Revelation Chapter 10

Verse 1-3 – And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: 2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, 3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

1. Revelation 1:12-16 – The symbols used to describe this mighty angel are also used to describe Christ.

2. Revelation 4:3 describes the rainbow around the throne of God, and now sits on the head of this messenger.

a. Genesis 16:7, 21:17 – Many speculate the angel of the LORD which appeared to Hagar is Jesus Christ.

b. Genesis 19:1 – Many speculate the angel that appeared to Lot is Jesus Christ.

c. Genesis 22:11,17 – Many speculate the angel that appeared to Abraham is Jesus Christ.

1. Many believe this mighty angel is Jesus Christ, and there are several points in these verses that seem to indicate this mighty angel is Christ.

a. The word “another” means “other”, signifying this angel is one of a group of mighty angels.

1) Revelation 5:2 states, And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

2) Revelation 18:21 is the only other passage in the entire Bible passage that, in particular, mentions “a mighty angel”.

a) II Thessalonians 1:7,8 states, And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

b) This verse makes is clear that God has many mighty angels, which will have a part in bringing God’s vengeance on unbelievers.

c. Interpreting the Bible literally forces us to first believe this angel is exactly as the Bible states, another mighty angel, not Jesus Christ.

3. John doesn’t fall down to worship this mighty angel, because he knows this is not Jesus Christ.

a. In Revelation 4:10, the 24 elders fall down to worship Jesus Christ, not angels, or even mighty angels.

b. Revelation 19:10 – And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

c. Revelation 22:9 – Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

4. Compare the purposes of Christ coming to the earth with the purposes of the mighty angel coming to the earth.

2) Genesis 18 – Jesus came to Abram to fulfill his promise concerning the nation of Israel, and to bring word of judgment against the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

4) Jesus will return to the world at the rapture to take his children to heaven.

5) Revelation 19 – Jesus will come to the earth in final judgment of the earth.

b) To the inhabitants of the earth (and also to us) that time, God’s measuring device toward his coming vengeance, should be no longer.

a. The rainbow on the angel’s head, and his clothing as a cloud and his face as the sun, and feet as pillars of fire represent the one the angel has been close to – Jesus Christ.

b. When Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mt. Sinai with God, his face shone with such brilliance the Israelites could not look upon him.

c. Believers should take on the appearance of Christ, so that people will know we have been with him, and are of him.

C. If we are wrong in our speculations, and this angel is Jesus Christ, so be it; and glory to God because of it.

3. The Anti-Christ rises out of the masses of the earth with condemning fulfillment of prophecies.

4. The mighty angel has a message from God to this earth: a message of finality.

1. Christ left in a cloud, and will return in a cloud, but this mighty angel comes clothed with a cloud.

3. Revelation 1:13 describes the clothing of Christ, that he is not clothed with a cloud.

1. See my notes on Revelation 4:3, which reflect the rainbow is a symbol of the promises of God.

2. Genesis 9:13-16 reveal the first rainbow, which is a promise from God that he would never destroy the world by water again.

3. Ezekiel 1:27-28 records that Christ will always remember his promises and warnings, regardless of whether men remember or forget or disregard.

4. II Peter 3:5-10 reveals that men have disregarded the promise of God in Genesis, therefore they disregard the warning of God that he will destroy the world by fire.

1. Revelation 1:15 describes the feet of Christ as fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace.

2. Revelation 2:18 describes the eyes of Christ as fire, and his feet reflective, as fine brass.

3. The feet of the mighty angel represents the judgment of God upon this entire earth, as the angel places one foot on the sea and one foot on the earth.

a. Christ opens the seven sealed book because he only is worthy to bring final judgments on this sin cursed earth.

b. The mighty angel has no power to open any book, but he has power to proclaim the truths in the book of final judgment, therefore he cries as a lion, and swears by God that time shall cease.

