want us to fear Him, because He loves each one of us. He only wants what is best for me. . . (DRM 11/14/06)

1:18    and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. 

     Jesus Christ did die on "Good Friday" and arose on "Easter," but it is important to remember that He lives for ever and ever. 
    It's great to know that He is always with me and in me no matter what happens to me. (DRM 4/18/87)

    Jesus is God. He was dead for "three" days and is now alive forever. He knows everything about us and knows our eternal destiny. Since He has the keys, probably He also makes the decision as when to use them. He knows in advance the day we will be with Him or go to Hades. Jesus=God knows everything! (DRM 11/25/03)

1:19    Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.

    This was clearly Jesus speaking (v. 18) and He wanted John to write everything down - which is communicating His word to everyone. John couldn't talk to a whole lot of people while he was on Patmos - in prison, - but he could write the message.
    While I don't talk to large groups of people, at least I can still write here what the Lord leads me to write. (DRM 11/24/09)

    Verse 19 provides the past, present and future outline for the whole book. Word of Life Quiet Time

2:1    To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
            The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

    While I can't explain every verse of Revelation with no course taken, some things seem logical to me.
    John wrote the first words of each statement for the churches with the words, "to the angel". Clearly he wasn't writing to an angel, but rather the leadership of the particular church.
    "The One who holds . . . walks. . . " says this - has to be Jesus=God, as He is the Alpha and the Omega (Rev. 1:8)
    The seven stars and the seven golden lampstands are explained in Rev. 1:20. (DRM 10/12/12)

2:2    "I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false."

    This is the first message - to the church in Ephesus. Like a parent, the Lord states both good and bad things about this church. This verse seems positive to me. The Holy Spirit seems to talk to me today and correct my ways, like Christ did to the churches here. He wants us to make corrections, not just listen. (DRM 11/15/06)

2:3    and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. 

    Patience and perseverance are two things that are necessary for the Christian life. Patience to be able to wait for His answer and perseverance to keep striving in our work for the Lord - and not grow weary. I need help on both! (DRM 10/22/02)

2:5    Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place - unless you repent. 

    This is an example of how I can miss the point. What did Jesus want the Ephesians to do? The deeds they did at first. What are they? What do we do when we first become Christians? Repent of our sins! I must not forget to keep repenting as sins come to mind. (DRM 11/26/03)

2:6    Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

    The Nicolaitans must have been a separate sect or cult that taught a similar but untrue religion. Since these are the words of Jesus, the Nicolaitans were obviously not Christians.
    The church at Ephesus wasn't perfect (v. 4-5), and I'm not perfect. We (I) need the Holy Spirit to convict us of sins, so we (I) may repent and start anew. (DRM 11/25/09)

2:7    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God. 

    This is a great verse but has the phrase "to him who overcomes" which is difficult. I have trouble overcoming trials, but must depend on the Lord to help me to get through each day. (DRM 11/15/1999)

2:9    I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

    Jesus=God knows everything we are going through. He knows our difficulties and if we can pay our bills. Really we are rich if we have trusted Jesus as our Savior, as we have assurance of a better life to come and a Provider here on earth.
    As Christians, it's easier to imagine the people who say they are Christians in their mind and not in their heart. In the time this was written, apparently they had Jewish converts that were being deceived by Satan to believe they were Jews. Like I just wrote, this is more common among those in Christianity today. (DRM 11/11/12)

2:10    Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you in prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

    Everyone has some suffering. What we do with it, is a test of our faith. I really must depend on the last sentence of this verse - and be faithful to the Lord until death. (DRM 10/23/02)

    I should expect suffering in my life. It can be either physical, mental or spiritual. I should [and do] rejoice when people attack me for my faith. As I get more bold on proclaiming Christ, I should expect more and more people to criticize me. Christ's way is NOT the world's way. (DRM 11/27/03)

    No one likes trials or tribulations. Certainly not me! Still, this is a part of the spiritual growth process. If I put in my mind the final reward - Heaven - and totally depend on Jesus, I know that it will all be worth it. (DRM 11/16/06)

2:11    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.

    We (I) need to hear the Holy Spirit for direction. It's a still small voice that often seems to give me unexpected "ideas" on how to serve the Lord in different ways.
    The "second death" is clearly defined in Rev. 20:14-15. So long as we (I) have given my life and soul to Jesus, then I will not suffer the second death - the Lake of Fire. (DRM 11/26/09)

2:13    I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

    Clearly we dwell on earth right now, just like the church in Pergamum did when this was written. Satan also lives on earth and, according to this verse, his throne is here. Certainly we see evidence of his presence daily.
    Still, we are to hold fast to the name of Jesus and not deny that we put our faith in Him if/when confronted by unbelievers.
    Antipas apparently was a follower of Christ at that church and is used as an example.
    As the tribulation time approaches, there will be more spiritual attacks. Keep your faith in Jesus. He will carry you through. (DRM 6/10/16)   

2:14    'But I have a few things against you, because you have there [in Pergamum] some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality. 

    Balaam was either a false god or a false teaching about our God. Either way, it was leading people away from the true God=Jesus. It is easy to get diverted by reading a religious book and not knowing the author or publisher, then following a suggestion therein. The Bible is the ONLY true authority! (DRM 11/28/03)

2:15    So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

    This is from the "letter" to the church in Pergamum. Clearly Jesus hated the teaching of the Nicolaitans (2:6).
    In this verse, some in the church have followed the wrong teachings and Jesus, by this warning, wanted it stopped. His proposed actions are in the next verse.
    Am I following wrong teachings? Am I being deceived? How do I know for sure?
    While everyone has a different opinion, my solution to this dilemma is to read few or no commentaries on the Bible and only read the "Source Document" - the Bible. The Holy Spirit will tell me what He wants me to understand. By reading it over and over I will learn more and more insights from a specific passage. (DRM 6/29/12)

2:16    Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

    This verse follows verse 15 about following false teachers. Jesus wants ALL of our devotion, not some. If we follow any false teachings, He can do anything to us to steer us back towards Him. I pray for discernment to follow only the Bible's direction for my life. (DRM 10/24/02)

    The church at Pergamum was still teaching false religions and putting a stumbling block before the sons of Israel (v. 14). This verse seemed like a warning. What would Jesus do? The sword generally is the Bible, so it could be clear Biblical teaching, or it could mean literal physical death. (DRM 11/17/06)

2:17    He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.

    I (we) must have a discerning ear to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes He's so quiet! Still, if I keep to His Word and follow His commands and direction, I am promised rewards - here I (we) are promised hidden manna-food- and a white stone. While I don't see an explanation for the white stone, white generally means purity or perhaps a sinless nature with Jesus in Heaven. (DRM 11/27/09)

    Those who are faithful will eat heavenly food (manna), have a transformed life (new name), and free access into heaven (white stone, often used in ancient times as a ticket). Word of Life Quiet Time

2:19    I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 

    God, through Jesus, knows everything about my life. I think He knew before I did it. There is no secret that He doesn't already know, so why try to hide it? Thank you, God, that You only ask for repentance when I sin. Hopefully I won't make many. (DRM 10/25/02)

2:20    But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray, so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

    I'm not sure if Jesus criticizes Jezebel for being a woman teacher, or more specifically a false teacher. I'm sure that Jesus wants no false teachers of any kind - male or female. We (I) am to avoid them. Still, I need discernment to know what is true and what is false - and can get that from studying the Bible on my own simultaneously. (DRM 11/18/06)

2:21    I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. ²²Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.

    This refers to the woman, 'Jezebel' (v. 20), but is this the same person as from the Old Testament in 1 Kings? Since this was written in A.D. 95, I think the word Jezebel refers to another evil woman - or an attitude of sin.
    While God is not evil, He can cause us to get sick or face obstacles so we can learn through the experience. The best way is to only follow His direction and keep listening for His (Holy Spirit) voice. (DRM 11/28/09)

2:23    and I will kill her children with pestilence; and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 

    This verse makes me stay with John Calvin. Jesus said here that He knows our minds and hearts. I believe God knows EVERYTHING including who will trust in Christ. The harder part of this verse is the end. What deeds have I done for Christ that deserve His attention??? I can never do enough for what He did for me. (DRM 11/29/03)

2:25    Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.

    This longer section of Revelation deals with instructions to the churches. I felt this verse dealt not only with Thyatira, but also with me personally. [Have faith] (DRM 11/17/1999)

2:26    And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS:

    Since Jesus spoke these words, He must be referring to believers here. It seems natural that since believers are unknown in this life, that they will be rulers in the next. That's how He does things. I pray He will use me wherever. (DRM 10/26/02)

3:1    To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
         He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: "I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. . . .

    The seven Spirits of God are explained as the seven Spirits who are before His throne (Rev. 1:4). The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (Rev. 1:20).
    Some of the people in the church in Sardis didn't really put their trust in the Lord Jesus, they thought since they were a church member they would get into Heaven. Jesus is clear here — they are dead — and won't make it.
    As each day gets closer to His return, be absolutely sure where you will be going! Put your faith in Jesus. Confess your sins and believe He died and rose again to cover your sins. Time is short. (DRM 10/10/17)

3:2    Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

    The church at Sardis was spiritually dead (v. 2), but Jesus is saying here that their mission is not over yet. He said, "Wake up," like Lazarus, and get back to work on His directives.
    God=Jesus has a mission for each of us to do, either individually or as a church. He will keep us alive until our mission in life is completed.
    While I usually want to know my given mission, if I knew and completed it, then I'd know it could be my time to "die." Being with Jesus is better, no matter what the circumstances. Complete the task He has given you/me today. (DRM 2/13/14)

3:3    Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know of what hour I will come upon you. 

