The views taken in these blogs represent the earlier dating of John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ that centers around the destruction of Jerusalem. We have chosen to accept the testimony of the historical writing of Josephus over that of Ireneaus, who along with other “church fathers,” was largely responsible for the establishment of Christianity.
As the New Heavens and Earth is spiritual, so is the further description of the New Jerusalem of verse two. We will examine verse two and three, today. First, John wrote that he saw the holy city. The kingdom is often referred to as a celestial city (Luke 21:28,32-32; Heb. 12:28). In this city dwells…
Peter writes of three heavens and earth periods. They are different ages and world systems. First, the old heavens and earth lasted from creation to the flood (vs. 5-6) and was destroyed by water. The world was drastically altered but not annihilated. Second, the “now” heavens and earth that was about to end soon (1…
One of the interesting passages that have perplexed me as a child was Revelation 21:8 where the text refers to the “fearful” will be consigned to the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. Who are the fearful and why are they mentioned besides the unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars as having…
One of the seven angels with the seven bowls invited John to go with him as he was carried away in the spirit to see the bride. This is similar to Paul’s “out of the body” experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. He is taken to a great high mountain where he is shown the holy…
As noted in the earlier blog on Revelation 21, Jesus had begun his millennial reign at the end of the age at which time he also consummates His marriage with His bride and presents her to the Father. A new Jerusalem has begun. A new kingdom, new marriage, and new heavens and earth have begun….
John sees a new heaven and earth because the old had passed away and the sea was no more. Peter speaks of this in 2 Peter 3. Peter tells us that the old heavens and earth began with creation and ended with the Flood (2 Peter 3:5-6). Then, he speaks of the “now” heavens and…
White, the color of righteousness and purity, characterizes this great throne. The judgments given from this throne are only fair and right. The judge will offer a just recompense of reward (Heb. 2:2-4), reaping what has been sown (Gal. 6:7-8). There is no respect of persons with him (cf. Rom. 2:11) or anything covered up…
After the earthly threat has ended and the armies destroyed from the heavenly fire, Satan, the one who orchestrated the entire mess through his deception, will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are already located. There they will be tormented night and day forever and ever….
Once the enemy has encompassed the camp of the saints, the siege ends with God sending fire from heaven to devour the enemy. It is possible that this fire obliterates the universe, but it appears that the target is the enemy who encompassed the saints that are obliterated. The fire from heaven can be interpreted…
Josephus tells us that the Magogites are known by the Greeks as the Scythians. The Scythians were a nomadic people who roamed the crescent-shaped steppe that stretches from the confines of China to the banks of the Danube. Today, it is known as Russia or the U.S.S.R. Even the Great Soviet Encyclopedia agrees with this…