1. This act shows his complete dominion and control of all the earth, all events, and all people.

2. A literal interpretation reflects control over the physical elements of this earth.

3. A spiritual interpretation reflects control over Satan’s kingdom (the sea) and those righteous still on the earth (the earth).

3. This mighty cry would certainly get the attention of the entire world, but sinners refuse to hear the still small voice of God, therefore they also reject this mighty cry.

4. Before the mighty angel proclaimed the end of time, he gave a final warning about the terrible judgments of God that is soon coming.

Verse 3-4 - And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

3. Every eye will look toward the sound, expecting to see dark clouds and threatening weather.

4. Every person will be filled with anxiety, as they look to the future and contemplate the upcoming destruction promised by the storm which caused the thunder.

1. Natural thunder is a boom, but it appears this thunder booms with understanding, likely of the coming judgment of God.

2. This “booming with understanding” gets the attention of those facing the judgment of God, yet they do not repent, because sinners do not look to the Saviour.

1. Genesis 21:17 – God heard the voice of Ishmael and called to Hagar out of heaven.

2. Daniel 4:31 – A voice from heaven told Nebuchadnezzar, …The kingdom is departed from thee.

3. Matthew 3:17 – A voice from heaven declared …This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

4. Revelation 4:1 – A voice from heaven called John to …come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

5. Revelation 10:8 – A voice from heaven instructed John to …take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel…

6. Revelation 11:12 – A voice from heaven calls the two witnesses to …Come up hither.

7. We assume the voice of Revelation 10:4 from heaven is God’s voice, but I can find no scripture which states this is God’s voice.

3. It is God’s mercy and grace that cause us to understand his mercy and grace, not because he is obligated to anybody or anything.

C. Matthew 11:25-26 states, At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

a. If the mighty works done in Chorazin and Bethsaida were done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented.

b. If the mighty works done in Capernaum were done in Sodom, those cities would have repented.

2. In Jesus’ prayer, Jesus confesses that seeing mighty works of God do not bring salvation.

a. It appears from Matthew 11:25-26 that mighty works would bring repentance, just as it appears that keeping the law of God would bring salvation.

b. The truth is that the law of God is meant to show sinners their great sins, and bring them to repentance and faith in Christ, just as the mighty physical works of God were meant to reflect his unmatched, eternal, spiritual power to save and heal.

c. I Corinthians 1:17-29 reveals God has chosen “foolish” things to reflect his eternal glory …that no flesh should glory in his presence.

3. If God did not hide the utterances of the seven thunders would this world repent?

a. We might ask the question of why God did not do more works in Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, but asking that question borders on mistrust of God and our willingness to submit to his eternal plan.

b. Asking that question also reveals our ignorance of God’s ways, and how he brings salvation. God does not use terror to bring unbelievers to himself, but the kindness of faith, mercy and grace, coupled with the tender wooing of the Holy Spirit of God, who uses the Word of God to convict sinners of personal sin.

c. It seemed good in the sight of God to hide the utterances of the seven thunders, therefore we must submit ourselves to the will of God, trusting him even though we do not understand. [1]

Verse 5-7 – And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: 7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

I. Instructions concerning swearing, defined as: to state, affirm, promise, or threaten with an oath that a certain thing will be accomplished.

1. Numbers 30:2 states, If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

a. The word “if” indicates making vows or swearing by an oath is not essential, but optional.

b. It would be very good if a person determined beforehand he could fulfill his oath before he made it.

2. II Samuel 19:7 confirms, Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

a. Joab, understanding that God has established David as the king of all Israel, proclaims David’s great loss if he loses the influence of his position.

b. Joab is not swearing on his authority, rather on what he knows God will do to David.

3. Ezra 10:5 states, Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

a. The Israelites swore according to what they had determined to do, and they did it.

b. Israel did not continue in their faithfulness to their covenant, but they did fulfill the covenant by putting away the strange wives and their children.

