The call to depart from Babylon is the culmination of the multitudinous and resounding call of Scripture that God’s people be separate, be set apart from this world, and in some cases, actually leave the place of contaminants. In this study, we examine what Babylon is and what it represents and why our need for separation is reflected in the final call of God for the tribulation saints to leave Babylon. The implications of this call for us are these: 1) See the world for what it is, a harlot; 2) See the Devil’s ploy behind the harlot; 3) Delight yourself in the Lord; 4) Run from Babylon and run toward Jerusalem.
Revelation 16:1-21, Stay Awake
The bowl judgments reveal the last of the judgments of God that bring utter devastation on the earth: sores, bloody waters, fire, darkness, preparation for the Armageddon, and the fall of Babylon. Amid all these supernatural and extraordinary plagues, men refuse to repent but blaspheme the name of the God of heaven. The Lord’s message to the churches in the present age is found in verse 15, “Stay awake.” The final battle of this age is coming and He wants all who call upon His name to be on His side of the battle-line when that day comes.
Revelation 15:1-8, Are you an overcomer ? (Part 3)
The third sign in heaven introduces the bowl judgments in which the wrath of God is finished. The judgment of God is His first order of business as He establishes His kingdom on earth. When He comes who is the almighty, the all-powerful, the omnipotent, He roots out all wickedness and corruption from His world. But there is mercy to those who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb who follow Him wherever He goes. All who are overcomers in Christ find their strength and steadfastness in the Savior. Depend on Him, follow Him, obey Him, and love Him supremely.
Revelation 14:1-20, Are You an Overcomer? (Part 2)
After the sign of the dragon and his two minions, John saw a visions in heaven, midheaven, and on earth. With these, we are assured that those who underwent the pressures of the tribulation make it safely to heaven, the reprobate on the earth stubbornly proceed to their demise, and the wrath of God assuredly comes upon the world as a result. All of this challenges us to be sure that we are overcomers, those who live the converted life, who fear God, give Him glory, and worship Him who made heaven and earth.
Revelation 11:15-13:18, Are You an Overcomer?
An overcomer is the one who follows Christ and holds fast to Him to the very end. In this section of Revelation where the activity of Satan is detailed, we discover how the saints (overcomers) will resist the Devil and enter into glory. The overcomers of the church age are no different in their perseverance and faith, and we exhibit a faith no different than they.
Revelation 8:1 - 11:14, Tormented Yet Unrepentant
After a delay of a half an hour, the judgments of God prayed for previously (6:10) come upon those who dwell on the earth. These are extraordinary and supernatural plagues not unlike those of Egypt. But even as Pharaoh did not repent at the sight of all the miraculous signs of his day, so those during the tribulation do not repent either. One exception exists of those who were in Jerusalem at the resurrection and ascension of the two witnesses. But the overwhelming testimony of Revelation is that those who are tormented in the tribulation still refuse to fear God, repent, and worship the Lord.
Revelation 7:15-17, Rapture unto Paradise (Part 2)
The destination for raptured saints (and those resurrected at rapture) is heaven. The details of our heavenly home is given in the final three verses of Revelation 7. Strikingly, there are parallels between this destination and the New Jerusalem. But more than that, there are parallels also between the New Jerusalem and the garden of Eden. The stunning revelation of Scripture is the comprehensive goodness of God. He demonstrates His good will to bless man in Eden and concludes history with an analogous bookend so we are assured that His intent with man is to shower His goodness and His blessing upon him. Paradise is the heavenly home of the believer, the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 7:13-14, Rapture unto Paradise
Rapture is the next biblical prophecy to be fulfilled and it is the anticipation of the church given in Scripture. But what exactly is the rapture and when will it take place? What is the overall eschatological timeline in Revelation and where does rapture fit in? Moreover, what is the significance of an imminent return of Christ? How should we respond to those who hold to a different view on the timing of the rapture? These are the questions we consider in this study of Revelation.