Warning: session_start(): open(/var/lib/lsphp/session/lsphp80/sess_abgqjv955gqc39n9mjic7obkiv, O_RDWR) failed: No space left on device (28) in /home/kjv.site/public_html/Book-Discussion/bookdiscuss.php on line 2
Warning: session_start(): Failed to read session data: files (path: /var/lib/lsphp/session/lsphp80) in /home/kjv.site/public_html/Book-Discussion/bookdiscuss.php on line 2 Revelation Chapter 5 Discussion
The beginning of this passage shows John weeping that no one was found worthy (verse 2-5) to open the sealed scroll or even LOOK upon it. Christ; of course is victorious (verse 6); and finally the time comes for the Father to hand control to the Son and to begin His reign through a series of judgments. God determines when transgressions are to the full; and when the world is fully ripe for judgment; not man who would have no doubt destroyed each other completely long ago without the Restrainer. (2 Thessalonians).
Once again in this chapter the 24 elders are mentioned (verse 8). As we get to the next verse; the focus should be on the prayers of the saints not the elders who previously were holding the "golden vials". It is hard to say if the "prayers of the saints" represent those just raptured or those who are still suffering or knew what was to come on earth or both. Whether part of the great multitude of new believers post Rapture or not; it shows awareness in heaven as to what is going on in the earth as later passages show with the souls under the altar. In heaven; certainly there is no need for prayer for any improvement of perfect peace and a sinless state.
When we see verse 11-14 we see not only those in heaven but ALL in the earth; under the earth which eventually represent those of faith and unbelievers as well as all will bow the knee ( Philippians 2:10-11). The rapture may in part be in secret; the busting open of many graves certainly will NOT be able to be hidden; although the explanation by Antichrist will be twisted. It likely will state that aliens have abducted us; and or the New Age lie that we were inflexible and unable to accept the utopia promised and are being reprogrammed somewhere.
As to the dead who were raised it seems that won't be too good an explanation; nonetheless ALL those NOT written in the Book of Life will worship the Beast. He will likely promise immortality as he himself will appear to be raised from the dead.
Revelation 4:5 also discusses the seven Spirits of God along with Revelation 5:6. Apparently; Isaiah 11:2 is a commonly referred to cross reference; although technically it involves 6 ministries under the Lord Himself (as the 7th); it does fit in a sort of Menorah picture of how the Spirit operates in the entire corporate Body. We see a further description in Zechariah 4:2-3 of this source (apparently now in heaven); and the two prophets that tap into this power as witnesses throughout the earth in the end times. That can be studied further in Revelation 11.
It would seem that the seven spiritual gifts also would be in play here as to the emphasis given to a given church. This would be seen in Romans 12:6-8. In general; it seems that there are certain strengths and weaknesses that are commonplace depending on what gifts we have and that could factor into the overall situation as to the state of a congregation; what trials a particular congregation may or may not be called to suffer; doctrinal errors that creep in; etc. It is important to see the interdependence here so that the church isn't imbalanced
( 1 Cor. 12:14-16). In fact; we also see seven gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. It is important to differentiate between the fruit of the Spirit (love; joy; peace; longsuffering; etc) in Galatians 5:22-22 which characterizes the lives of all true believers and the particular ministries they have. We can't have one without the other. The common thread; of course is the love of God and brethren as seen in John 13:34-35; and reflected in 1 Corinthians 13 (entire chapter). Apparently; gifts can operate even with immature saints just as some could believe at one time without understanding the indwelling Holy Spirit such in Acts 19:1-4.
In conclusion; God distributes as He will or "severally" ( 1 Cor. 12:11). In obedience because we love Christ ( John 14:15) we have the right attitude to grow.
You are correct, there is no scriptures that says there is not a rapture; but there is scripture that says that rapture is not COLLECTIVE; but, ONE by ONE.
Isaiah 27:12 ....and ye shall be gather ONE by ONE, O ye children of Israel.
