THE STORY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

  PRELUDE

Rev. 1:1-3 This is "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.  
Blessed is he who reads, and those who hear, the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. 
    Luke 11:28 “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
    James 5:8 “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

Days, months and years are not the measure in eternal time.  Therefore we cannot determine by our time when the things in God's plan will happen.  When the events in God’s plan happen they happen at the same time all over, therefore they will seem to be on different days in various parts of the world according to their calendars.  God gave us His holy days to show us the order, an outline, of these events.  These holy days, called feasts, are reminders of God's plan and our hope.  If they are kept, studied, and world events watched, it can be known what part of God's plan is happening and what the next steps will be, but not dates or times.

Satan and His servants will easily deceive people if they do not have the knowledge of God's plan.  They will think that the disasters that happen, as revealed in Revelation, are just natural, and there are explanations for them.  Therefore many will not follow God's ways.

Rev. 1:19 John is to "write the things which are, and the things which will take place after this."      

                                              PRESENT TIME, the things that are.
God's calendar begins in the spring.  The first month is called Nisan.  From Nisan one to Nisan 14 represents the time from Adam and Eves fall to the time of Jesus Christ, who is our hope of salvation.  Satan rules this earth.  We are his captives; only Jesus Christ can redeem us. 
Refuge city Golan, means captive.  
Rev. 1:4-6 John speaks to the seven churches telling them that this is a message from God, the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and Jesus Christ our Savior, and has made us kings and priests.
Rev. 1:7-9 John warns them that the Lord, the Alpha and Omega is coming back, and that he had this vision while he was on the island of Patmos.  
Rev. 1:10-20 John tells them that this is a vision, and that this message is surely from Jesus Christ, whom he saw, and describes.  He was told not to be afraid, and to write all the visions that he was about to see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Jesus is in the midst of them (represented by seven lamp stands, to admonish as with a sword. John is told not to fear, as Jesus Christ is eternal, and has the keys of Hades and of Death.  

Rev. 2:1 to 3:22 These are the messages given to the 7 churches, and for our benefit. 

See 7 churches      
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."  
All who read these words should listen also. 
In prophecy a day can equal a year, or a month.  
But God is consistent.  He continuously judges, punishes, and rewards.  His punishments are called tribulations, or wraths.  His rewards are called blessings.  His wraths, blessings, and rewards are for the benefit of mankind.  Following are four wraths God allows, but at the final end there is a reward.
Rev. 4:1 to 5:14 John is shown the throne room of heaven, and finds that Jesus Christ is the only one who can open a scroll that contains the wraths to follow, because He is worthy.  Christ told all He knew while on earth.  (John 15:14-15)  Now He can tell us what is in store for the future.  He opens 7 seals of the scroll. 
                                   MAN’S WRATH AGAINST MAN – Present and future 
Man is influenced by Satan, and allowed by God to do wrathful things in order to teach that God's way is the only way that works.  Following that way will bring rewards, as in the story of Job.  Not following will bring sorrow as all of the Bible shows. 
First Psalm of ascent #120:  David deplores the situation in the world, and asks deliverance.  Verse 7, "I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war."   
Rev. 6:1-8 The first four seals bring forth the four horsemen that are riding various horses:
1. White horse: rider is conquering
2. Red horse: the rider takes peace from the earth, people killing one another.
3. Black horse: the rider brings famine
4. Pale horse: The rider's name is death.  A fourth of the earth is killed with sword, hunger and the beasts of the earth.
Luke 21:10-19  “Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. “But before these things they will lay hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.” (Also Mt. 24:9-14)  This happened to the apostles, and other martyrs for Jesus’ sake.  They are told to be patient, here and in Rev. 6:9-11. 
Matt 24:6-8 “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Mark 13:7-22 “And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.”  
In all three accounts Jesus lists what will happen to his disciples while they are alive, and tells them to watch out, for these things are to be a testimony, and the gospel must be preached. False prophets will arise, and the elect must watch and be careful for great signs and wonders of false prophets may deceive them.  They must know that when the Lord returns to earth there will be no doubt. (Matthew 24:30-31; Mark 13:24-26; Luke 21:25-28)  The Lord shortens those days of tribulation, lest no flesh would be saved. The elect will be saved.
       This is just the beginning of sorrows, and those who were slain for the word of God must wait before they can be resurrected.
Rev. 6:9-11 The fifth seal is opened.  John sees the souls of those of those who were slain for the word of God.  They are told they must wait a little longer before they are avenged. They have received white robes.  More must die before the end.
This is imagery, and does not mean that the dead can cry out, for the dead know nothing. (Ecclesiastes 9:5)  However, God knows all the dead, and remembers His promises.  These are ever before Him, and He is anxious that they soon become His spiritual children. 

