Alright, this is going to be a more difficult study, but we are going to take this on. So let us begin. Revelation was written by the apostle John. Most likely near the end of his life. He was on the island of Patmos at the time server a jail sentence. He was the only apostle to die of old age, though according to legend they tried to kill him through various means including boiling him alive in oil. He survived. While on the penal island John received the job as a scribe. This gave him the means to produce such documents. Now lets look at what John had written during his exile.

1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation 1:1 KJV

Now there is a lot to unpack here. Jesus was given the Revelation from God the Father. This suggests there are things the Father knows that the Son does not. Thus meaning while Jesus is part of God the Father he is also separate. So the book is not named Revelation because Jesus reveals something to us but rather it is revealed to Christ since he has been dead and raised.

Now these events are not shortly in our modern sense of shortly but rather shortly in the sense that when they come to pass it will be short. The expression used is “a dei tachei genesthai” (ἃ δεῖ τάχει γενέσθαι) which means “the things, it is necessary, speed, to come into being (to happen/to become)” So basically its not saying that its going to happen swiftly but rather when they come to pass it will be fast. So, its is relative to when the events happen not that the when the events happen. Hopefully that is not confusing.

Next we need to tackle who the message was for. It was for his servants… however the word servant here is bond-servant, doulois, δούλοις, means for his slaves literally. We are Christ’s slaves, he wants you to remember this.

Now Christ did something to this message. He encrypted it in imagery so that the believer could understand it. It was meant for precious eyes only. The message was intentionally hidden to be revealed only by believers. He signified it or he communicated it through signs to his angel. His angel would then give John this message in the form of symbols and signs. So, John understood this.

2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Revelation 1:2 KJV

As you can see John saw! This message. He was extracted from his time and place and taken to see these things.

3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 1:3 KJV

Now here is something for all of you reading this. You are going to be specially blessed from reading this. No other book in the Bible makes this bold claim to give the reader a special blessing. This is the only book that say read me and you will be blessed by me alone. However, it is only a blessing if you keep what is written. Meaning if you protect it from blemish. Many people like this book. They read it a number of different ways to bring about their blasphemies. They read and are blind to what lays before them. We are not going to do that. We are going to read it as intended and not make boastful claims off of our own views but rather use the word to interpreted the word for us.

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

Revelation 1:4 KJV

He is simply John which is because he is rather known. He does not give himself any fancy titles to distinguish himself from the others. He maintains his humbleness. Grace is a common Greek greeting however here it is used in a way that implies a heavier weight than just a greeting. The same goes for peace. Peace comes from who? God the Father. So it is firmly seated on solid ground. Now the seven spirits. Who are these, we have our first run through the scriptures. Alright friends get your Bibles read to do some flipping or trust me to quote scripture properly.

11 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

² And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

³ And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

Isaiah 11:1-3 KJV

So what are the seven spirits before the throne? The spirit of the LORD, The spirit of wisdom, the spirit of understand, the spirit of counsel, the spirit of might, the spirit of knowledge, and the spirit of the fear of the LORD. You can track down verses about each of the spirits throughout the entire Bible. These characters or primal powers are among God. Most people think of the trinity as being the ultimate image of God but that is not the case, there are many aspects to God and many ways of understanding him.

Now many people will falsely suggests this is the seven angels. It is not the case because the language always used of the angels in this book is angels and not the “The Spirits”. So it is much more likely that the spirits its talking about is mentioned in the Bible, Isaiah fits the bill. So, now that we have our first key, we understand how this is going to be. We are going to hunt down every single image used in Revelation and present them to you.

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

Revelation 1:5 KJV

So we have Jesus given several titles here, he is the faithful witness, then the first begotten of the dead, the prince of the kings of the earth.

John here is drawing a few parallels if you did not notice. First one has us turning to Psalms.

35Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

36His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

37It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

Psalm 89:37 KJV

Now here we see that it is talking about the seed of King David. Ironically that seed is Jesus, the faithful witness. He shall rule upon the throne of David. Which shall be set in heaven like the sun. Jesus being the faithful witness shall be established as the moon. This becomes important later but for now keep it in mind. I will bring it up again in a later chapter.

Now most people focus on the first begotten of the dead as pointing to his death and resurrection, and it is, make no doubts about that. However, more importantly its pointing to a particular verse in the Bible. Its point to a chapter really. Hebrews 1.

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

Hebrews 1:1-7 KJV

Now earlier in the chapter it is comparing Jesus to a light source. There is a motif of this in the book. Notice also it mentions that the spirits are angels and does not call them just spirits. So we got a clearer image of Jesus as the future ruler of the earth. That is what both are pointing to. Ruling from the sky. Even the angels will worship him.