Whatever the Word says, will happen. Scripture CANNOT contradict scripture, It must be RIGHTLY DIVIDED to reveal truth.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
I also love the book of Revelation, but man's (anti-Christ) teachings have distilled it's TRUTH. It's the REVEALING of CHRIST the KINGDOM of GOD.
John 5:43 I (truth, Christ) come in my Father's name, and ye received me (truth) not: if another come in his OWN NAME, HIM (anti-truth, anti-Christ) will ye receive.
Revelation 5:13 certainly does seem to indicate that a worldwide praise of God occurs. The only question is; if this is not a chronological marker of the events immediately after the Rapture but indicates perhaps when the 2nd coming; or even Great White Throne judgment occurs when people are forced to bow. ( Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:11). In any event; it is pretty clear that by the sixth seal the world will be well aware of God the Father and the Son on the throne in heaven; and the fact that wrath has started. Perhaps there will be a full understanding of the Father and Son right after the Rapture; as the verse above seems to suggest. The world would be deceived; however in thinking that wrath doesn't begin until later; as the 1st Seal somehow will appear to be a solution to the world's problems. The Antichrist certainly will be a substitute for Christ ( John 5:43); and there is no verse that seems to indicate any denial of a Rapture event; and certainly worldwide Resurrections with empty tombs and damaged graveyards can't be denied. Undoubtably; there will be some message explaining why some weren't taken; and explaining away as a UFO abduction of those missing is a likely thing to occur. Everyone at that point will want to find solutions; and this super orator will appear to be the 12th Imam; Maitreya; or whatever figure best suits all those who don't love the truth but believe THE lie ( 2 THess. 2:11). This will also allow the one world government; currency and final "Beast" kingdom to be established.
When we look at the life of Christ; being praised in the streets one week before many turned against Him at the cross; we see how quickly men's hearts can turn. In the Tribulation; men will go from fearing God to attempting at the end to fight against Him ( Psalm 2; Rev. 19). It is also not inconceivable that men fear God yet still worship idols ( 2 Kings 17:41; Rev. 9:20-21).
Rev. 13:8 shows how all those not written in the Book of Life succumb
I was always taught that we are not robots but that we have free will. That God doesn't just push a button and we respond. Well, in chapter 5 it says that when the Lamb takes the book out of the hand of the Father all heaven AND earth give praise at that time. Well, if one is here upon earth at that time, and not being all robots, what will motivate that response? I believe that the same trumpet sound that John the Revelator heard, and the thunder and lightning that followed when that very scene was revealed to him will be heard and seen by those here on earth at that time. The trumpet sound will bring all safely to a halt and then that scene will be revealed in real time and those on earth will witness Jesus taking the book out of the hand of the Father and opening the first seal and thus motivated to respond with the praise mentioned. Thus, there will be if you will an official beginning of the Tribulation. Those on earth will KNOW it has started.
Russell Naylor I forgot to mention something if it doesn't fit with Gods Word and the true Science of the stars which is Astronomy not Astrology its not true. Because in Genesis 1:14+15 God put them there in psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handywork. In His Service
Russell Naylor Revelation 12 Woman clothed in the sun with child. This is too long for this format so look up Intercessors for America Sept. 11th The true birth date of Jesus Christ then you decide, it explains a lot. Of course there's people who believe it and some that don't but it was not Dec. 25th. Remember Herod wanted to kill the child when he heard about Him, that's to devour or destroy Him. Revelation is some past present and definitely future prophecy in very condensed language. In His Service
I believe the creatures mentioned here is on the every thing that was created, It says in heaven "AND ON EARTH" We're on that list of created things as well,
There will be those people on earth, animals, and that which is in the sea. The group here mentioned is not in heaven.
I believe heaven have a lot more to offer than the things you love down here on earth.
