Revelation Observations and Reflections
Preface
May I be honest? When I first heard about the idea that I teach Revelation to 10th Grade students, I wondered how that might go… Revelation is a tough book in a lot of ways, even for adults.
But it is also the only book that starts with a promise of blessing. Revelation 1:3 says, “Blessed are you who read this book out loud, and blessed are you who hear it.”
So we read it through out loud. Every word. We noticed that the out-of-this-world concepts and images were amplified when you heard them read. There was no escaping them. And it was good.
We had two main goals:
1. To continue to train students in the discipline of digging into God’s Word devotionally and systematically to find treasures there.
2. To introduce them to the book of Revelation.
Early in our experience together, I realized that the Lord was doing some pretty cool things in this. I grew from this experience as much as the students.
The Lord met us here.
From the beginning I knew we wanted to match the study/discovery approach to the nature of the text. For example, if the text was painting a picture, we would draw a picture. If there was a flow of events, we would flowchart the action. In some cases, tables were a great way to synthesize the meaning of the chapter (for example, the letters to the churches).
Chapters 1-3 went smoothly, but when we got to the work of discovery in Chapter 4, the art the students created depicting the scene was extraordinary. In the following chapters several students branched out to create comic strips to depict evolving action. Their work was very good.
Throughout, we attempted to follow the pattern of a) reading and analyzing the text ourselves, b) sharing with one another, c) synthesizing what we believed the Lord was saying to us, and d) only after all that, referring to expert references. We used Revelation for Everyone, by N.T. Wright as our chief reference. In all of this, we sought to see Jesus and love Him.
It wasn’t perfect, and many times we humbly said, “Wow! Don’t know what that means!” But, I think that all of us saw things and learned things that we didn’t know before.
Revelation ends this way:
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.1
To which we also say: Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Don Robison
P.S. Student art motivated the creation of this book, but Revelation is so visual, it was difficult to avoid trying to picture key scenes when we didn’t have student art to depict them. So, I experimented with AI to picture several of the vivid images the book paints. Thank you for your grace with this experiment!
Table of Contents
Preface……………………..
Introduction…………….
Chapter 1………………….
Chapter 2…………………
Chapter 3…………………
Chapter 4…………………
Chapter 5…………………
Chapter 6…………………
Chapter 7…………………
Chapter 8…………………
Chapter 9…………………
Chapter 10………………..
Chapter 11 ………………..
Chapter 12 ……………….
Chapter 13 ……………….
Chapter 14 ……………….
Chapter 15 ……………….
Chapter 16 ……………….
Chapter 17 ……………….
Chapter 18 ……………….
Chapter 19 ……………….
Chapter 20 ……………….
Chapter 21 ……………….
Chapter 22 ……………. Page 3 Page 7 Page 13 Page 15 Page 15 Page 17 Page 21 Page 23 Page 23 Page 29 Page 31 Page 31 Page 33 Page 35 Page 41 Page 43 Page 45 Page 47 Page 49 Page 51 Page 53 Page 55 Page 61 Page 63
After the White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11), those whose names are found in The Lamb’s Book of Life will live in the New Jerusalem. And so, we aren’t ultimately being prepared for an eternal home in the sky, we are being prepared for an eternal home with Christ in His new city.
Haven’t you heard? Christ is coming, in glory coming to reign… On a white horse riding is he incorruptible. He is called faithful and true. He rules in power, and wages war in righteousness, holiness and justice. (These last lines are from a 2nd Chapter of Acts song, “Well, haven’t you heard?” from the album, Mansion Builder, Sparrow Records, 1978.
Introduction
What is this?
This book is a synthesis of the observations we made while studying Revelation in the Fall of 2025 at Norfolk Christian High. The student products were pretty great, so we had this idea to compile samples of our work in this book.
Our Method
We created a Revelation scroll. The first thing we did was print out the entire book for each student, and then taped the pages together sideways so that the result was a long scroll. To add authenticity we used leather ties to close the scroll (see page 8). This allowed us to use the same version of the Bible and mark on it with colored pencils as we progressed.