    Sermons sometimes convict my soul. Jesus wants us to remember that and to repent when convicted. Without repentance, there is no conversion. Christ's return for us can be at any moment, and we should always be ready! (DRM 10/27/02)

    When I sin, and know it, I willingly repent, and try to do better. I know I'll never be perfect and must trust in Christ's forgiveness. The second half of this verse seems to indicate that those who don't wake up [the unconverted] will not know when He is coming back, or when they may suddenly see Him in death! Thus, we should always be prepared for His arrival. (DRM 11/30/03)

3:4    'But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.'

    Sin is dirty, or could be illustrated as a soiled garment. The goal in life is to have as few sins as possible - but only Jesus Christ was able to live the sinless life. I have to confess my sins regularly to keep my garment (life) clean. When my life is over, I want to meet Jesus, and walk with Him - in a clean, pure robe (garment). (DRM 11/21/06)

3:5    He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

    This world has plenty of diversions and temptations that can take us away from loving Jesus and the Father. Most of these are created or sustained by Satan and his demons. With this knowledge, I (we) can be encouraged by this verse, so long as I (we) persevere and overcome all of the trials that are put before us. (DRM 11/29/09)

3:9    Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.

    The earthly system of today seems to be run by Satan-because it really is. Those in the synagogue of Satan are all those who haven't put their trust in the Lord Jesus - the 90% living today. Many think they are believers, but aren't.
    When Jesus returns to earth with His Kingdom - these people will have to bow down to Him and also be ruled by those (believers) who put their trust totally in Him while living on earth. In that day, they will see that Jesus loved those who loved Him.
    The unbelievers who are still alive will be subject to Jesus' Kingdom until they die. (DRM 1/12/16)  

3:10    Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world to test those who dwell upon the earth. 

    This HAS to be the most encouraging verse that I have read in years! Matt. 24 & 25 confused me about the tribulation, but this verse, by Jesus, makes it all clear. He is Awesome! (DRM 11/18/1999)

    This verse seems to be in support of the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. Certainly Jesus knows who His followers are - and He can take us away from earth at any time. Praise God that I can depend on His protection in times of trouble! (DRM 10/28/02)

    This is another verse that seems to prove the snatching away or rapture of the church. Believers trust that Jesus is still alive - persevering for our good. Since we are trusting TOTALLY in His provision, He promises here to keep us out of the "hour of testing" or tribulation that will soon come. It is interesting to read what will happen, but better to know we won't be here. (DRM 12/1/03)

3:11    'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown.'

    Perseverance or continuously pursuing a goal is a difficult goal in some respects. As the days, months, and now years go by, it's difficult to keep persevering when no changes appear. Over 18 years ago, I had a plan that seemed dead then - but after all these years, I always "held fast" to the dream - and it may come to fruition someday. (DRM 11/21/06)

3:12    He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it any more; and I will write on him the name of My God, and then name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.

    On older buildings pillars were commonplace. Now we still have pillars, but they are generally hidden steel beams that you see during construction. When Jesus used the term pillar here, I think He meant that we would be included in His Kingdom, the New Jerusalem - but I (we) still must "overcome" our trials and tribulations - and stay with our faith in the Lord - who knows what is best for each person individually. (DRM 11/30/09)

3:15-16    I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. 
        ¹⁶So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 

    The huge majority of the 'Christians' that I know are lukewarm. They seem to go through the process but don't get excited in serving the Lord. 
    I pray that my excitement - and actions - don't "cool." (DRM 11/18/1999)

    I think of this verse often, especially when visiting some unfamiliar churches. The great majority of people are either cold [don't care about God] or lukewarm [know Christ but don't serve Him in any way]. Quite often I feel very warm spiritually, but know I'm not hot as I'm not proclaiming His love verbally to others. (DRM 12/2/03)

3:16    So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

    This is one of my "new" favorite Bible verses. I have already referred to it with one non-believer. If this is not required memorization, I think I would like to memorize it anyway.
    Lord, make me HOT for you, not just lukewarm or cold, as there are so many people who really need to hear Your voice. (DRM 12/10/86)

    Most people are neither cold or hot spiritually, they think a little spirituality will do. [Sunday mornings only] God and Jesus want our "whole commitment - every day. Lord make me "hot." (DRM 10/29/02)

3:17    'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.'

    This message to the church at Laodicea is compared to the state of the Christian church today. It's not hard to think of the rich churches of today, and how many of them are spiritually poor and blind, etc. Money is the root of this evil and it appears that Satan is winning their heart through money and a comfortable living status. (DRM 11/22/06)

3:19    Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

    God=Jesus wants us to be like Him, just like we would want to have our children share our beliefs. A parent would/should discipline children from love and to direct them on the right path - and that is what the Lord is doing for us. When we go astray, we want to repent based on the Holy Spirit's conviction of our sins. (DRM 12/1/09)

4:1    After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard [Jesus], like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things."

    This is considered the rapture verse of Revelation. Jesus told John to "come up here" and the church is never referred to being on earth after that. The door to Heaven is open to all who want to enter, but they must come through Jesus, as He gave the invitation! Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes. (DRM 12/3/03)

    This takes place right after the churches are written to, and could represent our rapture at the end of the church age. Trumpets also represent a call to do something, so true believers could be called to Heaven before the events in the next chapters. I sure hope this is the case. I'm looking forward to that day! (DRM 11/22/06)

4:2    At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 

    While John wrote this book, he seemed to indicate that when a person goes to heaven (dies) that he was in the Spirit immediately upon death. 
    I interpret this verse as a confirmation to my belief that a person will be judged immediately upon death. No waiting is needed. (DRM 5/23/87) 
    Now I think it's a little more complicated than that. Yes, we will be judged in heaven at some time. Believers will be in the Book of Life and the non-believers will be judged later at the Great White Throne of Judgment. Believers will also get rewards at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (DRM 1/17/2004)

4:8    And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME."

    The four living creatures are described in more detail in Isaiah 6:2 as a type of angel; Seraphim. They can see everything that goes on around the earth and Heaven and apparently within our thoughts, motives or within something.
    Another job of these angels is to worship the Lord God continuously, since this quotes what they say.
    We are never told we will become angels, but one aspect here would be good to imitate - their worship of God — "Who was and Who is and Who is to come." (DRM 1/26/18)

4:9    And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, . . .

    There are many things in the book of Revelation that are symbolic and confusing. This verse seems literal and should be tied with the next verse (v. 10) as it is one sentence.
    God deserves all the honor and glory that His whole creation gives Him. As a human being, it seems nice to be honored for a job well done. I would think God would feel the same way, but I wonder if it is continuous, as He continues to work in our lives. Of course, He can do more than one thing at a time - which is hard for me as a human. (DRM 8/10/14)

4:10    the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,. . . 

    While I can't tell you the verse, I believe that these 24 elders are only setting the example of what I must also do when I get to heaven. 
    I can do nothing without Christ who lives in me. (DRM 11/19/1999)

4:11    "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."

    This "prayer" was spoken by the 24 elders in Heaven. This shows the honor and praise that truly belongs to the God of creation. The one and only God deserves all the praise they and we can give Him as He chose to create us in the first place. tGbtg=to God be the glory. (DRM 12/2/09)

5:4    Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it;

    We already know from this verse and elsewhere that Heaven will have different levels of authority. No one there was qualified to open the scroll or book and break its seals - except the Lion - our Savior, Jesus. (v. 5)
    This is another reminder to me that I/we are totally dependent on Jesus for everything - it will be like that forever. He saved us from eternity in Hell and will supply all our needs on earth and later in Heaven or the New Jerusalem. He deserves our worship and praise! (DRM 11/30/14)

5:5    . . .and one of the elders said to me, "stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals."

    The suspense grew - who in Heaven was qualified to open the book with seven seals? John, the writer, wanted to know the contents, and apparently was crying. The only One who truly is qualified to open the scroll=book is Jesus - our Savior. My life depends totally on His will. (DRM 11/24/06)

5:6    And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 

    It's well known that the number of the antichrist is 666. I've heard that the number of the Christ is 777. This may be the verse where it comes from. Christ is PERFECT! (DRM 11/20/1999)

    Seven is the number of perfection. Obviously the Lamb who was slain is the Lord Jesus. His perfection is shown by the seven horns, eyes and spirits of God, even though I can't explain them. In my Bible I wrote 777 which I consider the number to represent Jesus in opposition to 666 that is the mark of the beast later in the book. (DRM 12/4/03)

5:7    And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

    Clearly, from v.5-6, He who came and took the book was (will be) Jesus. Of course God is the One on the throne. Jesus is the Person who will protect us from all of the disasters that are described in Revelation - by taking us (believers in Him) off the earth first.
    It's important to depend on Him, first for salvation of my (our) soul, then for all other aspects of life (trials). (DRM 12/3/09)

5:8    And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 

    There are times when it seems that my prayers are doing no good - especially when I pray for salvation for others. In this verse God [through John] shows us how precious our prayers are to Him. They must be valuable or they wouldn't be placed in golden bowls, or given the honor that they are. Prayers are NOT worthless! (DRM 12/5/03)

5:9    And they sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God. . . 