Revelation 5:13. And every creature which is in heaven, AND ON THE EARTH, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Revelations 5:13 says "every creature (as well an others noted) "in Heaven and on the earth"Animals have shown me God's goodness, special love, and kindness and love to other animals! Does this verse comfort us who love dearly our pets and would rejoice to see them in heaven?
I have not heard back from you about who the people of many tongues are? I was expecting you to clear this up since you're familiar with it, and willing to talk about what scripture says.
I want to add scripture that solidifies my belief. Please compare these 2 similar scriptures, one of which you used below, and note how spot on they are to ID the 144k:
( Revelation 5:9:11). You said "It directly says they're out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;"
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
&
( Revelation 7:8-9) 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
These are the 144k going from being sealed, to being in heaven. They are the fellowservants of the Revelation 6 fifth seal saints who were told to rest for a little season, and given white robes. The 144k are wearing white robes. It is safe to say that the group in Revelation 5 is the same group that's spread throughout the narrative.
Let me know if this make sense to you, who they are.
The group in Revelation is not reigning on the earth. They're in heaven in the midst around the Throne! Revelation 5:6. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And they're not the 144 thousand seen in Revelation Ch. 7 and 14. In Revelation 7 and 14 they're 12000 out of every tribe of Israel.
Revelation 7:4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
In Revelation 5:9:11. It directly says they're out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
I believe this is the Church that has been raptured up.
( Revelation 5:9-11) alludes to the 144k reigning on the earth.
9 And they sung a NEW SONG, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
*ten thousand times ten thousand = 100k, and thousands of thousands = 44 = 144k
( Revelation 14:2-4) confirms it's the 144k from Revelation 5.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a NEW SONG before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Now the question becomes, what are the 144k doing at the seal opening when they themselves are sealed much later, before the day of the Lord, ( Revelation 7)? I notice a lot of 'first shall be last and last shall be first' patterns in Revelation. I got a feeling that that's what's happening here, it is esoteric. A grand mystery always unfolding.
Yes, God is indeed a merciful God. One way to fully understand how merciful God is would be to read through Revelation during the time where God is pouring out judgment on an unbelieving world. If you notice as you read along, the judgment comes in phases. And each phase gets progressively worse than the last. Do you think God's not trying to get their attention during each phase and giving them the opportunity to repent? It's like God is saying, "Look, I'm giving you the opportunity to repent and turn to me.
But even after going through this, many will still not repent. God could have just wiped out the entire unbelieving world immediately but He does not do so. Why? I believe, as you appropriately state, he is merciful. His judgment comes in stages or phases. Even during the time of His wrath, He's giving people an opportunity to repent. Now that's what I would call mercy!
Use the KJV Search Engine on Revelation 5 - 4 years ago
Using the Search Engine to Find Answers on Isaiah 54.
Know what? If we got a new video game we'd be awake 24/7, figuring out how to play it. Another 2 years trying to beat the game (including Time spent on YouTube watching cheats and tricks).
We're all over the place trying to Beat That Game!!!
Tell me why we don't go at the Bible the same way?? Dig, dig deeper, read commentaries on here, read commentaries on Google.
The Holy Spirit is your TEACHER. Ask Him. If you'll sit still long enough and be quiet, you will get answers.
PRAY for a TEACHABLE spirit.
They're not cheats; but your Bible will start speaking to your spirit.
Get a Study Bible that has Center of Each page, reference columns: with the abc notes within the scriptures. Those send you to other scriptures that EXPAND the meanings or reveal a prophesy.
Back out of the room to the Search Box.
Put a scripture in it or just a word (like worms) hit the arrow. The search engine will pull up all verses with 'worms' in it.
Touch or click the verse and it will highlight yellow.
Scroll downward to the Commentary Box. Click that. It will show you what the scholars interpret that scripture to mean.
Questions answered. It makes studying fun and interesting.
Be adventurous.
There's a quickie link from KJV to Google to help you find a scripture you're unsure about. Like: "Jesus releasing prisoners from hell".
