0104 Final Warnings

Rev 22:{6} And he (the angel) said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place."

There are many ancient apocalypses that feature a guiding angel such as the Old Testament apocalypse Zechariah, also 1, 2 Enoch, 4 (or 2) Esdras, 3 Baruch, the Apocalypses of Peter and Paul, and many others. Most of these works may be downloaded freely from the Internet or purchased mail order.

John's guiding angel, the "angel of the Lord" (or "of Jesus," as in v. 15), guarantees the testimony's validity by the God of prophetic spirits. Yes, the very same Spirit that inspired the prophets of old inspired this book of "what must soon take place." Jesus is coming soon!

The angel speaks as though he were certifying the written words rather than the impressions of a vision. John was writing all down somehow (Rev 10:4). Thus not only is the vision true, but its written description is also certified.

Some have interpreted "soon take place" as "suddenly" or "unexpectedly." Very few scholars deny that the historic Jesus was in fact an apocalyptic visionary who expected his kingdom to come immediately. Certainly Paul's motivation for travel was the certainty that Christ would return momentarily. And John assuredly sees the second coming as an event scheduled for the decade in which he was living.

Down through the centuries, many have tried to help Jesus along -- to make his coming "soon." As I write, it is nearly Thanksgiving. As I mentioned before, the Pilgrims left Europe in 1620 primarily as a response to their interpretation of Revelation -- to set up the New Jerusalem in America. Although the English monarchy was ticked about their plan, they used it to advantage: "Let the heretics clear out the Indians so that we can come in and clear out the heretics once and for all." This "clearing out" was accomplished through violence and plague and time.

Like the unintentional alliance between 17th century Anglicans and Puritans, we see unlikely alliances today as a by-product of Revelation's energy. One such alliance is that of evangelical Christians and conservative Jews, who are working together to finance the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, but for very different reasons: the Jews because they wish to resume sacrificial worship in hopes the Messiah will come; the Christians because they think the third temple must be built for the worship of the false messiah, the Antichrist.

And for "his servants" of all ages who have meditated on this book: as much glorious despair as glorious hope of future victory has been experienced. We prophets know that this is a sickening sweet scroll. It is so sweet to finally put the meditation of my heart in print for you. But I am also sickened, as, at the same time, I read of the martyrdom of the Waco Branch Davidians in 1993 (which is being reinvestigated as I write in September, 1999). Looking back in history, the Book has been a factor in many judgments already.

At the end of the Revelation, John signs off. He witnesses in two ways: by sight and hearing. His co-witness is his guiding angel.

22:{8b} And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me; {9} but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"

19:{10} Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

The guiding angel is John's fellow servant, and coworker in the days of its fulfillment with (a) those who hold the testimony of Jesus (Gentiles; 19:10) and the prophets (Jews; 22:9): another indication of two special groups sealed for the end. John once again equated the two bodies as one as he explains that "the testimony ... is the prophecy." In algebraic terms, If A = C and B = C, then A = B.

Neither John nor any of the elect, no matter how ethereal their heavenly ascension might be, may worship angels or other intermediaries, including Wisdom (Sophia), Blessed Virgins, Titans, Nephilim, demons, or demigods. The worship of angels was one of two heresies in the church at Colossae, as reported in St. Paul's letter and admonished by the Apostle. It is also the primary heresy in today's seminaries, both liberal (many goddess worshipers) and conservative (Bible worshipping is just as wrong).

22:{10} And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. {11} Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy."

"The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true. As for you, seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now." (Dan 8:26)

Most of it could easily be interpreted in John's day, especially the sections concerning the Beast(s), considering the historical events happening around him. Unlike the prophecy of Daniel, John reiterates the nearness in time for fulfillment -- "the time is near." In fact, it was being fulfilled in the middle of the first century.

The fourfold parable "Let the evil...": Each must accept the consequences of her behavior in light of the unsealed prophecy. Time is gone. Read it quickly and change; read it not and continue on in ignorance, either for the good or evil.

