Are We experiencing the End of Times?

Recently, I’ve noticed more people talking about the end of times possibly arriving soon. There will always be people who thrive on sensationalizing events, but what I’ve found is best, is to look into it on your own before believing what anyone tells you. This is why I’m writing this post: I read Revelation once a few months ago, but with so many different events happening and people claiming the second coming of Jesus will be soon, I wanted to read it a second time.

Don’t be concerned: I’m not going to give you my comprehension after only reading it a few times (that would be ridiculous), but I found a reading plan on the YouVersion Bible app with an explanation of the Book of Revelation summarizing the main points. I’ve also listened to a few others who have been studying prophetic scripture about the things to come for over a century so I will use some of that too, for insight, then reference supporting Bible verses (via links to the Bible Verses so you can read it on your own).

When it comes to the future, truthfully, no one can predict it, people just get lucky with their guesses at times. But biblical prophets are different, their prophesies have proven truthful against historical events, and any biblical prophet doesn’t claim to have this ability on their own; they received the insight directly from God. The Bible is the truth, it’s not a bunch of fables. The more you read and study it, you will comprehend this. Symbolism is often used, which makes some of it challenging the first time reading, but over time it becomes clearer. Personally, since the bible is God’s word, I believe God provided it that way to grab our attention and curiosity keeping us engaged. Hopefully this will encourage you to explore the Book of Revelation and the bible further.

You can read/listen to it on the app, rather than reading the rest of this post if you prefer? Here is a link to the YouVersion website, where you can download the free app in iOS or Android form. Once you have the app, search the reading plans for “Revelation Explained” (Parts 1-7). The Book of Revelation is not the easiest to comprehend, so that means people will have differing opinions on interpretation. So seek on your own before arriving at a conclusion. The bible does say if we seek wisdom from God, He will provide it.

In the rest of this post, my intention is to provide an outline format for most of it, highlighting key points, important information, and insight from those who have spent more time studying this book.

CHAPTER ONE – JESUS REVEALED

1. Jesus is introduced as the ultimate ruler of all; the book of Revelation is about his return to establish His Kingdom.
2. Jesus freed all people from the bondage of sin by his death on the cross.
3. During this process, of Jesus’ return, the world is judged. God’s wrath (for some) and mercy (for some) will be delivered.
4. The author of the Book of Revelation, John, was exhiled on the island of Patmos due to his teaching the testimony of Jesus, when Jesus appeared to him among seven lamp stands. The revealing of Jesus occurs through descriptive symbolism, explained in this reading plan as follows:
   • the lamp stands represent seven churches (the “light” of the world)
   • “Son of Man” is a title Jesus called himself in each of the New Testament gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The robe and sash were clothes a judge and king would wear. The description of the Messiah from the Old Testament Book of Daniel is similar.
   • Hair as white as wool is a similar description found in the Old Testament Book of Daniel too.
   • Eyes of fire: Fire is dangerous, piercing, refines, and purifies. Jesus sees with eyes of fire.
   • Feet like bronze: Bronze represents judgement. Both of these descriptions are similar to the description in Daniel.
   • Voice like rushing waters: “majestic, powerful”
   • Out of his mouth: the double edged sword – meaning the Word of God pierces. The truth convicts us, feels painful to us.
5. Jesus tells John: He is God, He is the Living One, He was dead and is alive. Jesus holds the keys to the gates of death and Hell.
6. Jesus tells John to write down:
   • what he has seen (John saw Jesus) – Revelation 1
   • what is now (the present age, current time period, present church) – Revelation 2 and 3 and
   • what will take place later (the future, the end of times)- Revelation 4 – 22

CHAPTER 2 AND 3 – MESSAGES TO THE CHURCHES

Jesus spoke to John regarding each of the seven churches that were present at that time (approx. 95 AD) giving each of them direction, encouragement and correction.