Learn to study! For yourselves. Share what you find, on here. IT IS FUN! God speaks to us through His Word.
When you sit down to study: pray: I HAVE THE SAME MIND OF CHRIST !! I receive it by faith right now. God watches over His Word To Perform it.
Habakkuk 2:2-4 find your identity in the Bible.
LEARN how to use the Tools to get your questions answered sooner. Let's rejoice that we have them! Old Testament saints didn't have Bibles. Have courage.
That's a good observation & worthy of consideration, Maria. In Revelation 1:10, we see John being found "in the spirit on the Lord's Day" & then in the next verse, Jesus tells him, "What thou seest write in a book".
I have always imagined that the Lord wanted John to see & learn things of Heaven & of future events, & what he saw should be published for the benefit of the "seven Churches", which of course comes as a pressing warning & concern to us today. So I see John caught up in a 'trance', not as in the occult or Hinduism, where human faculties are overpowered by spirits, but in a Holy Spirit induced vision of the 'other world & of Earth's future'. If John's spirit left his body to enter Heaven, you would be right to assume that he faced a temporary 'death', but I somehow don't see that as what happened here.
And in that vision, he was given all that the Lord Jesus wanted to reveal to him & subsequently to reveal to us. He not only heard the Voice of Jesus, but saw in graphic detail (with imagery) the events that "would shortly come to pass" ( Rev 1:1). So I don't see John spiritually or physically in Heaven, but the vision given to Him was so real (as when one has a vivid dream prior to waking up), that he must have believed he was standing before the Lord. What an experience, which one day will be ours.
Revelation 5: Did John leave his body at Patmos & went up in his spirit when he saw the throne? Did he entered heaven???? If so, then his body with no spirit would be left lifeless & would later come back to his body & return to life. Or was He filled with the spirit & had a vision of the throne through the open door & saw the revelation of things to come from the scrolls but was not actually in heaven???
what is the meaning of the 7 seals?
Once again in this chapter the 24 elders are mentioned (verse 8). As we get to the next verse; the focus should be on the prayers of the saints not the elders who previously were holding the "golden vials". It is hard to say if the "prayers of the saints" represent those just raptured or those who are still suffering or knew what was to come on earth or both. Whether part of the great multitude of new believers post Rapture or not; it shows awareness in heaven as to what is going on in the earth as later passages show with the souls under the altar. In heaven; certainly there is no need for prayer for any improvement of perfect peace and a sinless state.
When we see verse 11-14 we see not only those in heaven but ALL in the earth; under the earth which eventually represent those of faith and unbelievers as well as all will bow the knee ( Philippians 2:10-11). The rapture may in part be in secret; the busting open of many graves certainly will NOT be able to be hidden; although the explanation by Antichrist will be twisted. It likely will state that aliens have abducted us; and or the New Age lie that we were inflexible and unable to accept the utopia promised and are being reprogrammed somewhere.
As to the dead who were raised it seems that won't be too good an explanation; nonetheless ALL those NOT written in the Book of Life will worship the Beast. He will likely promise immortality as he himself will appear to be raised from the dead.
Revelation 4:5 also discusses the seven Spirits of God along with Revelation 5:6. Apparently; Isaiah 11:2 is a commonly referred to cross reference; although technically it involves 6 ministries under the Lord Himself (as the 7th); it does fit in a sort of Menorah picture of how the Spirit operates in the entire corporate Body. We see a further description in Zechariah 4:2-3 of this source (apparently now in heaven); and the two prophets that tap into this power as witnesses throughout the earth in the end times. That can be studied further in Revelation 11.