We read each chapter out loud. First, we read each chapter out loud. Revelation 1:3 promises blessing to those who read it and those who hear it. So, we did that.
We “mapped” the chapter. We looked deeper at each passage and analyzed the meaning using an inductive marking system (see next page for details).
We answered 8 study questions. And for each passage we answered 8 questions. We’ve included those on the next page.
We represented meaning. Then, we looked at the nature of each chapter and attempted to represent the meaning in ways that were consistent with the point of the chapter. Revelation is a very visual book. At times, the best way to synthesize what was happening was in a picture or comic strip. Sometimes it was with a table or flowchart. We did all that. Often, the results were amazing.
Revelation 1:3
“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy out loud, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
Introduction (continued)
The Inductive Marking System. The students learned to analyze the text using this inductive marking system. Here, the goal was to encourage a discipline of discovering what a passage is actually saying at a detailed level.
The 8 Questions. The students answered these eight questions of each chapter. The idea was to develop skills in personal Bible study. Notice the questions lean towards personal life application.
Each Student had a Revelation Scroll Introduction (continued)
We printed out the entire book of Revelation for each student, then on the first day of class we turned them into scrolls by taping the pages together side-by-side. We used a leather tie to make the scroll a little more authentic.
This is an example of one scroll rolled up (right) and then open (below). We used an inductive marking system to map the content.
Introduction (continued)
Synthesizing the learning by creating an attractive take-away product. It occurred to us late in our study that we had created some notes and artifacts that we could bind into a book and keep for later reference. So, that was the start of developing the book you are now holding.
We knew we had a limited budget. When we started considering consolidating our learning products into a book, we realized there wasn’t money to have it published commercially.
So, we researched the art of bookbinding and decided to “build” the book as a craft project. In this, we joined with people who have been doing this for centuries. We used uncut 8.5” x 14” paper, PVA glue, and a simple book press.
Why such a large format (8.5” x 14”)? The students’ art was phenomenal and this format seemed the best for honoring it.
Background of Revelation
What is the context of this book?
John the Seer, who wrote this book, was exiled to the island of Patmos about 35 miles off the current coast of Turkey. He wrote the book in about 66 AD to the seven churches located in “Asia.” All of these churches were located in the eastern half of modern day Turkey.
The people in these churches had experienced over 35 years of brutal oppression at the hands of the Romans. The book has several purposes. Here are some:
1. To clearly present Jesus as Lord and ruler of everything and everyone. Jesus is in control and will judge and punish what is evil: whether spiritual or of this world.
2. To reveal the spiritual activities that are behind the tough earthly realities these people had been experiencing.
3. To give hope to the people who had been persecuted and had witnessed the martyrdom of their friends and family.
4. To show that Jesus will establish an everlasting kingdom with a new heaven and new earth.
The churches of Asia were peopled with both Jewish and Gentile background believers. Several times the story of Revelation draws on Jewish history to give a sense of the magnitude of what is being described.
Where were these churches?
Revelation was written to the people of the seven churches in “Asia.” These seven churches were located in the cities pictured below (in modern day Turkey). Note that there were plenty of other churches at the time. The message of Revelation is both targeted to those particular churches, and yet full of truth and perspective that is essential for us all.
As we studied this book, we tried to be careful to look at the unique context of the churches to which the book was targeted, but also to look for the truths that are universal.
Google Map with Overlay by Don Robison
Chapter 1
Greetings and Prophecy Origins
The book opens with an explanation of the origins of the prophecy: God gave it to Jesus, Jesus gave it to an angel to share with John, and then John shares the prophecy in the form of the book of Revelation.
The first words are: “The revelation of Jesus Christ…” reflecting that the revelation came from Jesus, but also, we found, speaks of Jesus’ authority and glory. It is a revelation from God to Jesus to us about Jesus.
Revelation is unique in that it starts with a promise of blessing to those who “read the book out loud” and those who “Hear it.”