THINGS TO COME 
Rev. 6:12 to 7:8 The sixth seal is opened. This seal can open up great earthquakes, blacken the sun, make the moon look like blood, stars to fall, mountains and islands to move, and causing all

to fear that this is the wrath of the Lamb. BUT, the tribulations of the seven trumpets are

 held back until the 144,000 children of Israel are sealed.  
        Why are they sealed?  They are sealed for protection as they stay on the earth during further tribulations.  See Rev. 9:4. God always leaves a remnant of His people.  (II Kings. 19:30-31; Ezra 9:8; Eze. 6:8; Joel 2:32)  His church will always prevail. (Mt. 16:18)  
This is pictured by the PASSOVER.  Jesus Christ came to earth as human and was sacrificed to cover all human sins, making it possible for all to enter the kingdom.  Keeping the Passover as Jesus did, reminds us of this first step toward salvation, which is that sin must be removed because no one in sin can enter the kingdom of heaven.  It is a seal, covered by th blood of Christ.
Second Psalm of ascent #121: David says that his help comes from the LORD.  The LORD is your keeper.  Verse 7, "The LORD shall preserve you from all evil: He shall preserve your soul."
Rev. 7:9-12 John sees a vision of a great multitude clothed in white that stand before the Lamb, with the heavenly elders, praising God.
Rev. 7:13-17 John is told that these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation (the wrath of man-the four horsemen), and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  :15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple.”  The Lamb will shepherd them. (John 10:11,14, &16-18)

Refuge city Kedesh, means, "sanctuary".

The great multitude is the numerous elect living and dead changed to spirit; born again.  (John 3:3 & 6-8 & I Thessalonians 4:13-17)  They have come through the great tribulation of the four horsemen and have kept themselves pure by the power of the Lamb, thus are in white robes. They are caught up to heaven and saved from the tribulations of the seven trumpets.  They are able to stand before the throne of God.

            The elect have met Christ in the clouds and are taken to stand before the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:22-23 "You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, who are registered in heaven." 
The elect live in the abodes prepared by Jesus, and work at learning until called to return with Christ to the earth. (John 14:2-3; John 5:17; Matthew 24:30-31 )    
This is pictured by the WAVE SHEAF DAY.         
Third Psalm of ascent #122: David expresses the joy of going to the House of the LORD.  Verse 5, "For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David."
This is pictured by the DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. 
The church in heaven is unleavened, free from sin, and stay that way.

Rev. 8:1 “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.”

Before the tribulations of the seven trumpets the spirit elect are able to travel to earth from heaven as on Jacob's ladder.  (Genesis 28:12)  For 40 days they can prepare their families for the coming tribulations just as Christ came to earth after his resurrection for 40 days to prepare His apostles.   
(Matthew 28:9-18; Mark 16:12-18; Luke 24:13-49; John 20:19-21; Acts 1:3-8)
   