    While I don't understand the meaning of the scroll - maybe it's the list of believers? - I do understand that the only Person worthy enough to open these seals is Jesus Christ, who died (slain) and bled to take away our sins. (DRM 5/24/87)

5:10    "And thou hast made them to be a Kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

    This verse is similar to the 1993 voice that I heard one night. One day SOON, I will be in the Kingdom of Heaven and worshipping God and Jesus. While I can't guess how I will reign over my part of the kingdom, He will truly rule over all. (DRM 10/30/02)

5:11    And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands,

    During my Christian experience of 20+ years, I have found very few fellow Christian believers. I still have a difficult time imagining that believers represent more than 10% of the population - as the way is narrow.
    This verse makes me think that there are more angels than believers in Heaven. (DRM 11/24/06)

5:12    . . . saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."

    This makes me think of the song, "Worthy is the Lamb" that uses nearly these exact words.
    Jesus is the Lamb that was slain for my (our) sins. He truly deserves all the honor and glory, as He went through more agony than we can possible imagine - because He had all of our sins placed on His sacrifice. He deserves all of our worship and thanks. (DRM 6/14/12)

5:13    And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

    I would say this includes everyone and everything that's ever lived. No matter who they are - eventually they will state that God and Jesus are in control, and always have been.
    The sooner we (through the Holy Spirit) admit and trust only in Him, the better off we (I) will be. I thank God that He opened my eyes and heart when He did - and can never thank Him enough. tGbtg! (DRM 12/7/09)

6:1    And I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, "Come!"

    This section lists four of the seven seals that were opened. I noticed that Jesus was the Person who opened the seals. He is not the creature that rides the horse. Jesus arrives on earth later. Like God, Jesus is the director of the events on the earth. He is the One to be worshipped and praised. (DRM 12/6/03)

6:4    And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men should slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

    This section is more confusing, not from it's content, but by the combination of previous interpretations. I'm guessing that the Holy Spirit was withdrawn with the church in the rapture (4:1), but the residents of earth still obeyed the written laws. At this point man's laws were ignored. People need to know this day is coming. How? (DRM 11/25/06)

6:6    And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine."

    According to my Bible, a denarius was equal to a day's wages. Thus it was a time of rapid inflation and all of the other judgments of God probably would make food and the people to harvest the food scarce.
    Only God knows, but the USA may be entering a time of more rapid inflation soon because of the rapid increase in money printed. The point is to always be ready for His soon return. (DRM 12/8/09)

6:9    When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under that altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.

    Revelation 6 deals with the opening of six of the seven seals of the scroll mentioned in Revelation 5.
    I understood verse nine, as many Christians have died for their faith in Jesus Christ  and their willingness to defend their faith. Lord, give me that same strength to go out and tell others more about You! (DRM 5/30/87)

6:12    And I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood;

    A tabloid at the supermarket announced that the moon will turn to blood on January 1, 2000. While this verse says something similar will happen, it's after five other "seals" during the tribulation. Lord, give me discernment. (DRM 11/21/1999)

6:13    and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.

    In Gen. 1:14, God created the stars to be lights and signs of  future events. In Revelation, the reason for prophecy of future events has ceased, as the events were at hand. It would seem that the stars (suns of other solar systems) were (are) not inhabited from these two verses, but I could be wrong. . . (DRM 11/26/06)

6:14    The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

    It's hard to imagine how the Lord God will do this feat, but He can do anything! Thankfully, as a believer, I won't be on earth when this occurs and think these events are written to tell people to trust in the Lord Jesus before these events start to occur, or they will - could be - on earth to experience His wrath. (DRM 12/9/09)

6:16    and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us form the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb;

    The church of Jesus believers had left during the rapture of the church earlier. After the rapture, many became believers and then martyrs [verse 11]. Many people knew what was happening and didn't wait to stay any longer, so cried out to the mountains. I think both believers [new] and unbelievers wanted to get out of the misery of the time. (DRM 12/7/03)

7:1    After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.

    When I read this before, I probably didn't think of it as a disaster, but with all of the industrial steel mills and smokestacks around, wind is necessary to keep cities from air stagnation and accumulated pollution. With no wind today, many people would slowly get sick and die.
    This is just another reason to want to leave earth (trust in Jesus) before these events commence. (DRM 12/9/09)

7:4    And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

    In today's world it doesn't seem like there are many Jewish believers in Christ, but after the Christian church is gone, many will suddenly become believers. [Still, 144,000 isn't too many.] These Jewish believers aren't the same people in the messianic synagogues of today, as these people already are Christ followers. I wonder if I will be able to watch the events as they unfold on the earth? (DRM 12/8/03)

    The sealing of "the bond-servants of our God" (v.3) does NOT refer to current believers. This select group of 144,000 are the new believers that were Jewish. My guess is they wouldn't all be residents of Israel - partly from v. 1-3.
    I don't know how to apply this to my life - except to hope that I can observe the events on earth. (DRM 11/27/06)

7:9    After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;

    The church (believers) had been raptured earlier, and suddenly this group had appeared from the tribulation period. There must have been a great revival - maybe due to the 144,000 Jewish evangelists?
    While this shows that people can have a second chance after the rapture, I wouldn't want to go through the tribulation if I could help it. (DRM 12/10/09)

7:13    Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?"

    A great multitude (v. 9) of people just arrived in Heaven - later than the rapture (Rev. 4:1), and the question is where did they come from?
    The previous section of Revelation 7 refers to the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, so these people apparently were converted to Christianity AFTER the rapture of the church (v. 14). Maybe they were all martyred for their faith? They can't have the mark on their head or right hand. 
    Most of the events in Revelation refer to things that will happen after the rapture, while it is interesting, and frightening for the people involved, trusting in Jesus NOW is preferable and then we can see Chapters 4-18 from above. (DRM 5/28/12)

7:14    And I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

    Clearly, many people will be saved out of the great tribulation - after the rapture of the church. With this in mind, some people don't believe in evangelizing because some will be given a "second chance." I disagree because I don't know when the rapture will occur, and why would people WANT to enter the tribulation anyway? (DRM 11/28/06)

7:14b    These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

    Normally I don't think of Jesus giving people a "second chance," but at the end He does from this verse. The rapture occurred and these people came out of the tribulation. Thank God I know Him now and don't have to wait! (DRM 11/22/1999)

    This reference to another great multitude of people in verse 9 assures me that many will come to Christ after the rapture of the church. To be white in the blood of the Lamb means to have accepted His sacrifice for their sins. This gives me hope for my  friends who still haven't accepted Jesus' gift. (DRM 12/9/03)

7:16a    Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.

    During the tribulation, 144,000 people will be sealed, but others will also come before the throne of God. 
    These other believers will also be allowed to enter heaven and never again hunger or thirst.
    This shows me that everyone can go to heaven if only he believes in the "blood of the Lamb" which is Jesus Christ as savior. (DRM 7/11/87)
    The 144,000 evangelists will be saved after the 'taking up' of the church. That is why they are still on earth at the time. (DRM 1/19/2004)

8:4    And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. 

    This is a reminder to me as to how important our prayers are to the Lord. He calls us saints in verse 3 and wants us to pray continuously. (DRM 11/23/1999)

8:5    And the angel took the censer; and he filled it with the fire of the altar and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake. 

    The seventh seal has just been opened and this occurred before the first trumpet sounded. Most of the events in this chapter lead me to one conclusion . . . a series of meteors were sent to earth. If hot, meteors could look like a shooting star. They could be faster than sound [thunder] and cause the earth to quake if they are big enough. Only God knows. (DRM 12/10/03)

8:8, 9    And the second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood; ⁹and a third of the creatures , which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.

    Revelation 8 has lots of action events to write about! These verses seem to refer to a meteor - and not a star - because a star is mentioned in v. 10 and they are different. The blood mentioned here is logical from the "contents" of the fish that died. Even though these events are earthly disasters, God could have had the meteor hit the land instead of the sea. (DRM 11/29/06)

8:10,11    The third angel sounded his trumpet and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. ¹¹The name of the star is wormwood. . .  

    A little over a year ago we had the nuclear reactor blow up in the USSR. The name of this reactor was translated to be "wormwood" and many people think we are currently at this point in our history.
    While I can't say exactly that this is the case, I am still looking forward to Christ's return — and the sooner the better! (DRM 7/28/87)

8:12    The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

    Think of the implications. With one-third less sunlight, the earth would get colder, thus more fuel would be needed to keep warm - and there could be shortages and more people out in the cold and dark - but there would be less and less people alive to accommodate.
    Again, believing in the Lord Jesus NOW will keep me (us) out of this scenario. (DRM 12/10/09)

9:2    He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit.

    Where there is smoke, there is fire. From this verse it appears that hell is below (pit) and has enough fire to create a lot of smoke. While some of the description sounds like a volcano, I believe that God keeps believers and unbelievers separate; and this could be the place. (DRM 12/11/09)

9:4    And they [locusts, that came out of the bottomless pit, v. 2] were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 

    God has the power to do absolutely anything He wants. The locusts are released from the bottomless pit and are told not to do the natural thing for them [eat green grass] but to attack unbelievers of the day. With the pain from the sting lasting five months [verse 5], people will want to die. [verse 6] (DRM 12/11/03)

    Even with the previous disasters that had come upon the earth, there still would be a billion or so people left. The Jewish evangelists may have changed the hearts of many, but still the locusts should have a big impact. I know that 5 months is a long time to be in pain!
    It would be a lot better if these people trusted in Jesus, NOW! (DRM 11/30/06)

9:6    And in those days men will seek death and will not find it; and they will long to die and death will flee from them. 

    PRAISE GOD that I won't be here for the times described here. As I look at people that are lost today, I wonder how they could be told to change before suffering these things. (DRM 11/24/1999)

9:13, 14    And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, ¹⁴one saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates."