4. Matthew 5:33-38 - Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

a. Jesus instructs his followers to not follow the traditions of the past, rather follow the truth of God’s Word.

b. Jesus informs his followers that tradition declares men should not forswear (commit perjury [lying] by failing to fulfill all oaths) themselves but fulfill their oaths.

2) Verse 37 – Jesus declares it is permissible to say, “I will do this, or I will not do that” (based on God’s will, of course), but to say more than that comes from an evil heart.

3) Joshua 24:15 – This is exactly what Joshua did. He did not make a vow, or swear by heaven, the law of God, or anything else. He said what he would do, knowing God would give him power to be obedient – he said, “Yea, yea, nay, nay.”

1. Christ instructs us not to swear because we do not have authority to fulfill that to which we swear.

a. We can “pledge allegiance” to the flag because we do have power to be faithful to our nation.

b. We can swear on the Bible in a court of law because we have power to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

2. Matthew 23:16-22 - Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! 17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? 18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. 19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? 20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. 21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. 22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

b. The Pharisees allowed swearing on what they thought was the greatest authority – the gold of the temple, not realizing God considered the temple the greater authority.

c. The Pharisees did not understand they had no authority over the gold of the temple, the temple, or heaven, or the throne of God, or God.

d. It is likely the Jews believed swearing on the temple, the altar or the name of God was nothing because it was blasphemy. [2]

3. Hebrews 6:13-16 states, For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

a. In this passage, Paul is speaking about Melchisedec, but he had to stop in mid-thought because his hearers were babes in Christ, and not grown up.

b. Paul explained a little about Melchisedec, then decided to continue his thoughts, giving the truth about Melchisedec because of the promise of God for eternal life and complete Christian growth.

c. Paul is relying on the greater oath – that which is made by God to himself, because there is no greater authority for any oath.

4. James 5:12 states, But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

a. James repeats the admonition of Christ (Matthew 5:33-38) to not swear at all, rather to say “I will do, or I will not do” (based on God’s will, of course), because to say more implies power to control situations beyond the control of the individual.

b. One of the most important things any believer can do is rely on the promises of God, reflected in not swearing or making vows on anything or anyone except God.

c. James instructs these believers to completely rely on Christ, who will fulfill all his precious promises, and not rely on trying to determine the end of anything because they have no power to bring anything to pass.

1. He is swearing by the power authority and ability of God, not relying on his own authority.

2. The angel came down from heaven with the signs of God – clothed with a cloud, the rainbow upon his head, his feet as pillars of fire, the little book in his hand, and placing one foot on the sea and the other foot on the earth.

3. To reflect the authority of God, the angel lifts up his hand (not hands, or a clinched fist) to heaven, and swears by the authority of God.

4. It is very apparent this mighty angel has God’s authority upon him, and the angel is not determining anything.

5. The fact that this angel is swearing by …him that liveth forever and ever… is further proof that he is not God.

1. The Bible doesn’t mention which hand was raised, or which hand contained the little book, but in my mind, I picture his right hand raised and the little book in the left hand.

2. The right hand is a symbol of the blessings of God, while the left hand is a symbol of the cursing of God.

a. Genesis 48:13-20 – Joseph did not understand his youngest would be blessed at Jacob’s right hand (the greater blessing), while the younger son would be blessed of the left hand (the lesser blessing).

c. Matthew 25:31-46 – Sheep nations are set on God’s right hand while the goat nations are placed on God’s left hand.

4. I would conclude (after a very brief study) the mighty angel raised his right hand to God because of what the right hand means, as opposed to the meaning of the left hand.

1. Because God lives forever and ever, he has a life that is completely different from any life on this earth or the entire universe.

2. There is no greater authority than one who lives eternally, therefore the mighty angel swears by the greatest authority.

1. God created the heavens, the earth and the sea and everything in those, a small physical reflection of God’s eternal, spiritual provision.