      While the elect/church are in heaven, the sorrows of the seven trumpets begin on earth.
Rev. 8:2-5 The seven angels with the seven trumpets are ready.  Another angel with a golden censer is given much incense with the prayers of the saints to offer on the golden altar that is before the throne.  The smoke ascends before God, and then the censure is thrown onto the earth creating thundering, lightning, and an earthquake.  
Rev. 8:6 The seven angels prepare to sound the trumpets that bring sorrows.
It is a time when much strength is needed. 
Refuge city Schechem, means strength.   
Rev. 8:7 Angel 1, sounds the first trumpet:  Hail and fire mingled with blood upon the earth, and a third of the trees are burned up, and all the grass.  
Rev. 8:8-9 Angel 2, sounds the second trumpet: Something like a great mountain burning with fire is thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea becomes blood destroying a third of the ships, and a third of living creatures in the sea die.  
Rev. 8:10-11 Angel 3, sounds the third trumpet: A great star falls, burning like a torch, and falls on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water; and a third of the waters become wormwood; and many men die from the bitter water.
Rev. 8:12 Angel 4, sounds the fourth trumpet: A third of the sun is struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; and a third of the day did not shine and likewise the night.
Rev. 8:13  John hears and sees an eagle flying through the midst of heaven saying, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpets of the three angels that are about to sound."  
The woes are trumpets 5-6-7.
Rev. 9:1-11 The fifth trumpet is sounded. It is the first woe.   
 The angel opens the bottomless pit and smoke comes out. (possibly volcanoes), and the sun and air are darkened.  Then locusts with a great power like scorpions, lead by Satan, come out of the smoke, and torment men for 5 months.  :4 “They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” (Revelation 7:3-8) 
Rev. 9:12-21 The sixth trumpet is sounded, it is the second woe:
The four mighty angels who are bound at the Great River Euphrates are released on just the right day, month, and year that they were prepared for. They kill a third of mankind with an army of two hundred million, with three plagues: fire, smoke, and brimstone.  In spite of all this, there is no repentance among men.  They do not understand.
    In heaven the heavenly church has fully grown in the Holy Spirit and is ready to return with Christ.  They have become close friends of Christ.  (John 15:15) 
Refuge city Hebron, means become friend.
This is pictured by the FEAST OF PENTECOST. 
The Little Book 
Rev. 10:1-7 A mighty angel has a little book. When he cries out seven thunders utter their voices, but John is ordered not to write that. It is declared that there will be no more delay. When the seventh trumpet is sounded the mystery of God will be finished, as prophesied.  
Rev. 10:8-11 John is told to take the Little Book and eat it. It was sweet in the mouth but bitter to the stomach. He is then told, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.  John did write the book of Revelation to do so for then, and until the end.
God always warns, and gives choices.  (Amos 3:7)
The two witnesses now preach on earth.  
Rev. 11:1-2 The temple and those who worship there (the 144,000?) are measured, and the court is given to the Gentiles to tread for forty-two months (3 1/2 years). (Mt. 24:15, Dan 9:27, 11:31, 9:23)
Luke 21:24 Gentiles have trampled the temple. Sacrifices are stopped 1,150 days. 
Rev. 11:3-12 The two witnesses must preach 3 1/2 years.
Mt. 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”   
The witnesses can very powerfully torment men, but the two witnesses get killed.  They are dead 3 1/2 days and then are resurrected and ascend to heaven. 
Rev. 11:13 At that same time there is a great earthquake and 7,000 men in the great city (Jerusalem Rev. 11:8) are killed, and the rest are afraid and give glory to the God of heaven.  
”The rest” are only those in Jerusalem, not the whole world.  Those who give glory to God are included in the redeemed from the earth with the 144,00 in Rev. 14:1-5. 
Rev. 11:14-19 The third woe, the seventh trumpet comes quickly.  
Before the last trumpet, that has 7 bowls of plagues, a few things happen.  
In heaven Jesus Christ is given power to rule nations on earth and judge them.   
The temple in heaven is opened and the ark of the covenant of the Lord is seen in His temple.

John 12:31 "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." 
Satan knows that his time to rule the earth is near an end.   
                                                      SATAN'S WRATH
 Rev. 12:1-11 Satan goes after the woman that represents God's church in heaven.  They are the church of the wilderness, the Israelites, or of the child, Jesus Christ. There is a place of safety in heaven for them.  Satan is then cast out of heaven for good by the power of the blood of the Lamb.  (John 12:31) 
Rev. 12:12 "Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the earth and the sea!  For the devil has come, down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
Rev. 12:13-16 Satan wars against those who gave glory to God in Jerusalem. They flee, and are miraculously saved.
Matthew 24:15-26 Flee Jerusalem, do not be deceived.  Days shortened for sake of the elect.
Rev. 12:17 Then Satan goes after the "rest"; the people in the world who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
In this case he uses deceit and great leaders.  
Rev. 13:1-2 John sees a beast with 7 heads and 10 horns, and on his horns 10 crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Satan the dragon gives him power. 
The horns represent nations.  These nations could be nations already there, but not yet having Satan's power.
Rev. 13:3-4 Because one of the heads (nation) was healed, all the world marvels and follow the beast.  By worshiping the beast the people are also worshiping the dragon, Satan, who gives it power.  The people say, "who is like the beast?”  “Who is able to make war with him?"   
Rev. 13:5-8 The beast blasphemes against God, His name, His tabernacle and those who dwell there, but is given authority to make war for forty-two months, (3 1/2 years).   :7 He can even overcome some of the saints. (Revelation 6:11)  Rev.13: 8 all the world marvels and worship him except those who are in the Book of Life. 
Rev. 13:9-10  "If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall fo into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.  Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”  

Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. As those who sow, so shall they reap. The saints are patient to see that end.  Vengeance is the Lord's. (Roman 12:19, Hebrews 10:30, Psalm 94:1 and Deuteronomy 32:35)
Fourth Psalm of ascent #123: verse 2b "so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us."  David asks for relief from contempt.
Rev. 13:11-18 Then there is another beast that has two horns like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon. Verse 12-13, "He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.  He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men."  Verse 14, "he deceives...telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast that was wounded by the sword and lived."  He gives power to the image to make it speak, and causes those who will not worship it to be killed.  He also makes all to receive the name or the number of the beast on their foreheads.  No one can buy or sell except the ones who have that mark.  The number of the beast is 666.
Matthew 24:23-26  "For false christ's and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” 
                                                   THE LAMB IS READY 
Rev. 14:1-5 The 144,000 saints that were sealed with the Father's name on their foreheads, and probably those converted by the 2 witnesses, are redeemed, first fruits to God.  They are without fault, and able to sing a new song.  

They are firstfruits as well as the great multitude.  They are the elect firstfruits as well as those who were resurrected previously and went to heaven.  They had to spend more time on earth going thru more persecution. They are saved from the coming wraths of God and the Lamb.   
I Thessalonians 5:9 “For God did not appoint His elect to wrath, but to obtain salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
5th Psalm of ascent #124: The Lord provides safety.
Verses 7-8 "Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.  Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Rev. 14:6-7 Warnings: The first angel preaches the everlasting gospel to all who dwell on the earth to give glory to God the Creator.
In Malachi 4:5 it says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”  God always warns: so heed!
Rev. 14:8 The second angel announces that Babylon is fallen, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. This is as was prophesied in Jeremiah 51:51-64 & Isaiah 13:19-22.  A nation or system that does not follow God's way will fall.  
Rev. 14:9-11 The third angel warns those in the Babylon system that they should not worship the beast and his image or they will receive the coming wrath of God. 
Rev. 14:12-13 Those who kept the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ were patient through all of the beast's system.  "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' "  "Yes," says the spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." 
Joel 2:31b-32 “Before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.  And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls."
6th Psalm of ascent #125: The Lord is protector.
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. :2 “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. 3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity. 4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts. 5 As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity.  Peace be upon Israel!” 
                                                            GOD’S WRATH
Nations will be judged according to how they treated Israel. (Jeremiah 30:16)  Jeremiah, by the word of the LORD, in chapters 47 to 51 tells of the fall of some of these.  Also in Isaiah 31:7-9 against Assyria.   God’s wrath is always great.  In Isaiah 13:9 we are told, "Behold, the day of the LORD comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and he shall destroy its sinners from it."   
Rev. 14:14-20 John sees the Son of Man in the clouds ready with a sickle to reap.  Two angels also have sickles, and another angel has power over fire.  They all gather the clusters of the vine of the earth.  The time is right.  They throw the grapes that are ripe into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  Blood flows from it up to the horse’s bridles. 
Rev. 15:1-4 Seven angels with seven last plagues to complete the wrath of God are ready.  Those who overcame the beast are in heaven singing about how great are the works of God for they are about to see His judgments manifested.
Rev. 15:5 to 16:1 The seven angels with the seven plagues come out of the tabernacle in heaven, and are given seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God. This causes smoke to fill the temple, and the smoke will not go away until the plagues are completed. 