(Revelation 1:3)
John greets the people in the churches, then dives right in.
John says he was “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s Day and heard a voice; he turned and found he was face-to-face with a glorified Jesus.
He was directed to address the prophecy to the seven churches in Asia.
“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things that will take place after this.”
Revelation 1:19
Chapters 2 & 3 Letters to the Seven Churches
Summary of Action Revelation Chapters 2-3
Church Compliment Criticism
Ephesus You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name and have not grown weary.
Smyrna
NOTE: The compliments and criticisms are for the particular churches, though we can learn from them. We noticed the “Hear what the Spirit says…” statements were rich with truth and encouragement for us today. And, by the way, what exactly is the ‘white stone name’ referred to in the letter to the church in Pergamum? Pretty great stuff!
*Table completed by student teams. Each team took one church.
Hear what the Spirit says to the churches…
You have forsaken your first love. To him who overcomes I will give the right to eat from the tree of life which is in the paradise of God.
No criticism. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.1
Pergamum You remain true to my name. You hold to the teaching of Balaam, eating food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality.
Thyatira Your service and perseverance are stronger than ever.
Sardis You have a few people still living righteously, not soiling their clothes.
Philadelphia You kept my word and not denied it. Kept command and endure patiently, will be kept from hour of trial.
Laodicea Deeds are in the middle… not very good, not very bad.
You tolerate Jezebel who leads people away from God.
Overcome, and He will give some of his hidden manna and a white stone with a new name on it known only to you and God.
He who overcomes and does my will till the end, I will give authority over the nations.
Deed not right in the sight of God. He who overcomes will be dressed in white.
No criticism. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, never again will he leave it, I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of Heaven from my God and I will also write on him my new name.
You think you are rich, but you are wretched and poor.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on the throne, just as I came and sat down with my Father on His throne.
1 The ‘second death’ refers to the White Throne Judgment in Revelation Chapter 20:15. It applies to those whose name is not in the Lamb’s Book of Life; they will be sent to the Lake of Fire. For (much) more detail, see the Chapter 20 observations.
Chapter 4
The Throne in Heaven
Chapter 4 sweeps us up into a view of the Throne in Heaven (See the student art on the next page). The scene is amazing: The one who sat on the throne “had the appearance of jasper and carnelian.” (Rev 4:3) Twentyfour elders surrounded the throne on other thrones. There were flashes of lighting and rumblings of thunder.
Four living creatures were there.
They were all worshipping.
Our class was amazed.
Our Jesus is beautiful and mighty and all-knowing and kind. He loves us. And, for reasons we cannot fathom, created men and women in His own image.
So we worship.
The image on the following page was was created by students. They created them on very light paper using inexpensive materials. Isn’t the product remarkable?
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Revelation 4:11
‘The
And they sang a new song, saying,
“You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Revelation 5:9
Images generated with AI (Chat GPT) modified in Adobe Photoshop.
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 describes a scroll with writing on both sides, sealed with seven seals. A mighty angel asks in a loud voice,
“Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”
And it looks like no one is able, until we learn that the Lion of Judah—who has triumphed—is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.
What follows is a song sung in the heavenlies. It exalts Jesus who has “purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
It is a scene one might not expect having read about Babel back in Genesis 11. There, God essentially created the multitude of ‘tribes, languages, peoples and nations’ as a result of what men had attempted to do trying to build a tower to heaven on their own strength.
Here in Revelation 5, Jesus is bringing all those people groups back to worship, having purchased them with the blood of His sacrifice (Revelation 5:9).
The many retain their unique cultural identities, and yet unite in worship.
Praise God!
Chapters 6 & 7
Conquest/Pestilence
We met the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
In Chapters 6 and 7, the seals on the scroll were opened. First, there were the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first had the appearance of goodness, but the students concluded that the look was inconsistent with the actions.
Chapter 6 & 7
Another example of flowcharting. For most of the chapters students flowcharted the sequence of action. Below is an example of the flowcharting of one student for Chapters 6 & 7. We would discuss these flows and attempt to understand the action.