Now Jesus is talking from the background: "I am coming!" He pronounces a blessing (the sixth beatitude) on all who takes the prophecy seriously.

Translating the word idou as "see" is correct but hardly as emphatic as the situation demands. Let's go back to the KJV on this -- "BEHOLD," or at least "LOOK HERE!!!"

22:{12} "See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work. {13} I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." . . . {16} "It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."

JUDGMENT: And here is another BEHOLD. Jesus is going to judge on the basis of work, not faith; faith being evidenced in work. If there is to be a general resurrection, if there is to be a people to reign over, then the judgment can't be any other kind but of "works." In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of judgment by works almost exclusively. He will judge nations by their works. Jesus has the right and power to do that no matter what your theology or church tells you. Read the Bible.

Isa 40:10 Behold, Yahweh comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

Is Mahatma Gandhi burning in hell now? Does a peacemaker deserve the Lake of Fire? If Jesus judges by works -- no way. It is said that Mother Theresa never spoke of salvation. One Baptist theologian told me that Mother Theresa was doomed to hell no matter how many people she took care of because "she wasn't saved and didn't preach salvation." Well, now she is dead (November 1997). Is she in hell? No way. Is everyone who died lately in North Korea or Cambodia or the Sudan in hell because the Gospel hadn't been preached there? No way.

Mat 12:36-37 "I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; {37} for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Nobody is in hell in 1998, if we are speaking in terms of linear time. According to the Bible, nobody burns until after the "general resurrection of the dead." Read on for the proof of this controversial statement.

Even the Gibborim (evil spirits of the offspring of fallen angels) are out of the pit now, but destined eventually for the lake of fire. The day will soon come when there will be a judgment of works: of angels and people and nations. Those adjudicated as good, despite race, creed, or nationality, will be happy to suddenly discover that their new Sovereign Lord is Jesus Christ, King of Kings.

Finally, Jesus speaks through the prophet to claim authorship of the divine message. It is his angel who guides John, and his letter that goes forth to the churches and church age. He is the Son of Man, descended from humankind and from heavenkind -- he is David's son, our Savior.

"A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of Yahweh shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of Yahweh." (Isa 11:1,2)

(Balaam:) "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near-- a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the borderlands of Moab, and the territory of all the Shethites." (Num 24:17)

22:{14} Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. {15} Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Here is the seventh beatitude. One becomes clean through the blood of an overcomer and martyr, Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain. Those whose robes are washed have a right to enter right in by way of the first (spiritual) resurrection --

"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)

The clean will enter the gates of the New Jerusalem; the unclean will never enter -- they are lovers of falsehood and not truth.

{17} The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

This is an invitation from the Spirit of Jesus and his Bride, his true following: All those who are thirsty for life (not death), come. The emphasis is on the imperative verb "come." The word is also a command to the faithful: "Go!" (Erchou means both "come!" and "go!")

And the water is the water of life. It is free, but like the little scroll, it is often bitter water in the stomach.

{18} I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; {19} if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

It is unclear who gives the warning here, but crystal clear who the warning is intended for -- the reader, teacher, copyist, preacher.

"You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of Yahweh your God with which I am charging you." (Deu 4:2)

Something like this is common to ancient books of prophecy. In earlier days, there was no law against plagiarism. Anyone could add or subtract from holy books, or copy them as their own. Are we (Am I) guilty by making commentary on the prophecy? If not, who is?

Rev 22:{20} The one who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! {21} The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.

This is the third time Jesus warns of his coming in this final chapter. His coming is the central theme of the Revelation, the New Testament, the Bible, and salvation history. "Surely" he is coming. All those who are his may say, "Let it be! ("Amen") Come, Lord Jesus! We claim a part in it! Maranatha! ("Come, Lord"). Fr. Sena is right, "Verse 21 is a fitting and appropriate ending to the Revelation and to the Bible." Amen.

This concludes the first module of Revelation Collapsed. We've gone from Alpha to Omega, the beginning to the end, chapter 1 to 22. We start back at stage alpha for the second module.

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