Revelation 16:1 "Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, 'Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.' "
Rev. 16:2 First angel pours out the first bowl:  Foul loathsome sores come upon the men who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image. 
Rev. 16:3 Second angel pours out the second bowl:  The sea becomes blood and all in it die.    
Rev. 16:4-7 Third angel pours out the third bowl:  Rivers and springs of water become blood. This is true and righteous because they shed the blood of saints and prophets.
Rev. 16:8-9 Fourth angel pours out the fourth bowl: Men are scorched with a great heat.  They blaspheme God, and do not repent or give God glory.  
Rev. 16:10-11 Fifth angel pours out the fifth bowl: It is poured on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom becomes dark, and they gnaw their tongues because of the pain of their sores.  They blame God, and still do not repent of their sins. 
Rev. 16:12-16 Sixth angel pours out the sixth bowl:  The River Euphrates is dried up so that the way of kings from the east might be prepared.  Spirits of demons speaking thru the beast and false prophets perform great signs that influence the kings of the whole world to gather at Armageddon to prepare for battle of that great day of God Almighty.  They are surprised at the coming of the Lord in verse 15.  "Behold, I am coming as a thief.  Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." (I Thessalonians 5:2)                                                                   It is done!
Rev. 16:17-21 Seventh angel pours out the seventh and last bowl: It is poured into the air.  There are then noises, thundering, lightning, earthquakes, as had not occurred since men were on the earth.  The great city is divided into three parts, cities of nations fall, for God remembers the deeds of great Babylon.  Islands are lost, and mountains not found.  There is huge hail.  Men still blaspheme God.  
Rev. 17:1-18 One of the seven angels shows John God's judgment.  John sees in vision a woman that represents "Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth", who had killed the saints and martyrs of Jesus. The beast carries her, but all will be destroyed.  John learns what the previous visions of the beasts meant.

When this is revealed those who followed the beast will marvel. The seven heads represent 7 kingdoms/mountains and their kings. Five have fallen, one is, and one will come.  They all follow the beast, and the woman that is the authority. They are the ones who will make war on the Lamb.  The Lamb wins!  The waters are the peoples of the world.  The ten horns on the beast are 10 kingdoms that arise and join the beast, but they rebel and make her desolate.  God allows this for His purpose. The woman is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. Great Babylon. (Rev. 17:4-5)  

Rev. 18:1-7 Still another angel comes and says, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird.”  
God, who is ever faithful, still warns the people!  A voice from heaven says, in verse 4-5 "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.  For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities."  In the same manner she received ill-gotten luxuries, so also in the same measure receive punishment. 

Rev. 18:8-19 Babylon's plagues will come in one day, “death and mourning and famine. She will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.”  The merchants who gained from her weep and mourn.  “For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.”  The sailors will watch and say, “Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!” 

Rev. 18:20-24 The heavens rejoice because God has avenged them.  A mighty angel takes up a stone like a great millstone, and throws it into the sea, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore.” Babylon will be destroyed, because by her sorcery all nations were deceived, and for destroying the prophets and saints.  Daniel 2:34-35 & 45 A stone cut without hands destroys the last kingdom. 
Rev. 19:1-6 After these things the heavens rejoice, true and righteous are His judgments.  He has avenged the blood of His servants, and can now reign over all the earth.  7th Psalm of ascent #126: Joyful return to Zion.
Verse 3 "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad."  Verse 5 "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy."
                                                        Marriage Supper in heaven 
Rev. 19:6-9 The great multitude rejoice. "The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." dressed in the fine linen of righteousness.  The angel says, in verse 9, "Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!" "These are the true sayings of God." 

The elect bride is united with Jesus Christ and together will build a new system on earth. 
8th Psalm of ascent #127: The LORD must build.
Verse 1, "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." 

Rev. 19:10 John falls at the angels feet, but the angel tells him not to, and says "Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Those who keep God's laws, statutes, and judgments are rewarded.  (Psalm 19:7-11)
9th Psalm of ascent #128: Blessed
Verse 1, "Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways."
                             Christ calls His heavenly church from their heavenly abodes.
        Matthew 24:30-31 “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
        Mark 13:26-27 “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.” 
They are part of the heavenly army that accompanies Christ when He comes on a white horse to declare war on Satan and the evil ones on the earth.
Refuge city Bezer means gather (as grapes) separating, make a fortress.   
                                                              LAMB’S WRATH
CHRIST'S RETURN - pictured by the FEAST OF TRUMPETS
Rev. 19:11-16 John sees a white horse, and riding on it is one called Faithful and True who judges and makes war. His name is called The Word of God, who is Jesus Christ  The armies of heaven (including the elect saints, Jude14-15) follow Him on white horses. He strikes the nations with a sharp sword and will rule them with a rod of iron. :16 "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords."
Zecheriah 14:3-5  “Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle, and in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east.  And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south . . . Thus the LORD my God will come, and all the saints with You.”
Rev. 19:17-18 There is a great slaughter for the birds of the air must clean it up.  This includes the flesh of kings, captains, mighty men, horses and riders, people free and slave, small and great.
Rev. 19:19-21 The beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies are gathered to fight the LORD.  The beast and false prophet are cast into the Lake of Fire.  The rest are killed by Jesus' sword and the birds are fed.