Chapter 6 Flowchart
Lamb→1st of 7 seals→ A living creature said “come” →White horse with a rider containing a bow and crown→2nd seal→Red horse containing a large sword with evil powers→3rd seal→Black horse holding scales→All 4 living creatures speaking→4th seal→Pale horse being rode by a Death with Hades following, with a powerful sword→5th seal→ believers whom lives were taken for their belief→All the souls calling out to the Lord: “How long before you avenge our blood, oh, Lord?”→Each given a white robe→6th seal→Huge earthquake→Sun turned black→Moon turned blood red→Stars fell from sky→All mountains removed→All non-believers hid in mountains→
Chapter 7 Flowchart
4 angels on all 4 corners of the earth→Angel with the seal of the living God speaking→144,000 sealed from tribes in Israel→12,000 from Judah→12,000 from Reubon→12,000 from Gad→12,000 from Asher→12,000 from many more→Many people from every tribe and every nation→All wearing white robes in front of the Lamb’s throne→ Cried out in a loud voice→All angels standing around the throne worshipping God→Speaking to one of the elders→Lamb will always be the shepherd
Flowcharts by E.F.
Comic Depicting Chapters 6,7, and 8
These comic frames were developed by student, MP. They depict the progression of action in Revelation 6, 7, and 8.
The
Progression of
Action
in Revelation Chapters 6, 7, and 8
Revelation Chapter 6: The Seven Seals & Four Horsemen
The Seals Unveiled: Jesus, the worthy Lamb, begins opening the seven-sealed scroll, each seal bringing forth a divine judgment.
Four Horsemen:
White Horse: Conquest, a crown given, going out to conquer.
Red Horse: War, peace taken from Earth.
Black Horse: Famine, scales (for weighing grain).
Pale Horse: Death, with Hades following, given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts.
Fifth Seal: Souls of martyrs under the altar cry out for justice.
Sixth Seal: Cosmic signs (earthquake, black sun, bloody moon, falling stars) and the terror of humanity facing God's wrath.
Revelation Chapter 7: The Sealed & The Redeemed
Interlude: After the sixth seal, the narrative pauses before the final judgments.
The Seal of Protection: An angel seals 144,000 servants of God from the twelve tribes of Israel for protection.
Great Multitude: John sees an innumerable crowd from every nation, redeemed, standing before the throne, wearing white robes, saved through tribulation.
Revelation Chapter 8: Silence & The Trumpets Begin
Seventh Seal: The final seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven for about half an hour.
Trumpet Judgments: Seven angels are given seven trumpets; the first four bring environmental disasters.
More comic art depicting the progression of action in chapters 6,7, and 8
Chapter 8
Revelation 8:3-5 (NIV)
3Another angel, who had a golden censor, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayer of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5Then the angel took the censor, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightening and an earthquake.
Thus begins the period known as ‘The Great Tribulation.’ Interestingly, the Bible never calls it that.
Also… We were struck by the fact that the cataclysmic events of these judgments were partially initiated by the prayers of the saints (Revelation 8:4). Praying saints tap into infinite power.
Chapters 8, 9 & 10 The 7 Trumpets: Heralds of Judgment
Summary of Action Revelation Chapters 8-10
8:1 Seventh Seal Opened Silence in heaven for half an hour.
8:2 Seven Angels given seven trumpets
8:3 - 8:5 Another angel with golden censer stood at alter He was given much incense to offer, with prayers of all saints The smoke of the incense + prayers went up before God
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth. Lightening, thunder, rumblings, earthquake
8:6 The seven angels prepared to sound their trumpets.
8:7 The first angel sounded his trumpet Hail and fire mixed with blood hurled upon earth 1/3 of earth burned, 1/3 of trees burned, 1/3 of grass burned.
8:8 - 8:9 The second angel sounded his trumpet A huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea 1/3 of sea turned to blood, 1/3 living creatures in sea died, 1/3 of ships were destroyed.