    This is one reason that I think the Iraq War is being fought. It seems to be preliminary to the events written in Revelation. In verse 16, the army of 200,000,000 is mentioned, and some think only China or the Muslims could create such a large army. I don't understand why angels were "bound," unless they are demons. I always need more wisdom to understand Revelation! (DRM 12/1/06)

9:18    A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone, which proceeded out of their mouths. 

    What will this world be like at that time? While I don't plan on being here, certainly it will be right before "the end" and I can look forward to the new earth that the Lord will create for us! (DRM 11/25/1999)

    Why would people choose to go through all of the plagues and devastation in the book of Revelation? I think God had this Book written to let people see what would happen to them IF THEY DIDN'T REPENT NOW. (DRM 12/12/03)

9:20    The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk;

    What do people idolize today? With money as their king, it seems that this list is of possessions and building material to build more and more things like houses.
    Finally, as time has progressed, I have seen that money is fleeting, but the Lord Jesus is always with me; today, tomorrow and forever - whatever my financial status. (DRM 12/11/09)

10:4    And when the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, "seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken, and do not write them."

    When I think of Revelation, I think the "whole" story is written here, but this is a reminder that all of the events described aren't ALL that will happen. Why don't people listen? (DRM 11/26/1999)

    It seems to me that there COULD be even more disasters on the earth during the tribulation than are even written in this book. What could the peals of thunder say? We won't know until it happens, but hopefully it will be a cause for the people remaining on earth to change their devotion to Jesus=God before it's really over! (DRM 12/2/06)

10:7    but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.

    This refers to the mysterious "seven peals of thunder' (v. 4) that John was not permitted to write about. While the mystery of God is now "finished," there is plenty more to go in the book of Revelation.
    Only God knows what will happen during this time. With God's grace, I (we) will be watching the events from Heaven. (DRM 12/12/09)

10:10    And I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and it was in my mouth sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 

    I am just guessing, but it seems to me that the book should be the Bible - or a small part of it. Reading the Bible is generally sweet, especially the New Testament. While John was certainly a believer, others, non-believers, would find the Bible bitter. (DRM 12/13/03)

11:2    Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months.

    The Muslim's have the Dome of the Rock where the temple stood, but there is a large courtyard next to the mosque. This passage-verse seems to indicate to me that the temple could be built next to the mosque - and the courtyard would not be measured - as that would be mosque property.
    Only God knows how the Temple will be built, and He will accomplish all things when He is ready. (DRM 12/13/09)

11:3    "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."

    Why does God need two witnesses? Because all of the Christians are gone. Perhaps a better word for them would be evangelists, because many people will come to know Christ from their witnessing at the time. They will be watched by the whole world. (DRM 12/14/03)

11:6    These (two witnesses) have power to shut up the sky, in order that rain may not fall during the days of their prophesying; (3½ years) and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

   [Re: 11:6a]     Just as there are many false Christ's, I'm sure there will be false witnesses. This verse shows how the real witnesses will be tested. No rain for 3½ years in Jerusalem! Why won't people believe? (DRM 11/27/1999)

    Some people think that we are living in the tribulation, or it has already occurred. I wonder how they can explain this verse. If this event has occurred in the past, wouldn't our history books refer to it? I would think that the remnant of people on the earth during this period would pay attention to all the two witnesses say - thus many should trust in the Lord. (DRM 12/3/06)

11:15    Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever."

    In the USA, we had the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, then the fighting began. This verse seems to declare that God is sending His Christ to rule - thus expecting more battles to come.
    Thankfully, due to this Book, we know Who wins! (DRM 12/14/09)

11:17    saying, "We give Thee thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who art and who wast, because Thou hast taken Thy great power and hast begun to reign. 

    Apparently this is the time He has really begun to rule directly on the earth. What is important to me is - I don't have to wait. He rules in my heart today - and should for everyone. (DRM 11/28/1999)

    Satan has been in control of earth for thousands of years. He won't give up easily. The elders knew the change was coming, and worshipped Him. What a wonderful time it will be for all believers in Christ! (DRM 12/15/03)

11:19    And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.

    A lot of things happen in this verse. It doesn't seem clear to me if the Ark of His covenant is in Heaven (how did it get there?) or has been "found" and placed in the temple in Jerusalem. The lightning, thunder, earthquake and hailstorm show His final judgment on the earth - and I (we) can look forward to His VERY soon arrival to rule forever and ever, PTL! (DRM 12/4/06)

12:5    And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.

    This prophetic verse doesn't seem like it "belongs" in Revelation, but it's part of a past-tense narrative  relating the first coming of Christ to the second coming. Certainly Satan will do everything possible to stop Him, but our side wins! (DRM 12/5/06)

12:6    Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

    The woman is identified as Israel in the Bible, so Israel fled (will flee) to the wilderness during the tribulation. Somewhere I read that she would be fleeing to Petra. According to the cross-references in the Bible, the 1260 days corresponds to Rev. 11:3 where the two witnesses are in Jerusalem. Certainly God will continue to protect His chosen people. (DRM 12/15/09)

    God has a master plan and He is in control of even His enemies. (Word of Life Quiet Time Diary)

12:5, 17    She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. ¹⁷Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring - those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. 

    Revelation is certainly challenging! As I would understand this woman, she must be God, or something similar to God. (v.1!) She was clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet. . . Her other offspring all obeyed God's commandments & Jesus. Could she represent the other part of the Trinity - a image of the Holy Spirit? Someday this will all be clear. (DRM 10/9/87) Later advised that the woman represented Israel. 

12:9    And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 

    Revelation is generally about what will happen in the future. I don't know if this section is past or future, but think it is about the past. Satan sure seems to be here now. Only with Christ can we overcome his control. (DRM 12/16/03)

12:11    And they overcame him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death. 

    Since we are now in Chapter 12, maybe this refers to the believers after the rapture. Still, I believe today that this should refer to me. I should be more willing to give my testimony and not fear death. (DRM 11/29/1999)

12:13    And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman [Israel] who gave birth to the male child [Jesus]. 

    The Jews have been outcasts from the world for a long time. Hitler is a prime example of trying to exterminate them, however they continue, protected by God as His special people. I try to think of them as God's chosen people, but they need to know Jesus to fulfill their destiny. (DRM 12/17/03)

    Sometimes it's hard to imagine that Satan - the dragon, lives in Heaven now (v. 7). During the end times, he is the loser of the war (v. 7) and is sent to earth. Now on earth, he persecutes the woman (Jewish nation) who gave birth to Jesus. What Hitler did, probably was a taste of what Satan will try to do then. (DRM 12/6/06)

12:15, 16    And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. ¹⁶But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth.

    The woman is Israel. The serpent is the same devil - serpent from Genesis who wants to destroy all believers - Jews first, then Christians. These two verses show how God will continue to protect the Jews - by having the earth swallow the flood - like a black hole in the desert?
    God loves His family of believers more than we can imagine, and deserves all the praise and thanks that we can give Him! (DRM 12/16/09)

13:3    And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast;

    The beast is the antichrist in Revelation. I think the "fatal" wound is important because it was the cause of his receiving a following from the people on the earth. It was like he rose from the dead - so his powers were (will be) considered to be spiritual and authoritative. Christians alive then will be killed (v.7). (DRM 12/7/06)

13:4    and they worshipped the dragon [Satan] because he gave his authority to the beast [antichrist] and they worshipped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?"

    How can Satan get away with this in today's world? Why won't people object? Because all Christians will be raptured. People will be in fear, and do what they are told to do. (DRM 12/18/03)

13:7    It was also given to him [the beast] to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.

    The saints are the new believers in Christ that trusted in Him after the rapture. Because of the content of this verse, they are expected to hide from the beast to avoid being killed. In our terminology, the beast would be the world dictator.
    What can I/we do? Share our faith and try to warn people of the wrath to come. (DRM 12/17/09)

13:15    And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

    My visualization of this image would be like a little sculpture of Buddha. The difference would be that the sculpture would be given breath and make the owner - and all in the house - to worship the image.
    If a person became a believer during this period, he/she would have to avoid visiting homes with this image - as the believer would be killed. That's why it would be a time of seclusion for believers - like the Jews going to Petra. (DRM 12/18/09)

    The false prophet will oversee an image of the Antichrist which Matt. 24:15 and 2 Thess. 2:4 indicate will be placed in the temple in Jerusalem. (Word of Life Quiet Time Diary)

13:16    And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, 

    I've heard that this computer chip has already been patented and have seen computers as small as sand on TV. It won't be long now. Lord, take me away first! (DRM 11/30/1999)

    This refers to "another beast "coming up out of the earth" [verse 11] who is still associated with the antichrist. As we already have the technology to place marks and track any individual to their location, it seems that the day of Jesus' return for His church will be at any time! (DRM 12/19/03) 

13:17    and he provides that no one should be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.

    The false prophet, or enforcer, seems to be given a lot of power by Satan. He is able to perform signs (v. 13) and can cause the image of the beast to speak, and the people who don't worship the image to be killed. (v. 15) It seems that none of us has the wisdom to know who he is (666) yet. (DRM 12/8/06)

13:18    Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six. 

    A clipping out of yesterday's newspaper illustrates that the Pope's official title in numbers = 666. While I can not prove the accuracy of the clipping, it is interesting to see others' theories. Also in Rev. 13:7 it mentions that the beast will be able to speak to many nations with many tongues.  (DRM 9/20/87)

14:1    And I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. 