²⁷ Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Psalms 89:27 KJV

Now this is speaking of David, but I believe this can be said of Christ too who gave David’s throne legitimacy to begin with. Now what does it mean that Christ is called Prince here. Not really he is called archōn ἄρχων or ruler or chief. It is funny how these titles point to places in the Bible. Kings of the Earth points to a lot of places. However I think this one is the best and closest references considering it is higher both in a literal and figurative distinction.

The word here is giving us a hint of things to come. God is going to appoint Jesus rulership over the earth. He will rule from the sky as the moon. This is what can be definitively gathered from what these specific titles are pointing us too. He will rule over the kings of the earth from this lofty position as well. See how interesting this book is, we will later discover in this book that this is in fact a correct interpretation because it will describe just that however for now you are going to have to take more word for it. Take what I say with a grain of salt too. If something I say does not seem right to you, search the scriptures to prove what I say wrong. I am not above making errors though I try to present you with the most honest interpretation of scripture as I can give.

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

Revelation 1:6 KJV

What what what… there is a problem with this statement. Did you see it? Kings and Priests are separated. A member of the priests was not allowed to act as King nor could a King act as priest. Yet, here we are told we are made Kings and Priests through Christ. There is only one other guy who was called a King and Priest, that was a King Priest by the name of Melchizedek.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Genesis 14:18 KJV

Ok so whats the deal with this Melchizedek guy you must be thinking to yourself. Well, let me show you another verse.

⁴ The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Psalm 110:4 KJV

Ok ok, so what is my point. Alright alright I will show you just a couple more that will make it clear.

1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

² To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

³ Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Hebrews 7:1-3 KJV

Now, got the picture. This Melchizedek is a person without a father or mother, Abraham gives a 10th of his riches too, he is King of righteousness, called priest and King of Salem (Jeru-Salem). If that ain’t the preincarnation of Jesus I don’t know what to tell you. Now I have been told that I am wrong but I just honestly cannot see past the similarities and Christ. I just can’t. I don’t want to be saying anything that is false so I going to tell you I honestly think this is Christ and the fact that Christ calls us to be Kings and Priests I think this is a role only God and Christ can appoint. If he is not a reincarnate Jesus he was a model of what is to come.

Once again all of this points to Christ ruling over all things. Its hammered into your head that Christ will be ruler of the world. I think God does this to assure us that no matter what we see, no matter what we witness, no matter how dark and evil and terrifying things are, Christ will rule when all things are said and done.

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

Revelation 1:7 KJV

Alright more imagery, got to search the scriptures again.

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mark 14:62 KJV

This is in reference to his deity. It is also literal I believe. Notice he does not say on, but rather in. Is it to shield us from his true radiance?

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Daniel 7:13 KJV

Once again this image of the Christ coming in the clouds.

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

Matthew 24:30 KJV

And another time we see this image of Christ coming from heaven in the clouds. Its very clear that this image has been given to many many people around the world.

The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:3 KJV

And don’t picture this as a happy nice little fluffy clouds. These are most likely storm clouds. This is an entrance not to be forgotten by anyone. I could take you through more but I want to save you from it but you can look up for yourself additional verses pertaining to this. There is no shortage of them.

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

John 19:34 KJV

This is what Jesus is referencing, the soldiers who held Holy Lance, also called Spear of Destiny or Spear of Longinus. These soldiers are clearly dead by now. So it has been a number of years but they still witness it. This means once again the dead will witness this or it has already happened. The problem is, no one thought to write down this happening. So I am going to say, it did not.

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Zechariah 12:10 KJV

Then we have the last part of his statement. Don’t confuse this. It is only the people of Israel who will see this. In fact I was confused by this verse up until now. It helps to look at the original language. The word kindred here is means tribes. Phulai φυλαὶ, tribe or clan. So we have really grabbed the imagery here. These Jewish people will be made to regret rejecting Christ. They will see the truth. Notice though it says the tribes of the earth. In reference to Jerusalem. This means that its those who still reject him. It is not those who have seen the light. They will rejoice and be happy that he is coming. This is his second coming though, woe to the earth that has not followed him.

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

Revelation 1:8 KJV

The term Alpha and Omega is a reference to the Greek alphabet. Alpha is the first letter and Omega is the last letter. So Jesus is saying that he is the first and the last. So where in the Bible is this term used?

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:6 KJV

So Jesus right here is making a direct statement that he is in fact, God. The point of using this form of encryption is A proving the Bible but also B is proving his statement. Now, I am going to make a statement that will sound a little strange. I do not believe the beginning and the ending was meant to be part of the Bible. I can only find it in a few select translations but the original text and oldest texts we have does not include this. It is interested also that this does not have any parallel.

Which is and which was, and which is to come. I believe this is a reference to God of course but further the way this book is written. Present, Past, and Future, I strongly believe all these things can be extracted from the book. I have debated on covering this and some of it I will. Other stuff I will share later. One thing is speculative. I want to keep speculative things to a minimum in this study.