8:10 The third angel sounded his trumpet A great star, blazing like a torch, fell on 1/3 of rivers and springs of water.
Star named Wormwood. 1/3 of waters turned bitter. Many people died from the bitter water.
8:12 - 8:13 The fourth angel sounded his trumpet 1/3 of sun, 1/3 of moon, 1/3 of stars turned dark. 1/3 of day was without light.
An Eagle flew and called out: "Woe! Woe! Woe! Because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!"
Hail: A destructive hailstorm with fire rained down on the land, destroying crops and trees.
Blood: The Nile River and other water sources turned to blood, killing the fish and making the water undrinkable.
Darkness: A thick, palpable darkness covered the land of Egypt for three days, but the Israelites had light in their dwellings.
Summary of Action Revelation Chapters 8-10
9:1 - 9:12
9:13 - 9:21
The fifth angel sounded his trumpet
A star fell to earth, given a key to the Abyss.
Upon opening Abyss, smoke rose from it.
The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss.
The 7 Trumpets
Out of the smoke locusts came down upon earth. Sting like a scorpion. They could only hurt people without seals on their foreheads.
Locusts: Swarms of locusts consumed any remaining vegetation.
The sixth angel sounded his trumpet
During those days, men will seek death, but death will elude them.
Sound of their wings like thundering of horses
The locusts looked like horses, wore crowns of gold, faces resembed humans.
They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, in Greek, Apollyon.
"I heard a voice coming from the horns of he golden altar that is before God."
It said to the sixth angel: "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates."
The horses and riders had fiery red, dark blue and yellow breastplates. fire, smoke, and sulfur. 1/3 of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfer that came out of their mouths.
10:1 Another angel came down from heaven. Robed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head, face like the sun, legs fiery pillars.
Held a little scroll open in his hand.
Planted right foot on the sea and left foot on land.
The angel raised his right hand to heaven. "THERE WILL BE NO MORE DELAY"
10:9 I asked the angel to give me the little scroll. He said, "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey."
I took it and ate it, and it was as he said.
Locusts had women's hair, lions' teeth Locusts wore breastplates of iron.
"The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come."
The four angels who had been kept ready for his very hour were released to kill 1/3 of mankind.
The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails like snakes with heads.
The number of mounted troops was 200,000,000
The rest of mankind, not killed by these plagues, did not repent of their sins.
Pestilence: A deadly livestock disease wiped out the Egyptian herds, while the Israelite livestock were spared.
Gave a loud shout. (The voices of 7 thunders spoke) A voice said, "Seal up what the 7 thunders have said and don't write it."
But in these days, the mystery of God will be accomplished.
"Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land."
Chapter 11 The Two Witnesses
Chapter 11 starts with John measuring the temple of God and the altar.
After he measures them, John is told about God’s two witnesses who will prophecy for 1,260 days clothed in sackcloth.
They will have amazing power: fire will come from their mouths to devour enemies. They will have the power to shut up the sky so it will not rain.
At the end of the 1,260 days, the beast will come from the Abyss and attack, overpower, and kill them.
They will lie in the street of the great city for three and a half days. The people of earth will celebrate their death!
But then God will raise them from the dead and will take them up into heaven while their enemies watch.
Then the seventh and last trumpet sounded. There was worship in heaven and flashes of lightening and thunder. There was an earthquake and a great hailstorm.
Chapter 12 The Woman with Child
Chapter 12 is full of action! Huge action!
It starts poetically: “A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head…”
The woman represents the faithful. In Revelation 12: 17 we see that her offspring are “those who obey the commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”
She is pregnant, and a dragon is lurking hoping to devour her child.
She has the baby (who is Jesus), He is snatched up immediately to heaven with God, and she is protected.
Then verse 7 introduces an abrupt change in action: There is war in heaven! [See the student art on page 37]
Michael and his angels fight the Dragon (Satan), and his angels and Michael’s forces win. The Dragon is hurled down to earth and confined here.
