1. Eschatology, a Broad Perspective
From Genesis to Revelation

2. Basic Outline
Three major divisions; John was commanded to write concerning
Things past, “the things which you have seen,” i.e., the Patmos vision (1:1-20)
Things present, “the things which are,” i.e., the existing churches (2:1-3:22)
Things future, “the things which shall take place after these things,” i.e., events after the Church Age ends (4:1-22:5)
“Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things.” (Rev 1:19) NASB
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3. So Far Things which you have seen: Rev 1 Things which are: Rev 2-3
A blessing: Rev 1:3
A prophecy: Rev 1:7
The Revelation of glorified Christ 1:13-18
Things which are: Rev 2-3
Letters to the church(es)
From Christ (revealing his attributes)
Based on His knowledge (“I know”)
Assessing their condition
Reminding them of His pending return (“I am coming”)
Challenging them to hear (“He who has an ear to hear”)
Providing His promise (“To the overcomer”)
Each letter shows distinct attributes of the church that should be considered today
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4. The Prophetic Nature of the Letters?
Location
Characteristic
Church
Time Frame
Ephesus
Lost first love; distracted
The Apostolic Church AD
Smyrna
Persecuted
The Persecuted Church AD
Pergamum
Faithful, but compromising
The State Church AD
Thyatira
Tolerant of a false teacher
The Papal Church AD
Sardis
Spiritually dying, dead
The Reformed Church AD
Philadelphia
Faithful, persevering, witnessing
The Missionary Church AD
Laodicea
Lukewarm
The Apostate Church
1900-?
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5. Things to Come Vision of Christ in Glory Chapter 1
Messages to the seven churches Chapters 2-3
The throne in heaven Chapters 4-5
Seven seals, trumpets, and bowls Chapters 6-16
Babylon’s fall and the lamb’s victory Chapters 17-18
The 2nd coming and the destruction of the Antichrist Chapter 19
The Millennium and Great White Throne judgment Chapter 20
The new Jerusalem and the eternal state Chapters 21-22
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6. A Series of Sevens Seven churches Seven seals Seven trumpets
Seven signs
Seven bowls
Seven last things
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7. Eleven Visions The throne and the twenty four elders Chapter 4
The sealing of the 144, Chapter 7
The angel and the little book Chapter 10
The two witnesses Chapter 11
The woman and the dragon Chapter 12
The beast from the sea Chapter 13
The beast from the earth Chapter 13
The lamb and the 144, Chapter 14
The reapers Chapter 14
Heaven Chapter 15
Armageddon Chapter 16
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8. “After these things” After the church age
In Pre-trib (dispensational) Pre-millennial view, this is after the rapture
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9. Why a Pre-Millennial View
Driven by hermeneutic that the Bible should be interpreted in its ordinary grammatical and historical meaning in all areas of theology unless contextual or theological reasons make it clear that this was not intended by the writer. i.e. literal interpretation
Key Tenets
Thousand-year kingdom of peace and justice on the earth under Christ’s rule
Tribulation period prior to Christ’s return
Restoration of Israel at Christ’s return based on OT promises/prophecy
Matt 24:29-31 “But immediately after the tribulation …, and then the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the earth will mourn.”
Matt 25:31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.”
Zech 14:4-9 “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; … And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one.”
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10. Pre-Millennial (Con’t)
Matt 25:31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.”
Zech 14:4-9 “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; … And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one.”
Rev. 19:11-20:4 “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 makes war. … They (resurrected believers) came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Eze 40-48: Restoration of Israel
Other references: Rev 20:1-6, Dan 7:13-14, Psa 2:6-9, 1 Cor 15:23-28, Isa 11:12, 1 Cor 15:23-28
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11. Why a Pre-Tribulation view
Pre-Tribulational view implies Rapture and Christ’s Second Coming are not the same event
Will be considered in depth in Rev 19-20, but a few scriptures for consideration
Rapture
Christ’s Second Coming
Unknown time – Matt 24:36-44, 25:13
Appears relatively determinable based on tribulation & abomination of desolation – Dan 8:13-14, 9:27, Rev 13:4, Matt 24:15-21
Christ comes for His own - 1 Th 4:13-18
Christ returns with His own - Rev 19:14
Jesus descends with a shout - 1 Th 4:16-18
No shout mentioned Rev 19:11-21
Occurs in the twinkling of an eye –
1 Cor 15:52
Comes to earth for at specific time & locations - Isa 63:1-3, Rev 16:16, Zec 12:9-10
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12. Reminders We are blessed to have God’s word Christ is coming again
Regardless of our millennial view, we are accountable for our actions today
The world - family, friends, acquaintances, & enemies - needs to know Christ & this is a perfect time to tell them!
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13. The Next Several Weeks Dec 11 Christmas Concerts (No Morning Song)
Dec 18 A Vision of God’s Throne (Ch. 4) Chris
Dec 25 Merry Christmas! (No ABFs)
Jan 1 Happy New Year (No ABFs)
Jan 8 The Seven-sealed Scroll (Ch. 5) Clint
Jan 15 The First Six Seals (6:1-6:17) Jim
Jan 22 The First Interlude (7:1-7:8) Chris
Jan 29 The Second Interlude (7:9-7:17) Jon
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14. See you in TWO weekS!
11/27/2016

15. 11/27/2016