1. The Ephesians: they were hardworking, but forgot love; their love grew cold. He tells them to change their ways and return to love (the initial love they had) and their reward is in paradise. (Revelation 2: 2-7)
2. To the church of Smyrna (present day: Izmir, Turkey): they were a persecuted church living in affliction and poverty. He tells them not be afraid, to rejoice because they will have a great reward, and will escape the second death (Hell). (Revelation 2: 8-11)
3. To the church of Pergamum (Revelation 2: 12-17) : they were a compromised church (a marriage between church and state). Politics conquering under the sign of the cross, there were many hypocrites and genuine Christians were hard to find. The teaching of Balaam was having pagan girls seduce men of God into adultery and turn them to worshiping another god. These men cheated on their wives and God; they were destroyed by foolish lust. (idolatry and sexual immorality) Lots of pagans joined the church, but they didn’t truly become Christians, they brought with them many of the pagan customs and holidays and Christianized them, examples: Christmas trees, Easter eggs, lent, celibate priests, altars to anyone other than God etc. were all pagan traditions brought into the church. He tells the church: “Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” Revelation 2:16 (The sword of his mouth is the Word, the Bible. The word of God pierces: it checks our motives.)
4. To the church of Thyatira (Revelation 2: 18-29): Jesus commends the church for their good works, love, faith, service and perseverance, but they tolerated Jezebel, whose teaching was sexual immorality and “paying off sins” by donating to the church or turning over property to the church. He also speaks to those in the church who do not hold to this teaching and are faithful and he promises a reward. He warned this church: He will surprise them when He returns.
5. To the church in Sardis (Revelation 3: 1-6): Jesus tells them they have a good reputation “name,” but they are dead and they need to “wake up,” he wants them to overcome this, repent and turn to Jesus again. He warned this church: He will surprise them when He returns. But also acknowledges there are a few faithful ones who are worthy.
6. To the church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3: 7-13): They show faithfulness, love, have open doors, kept Jesus’ word; he promises to keep them from the hour of trial (Tribulation).
7. To the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22): They are the apathetic “lukewarm” church, they are rich, they have what they need so they really don’t have strong feelings about their faith. They need faith, hope and love. Jesus loves the church so he wants them to change their ways, and disciplines those He loves and the people will be rewarded for changing their ways.

THE FUTURE (CHAPTERS 4-22)

CHAPTER 4 – 5: THE RAPTURE AND THE CHURCH IN HEAVEN

Jesus will return for His church, the individual people (who are the church) will be caught up in the clouds. (“raptus “in Latin means “caught up,” and the English word is rapture, so this is why this event is called “the rapture”) John the author of Revelation is caught up to Heaven and describes what he sees.

This reading plan suggests the following possible symbolic meaning of the scroll with 7 seals as described in Chapter 5: In Jewish culture, a title deed to property was written on a scroll. If the owner went into default on the property debt, the owner would give up the deed and the price to redeem the property was written on the back side, then sealed with 7 seals which were not broken until the owner paid back the debt. The scroll in Chapter 5 is believed to be the title deed to the Earth. God gave the care of the earth to Adam along with a command of obedience, but when Adam defaulted, the earth was given to the rule of Satan. Satan has been described as the ruler of the kingdom of the air and spends time roaming the earth. Satan tried to tempt Jesus by telling Jesus that he would give Him all the Kingdoms. In doing so He would have been worshiping Satan, but Jesus didn’t submit. He paid back the debt for the earth by His death on the cross (a sacrifice). This was the redemption of the people of the earth through Jesus. No one in Heaven or on the Earth was worthy to break the 7 seals and repay the debt, except for the lamb which appears visibly slain (Jesus is the lamb of God)

Regarding the symbolic description of the lamb in the bible, the study plan suggests: the number 7 is the Bible’s number for “complete” or “perfect” and horns represent “power”: 7 horns is “all” powerful, 7 eyes is “all” seeing, 7 spirits is “all” present, omnipotent. The incense is the “prayers of the people.”

CHAPTER 6 – 19: TRIBULATION AND JUDGEMENT

Each opened seal contains a judgement of the earth, this begins the Tribulation. The Tribulation is the last 7 years on the earth and one final effort for all to be saved. The timetable for the Tribulation was provided in the Book of Daniel written around 600 BC. Daniel accurately predicted many empires, leaders and wars for many centuries in this book. In Chapter 9 an angel lays out God’s out the timetable for Israel and the world. The timetable is seventy-sevens, or 490 years (the other time frames given lead precisely to Jesus’ death) then there was a pause (the church age, discussed in Chapters 2 and 3), as soon as the church is raptured, the clock is ticking again and begins the last 7 years (the Tribulation). (There are differing opinions on this rapture part, you may want to check out, I’m simply using the study plan I’m reading, so search the various opinions about the Tribulation, then compare it to your reading and understanding of the Bible) The main point, whenever it happens is for a purpose: The purpose of the Tribulation is one last chance to stop sinning and repent.