SATAN IS BOUND AND CAST INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT - pictured by the DAY OF ATONEMENT
Rev. 20:1-3 Satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years.  He will be released for a short time after that to test the people.
THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST AND HIS SAINTS ON EARTH - pictured by THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES
Rev. 20:4 The elect of the first resurrection have eternal life and live and reign with Christ on earth for a thousand years. Thrones are given to all the saints (who were prepared in heaven, and those who remained on earth but did not worship the beast), reign with Christ for a thousand years.  (Revelation 1:6; I Peter 2:5 & 9)  
This is a time of joy for the elect, and the earth.  The earth will become peaceful.

Daniel 2: 44 “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed;”
Refuge city Ramoth means joy, home.  
                       BLESSED ARE THOSE IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION
Rev. 20:5 John is assured that there is still hope for the dead that did not know Jesus Christ or the Word of God.  They will be resurrected after the thousand years.  This is the second resurrection. (Rev. 20:12-15)
Rev. 20:6 "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years." 
While Satan is banished, and there is perfect governance, there is great joy on the earth for a thousand years. BUT
Rev. 20:7-9 Satan is released after the thousand years.  He is able to deceive the nations of the world and gather a great number of them to fight against Jerusalem, the capital of the LORD, and His saints.  They are devoured by fire that comes down from God out of heaven.  
Rev. 20:10 "The devil is cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are."  
Rev. 20:11 And there was found no place for them on earth.  (Ps. 69:28)
10th Psalm of ascent #129: The LORD is righteous.
Verse 11: The LORD is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.  Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back."
                    THE SECOND RESURRECTION – THE LAST GREAT DAY
Rev. 20:12-13 John then sees the "dead, small and great, (those who never knew Jesus Christ or His word) standing before God, and books (the Bible) were opened.  And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.  They are resurrected to human life. (Ezekiel 37:1-6) (  And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  This is possibly a 100 years time in which they will learn God’s way and choose if they will follow.   
John 5:28-29 "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." (Daniel 12:1-3)
11th Psalm of ascent #130: Redemption.
Verse 3-4 "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."  Verse 7...with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption.  
Only those who are written in the Book of Life will be left. 
                                                                    FINALE
II Peter 3:10 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up."  Also Psalm 102:25-28.   
Rev. 21:1-8 ALL IS NEW!  The former things have passed away.   There is a new heaven and a new earth. The earth will be replaced with a New Jerusalem, the tabernacle of God that comes from heaven adorned like a bride for Jesus, the husband and ruler.  :7 "he who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”  God Himself will be with His people.  There will not be any cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolater, or liars there because they shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.  
12th Psalm of ascent #131: Hope in the LORD.
Verse 2-3 "Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.  O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever."
Rev. 21:9-27 John is shown the most remarkable and beautiful city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. The glory of God illuminated it, and the Lamb is its light.  The gates will never be closed, for again there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. 
Rev. 22:1-2 There will be streams of living water, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. On either side of the river is the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.  And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Rev. 22:3-5 The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.  They shall see His face and His name shall be on their foreheads. "And there shall be no night there; “They need no lamp or light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light.”  And they shall reign forever and ever."  (Zechariah 1:16-17, 2:10-11, 8:3; Joel 3:17)
Refuge city Jerusalem which means God's dwelling, His temple, peace. 
Rev. 22:6  "these sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show his servants the things which must shortly be done."
13th Psalm of ascent #132: God's tabernacle. 
Verse 7-9, "Let us go into His tabernacle; let us worship at His footstool.  Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.  Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy."
                                                        CONCLUSION
Rev. 22:7 “Behold, I am coming quickly!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Rev. 22:8-9 "Now I John, saw and heard these things.  And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.  Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that.' For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book.  Worship God.' "  
Rev. 22:10-11 John is told, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.  He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still."       
Rev. 22:12-15 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work!  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.  Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.  But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie." 
Rev. 22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come'!  And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." 
14th Psalm of ascent #133: Dwelling together in peace. 
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  It is like a precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.  It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing Life forevermore."
Rev. 22:18-19 "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
15th Psalm of ascent #134: Stand in the house of the LORD.
"Behold, bless the LORD, all you servant of the LORD, who by night stand in the house of the LORD!  Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.  The LORD who made heaven and earth bless You from Zion!" 
Rev. 22:20 "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.'
Amen. 
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” 
Rev. 22:21 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of the saints. 
Amen."