2. God created his own dwelling place, which is only a small physical reflection of his eternal, spiritual dwelling place.

3. Men may not believe that God is the creator, but he is the creator, and will be eternally recognized as such.

4. There is no mention made in these verses that God is the Saviour, or the father of Jesus Christ.

1. John 19:30 states, When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. Every person must either trust in Christ and be eternally saved, or not trust in Christ and be eternally lost.

a. Jesus completed the work of salvation, giving his life for our righteousness, and taking our sins upon himself.

b. There is absolutely nothing else that sinners need to do to be saved – Christ has done it all.

2. James 1:15 states, Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

a. The promise of pleasure from sin is great, but the fulfillment of that wicked pleasure is eternal death and damnation.

b. There is no reprieve from the condemnation of physical death, which culminates in eternal spiritual death. [3]

B. Revelation 11:15-19 – There can be no doubt this passage is referred to because reference is made to the sounding of the seventh trumpet.

1. Following quickly on the heels of the sixth trumpet is the seventh trumpet, and the proclamation that the kingdoms of the world are now become the kingdoms of God.

2. Matthew 4:8-10 – Satan’s hollow promises of giving the kingdoms of the world to Christ (for a very short period of time) is revealed for what they are – hollow, vain and empty.

3. All of Satan’s promises for peace, contentment, gain, happiness and satisfaction are vain and empty.

C. I Timothy 3:16 defines the mystery of God. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

a. God was manifest in the flesh – Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life and died a perfect death for imperfect sinners.

b. Justified in the Spirit – Legally right before a most holy and righteous God in his eternal spirit. Justification in the body reveals justification in the Spirit.

d. Preached among the Gentiles – In this age, but also declared to Adam, and to all the peoples in the Old Testament.

e. Believed on in the world – Some believed, and some did not believe, but the message of God’s eternal redemption has gone out into all the world.

1) In the Old Testament, many who were not of Israel understood and believed the mystery.

3) Ruth, Rahab and many more Gentiles believed the mystery during the times of Israel.

4) Now the mystery is preached almost exclusively to Gentiles, some of whom believe and some do not believe.

f. Received up into glory – Not only did Christ ascend back to his Father, but all who believe will eventually ascend to the Father, then all will return to the new earth to dwell eternally.

2. It must be understood that while there is a true declaration of the mystery of God, there is also a false declaration of the mystery of God.

a. Neo-evangelism is only one aspect of the false declaration of the mystery of God.

b. In the Bible, scriptural baptism and continued Christian service in a local church is a normal part of being a Christian.

c. Neo-evangelism has separated salvation from service, and has accepted all kinds of heresy for the sake of preaching “half a gospel”, which is another gospel.

d. Neo-evangelism has also added many heresies: no authority in the Bible, changed the order of authority in the church/home, allowed women pastors/deacons, etc.

e. Psalm 25:14 states, The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

1) All who earnestly desire to fear the Lord will completely understand, in time.

2) God will show them his covenant, not by education or intellect, but by his eternal spirit.

2. The mystery is the working of God in his kingdom, which relates to this earth the power or control of God through four points:

d. The rule of Christ in the world to come, over all the people of the new heaven and the new earth.

3. God revealed his kingdom from Adam to Abraham by dealing with the conscience of every man. There was no governmental authority, only personal responsibility, which men miserably failed to recognize.

4. God revealed his kingdom through the nation of Israel, but Israel eventually failed because they reflected their glory instead of the glory of God.

5. God revealed his kingdom through the Gentile church, which is currently failing to give glory to God, just as Israel failed to give glory to God, instead reveling in their own glory.

a. Matthew 16:18-19 states, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

1) Today, many do not understand the kingdom of God, much less the difference between the church and the kingdom.