Revelation 12: 11 says the forces of Michael overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of testimony.
There it is again… People have amazing power in Christ. Part of what ‘threw Satan down’ was the ‘word of testimony.’
Chapter 12 (continued) War in Heaven
Timelines are fluid things in Revelation. It is tough to derive exact sequences or dates.
But, in Revelation 12:7, immediately after we see the woman with child give birth (to Jesus), and immediately after her baby is snatched up to heaven, and the woman is protected, war breaks out in heaven.
When, exactly, was this war?
Right. We’re not sure. At all.
The church through the ages has posited many positions on this.
In this context, it seems possible that Satan was “hurled to earth” after Jesus’ birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.
But many believe this war occurred in early history. Even before Adam and Eve. There are few definitive cues.
Regardless, of its timing, one truth is clear: Heaven wins! Satan is confined to earth and is furious about it! He wars against the faithful of God.
Michael and his angels won and the Great Dragon was hurled to earth. Michael in classical art.
Chapter 13
The Beast out of the Sea
In Chapter 13 we meet two of Satan’s strongest servants: the Beast out of the Sea, and the Beast out of the Earth.
Though the imagery is lucid, the actual appearance of these fearsome creatures is difficult to nail down. The image to the left was generated by AI (Chat GPT) based on the verbal description in Revelation 13:1-2. This is the Beast out of the Sea.
This beast had a fatal wound that had been healed. This beast was given Satan’s authority.
The Beast out of the Earth
In Chapter 13 we also meet the Beast out of the Earth. He was given the authority of the first beast to act on his behalf. The image to the right was generated by AI (Chat GPT) based on the verbal description in Revelation 13:11.
He performed great and miraculous signs, “even causing fire to come from heaven to earth in full view of men.”
He deceived the inhabitants of earth. He forced people to receive the mark of the beast on their hand or on their forehead
Image generated with AI (Chat GPT)
Image generated with AI (Chat GPT)
Chapter 14
The Lamb and the 144,000
John looks and sees the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, surrounded by 144,000 who have kept themselves pure.
Three angels pass, one flying in midair proclaims the eternal gospel.
Harvest of the Earth
Starting in verse 14, there is a scene in which Jesus is seated on a cloud harvesting people. He swung his sickle and the earth was harvested.
Another angel came out of the temple in heaven and he also had a sharp sickle.
This angel’s harvest was trampled ‘in the winepress outside the city,’ called, ‘the great winepress of God’s wrath.’
Chapter 15
Seven Angels with
Seven Plagues
From the temple in heaven seven angels came out with seven bowls that contained seven plagues.
These represented the final parts of God’s wrath.
To emphasize the finality of these judgments, no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
Out of the temple came the seven angels with seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen…
Chapter 15 includes the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. It is a song of praise, glorifying the Lord God Almighty and celebrating the holiness of the Lord.
“All nations will come and worship before you…”
Image generated with AI (Chat GPT)
Chapter 16 The Seven Bowls of Wrath
In Chapter 16 seven angels leave the temple in heaven with seven separate bowls. Each angel pours their bowl in the order described below. In class we talked about how these plagues were also gracious to the martyrs who had asked the Lord, “How long before you avenge our deaths?”
Chapter 17 The Woman on the Beast
One of the angels who had the bowls approached John and showed him the punishment of Babylon the great prostitute.
She is pictured as a woman dressed in purple and scarlet. She is glittering with gold and precious stones. She held a gold cup in her hand filled with abominable things.
This title was written on her forehead: Mystery Babylon the Great The Mother of Prostitutes And of the Abominations of the Earth
“Babylon” here represents the world’s systems: the world’s way of succeeding, of finding happiness, of finding pleasure, of gaining power, and of gaining wealth.
Chapter 17 describes Babylon and the beast with whom she is allied. Revelation 17:18 says, “The woman you saw (Bablyon) is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”
Revelation frequently contrasts Babylon with her illicit seductive powers with the Bride of Christ, the church in her purity, and legitimate power.