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

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

Revelation 1:9-10 KJV

John is mentioning where he is but look closer to what he is saying. Companion in tribulation, or rather the tribulation. Often people speak Christianese words and Tribulation is one of them. See they have all these people who believe in a rapture and the tribulation cannot happen till the rapture. Those are known as pre-trib people which refers to them believing the tribulation cant happen till the rapture. Well, John disagrees and so does the Bible. Sorry but its true. Don’t worry, I will get to your personal beliefs eventually. There is so much dogma and not enough scripture reading.

He is also in the kingdom, a word of warning, the kingdom of God is in us. Right now we should all be living our lives not as citizens of the world but citizens of the kingdom of heaven. We are the kingdom and we should act as such. Patience of Jesus Christ, where does our patience derive? Jesus Christ.

Another interesting thing John says. John recognizes that all things work towards Christ. Even though by most people standards he is in the arms of a violent enemy, he keeps his focus on his mission for Christ. It is for Jesus’s testimony, not his, that he is in the situation he is in.

Now, John does not say he was in a dream here. He does not say he was given a mental image, rather, he says he was there. He transcended space time and was brought to the Lord’s Day. This rather major thing to claim. I want you to be sympathetic to the idea of moving through space time. God can move us anywhere he pleases be it the future or the past or change our locality. It is all possible with God.

What is the Lord’s Day? The Kuriake Hemera, most people confuse this verse. They assume it is the sabbath, which is what day? For all you who answered Sunday you are wrong. The sabbath day is defined in Genesis 2:3.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Genesis 2:3 KJV

The seventh day is Saturday. Later God solidifies his sabbath with the Jewish people placing it in the law and even giving it a commandment.

Yet at the same time you may find this interesting too.

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 7:25 KJV

Clearly the changing of times and laws, will have to do with the sabbath. This is speaking of the antichrist. I want to make this portion clear. I am not suggesting the sabbath is over and I am not seeking its replacement. To do so would be an evil act against God. So clearly the sabbath is important still. Do not let anyone suggest otherwise. God set that day as a special day for all humanity.

Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

Ezekiel 46:1 KJV

Believe it or not this is part of a prophecy. This is the practices at the third temple. When God will reign. You can read more about it but I believe this as many people reference as the Lord’s Day but once again I don’t think that is it either.

Colossian’s suggests that the Lord’s day is not the sabbath. I want you to bare with me here.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17 KJV

I believe that when we are given this kind of information we should hold it to be true. So the Lord’s day would point towards Christ somehow. I think it may be the day he was resected. Which is Sunday. I have changed my views on this subject and while I believe in the Sabbath and completely am quick to point out anyone calling Sunday the sabbath; I believe that Sunday is a special day all the same. If Saturday is the day the LORD rested of his works than Sunday is the day he began a new one.

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

Revelation 1:11 KJV

Now, we are finally given a command by Jesus. He is instruction John to write down what he sees in a book, then from there he is too issue this book to specific churches. They were not the biggest churches either but Jesus selected them for their ability to diagnose strengths and illnesses within the Church proper. So essentially Jesus was creating a guide for the Church through the use of the seven churches. Now the term Asia here does not mean Eastern Asia in the modern sense. It means Asia from a western standpoint. This is Asia Minor, so in todays terms it was mostly western Turkey. It was known as Galatia in its time.

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

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

Revelation 1:12-13 KJV

Jesus will interpret a lot of this so I am not going to focus on the parts he will put the the page. Instead lets focus on what he chooses not to interpret for us. Now locally where is Jesus in this. He is in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks or in the middle. In the Greek it is luchnias (λυχνίας) or a lampstand. So we have Jesus speaking to John while he is in the middle of seven golden lampstands. Not only is it gold though, its fine gold, chrusan (χρυσᾶν), meaning it is indicative of wealth.

He is acting as the Son of man at this point in time. He is distinguishing himself as a kinsman. Not only as Messiah but as a fellow human for our sake. This points to the book of Ruth. I wont go into that now because it will become much more important later and it will be discussed at length then. But keep that in mind.

Now he is clothed in robe reaching to his feet, and he is girded across his chest with a golden sash. This is telling you he is High Priest. High Priest of who? Priest of all mankind, hence the term Son of Man.

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

Revelation 1:14 KJV

Now these may be descriptors of Jesus, but they are also more. For instance lets look at his white hair. We need to look to Daniel… an entire chapter of Daniel… I am sorry but we really have to. I have decided to cut out verses and just show you what I mean. I encourage all of you to read it because it is important to the study and topic. Old Testament will have a lot to do with the Revelation of the father to the son.

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

Daniel 7:9 KJV

Now lets look at the eyes of fire.

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

Acts 3:2 KJV

And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

Acts 3:7 KJV

So do you see it now? He is trying to make a parallel here. He is showing that he is God. Through the symbols and signs of God, how seen and experienced him in the past.