    Generally, the first thing that we look at when seeing other people is their face, to identify them. Both the antichrist [yesterday's comment] and Jesus Christ will give people marks on their forehead, where all will see? Some will see? (DRM 12/20/03)

14:4    These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 

    This verse is about the 144,000. The teachers say that this refers to some in Israel after the rapture, but other times I think I could qualify to be among this group. I'll take the rapture first. (DRM 12/1/1999)

    I didn't remember that the 144,000 Jewish witnesses would all be men. Of course it's logical considering the disciples, etc., but I had never made that connection before. All of these people had to accept Jesus Christ as Lord after the rapture of the church - because if they were believers before, then they would be with the other believers in Heaven. (DRM12/9/06)

14:7    and he [angel] said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."

    God doesn't want anyone to go to Hell. Even after the rapture of the church, a spiritual war continues for the souls of the people left on earth. He has 144,000 male (v. 4) evangelists, He has the two witnesses and, in this verse, He has an angel proclaim His desire to the remaining people on earth. If they don't follow Him, you can't say He didn't warn them! (DRM 12/19/09)

14:8    And another angel, a second one, followed saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality."

    I have heard two interpretations of the meaning of this verse. Babylon could be either the literal city in Iraq, or another city that is a leader in immorality. Since I take the Bible literally, I'd probably go with the Iraqi Babylon - because it's already built and ready for occupation again. (DRM 12/11/06)

14:9, 10    Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. . . "

    When a person takes the mark of the beast on their head or forehead or hand, that seals their eternal destiny. It is like a commitment that can't EVER be changed. Since the mark will be required to buy food, etc. it will be difficult to refuse - but they must refuse this mark to get to Heaven. (DRM 12/20/09)

14:11    And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. 

    It seems that the attitude of the world is: "this will never happen." That's one more reason that I believe that it WILL happen. People won't know what they have "signed onto" until its too late. Somehow they need to know. (DRM 12/2/1999)

    Once the decision is made to follow the easy road and accept the mark of the beast, then there is no turning back. The mark is permanent and God will direct His torment towards the people with the mark. I pray that people will trust in Him NOW before it's too late. (DRM 12/21/03)

14:15    And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, because the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe."

    According to a commentary, this refers to the Battle of Armageddon. I note that the H of Him is capitalized, thus indicating that Jesus was the One on the cloud, among other angels (v. 17, 18). Clearly v. 20 refers to the Battle of Armageddon. Thank you Jesus, for protecting Your people from the wrath to come. (DRM 12/11/06)

14:16    Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.

    The person with the sickle has to be Jesus, as he was "like a son of man" (v. 14). All of the Christians were raptured or in hiding from not having the mark of the beast, so all that He could see would be unbelievers. The blood from this mass death is described in v. 20. God wants none to parish, but some are now and will be obstinate in their denial of His existance. (DRM 12/21/09)

14:19    And the angel swung his sickle to the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 

    I wrote a note in my Bible after verse 20: "Battle of Armageddon" where the wine refers to the blood of all who died. In communion, wine also refers to the blood that Jesus shed for us. PTL when we partake of the communion, as believers, we don't have to fear for the wrath to come! (DRM 12/22/03)

15:1    And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.

    Why are seven plagues "marvelous?" Is it because they are the "last" plagues or (I think) because now we know that Jesus will return to rule the earth SOON! (DRM 12/3/1999)

15:2    And I saw, as it were, a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had come off victorious from the beast and from his image and from the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. 

    This is another proof that people will become Christians during the tribulation, as they knew not to accept the mark of the beast, then probably got killed and went to Heaven. To stand on a sea of glass makes me think of floating. (DRM 12/23/03)

15:3    And they [believers who had died after the rapture] sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works,
                                  O Lord God, the Almighty;
                                  Righteous and true are Your ways,
                                  King of the nations! . . .

    The people who trusted in Christ after the rapture had to go through a lot of trials that we can only read about. Their faith had to be strong to overcome all of the additional trials!
    How would I do under all of the trials that they would have to endure? I need God's Holy Spirit to help make it through one step at a time. (DRM 12/22/09)

15:7    And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls - full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.

    My first thought about this section (15:1 - 8) was; who or how many people would be left on earth by the time these bowls of wrath commenced?
    There seems to be no doubt that God wants to begin the new Heaven and new earth with a "new slate" of followers what will run His eternal Kingdom. I'm looking forward to that part! (DRM 12/12/06)

16:3    And the second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.

    Imagine the smell! The combination of this bowl judgment and the next one - rivers and springs turned to blood - should cause people to thirst for pure water eventually. Then God turns up the heat in the next bowl judgment. That will REALLY be global warming! I would think anyone who reads these words would like to be in Heaven instead - is God calling you to join Him? (DRM 12/13/06)

16:8    And the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the Sun; and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. 

    Of all of the bowls of wrath in this chapter, this one is the easiest for me to comprehend today. Thank God there is nothing in the chapter that clearly indicates that the believers in Christ are still on earth when all these terrible things take place. (DRM 12/4/1999) The original believers from before the rapture won't be on earth, but the believers after the rapture most likely will. (DRM 8/14/2004)

16:9    And men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues; and they did not repent, so as to give Him glory. 

    This section describes the "six bowls of wrath" [16:1-12}of God. The fourth bowl [verse 8] tells that the sun scorched men with added heat. People are stubborn and don't want to admit when they are wrong. I know I need a clear indication before changing my way. PTL some will still see Him! (DRM 12/24/03)

16:12    The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.

    Since the Euphrates River is primarily in Iraq, this scene almost certainly will occur in that country. Apparently land troops will have to cross Iraq to fight in the battle of Armageddon and this is the preparation.
    While I hope I'm not on earth at that time - we can see how the Lord God is preparing for these events by the world news of today. (DRM 12/23/09)

16:13, 14    And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; ¹⁴for they are spirits of demons, performing signs . . . 

    This may be the only place in the Bible where all three parts of the unholy trinity are named together. Together they will conspire to deceive the remaining people in the world to follow them. They will convince many and then the Battle of Armageddon . . . (DRM 12/25/03)

16:18    And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty.

    The people in California seem to anticipate "The Big One," as they have so many destructive earthquakes there. From the verse, the BIG ONE will affect not only California, but the whole earth. In v. 19, the cities of the earth fell - perhaps referring to tall buildings. God is awesome and can do anything. I should never trust in material items, but only in Jesus for my salvation. (DRM 12/14/06)

16:19    The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of wine of His fierce wrath.

    Which city is the "great" one? I'm sure that John knew which city he was referring to, but it's not clear here. Since Babylon is mentioned separately, it's probably a different city than that.
    I believe that God uses "progressive revelation," where we understand more details as time progresses. I can think of several examples of "technology" that answer "how can God do that?" that have only been 'invented' recently. (DRM 12/24/09)

17:4    And the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality. 

    My notes indicate that this "woman" is a false religion - probably from the purple and scarlet clothing. She is very rich, and many of her followers will have abominations and things of immorality in their lives. (DRM 12/26/03)

17:5    and upon her forehead a name was written, a mystery, "BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

     The identity of this woman certainly is a mystery. I have heard at least three theories on who "she" is: 1. A city that sits on many waters (v. 1). 2. The literal city of Babylon in Iraq. 3. A false religion that has deceived the world. My mind changes as I receive more info, so the best thing to do is wait and see. As Christians today, we can observe all of this from above. (DRM 12/15/06)

17:6    And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly.

    Like John, I wonder who the great harlot, Babylon the Great, is? I have heard different theories that Babylon could literally be Babylon, Iraq or, it could be a church centered in Rome - based on v. 9. God will make the answer clear when the event happens. (DRM 12/25/09)

17:9, 18    Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. 
    ¹⁸And the woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth. 

    This seems like a contradiction, but maybe there is an answer. Verse 9 refers to the physical location and verse 18 the spiritual status of Rome — the location of the great Catholic church which rules. (DRM 12/5/1999)

    [Re: 17:9]    I am told the only major city that sits on seven mountains is Rome, so the woman referred to at the beginning of the chapter must live in Rome, or it could also refer to the Roman Empire, which is now called the European Union. There are several other verses that I could write about here. . (DRM 12/27/03)

17:14    "These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are called and chosen and faithful."

    Clearly Christian believers are with Christ in Heaven at this time in history. Jesus IS the King of kings and Lord of lords. Believers are called to faith by the Holy Spirit and are faithful to their calling. The beast (Satan) and his kings (v. 12) are the ones who wage war against our Messiah=Jesus. (DRM 12/16/06)

17:17    For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled.

    God is in control. He controls all parts of nature, when we are born, who our parents are and what we think. In this verse He put in the minds/hearts of the ten kings/leaders/horns to give their kingdoms to the beast/Antichrist - all to fulfill the prophecy that is in the Book/Bible. He will cause these things to happen. (DRM 12/26/09)

17:18    The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth. 

    Revelation Chapters 17 and 18 describe "the great prostitute, who sits on many waters" (17:1) Babylon the great (17:5) and (18:2), has seven hills (17:9) and other clues as to what city this is. 
    While I read these chapters, I am guessing the name of the city and I think it is New York. As few other cities have "many rivers" and the UN to rule the world.  (DRM 10/10/87) 
    Ryrie says Rome, which I thought of, but many rivers? 

18:1    After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory.

    The book of Revelation has a lot of mysteries in it; like who is Babylon? In verse one, I wonder how a typical inhabitant of earth can tell an angel with great glory from Jesus Himself?
    Hopefully they can tell who is on each side of the battle by the message they proclaim. (DRM 12/27/09)

18:4    And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues."