2) Many do not understand the phrase …the gates of hell shall not prevail against it… believing this passage only refers to perpetuity, not understanding the phrase refers to promised victory.

b. Luke 18:8 – Christ asks, Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

1) Matthew 24:12 reveals, And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

2) Many, who claim the name of Christ, will fail to yield to the authority of Christ.

c. Matthew 13:31-32 – The parable of the mustard seed explains the corruption that shall occur in the kingdom of God, because men do not shoo the roosting birds away, as Abraham shooed the fowls away from the sacrifices of God, Genesis 15:11.

E. It is the desire of God to reveal this mystery to believers, therefore he sent prophets in the Old Testament (through the nation of Israel) and preachers in the New Testament (through his local churches).

1. Luke 24:44-45 – The entirety of scripture is about Christ, but God must open our eyes if we are to understand.

a. Mark 4:11 states, And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

b. I Corinthians 2:7 reveals that Paul preached the wisdom of God in a mystery, not with flattering words of men’s wisdom. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

c. Just as Christ spoke in parables and the people did not understand the truths he was teaching, so many do not understand the truths of the local church because their understanding is darkened by unscriptural definition of words. [4]

2. Ephesians 3:9-11 reveals the intent of God was that the mystery of fellowship with God should be revealed to the world by the church. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

a. When the kingdom of God is revealed the local church would naturally be involved.

2) Receiving the gospel of Christ involves receiving Christ as Saviour and Lord (absolute ruler of my life).

3) When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit would use the minister of the gospel to teach them to observe all things in the Word of God, just as Matthew 28:18-20 records.

b. Ephesians 3:1-9 relates the mystery of the church, which fulfilled the times of the Gentiles.

1) There is the mystery of the kingdom of God, which, at one time, was hidden from men.

2) Abraham did not understand the workings of the kingdom of God as revealed by him not knowing where he was going when he left Ur of the Chaldees.

3) Genesis 15:2 – Abraham did not understand how he could have descendants that would fill this earth when he had no son.

4) God revealed his kingdom to Abraham over a period of time, just as he continues to reveal more and more of his kingdom to his children.

c. God began to reveal his coming kingdom to the Jewish nation, but they refused to accept God’s kingdom the way he desired it to be (a heavenly kingdom, not an earthly kingdom), therefore God turned from that nation, and gave his power and authority to his local church during the times of the Gentiles.

1) The Old Testament saints knew nothing of Israel’s rebellion against their Messiah and how their Messiah would turn from Israel to his church.

2) The Old Testament saints knew nothing of a church age, in which their Messiah would organize a Gentile church and give his authority to them.

3) Matthew 21:43 states, Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

5) The New Testament church learned they would be …fellowheirs, and of the same body… (Ephesians 3:6) and that …blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25).

6) The mystery of the kingdom of God are mysteries to the world, not mystery to God, and should not be mysteries to believers.

3. Paul remarked to the church at Colosse that God would reveal to the Gentile churches the entirety of his mystery.

a. Colossians 1:27 – To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

b. Colossians 2:2 – That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

c. Colossians 4:3 – Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

F. Romans 11:25 states, For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

1. God uses the self-imposed, self-willed blindness of his children to further his kingdom.

2. It is God’s desire that all his children understand the mystery of the kingdom of God, but many fail because of various reasons, explained in Matthew 13:22.

3. The greatest hindrance to understanding the kingdom of God is a failure on the part of God’s children to submit to whatever God declares, never injecting faulty and self-willed opinions.

4. This final mystery is the complete kingdom of God, including those between Adam and Abraham, Jews (the nation of Israel) and Gentile (the local churches belonging to Christ).

5. It is my opinion God will not leave out the faithful of any age, but I do not completely understand how this mystery will be concluded.

1. Romans 16:25-27 states, Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

a. Paul declares the power to establish the Romans is through the gospel of Christ, according to the mystery of the final kingdom of God, revealed in the Old Testament scriptures.

b. Romans 11:15-21 offers some invaluable information concerning the transfer of the manifestation of the kingdom of God from Israel to the local churches of the Gentiles.