It would seem that the seven spiritual gifts also would be in play here as to the emphasis given to a given church. This would be seen in Romans 12:6-8. In general; it seems that there are certain strengths and weaknesses that are commonplace depending on what gifts we have and that could factor into the overall situation as to the state of a congregation; what trials a particular congregation may or may not be called to suffer; doctrinal errors that creep in; etc. It is important to see the interdependence here so that the church isn't imbalanced
( 1 Cor. 12:14-16). In fact; we also see seven gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. It is important to differentiate between the fruit of the Spirit (love; joy; peace; longsuffering; etc) in Galatians 5:22-22 which characterizes the lives of all true believers and the particular ministries they have. We can't have one without the other. The common thread; of course is the love of God and brethren as seen in John 13:34-35; and reflected in 1 Corinthians 13 (entire chapter). Apparently; gifts can operate even with immature saints just as some could believe at one time without understanding the indwelling Holy Spirit such in Acts 19:1-4.
In conclusion; God distributes as He will or "severally" ( 1 Cor. 12:11). In obedience because we love Christ ( John 14:15) we have the right attitude to grow.
You are correct, there is no scriptures that says there is not a rapture; but there is scripture that says that rapture is not COLLECTIVE; but, ONE by ONE.
Isaiah 27:12 ....and ye shall be gather ONE by ONE, O ye children of Israel.
Whatever the Word says, will happen. Scripture CANNOT contradict scripture, It must be RIGHTLY DIVIDED to reveal truth.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
I also love the book of Revelation, but man's (anti-Christ) teachings have distilled it's TRUTH. It's the REVEALING of CHRIST the KINGDOM of GOD.
John 5:43 I (truth, Christ) come in my Father's name, and ye received me (truth) not: if another come in his OWN NAME, HIM (anti-truth, anti-Christ) will ye receive.
God Bless ALL as we come to HIS TRUTH.
When we look at the life of Christ; being praised in the streets one week before many turned against Him at the cross; we see how quickly men's hearts can turn. In the Tribulation; men will go from fearing God to attempting at the end to fight against Him ( Psalm 2; Rev. 19). It is also not inconceivable that men fear God yet still worship idols ( 2 Kings 17:41; Rev. 9:20-21).
Rev. 13:8 shows how all those not written in the Book of Life succumb
I believe the creatures mentioned here is on the every thing that was created, It says in heaven "AND ON EARTH" We're on that list of created things as well,
There will be those people on earth, animals, and that which is in the sea. The group here mentioned is not in heaven.
I believe heaven have a lot more to offer than the things you love down here on earth.
Revelation 5:13. And every creature which is in heaven, AND ON THE EARTH, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
God bless
I have not heard back from you about who the people of many tongues are? I was expecting you to clear this up since you're familiar with it, and willing to talk about what scripture says.
I want to add scripture that solidifies my belief. Please compare these 2 similar scriptures, one of which you used below, and note how spot on they are to ID the 144k:
( Revelation 5:9:11). You said "It directly says they're out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;"
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
&
( Revelation 7:8-9) 8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
These are the 144k going from being sealed, to being in heaven. They are the fellowservants of the Revelation 6 fifth seal saints who were told to rest for a little season, and given white robes. The 144k are wearing white robes. It is safe to say that the group in Revelation 5 is the same group that's spread throughout the narrative.
Let me know if this make sense to you, who they are.
The group in Revelation is not reigning on the earth. They're in heaven in the midst around the Throne! Revelation 5:6. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And they're not the 144 thousand seen in Revelation Ch. 7 and 14. In Revelation 7 and 14 they're 12000 out of every tribe of Israel.
Revelation 7:4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
In Revelation 5:9:11. It directly says they're out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
I believe this is the Church that has been raptured up.
God bless.
( Revelation 5:9-11) alludes to the 144k reigning on the earth.
9 And they sung a NEW SONG, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
*ten thousand times ten thousand = 100k, and thousands of thousands = 44 = 144k
( Revelation 14:2-4) confirms it's the 144k from Revelation 5.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a NEW SONG before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Now the question becomes, what are the 144k doing at the seal opening when they themselves are sealed much later, before the day of the Lord, ( Revelation 7)? I notice a lot of 'first shall be last and last shall be first' patterns in Revelation. I got a feeling that that's what's happening here, it is esoteric. A grand mystery always unfolding.