Chapter 18 The Fall of Babylon
Revelation 18 describes the fall of Babylon the Great, a powerful, corrupt, and materialistic global system that has persecuted God's people. An angel announces its swift and total destruction by fire, causing kings, merchants, and sailors to lament their lost wealth, while God's people are called to rejoice over the justice served for the blood of prophets and saints found in Babylon. The chapter serves as a warning to believers to separate themselves from the world's sinful system.
Key events and themes in Revelation 18
• Announcement of Babylon's fall: An angel declares that Babylon has fallen and will become a dwelling for demons, its judgment complete.
• God's call to escape: God's people are commanded to "come out of her" to avoid sharing in her sins and plagues.
• The lament of the world: Kings, merchants, and sailors weep and mourn Babylon's destruction because it represents the center of their economic and political power. They are distressed over the loss of the vast wealth and goods associated with Babylon.
• The rejoicing of the faithful: In contrast to the lament of the world, heaven, the apostles, and the prophets are called to rejoice because God has judged Babylon for her sins against them.
• Total and final destruction: Babylon is destroyed swiftly and completely by fire, and all signs of its former life including music, crafts, and the light of lamps—will be gone forever. A powerful angel symbolizes this finality by throwing a large stone into the sea, representing Babylon's irreversible destruction.
• The sin of Babylon: Babylon is described as a corrupt, sensual, and prideful system that has deceived all nations, becoming rich through its materialistic and immoral practices and shedding the blood of God's people.
Why would the beast turn on his ally, Babylon? Because it is in the character of Satan and his forces: they are destroyers and they are liars. They often thwart their own plans in their reckless malice.
Image generated with AI (Chat GPT)
Chapter 19
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him…
Chapter 20 The End of This World
Chapter 20 describes several key events. Here are the highlights:
• Satan is seized, bound, and thrown into the Abyss for 1,000 years. In this state he cannot deceive the nations.
• The 1,000 year rule of Christ begins.
• Martyrs are raised to life to rule with the Christ during the 1,000 year reign.
• After 1,000 years Satan is released and goes out to deceive nations again.
• He gathers the world leaders for battle.
• But, there is no battle (God obliterates them all as they gather (vs. 9)).
• Satan was thrown into the Lake of Fire for ever and ever.
• The White Throne Judgment commences (See following pages), and Earth and sky flee from the presence of him who sits on the throne.
• So end the days of this Earth.
• The White Throne Judgment continues where all are judged according to what they have done…
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.”
Revelation 20:11
Chapter 20
The White Throne Judgment
Revelation 20:11 describes the culminating event of our world and her cultures and peoples. Several books are present: The Lamb’s Book of Life is key among them. Also present are books that record all our actions. Every person will be judged according to their deeds (Rev 20:12). Every person whose name is not written in The Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Rev 20:15).
So all the dead from all time will be gathered and those whose names are in The Lamb’s Book of Life will enter the New Heavens and New Earth, the others will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
Those who believe on Jesus for salvation and make Him Lord of their lives are recorded in The Lamb’s Book of Life.
Images generated with AI (Chat GPT).
Understanding the “Deaths” and “Resurrections” from Revelation
As we study the latter part of Revelation, we hear about “first death” and “second death.” It can be confusing. Let’s just summarize what we know (which isn’t everything). On the following page we’ve provided a timeline that may help. First: a really confusing question as we talk about the culmination of all things is what is meant in Revelation by “Hades,” “The Lake of Fire,” “Heaven,” and “The New Heavens and New Earth.”
Think of time and reality as existing in two different periods: Before the White Throne Judgment and then after the White Throne Judgment.
Before the White Throne Judgment
First Death. This is when you pass away (die) on this Earth.
Believers go to Heaven and are with Jesus, unbelievers go to Hades. Heaven is a temporary abode for believers who die. Heaven is synonymous with “Paradise.” Hades itself is temporary.