And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

Hebrews 1:7 KJV

We too should seek to have the same fire in us because God has offered us a place as his minister. Why not take it?

One more point.

This is not the wrathful fires of death that we are to wield. We are to be ministers. Teaching truth and while truth can burn it can also be where people gather to escape the harsh grasp of winters touch. It will make one pure and we too should seek purification by the fire of God’s word. We should seek not our baptism by water, but a baptism by fire.

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:

Malachi 3:2 KJV

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

Revelation 1:15 KJV

You know the drill. Brass, where in scripture are we met with this image. I am going to make a rather strange suggestion to you. We are looking towards something that had supernatural power. The reason I suggest this is because clearly the burned in a furnace is pointing to Daniel 3.

So what is the brass miracle I speak of?

6And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. 8And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

Numbers 21:6-9 KJV

As you can see here we have this very strange thing in Numbers. Yet, it points to Christ. To merely look upon this artifact you were healed. Likewise, faith in the Christ heals you. Another point to make if fiery serpent means Seraphim; (Are we dealing with fallen angels or snakes)? But that’s not here nor there.

So lets look at Daniel 3 because I invoked for anyone who does not know what I was talking about.

22Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. 28Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

Daniel 3:22-28 KJV

I think that is pretty clear who was in the furnace with them. It was Christ.

Now I am not going to look up the next part but waters are often issued when we are talking about nations. So being on many waters would be like being on many seas or oceans. So he is speaking for every nation and every people here. We can also look at him sounding like a water too. Either a cool stream or a rushing river or perhaps a powerful flood. You dont need to take my word on it. You can look it up and really I am sorry I do not have scriptures on this. Voice of many waters can mean Babylon as well and we know that is not Christ. So my searching through scripture did not have this portion. It is also missing from my notes so if someone can point me in the direction to look I would love to add that. I will credit you as well.

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

Revelation 1:16 KJV

Once again not going to cover what Christ will. So lets forget what the seven stars are. So what is the double edged sword? This is a weapon of war. It was intended to cut deep into people through a thrust but also had the ability to cut as well with a slash. This is an incredibly strange image, but remember Christ already said he would signify all the images to understand this teaching.

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;

Psalms 149:6 KJV

So the praises of God should by a double edged sword to us.

1My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: 2That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. 3For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

Proverbs 5:1-5 KJV

It is bitter as wormwood, but true.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV

It is the word of God, that is the double edge sword that Christ has in his mouth. It is amazing how a few words of truth can demolish the strongest of foes. We too are to be trained with our swords too. Remember always to be a prepared warrior, who knows who will need defending? However do not be selfish with your sword and go around slashing cause you can. Be gentle with your tongue but use it with impunity when you have to, after all we are free agents acting in the world.

Now a face like the sun. Clearly we are supposed to remember the transfiguration here.

1And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Matthew 17:1-5 KJV

Now we get to see this as a direct refrence to Christ here. So he had already appeared before Peter and James and John like this. He also is with Moses whose body was recovered by Michael and had to be taken from Satan’s grasp (Search Jude for that.) and Elijah who was transfigured and did not die. Jesus once again is making a distinction. He is the fleshborn God.

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

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

Revelation 1:17-18 KJV

Now John is pretty frightened by this image he was so frightened that he lay like a dead man. He nearly fainted, he fell dead. Christ says to him not to fear. Once again saying that he is first and last just as God had in the past. Once again he lives even though he died. He has the keys OF hell and death. These are things not states of being. It is very important to remember hell is a thing and death is too and they are separate.

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

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

Revelation 1:19 KJV

Now we are given a teaching from Christ and this is how I knew how to find the answers in this book, the keys and the secrets of scripture. We are told that the seven stars are angels. There is nothing analogous about what he is telling him now. The seven candlesticks or lampstands are the churches. You may be shocked to find out that angels and devils control many things in this world. Under God’s will he will allow them to take power over things. However it is by people that the power either remains or it is thrown aside and another entity will take its place. It is true of yourself, your home, your town, your country, your church. Leaders are either lead by loving agents of God or they are lead by fallen beings.

The importance is remembering this. The Church is the light here. We are shown an insider look that Christ has them within his palm, this is a position of safety. God will stop all harm to the church if that is his will. He will let it fall otherwise. We are to learn here that God is the supreme ruler of all things with this chapter. He knows all things and ultimately all things going foreword will be done according to his will. Nothing can act outside of God’s will, while we may have a choice in how things go; ultimately it is God that will decide what will happen. Take heart in this, we are never without God’s protection and no matter the depths of despair the world seems to be in, it all comes to bow before his glory and peace.

I love you all, I hope that you continue on this journey with me. In Christ go in peace and spread the good news. All has been accomplished in him.