Saying with a loud voice , Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power , and riches , and wisdom , and strength, and glory , and blessing.
Read the chapter and understand what heaven thinks about Jesus the lambs accomplishments.
These are the highest rewards .
Yes, God is indeed a merciful God. One way to fully understand how merciful God is would be to read through Revelation during the time where God is pouring out judgment on an unbelieving world. If you notice as you read along, the judgment comes in phases. And each phase gets progressively worse than the last. Do you think God's not trying to get their attention during each phase and giving them the opportunity to repent? It's like God is saying, "Look, I'm giving you the opportunity to repent and turn to me.
But even after going through this, many will still not repent. God could have just wiped out the entire unbelieving world immediately but He does not do so. Why? I believe, as you appropriately state, he is merciful. His judgment comes in stages or phases. Even during the time of His wrath, He's giving people an opportunity to repent. Now that's what I would call mercy!
Know what? If we got a new video game we'd be awake 24/7, figuring out how to play it. Another 2 years trying to beat the game (including Time spent on YouTube watching cheats and tricks).
We're all over the place trying to Beat That Game!!!
Tell me why we don't go at the Bible the same way?? Dig, dig deeper, read commentaries on here, read commentaries on Google.
The Holy Spirit is your TEACHER. Ask Him. If you'll sit still long enough and be quiet, you will get answers.
PRAY for a TEACHABLE spirit.
They're not cheats; but your Bible will start speaking to your spirit.
Get a Study Bible that has Center of Each page, reference columns: with the abc notes within the scriptures. Those send you to other scriptures that EXPAND the meanings or reveal a prophesy.
Back out of the room to the Search Box.
Put a scripture in it or just a word (like worms) hit the arrow. The search engine will pull up all verses with 'worms' in it.
Touch or click the verse and it will highlight yellow.
Scroll downward to the Commentary Box. Click that. It will show you what the scholars interpret that scripture to mean.
Questions answered. It makes studying fun and interesting.
Be adventurous.
There's a quickie link from KJV to Google to help you find a scripture you're unsure about. Like: "Jesus releasing prisoners from hell".
Learn to study! For yourselves. Share what you find, on here. IT IS FUN! God speaks to us through His Word.
When you sit down to study: pray: I HAVE THE SAME MIND OF CHRIST !! I receive it by faith right now. God watches over His Word To Perform it.
Habakkuk 2:2-4 find your identity in the Bible.
LEARN how to use the Tools to get your questions answered sooner. Let's rejoice that we have them! Old Testament saints didn't have Bibles. Have courage.
Mishael
I have always imagined that the Lord wanted John to see & learn things of Heaven & of future events, & what he saw should be published for the benefit of the "seven Churches", which of course comes as a pressing warning & concern to us today. So I see John caught up in a 'trance', not as in the occult or Hinduism, where human faculties are overpowered by spirits, but in a Holy Spirit induced vision of the 'other world & of Earth's future'. If John's spirit left his body to enter Heaven, you would be right to assume that he faced a temporary 'death', but I somehow don't see that as what happened here.
And in that vision, he was given all that the Lord Jesus wanted to reveal to him & subsequently to reveal to us. He not only heard the Voice of Jesus, but saw in graphic detail (with imagery) the events that "would shortly come to pass" ( Rev 1:1). So I don't see John spiritually or physically in Heaven, but the vision given to Him was so real (as when one has a vivid dream prior to waking up), that he must have believed he was standing before the Lord. What an experience, which one day will be ours.
Revelation 5: Did John leave his body at Patmos & went up in his spirit when he saw the throne? Did he entered heaven???? If so, then his body with no spirit would be left lifeless & would later come back to his body & return to life. Or was He filled with the spirit & had a vision of the throne through the open door & saw the revelation of things to come from the scrolls but was not actually in heaven???