    This refers to Babylon [verse 2], the mother of harlots [17:5] who leads a false religion [12/26/03 above]. A voice is calling her followers to separate themselves from her sins, which shows they weren't raptured earlier. PTL there is still hope after the rapture! (DRM 12/28/03)

18:7    "To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, 'I SIT as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and never see mourning.' "

    Still the identification of Babylon is described. Some identify the city as Rome, based on the conditions that existed when John wrote the book - but only God knows for sure.
    My job is to be ready, and to tell people of their fate if they don't accept Christ's free gift - the Truth will set them free! (DRM 12/17/06)

18:10    . . . standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come'.

    This could be like 9/11/01. Some people think "Babylon" could be New York City. On that day, people watched as the buildings burned and collapsed. The whole event took place in less than one hour, but the smoke lasted at least a month.
    I don't think 9/11/01 was the fulfillment of this prophecy, but it gave us an example of what God says will come. (DRM 12/28/09)

18:17    for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste! And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance,

    Here Babylon [verse 10] is referred to as a great city - so it seems to be the city of Rome. Whatever the cause of the fire is not shown, but it seems that 9/11/01 showed us how it could happen in one hour. Trusting in Jesus for deliverance is the only way to prepare. (DRM 12/29/03)

18:19    "And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, 'woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!' "

    The identification of Babylon is still a mystery, but here are some clues that it's probably NOT in Iraq. It's a great port for all ships of the world, and the list of products traded in the city (v. 12, 13) is extensive. The destruction in one hour made me think of 9/11/01. (DRM 12/18/06)

18:21    And a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea saying, "Thus will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer."

    This whole chapter refers to the destruction of "Babylon." From what I've heard this could be the literal city of Babylon or some other great city like New York City. Certainly God knows, and He is in control! (DRM 12/7/1999)

    Many of the aspects of Revelation seem to indicate that God will be sending meteorites from Heaven to destroy things like the city of Babylon here. Another possibility is an atomic or similar bomb. Airplanes [9/11/01] only destroy individual buildings. (DRM 12/30/03)

    Again, this illustration of something destroying the city from the air, makes me think of 9/11/01, but on a bigger scale. I can't change God's plan for the future, and will continue to speculate what city of today is referred to. Still, I believe it will be interesting to watch, and I pray that many people will trust in Jesus before that day arrives. (DRM 12/19/06)

18:22    And the sound of harpists and musicians and flute-players and trumpeters will not be heard in you any longer; and no craftsman of any craft will be found in you any longer; and the sound of a mill will not be heard in you any longer;

    This is a part of the description of Babylon after God throws a stone in the sea (v. 21). It will be "like a", so we (I) have to understand what it is like.
    Certainly Babylon was a great city, and it was or will be destroyed during the tribulation. Since we know these things - we (I) should be motivated to follow the Lord Jesus = God and avoid the fate of this city. (DRM 12/29/09)

19:1    After these things I heard, as it were, a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;"

    Clearly the church (Christian believers) is in Heaven for this verse. When I read this verse today, I thought of the Hallelujah chorus that would be appropriate here. Still, the excitement in Heaven is increasing as the time of Satan's rule is nearly over - and then Jesus' rule can begin! (DRM 12/20/06)

19:5    And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great."

    This is really appropriate for my life today! As I prepare for father's memorial service, I can only think of ways to praise Jesus for father's life. While we are not great, certainly we are able to praise Him in the ways that He gives us. I think of music. . . (DRM 10/31/02)

19:6    Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns."

    The wrath of God is now over. The great multitude of believers is now in Heaven and praising God for the things He has done - because Satan and his demons deserve what has happened in their battle. The unbelievers had many opportunities and witnesses to have them change sides, but they refused. (DRM 12/30/09)

19:7    "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready."

    Only a select number are allowed into Heaven. Without accepting God's grace of the Lord Jesus, the rest will eventually be burned. As the bride, we are to always be ready to meet Him. Our current job is to trust in Him and serve Him in whatever way He directs. With a new year coming, I pray He will use me greatly. (DRM 12/31/03)

19:8    It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

    When the invitations are given out, will you be invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb? According to this verse, what is worn (fine linen) is based on the "righteous acts of the saints."
    After our conversion, we are declared righteous based on the shed blood of Jesus. Still, during the rest of our lives, we are to do good, share our faith and promote Jesus in whatever way possible.
    Only God knows who will be higher and lower in His Kingdom. Clearly He wants us to share His Good News. (DRM 10/2/13)

    As the bride of Christ, we are to make ourselves "ready" for that day by striving to live close to Him now in anticipation of our future with Him in heaven. (from Our Daily Bread 10/2/13)

19:9    Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.' " And he said to me, "These are true words of God."

    The bride and the bridegroom are at the marriage supper. The bride is the church. The bridegroom is Jesus. As I wonder if I qualify to go to the supper, my answer is that the bride is the church - and I am a part of the believing Christian church - thus can look forward to an invitation and participation in the greatest supper ever! (DRM 12/31/09)

    This will be a day that I'm looking forward to! Jesus is the Lamb and believers from all ages will be the bride at this "Marriage supper of the Lamb."
    This represents just the beginning of a new relationship with Jesus. When we become Christians, we are part of the family, but after the marriage, we will be given responsibilities as part of this union. Jesus will give us each a job to do based on our talents (Rev. 22: 3, 5)
    Death on earth is not to be mourned for believers, as we will then be with Jesus and awaiting the marriage supper, new bodies and job assignments for eternity . . . serving our King. (DRM 1/4/15)

19:15    And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

    A more difficult verse for me, because I think of Jesus as a loving God and willing to watch over us. I think I'll plan on Him loving His own believers and the wrath for the unbelievers who are still here and defiant. (DRM 12/8/1999)

    When Jesus comes back to earth, most of the residents won't be happy about it. While many will be converted after the rapture, not all - and Jesus will have to deal with the remainder harshly. I can only imagine how He would deal with dissenters! PTL He has opened my eyes! (DRM 1/1/04)

    This is another verse that would be difficult to explain to a non-Christian who thinks God should love all of His creation. We are each given a lifetime to accept His gift of salvation, and only He knows who will accept the gift. Now, at the beginning of Jesus' rule, the remaining unbelievers have to understand who the new Ruler is. (DRM 12/21/06)

19:20    And the beast was seized, and with the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image, these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. 

    It's hard to imagine today a world where Satan doesn't control the minds of most people. It is like the environment of working in the world vs. working among only Christians. I have seen the startling differences. Today's prophecy gives me great hope for the future. Thank you, Jesus! (DRM 1/2/04)

    The unholy trinity is composed of the dragon (20:2) who is Satan, the beast and the false prophet. In this verse, the #2 and #3 men are captured - probably as they were leading the assembling for the Battle of Armageddon (v. 19). It's nice to know some of the future - and the best part is that the Good guys win! PTL! (DRM 12/22/06)

19:21    And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

    In other parts of the Bible, the sword is the word of God, the Bible. In this case I think it is a literal sword or weapon that literally caused people to die. If it was the word of God, they would just ignore it like they do today.
    How can I tell others that this day is coming? How will they listen? (DRM 1/1/10)

20:2    And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 

    I'm trying to imagine a thousand years without evil temptations, war or other sins for that long. It will be "Heaven" on earth! The second half of this passage [20:1-6] is on the souls of the believers in Christ at that time. They refused the mark of the beast and lost their heads, but were rewarded for their faith. (DRM 1/3/04)

20:3    and threw him (the dragon, Satan, v. 2) into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he should not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.

    This section (20:1-6) and verse is harder to comprehend. Yes, I understand what it says, buy WHY would God want to release Satan to lead earth again 1,000 years later if he is already captured? Why wait 1,000 years for the other dead (v. 5)? Only God knows why He does some things. I must simply obey His commands as I hear them. . . (DRM 12/23/06)

20:4    Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

    Earlier in my life, in school, beheadings were mentioned as a way of killing people centuries ago - but wasn't done in the present. NOW I hear of terror organizations using this form of murder TODAY in the middle east countries.
    This refers to Christians after the rapture - but I'd rather leave before then and be a servant for the King. (DRM 1/2/10)

20:7, 8    When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, ⁸and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, God and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore.

    Christ's Kingdom lasts 1,000 years (v. 4). "The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed." (v. 5) Thus, it seems that Satan and his army are people who died during the tribulation - as they are as numerous as the sand on the seashore. After their trial - White Throne - they went to the lake of fire. (DRM 1/3/10)

20:12    And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.