1) Israel began to establish their own righteousness, relying on self, instead of recognizing their personal wickedness, lack of righteousness, and hope in Christ.

2) Churches are doing exactly as Israel did, and God will turn from that wickedness and establish the nation of Israel again.

2. God is working throughout the ages of this earth to establish a kingdom for himself.

b. God has established the preaching of the gospel to stabilize believers and establish all believers together into one body, which will be revealed in eternity.

3. During the Great Tribulation, the power and authority of God will be returned to the nation of Israel and 144,000 will be sealed with God’s seal.

a. That nation of Israel must understand the kingdom of God does not stop with them, but includes those from Adam to Abraham, and the Gentile church.

b. The local churches must understand the kingdom of God does not stop with them, but includes those between Adam and Abraham, and the nation of Israel.

A. This saying does not mean there will no longer be any measuring of time, or that clocks will stop, never to run again.

1. There is at least 1,000 years of measured time that follow the Great Tribulation, therefore we know this phrase does not mean clocks will now be stopped.

2. The sounding of the sixth trumpet records the cumulation of the wrath of God and the establishing of God as the final and supreme king.

B. …As he hath declared to his servants the prophets. The whole of the scriptures point to the fulfillment of the mystery of Christ, beginning with Jesus Christ as the Saviour, eternal king and ruler of his chosen people to his final reign on the new heaven and new earth.

1. There are literally thousands of scriptures that can be used to illustrate this point, but I will trust these few will suffice.

2. Hebrews 10:7 declares, Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

3. All the prophets spoke of the end of the world and the restoration of this world, which Satan captured at the fall, to God.

4. Luke 1:67-79 – especially verse 70-71 – Zacharias explained God spoke by the mouth of holy prophets since the beginning of the world concerning the coming of Jesus Christ to cleanse his children from sin and save us from our enemies.

5. Luke 24:44-47, especially verse 44 – After the resurrection of Christ, he explained that his crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection is a part of the mystery that was written before in the law of Moses, by the prophets and in the Psalms.

6. Acts 3:21 – Peter explained to the unbelieving Jews the reason their Messiah ascended to heaven until the restitution (return of all things to the perfect state before the fall: of a true theocracy, and sinlessness) of all things. [5]

Verse 8-11 – And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. 9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. 10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. 11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

A. Why does God refer to the book as “little”? (perhaps to differentiate it from the seven sealed book?)

1. Revelation 10:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

2. Revelation 10:8-10 states, And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. 9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. 10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

3. These are the only places in the entire Bible where the words “little book” is found.

a. Many believe the “little book” is the seven sealed book, or the title deed to the earth, but I cannot find scripture that makes that statement, or gives that indication.

b. All of the Baptist commentaries in my possession compare the little book in the mighty angels hand to the seven sealed book of Revelation 5.

c. Because this open book is in the mighty angels hand, and is given to John, it appears this little book is the heavenly representative of the coming judgment of God upon wicked sinners.

d. If this “little book” is recorded prophecies remaining, and that there is little remaining that John is commanded to prophesy.

B. IF this “little book” is the same book described in Revelation 5:1, the seven sealed book which represents control over this world, or the “title deed” to this earth, the following steps regarding the transfer of the “title deed” should be noted.

b. Psalm 8:3-8 – Man was made lower than the angels, above animals, yet God gave the authority of this earth to man.

2. Genesis 3 – Satan stole the birthright from Adam, something like Jacob stealing the birthright from Esau.

a. Ephesians 2:2 – Satan is called the prince of the power of the air. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

b. II Corinthians 4:4 – Satan is called the god of this world. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

c. Satan is called the prince of this world, meaning God has placed Satan in control of this world.