First Resurrection. At the beginning of Christ’s 1,000 year reign, martyrs are resurrected to rule with Christ. This is called “the first resurrection. “
WHITE THRONE
JUDGEMENT
After the White Throne Judgment
Second Death. At the White Throne Judgment, the dead whose names are NOT in the Lamb’s Book of Life, are cast into the Lake of Fire.
This is called “the second death.”
Where do people go when they die? (Not as simple as it may seem!)
Circumstances Upon First Death (on Earth) Final Home
Person is a believer in Jesus Heaven/Paradise (temporarily) [After White Throne Judgement] New Heaven and New Earth
Person is not a believer in Jesus Hades (temporarily) [After White Throne Judgement] Lake of Fire
Satan/Beast/False Prophet/Fallen Angels/Demons The Abyss (temporarily) [Just before White Throne Judgement] Lake of Fire
New Heaven and New Earth
Understanding the Places in Revelation 20 and 21
Heaven
This is the temporary residence of Jesus. When believers die, they go to Heaven and are with Jesus.
Jesus begins 1,000 year reign
(Rev 20:4)
Satan captured, thrown into the Abyss for 1,000 years imprisonment.
(Rev 20:3)
Our Era
Martyrs raised from dead to rule with Christ (Rev 20:4)
Hades
Beast and False Prophet captured, thrown alive into Lake of Fire.
(Rev 19:20)
A place where dead souls reside. It is temporary. At the White Throne Judgment these souls will leave Hades for the judgment.
Our old earth will pass away! After the White Throne Judgment, believers will reside in the New Heaven and New Earth.
WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT
(Rev 20:11) Those NOT in Book of Life go to Lake of Fire (Rev 20:15)
Satan is thrown into Lake of Fire
(Rev 20:10) “Tribulation”
1,000 Year Reign of Christ
Those in Book of Life go to New Jerusalem (Rev 21:3)
Life in New Heaven and Earth
Satan released from his prison
(Rev 20:7)
Satan gathers kings of earth for war. God obliterates them.
(Rev 20:9)
The Abyss
A prison and place of torment for Satan and Demons. Temporary. Thought to be “below” Hades.
Lake of Fire
A place of eternal torment
Chapter 21
1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
“He
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
Revelation 21 and 22 describe the New Jerusalem, painting a picture of the Lord being with His people, and there is no need for additional light because the Lord’s throne in the center of the city will provide the light.
So, rather than being destined to a “life in the clouds,” we are being prepared for a life in a new heaven and new earth.
Samwise Gamgee from the Lord of the Rings asked a question that fits well here: "Is everything sad going to come untrue?” The answer from Revelation 21 for those of us who believe is “yes.”
Chapter 22
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Revelation ends this way: He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
To which we also say: Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Angel showed him the river of the water of life →clear as crystal → Flowing from throne and Lamb → down the great street of the city →Each side of river → Stood tree of life →With twelve crops of fruit
→yields fruit every month →Leaves on tree heal the nations →No longer a curse → Throne will be in the city →his servants will serve him →They see his face →Name will be on their foreheads →No more night
→No need for lamp or sun →Lord will give them light →Reign for ever →Angel said →words are trustworthy →Lord sent angel →To show the things that must take place →He is coming soon →Bless who keeps the prophecy →John →heard and saw things →Fell down to worship → at feet of an angel
→he said → Do not do it → I’m a servant too →Worship God →He said → don’t seal the words of the prophecy →Time is near → Let him do wrong →Let him be vile → Let him do right →Let him be holy
→He is coming soon →He will give to everyone →He is Alpha and Omega →First and Last → Beginning and end →Bless who washes their robe →Tree of life →May go through gates →Into the city → Dogs
→Magic arts →Murderers →Jesus →Sent angel to give testimony →For the Churches →He is the root
→Offspring of David →Bright morning star →Spirit says come →Who is thirsty →Come →Warn everyone of the prophecy →God →Add plaques →God will take whoever takes words from the book →He is coming soon →Grace of the lord →Jesus will be with God’s people →Amen
Flowchart of Chapter 22 by J.P.