    Everyone on earth has eternal life - not just Christians. Some people think when you die on earth that it's all over, but everyone's soul lives forever. The question of a lifetime is where the soul will live for eternity.
    In this verse we are told of the destiny of the souls of the people who did not trust in Christ for their Savior. These people were judged for their deeds - rather than depending on what Jesus did. Even with the books opened, their fate was determined by what they DIDN'T do on earth.
    Don't be among this group - trust in Jesus before it's too late. (DRM 5/4/15)

20:13, 14    And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. ¹⁴And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

    [re: 20:13]We are at the Great White Throne and Satan just tried to lead an unsuccessful rebellion after 1,000 years of silence. Satan was devoured by fire [verse 9] and the people of earth are judged here - according to their deeds. Without Christ, deeds do no good. (DRM 1/4/04)

    An unbeliever dies and goes to Hades where they will wait for this day. Our good deeds will not save us - only our personal trust in Jesus as Lord, Messiah. No one will escape from this Great White Throne of judgment - unless they were believers when they left earth. This should be our motivation to evangelize - but no one seems to care today. (DRM 12/24/06)

20:15    And if anyone's name was not found in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

    In verses 12 and 13, the dead were judged "according to their deeds," but their deeds didn't save them in verse 15. The ONLY way to Heaven is through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (DRM 12/9/1999)

    How will they know, if no one tells them? People are spiritually blind until the Holy Spirit opens their eyes - but someone has to verbalize the Word to them. What is the best, inoffensive way? Lord, lead me to serve You better. (DRM 11/1/02)

21:1    And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 

    Yes, I knew there would be a new earth to live in, for we've already polluted this one - but no sea? That means no water. That means my new body doesn't need water! What a place that will be! (DRM 12/10/1999)

    This is hard to imagine in our earthly minds. Heaven will be on a new earth. All the effects of sin will be gone. This new earth will have no sea - no oceans as we know them — but there will be water coming from the throne of God (22:1) (DRM 7/4/13)

21:2    And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 

    When I go to a wedding, generally the bride is in white, representing cleanliness and purity to me. When God sends us the New Jerusalem, it will be clean and pure also. It must be a wonderful place, as it took 6 days to create earth, and thousands of years to create this city. It's something to look forward to! (DRM 1/5/04)

    The New Jerusalem was created in Heaven while we were on earth. The bride is the church - which are the believers in Christ => the Husband. Believers will be living in New Jerusalem. There are no denominations or differences within the body of Christ's church in Heaven. We will have all our differences answered by Jesus - and He is our Savior. We will all be glad to be there and follow His commands. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:3    And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,

    The first Heaven and the first earth passed away (v. 1). The New Jerusalem came out of Heaven in verse two.
    God's tabernacle will be in New Jerusalem in the future; instead of Heaven where He is now.
    So long as we trust in Jesus' gift of salvation - His death on the cross and resurrection - we can be a part of this New Jerusalem. Everything there sounds wonderful.
    I'm ready to go — how about you? (DRM 12/12/12)

    An announcement that the New Jerusalem has arrived and is at the earth. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:4    and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain; the first things have passed away."

    This verse is also appropriate for me today - as I think of father's eternal home. It's exciting to know that father will be there - from all the evidence he left with others here. (DRM 11/2/02)

    This is our hope - why we are looking forward to Heaven and the New Jerusalem where we, as believers in Jesus, will be living. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:5    And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."

    This refers to the new Heaven and new earth. (v. 1)
    When I look at the landfills and the dirty streets and the electric wires that deform the trees in our (USA) modern society, I think God has a lot to do! It will be like starting over - a little like the Garden of Eden. (DRM 9/21/11)

    God was sitting on the throne. He is the One who made all things new - like the New Jerusalem. He instructed John to write these words. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:6    And He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

    I think this is an appropriate verse for today. People spends hundreds and hundreds of dollars on Christmas gifts to be happy today. Jesus truly is the most important gift that we (I) can receive today. While His gift of eternal life cost Him more than we can spend, He gives us the greatest gift of eternal life - if we only accept it. (DRM 12/25/06)

    God was from the beginning. He was the Creator and sustainer of earth - and all of us in it. He will provide the water we need for our thirst. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:6b    To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

    I believe this section of scripture relates to "living water" which is in John 4:14 and is eternal life.
    Eternity and the life coming sometimes seems ages away, but it also can come tomorrow. It sounds exciting and I really know that I have something to look forward to when this life is  complete. Lord, help me not lose this confidence! (DRM 5/10/87)

21:7    He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

    The "he" could be either believers in general or the believers that have just gone through the tribulation. This verse seems more logical if taken in sequence, thus would mean the believers who just completed tribulation - and they overcame 3½ years of suffering and made it to the "end." These are special people and deserve special recognition. (DRM 1/4/10)

    Why is verse five and verse six God? - because it says here that "I will be his God." "he" /we shall be His children (sons and daughters) in the New Jerusalem. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:8    But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

    These are the people who we won't see in Heaven or the New Jerusalem.
    This is part of a quote from "the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." (v. 6) = God = Jesus.
    The first death is what we experience at the end of our natural lives. The second death is after the judgment that will occur, in one form or another, to ALL people.
    While on earth there's still a way to change direction for eternity and avoid the lake of fire . . .  trust in Jesus as Lord and repent of your sins and follow only Him. (DRM 6/6/12)

    These are adjectives of the people that won't be in the New Jerusalem - but they all could be if they repented of their sins and trusted in Jesus. Why fearful? There are different types of fear. Some are fearful of deciding for Christ and never commit their souls to Him - that indecision will keep them from realizing Heaven. To fear the Lord God and desiring to do His will is acceptable fear - remedied by prayer and listening for His answer - that will not prevent someone from entering Heaven. The second death is after the Great White Throne of judgment for unbelievers (Rev. 20:11). The first death is physical death. The second death is when these unbelievers enter the lake of fire. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:9    Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."

    The angel here was a tour guide to John. This will lead to verse ten and the angel will show John the bride - the assembly of believers that all will be in the New Jerusalem that was descending out of Heaven. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:10    And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,

    Many times in the Bible, the triune God tells or shows us how to do things in a way that is different from the way of the world. This section [21:9-16] shows that He designed New Jerusalem to be a cube and not a ball like the present earth. Our hearts are to be different than on the earth also. (DRM 1/6/04)

    John was taken to an overlooking mountain, a distance from the New Jerusalem that was descending out of Heaven. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:11    . . . having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.

    The New Jerusalem glows! The glory of God is the Light source. (DRM 7/4/13)

21:12    [New Jerusalem] It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.

    Certain numbers seem to be favorites in the Bible - like the 3 in the Trinity and all of the 7's in Revelation. Here the number 12 is used, and it made me think of the apostles - which are mentioned later (v. 14). Some people get a lot from the numbers - but I think the Lord God has a higher purpose that (I) we haven't thought of yet. (DRM 12/26/06)

21:13    There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west.

    While this may not sound all that unusual, the city is 1,500 miles on each side (Rev. 21:15), thus the three gates would have to be about 400-500 miles apart!
    Our mode of transportation will be different then and if we have the ability to walk through walls as the resurrected Jesus did (John 20:26), the gates would have little use anyway.
    The gates of New Jerusalem make me think of the gates of Old Jerusalem that are still used - but not in the same configuration. (DRM 7/15/13)

21:14    And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

    I have seen this depicted as twelve layers of foundations of different colors on top of each other. There is more detail about the foundation of New Jerusalem in verses 19-20.
    It seems to me that there is only one foundation and different things adorn the foundation; including the names of the apostles and the stones in verses 19-20. The city is 1,500 miles in length and width, so there is plenty of space to write the names and add the stones to the one foundation. This is only my opinion. (DRM 12/30/13) 

21:15    The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall.

    It seems that this particular verse doesn't give us much information as it is between two verses that have more details of the city of New Jerusalem.
    The one who spoke was one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls of plagues (21:9), so we know this city WILL exist. It's not a dream.
    Gold is common in Heaven, so a gold measuring rod would be common there - not valuable like here.
    I'm looking forward to a home/place in this city and hope you are too! (DRM 5/15/14)

21:16    The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal.

    After having lived in Chicago for a few years and knowing that it took hours to get out of the 'city,' I have no problem imagining a huge city. My challenge with the New Jerusalem is the height, and I wonder if this refers to tall buildings or layers of cities on top of each other? It will be exciting to see! (DRM 1/5/10)

21:17    And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards [144 cubits], according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements.

    I can't explain this verse. In verse 12, we are told the city of New Jerusalem will have a great and high wall. It seems that the Holy Spirit is telling me this verse shows the height of the wall, not the thickness of it. 72 yards is equal to 216 feet, or a 21 story building.
    My question is why this wall is needed, other than to show people where the city begins as opposed to the rest of the earth. We know that God=Jesus will defend the city, and we won't have to worry of dying there (v. 4). It will be an exciting time and place to be! (DRM 11/29/14)

21:18    The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

    A lot of Heaven and the New Jerusalem is a mystery to my earthly mind. It seems to me that Jasper and gold have definite colors and are not "clear." How can this be? Could it be a very thin coating to be clear? Could it be like tinted glass with that color infused in it?   
    Fortunately, we don't have to think that much about it. God will provide and we, as believers, will be there to observe. It will be an exciting time to be "alive" with so many new things to explore. I hope you will be there too! (DRM 12/30/15)

21:19    The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; . . .