1) John 12:31 – Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

2) John 14:30 – Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

3. Matthew 4:8-10 – Satan offered the kingdoms of this world to Christ, but he refused to accept them on Satan’s terms. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

a. Revelation 13 reveals Satan’s kingdom has been accepted, and will be fulfilled, then destroyed.

b. Revelation 20:2 – Satan looses control of his kingdom. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

a. Luke 1:33 – And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

b. Revelation 11:15 – And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

c. Revelation 20:6 – Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

1. Before John, or any other person, can prophesy or preach, or declare the things of God, they must first be a partaker of those things.

a. II Timothy 2:6 – The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

b. I Timothy 5:18 – For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

c. The labourer must properly till and labour in the soil before there can be a crop, therefore he should receive the first (and best) of the crop, not receive the leftovers.

a. Proverbs 16:24 – Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

b. Psalms 119:103 – How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

c. Often truths leaned in private become a great burden to declare, especially if those truths involve the coming judgment of God, or if those truths are different from what the congregations has been taught.

a. Jeremiah 15:16 – Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

1) In this passage Jeremiah pleads his cause before the Lord, who has just spoken of rebellious Israel and their coming judgment.

2) Jeremiah relates to God how he has devoured the Word of Lord, which is a true blessing to him, and separated him from the wickedness of fellow Jews.

3) In verse 19-21 God assures Jeremiah he will be blessed, not cursed, and will be given great strength to be a prophet of God to Israel.

b. Ezekiel 3:1-11 – Ezekiel is commanded to eat a roll (a book, or volume of writing), then instructed to go to the nation of Israel and prophesy to them, but they will not hear.

c. Zechariah 5:1 speaks of a flying roll, which is described as …the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth. (I use this scripture to confirm that God always informs his prophets, then instructs his prophets to inform his people.)

1) Zechariah 5:5-11 – Zechariah sees an ephah (container) and a talent of lead (wickedness) and a woman sitting in the midst of the ephah (which probably compares to the woman of Revelation 17:1), into which is cast both the woman and the talent of lead, and carried by two angels to Shinar (Babylon), and established on its own base (indicating a kingdom filled with wickedness separate from all other kingdoms).

2) Zechariah 6 describes four chariots, which compare to the first four beasts in Revelation 6.

3) It is no accident God reveals to Zechariah these things in the sequence he reveals them.

d. Revelation 10:9-11 – When John eats the “little book”, he is told he …must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

1. In Revelation 5 the book is closed, indicating there must be a spiritually great power necessary to open it.

E. As far as I can find, there is no record John ever escaped the Isle of Patmos and prophesied.

1. The writer of Revelation and the gospel of John is the same – the Apostle John.

a. It is very appropriate the one who was amazed the Lord loved him would take the message of God’s vengeance to a lost and dying world.

b. It is very appropriate the one who saw the terrible judgments of God for himself is the one who will proclaim those judgments to a lost and dying world.

c. John would declare God’s vengeance in a different way than Jonah, who also preached the soon coming judgment of God.

2) Some believe the Apostle John was released from the Isle of Patmos, and preached to the masses again.

4) All writers I have studied report they believe John will prophesy again, but none of them explain where, when, or how.

1) It is necessary for those who preach the gospel to first receive the message they preach.

2) Messengers of God must deliver each and every message they receive from God, and never hold back anything God reveals to them.

3) John was not given this prophecy to satisfy his curiosity, or to cause him pleasure or pain, but so John will be able to reveal God’s Word to others.

4) John has faithfully written what God told him to write, and distributed those writings to the seven church of Asia.

5) Today, this book of Revelation has been distributed to all the world in many different languages, therefore the ministry of John continues.

[1] Preached to here 11/19/2008 IBC Wednesday Evening

[2] Preached to here 11/26/2008 IBC Wednesday Evening

[3] Preached to here 12/03/2008 IBC Wednesday Evening

[4] Preached to here 12/17/2008 IBC Wednesday Evening

[5] Preached to here 12/24/2008 IBC Wednesday Evening

[6] Preached to here 01/07/2009 IBC Wednesday Evening