    While I haven't investigated this myself, once I read that the twelve foundation stones were all different colors. Once I thought that the foundation consisted of a block of each stone, but the word "adorned" refers to something that is attached to the outside of an object.
    It's hard to imagine how beautiful New Jerusalem will be. God=Jesus has been working on this for over 2,000 years, so it has to be spectacular!
    As Christians, we have an exciting future. No matter how beautiful homes can be now on earth, New Jerusalem will be far better! (DRM 1/11/17)

21:21    And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

    God is not limited on what He can do. Remember He created the whole universe and everything on earth.
    The pearls at the gates of New Jerusalem don't have to be made the same way little pearls are created on earth today. Our minds can't comprehend what God can do.
    The same thing with the streets of gold. While we can't see through gold today, it could be a very, very thin coating - or another new creation.
    New Jerusalem will be a great place . . . and God will be there. I pray that we will meet there someday, so long as you have put your full trust in Jesus. (DRM 2/4/18)

21:22    I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

    Today I see churches nearly everywhere - and miss some that are in warehouses and shopping centers. Why? Because we don't agree on Who, when and what we believe in. The New Jerusalem will be different - no churches or temples. That's because all the residents WILL AGREE on Who to worship. We will know the Truth and He will set us free from all the differences that exist today. PTL! (DRM 1/6/10)

21:23    And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 

    We are to be lights to the world. We should "glow" as a reflection of Jesus. This verse shows me where our future light source is. We will continue to be totally dependent on Jesus for all of our needs - just like we are now. The hard part is explaining spiritual/physical brightness. (DRM 1/7/04)

    This verse is difficult for my earthly mind to comprehend. It just causes more questions like - is the glory of God like the pillar of fire in the Exodus? If the light source is God, then how can we approach Him without being blinded? This will be an exciting place! (DRM 12/27/06)

21:24    The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

    This is another aspect of the New Jerusalem that is coming. By the time New Jerusalem is over or on the earth, everyone will know that Jesus is truly the King of kings and Lord of lords.
    The nations (outside the wall) will still be working and producing food and other items - so their leader-kings will bring their products to the true King in New Jerusalem.
    While this is only my understanding of this prophetic verse, I think these under-kings will be believers that were given their job based on their service while in this life. (DRM 6/17/14)

21:25, 26    In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; ²⁶and they will bring glory and the honor of the nations into it;

    This refers to the New Jerusalem that will come out of the sky (v. 10) when the great Tribulation is over. A lot of the city is described in this chapter, but there is also a lot that we don't know. Two things are for sure - that only believers will live in this city (v. 27) and God=Jesus will also be there (v. 3).
    These verses show that earth will still be inhabited and nations will still exist. Somehow the people on earth will be able to at least bring things to the gates.
    I pray that each person that reads this will be a resident - and we will meet someday. (DRM 5/21/16)

21:27    and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying shall ever come into it [New Jerusalem], but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. 

    With the wonderful description of the New Jerusalem cube in the sky, I wonder why people I know wouldn't want to go there. I don't think they don't want to go, rather they need to get an "admission ticket." (DRM 12/10/1999)

22:1    Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb,

    Today we (I) occasionally think of the chemicals and pollution that is in the drinking water we use. In the New Jerusalem the water will be pure - as it will come straight from the Lord God Himself.
    This "water of life" could be the reason we will be kept healthy there. Water is important - both on earth and in Heaven! (DRM 1/26/12)

22:2    in the middle of the street. And on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

    This is the same tree that caused the sin in Genesis. God is giving us a second chance, where we can start all over! No scientist can reproduce the tree that God hath made! The believers will all be of "one family" and one cause - to serve Him; thus national division will cease. (DRM 1/8/04)

22:3    There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him;

    This is referring to the tree of life (v. 2). Because of the cross-reference in Ezek. 47:12, the tree is not a single tree, but a series of trees on both sides of the river. God probably doesn't live in a tree-house, but rather in the midst of the group of trees - and that is the source of the river (v. 1).
    While I try to imagine what this will be like, I'm sure that it will be even better than whatever I imagine. (DRM 1/7/10)

22:4    . . . they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.

    Welcome to New Jerusalem - our heavenly home. So long as we have put our trust solely in Jesus, He will have a future home for us there.
    Depending on the rapture date, I don't think anyone lives there yet. If we die before the rapture we won't have our new bodies yet. Our soul will go to Paradise to wait for our new body.
    Since this verse seems to refer to New Jerusalem, we will see God's face there; the One who loves us so much to create us in the first place. Unlike the mark of the beast, God=Jesus will put His name on our foreheads to show that we belong to Him. (DRM 11/7/14)

22:5    And there shall no longer be any night; and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever.

    I like the idea of being illumined by the SON, but won't I get tired? I think that sleep is a battery-charger and can't imagine not having any. With no sleep, think of having another 7 hours a day to serve the Lord or see other saints! Some parts of Heaven are just so "foreign" or different from what it's like on earth! (DRM 12/28/06)

22:6    And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bondservants the things which must soon take place.

    John was shown many things by an angel (v. 8), that are written here.
    While this verse doesn't state any specifics about Heaven like the surrounding verses, we are reminded that John only wrote things that he was actually told to write. There will be many more exciting things to see in Heaven than what he wrote in this book.
    No one knows the day we will be called to be with Jesus. It could be death or rapture. The point is for us to be ready for that day spiritually - by putting all our faith in Jesus who died for our sins. (DRM 11/9/17)

22:7    "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."

    Revelation chapters 21 and 22 are among my favorite chapters in the Bible. They tell us what Heaven will be like and, like this verse, remind me/us that Jesus WILL return.
    When Jesus said He was coming quickly 2,000 years ago, He meant suddenly on an unknown day. It will be a surprise. He wants us to always be ready.
    Generally a book in the Bible refers to the section ( e.g. Revelation) we are reading, but in this case it could also refer to our whole bound Book - the whole Bible contains prophecy throughout the Old and New Testaments. (DRM 2/6/16)

22:8    I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw , I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

    Only Jesus is perfect - and God. The rest of the world - all human beings - sin and don't know all the things God=Jesus do.
    In this verse John admitted that he worshipped someone other than God=Jesus. In the next verse, he was corrected for the error. We are to worship only God or Jesus; not the Holy Spirit or an angel or any other created being. It's like one of the commandments.
    When we are convicted of sin, we are to confess the sin immediately and ask for forgiveness. Don't let sin accumulate! We should also pray for forgiveness of unknown sins. (DRM 4/16/15)

22:9    But he [angel] said to me, "Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God."

    Like John, I could easily be confused the first time I saw an angel, and think that it could be Jesus Himself. I'm sure, with practice, it will be easy to tell the difference. I (we) are not to worship angels, or other humans (e.g. Mary), but only God=Jesus, our Lord, Master, Creator. (DRM 1/8/10)

22:10    And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. . . "

    This verse is a quote from one of the seven angels (Rev. 21:9) who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, as the quote is not in red print.
    God=Jesus gave us prophetic statements throughout the Bible. This verse refers back to Daniel 8:26 as an example. We are not to ignore prophecy, but rather to try and understand how it could affect us. When Jesus comes back, He will come suddenly and He wants us to be ready. As we see all the events/prophecies in the Bible lining up in the world today, we know His return is near - perhaps today? (DRM 8/8/16)

22:12    Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 

    But I haven't done much. Jesus may not be pleased with my life. When I get frustrated or fail, people don't see Christ in me. My life has to be more of a reflection of Him. (DRM 12/11/1999)

    When Jesus returns, it will be suddenly; when it is least expected. Most people on earth today don't expect Him today. When He returns for His bride, He will know what people have done to serve Him, and He will give rewards for how they have served Him while here. 
    Certainly I don't deserve any rewards for my work. (DRM 1/9/04)

22:13    . . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

    This is a quote by Jesus to John who wrote this book. We know it's Jesus because He said He is coming (v. 12) and it is printed in red ink. :-)
    Based on Jesus being the source, this verse clearly tells us attributes that only God has. We say that only God can live forever, but here Jesus has said it. Jesus has to be a part of God or equal to God in this respect.
    No matter how this is explained, He deserves our worship. (DRM 10/30/13)

22:14    Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.

    What does "wash their robes" mean? Since we will be wearing (at least spiritual) robes in Heaven, I think He wants them to be pure, clean and white. To sin is to dirty the robe. To confess sins - repent - I think represents washing of our robes. I try to repent of my sins as I am aware of them, and try to change my ways. (DRM 12/29/06)

22:15    Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.

    I'm sure this is only a partial list of those who will be outside the city of New Jerusalem - or Heaven.
    Remember, it's a narrow gate to enter. The great majority will be "outside."
    This list could be called "bad people," but others on earth are called "good people," and they won't enter either.
    The ticket is trusting solely in Jesus. Without that - no admission. (DRM 3/22/14)

22:16    "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

    Here Jesus is confirming to John that He sent an angel to tell him (John) all the things that are written in this book and directed (originally) to the seven churches.
    To confirm that Jesus was actually speaking these words, He reiterated that He was the root (before David) and also a descendent of David - which no one but Jesus can claim to be.
    The "bright morning star" COULD refer to Jesus being the Light of the world that is both our spiritual light and a light=hope that we can look forward to every morning, as we await His soon return. (DRM 8/18/14)

22:17    And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

    I think the first two "come's in this verse are a desire for Jesus to rule soon. The third "come" is yet another invitation for the thirsty unbeliever to repent and follow Christ - as His sacrifice for our sins is a gift (without cost) to all who will believe. It's really the final plea for salvation in the Bible. (DRM 12/30/06)

22:18    I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.

    I have thought of this verse from time to time and wondered how the religions of this country could disobey this verse - knowing the consequences. I must continue to thank God for leading me to a path that led me to Him and His grace in accepting me into His body.
    Don't let me fail you, Lord! (DRM 6/10/87)

    The world has several false religions and cults. One of the ways to tell what they believe, is to see if they add supplemental books or delete "offensive" words from the Bible. The plagues in Revelation are for unbelievers after the rapture. The people in cults will still be here. (DRM 1/10/04)

22:19    . . . and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

    Sometimes I wonder if what I'm reading is exactly what was written when the Bible started being compiled. Did the translators change or delete any of the words? Like everything else, I go on faith that the version that I'm reading is accurate to the original.  I'm sure that some sects that have their own versions of the Bible have deleted parts that they don't agree with.
    Those that change or delete the word of God will not participate in the greatest part of life - Heaven, or the Holy City; New Jerusalem. (DRM 5/18/13)

22:20    He who testifies to these things says, "Yes I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.