The Six Seals are broken:

Seal #1 broken: A white horse rode out – this is the beginning of the Apocalypse, which is the symbolic depiction of real things: the Rider on the white horse carries a bow and was given a crown- the study plan suggested: this rider is one who tries to look like a savior, like Christ, possibly the AntiChrist

Seal #2 broken: A red horse rode out (war)- take peace from the earth, make people kill each other

Seal #3 broken: A black horse rode out (famine)- scarcity and poverty, the poor suffering while rich enjoy life and luxuries; 95% of famines are caused by politics, ie. man-made. War is how man makes peace

Seal #4 broken: A pale-green horse road out (death) – a 4th of the earth will be killed by sword, famine, plague and wild beast

Seal #5 broken: Faithful souls who were killed as martyrs for their faith, they are given white robes for their righteousness but told to wait for their brothers and sisters

Seal #6 broken: a great earthquake occurs, the moon looks like blood, stars fell, people hid from the wrath, then the angels who are holding the winds back, possibly hurricanes, are told to not harm the earth until the angel arriving from the east, with others seal the foreheads of 144,000 people from all the tribes of Israel who are God’s people and will be saved.

The people who died in the Tribulation are then seen by John at the Throne of God, serving him day and night. (See also Revelation 14 below…so it seems to me that there is some overlap of how this information in the book of Revelation is provided – John sees them after the 6th seal is broken, but then there is chapter 14 dedicated to them later-, maybe this summary of the seals is an outline of events, but the detail is given further into Revelation?)

Seal #7 broken: 30 minutes of silence in Heaven occurs.

Seven angels are given 7 trumpets. Prayers to God are mixing with the burning incense and an angel pours them out, then the angel filled the incense burner with fire and through it down upon the earth; there was thunder, lightning and a terrible earthquake.

The Trumpets: (1- 4)

(The Trumpet sounding is another part with various interpretations, some believe that several of these trumpets have already sounded as follows: Trumpet 1 being World War 1, Trumpet 2: World War 2 (because 1/3 of the ships were destroyed and Hiroshima), Trumpet 3: Chernobyl (because of the Wormwood reference), Trumpet 4: is unclear, Trumpet 5: the Gulf War (but this actually lasted 7 months, not 5 as the book predicts, but oil wells were ignited causing smoke, the helicopters could have been “locust” to John due to him seeing these things in 95 AD) but these are purely human opinions and assumptions….and that would mean all the seals have been broken, if the unfolding of the events follow the order presented in Revelation where the seals are broken before the trumpets sound, wouldn’t it? To me personally these references are great examples of applying the symbolism and making sense of it, with historical events. I believe this book is the truth and we truly won’t know until it’s in the past and we look back! But for now, it will keep some engaged trying to figure it out. The important part is the overall message in Revelation)

Trumpet 1: Hail, Fire and Blood thrown at earth, 1/3 of the earth was set on fire, 1/3 of the trees were burned and all the green grass was burned

Trumpet 2: A great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. 1/3 of the water in the sea became blood, 1/3 of all living things in the sea died and 1/3 of all the ships on the sea were destroyed

Trumpet 3: A great star fell from the sky burning like a torch, falling on 1/3 of the rivers and springs (the name of the star was Wormwood), many people died from drinking the bitter water. Could this be Chernobyl? Some suggest it could. See this article too.

Trumpet 4: 1/3 of the sun was struck, 1/3 of the moon and 1/3 of the stars and they became dark. 1/3 of the day was dark and 1/3 of the night. An eagle flew through the air crying “Woe, Woe, Woe!”

Trumpets 5 and 6:

Trumpet 5: the first terror: a star that had fallen to earth from the sky was given the key to the bottomless pit. When the pit was opened smoke poured out, sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke rising, and what looked like locust came from the smoke and descended on the earth. The locust were given power to torture people, but not kill them, and were not allowed to harm the earth, only the people. They also did not harm the people sealed by God’s angels. This occurred for five months. They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).

Trumpet 6: the second terror: Four Angels were released to kill 1/3 of mankind. The number of mounted troops were “twice ten thousand times ten thousand” (200,000,000) “The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20-21)

The point to emphasize here is an unwillingness to repent by some, despite these terrors.

Revelation 10

Trumpet 7: The study plan author suggests this could be Jesus based on the similar descriptions in other places of the Bible. (But this is an assumption) The “angel” comes down from heaven surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head and a small scroll in his hand. Could this be Jesus claiming the earth, since the debt was paid; therefore he has the scroll? But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. (Revelation 10:7) John was told not to write down what was said.

Revelation 11 – The two Witnesses and the Temple (Matthew 24, Daniel – 3 verses)

Remember: as was mentioned earlier: The Tribulation is 7 years

This is where it gets very interesting and possibly “current” for today based on what is happening in world politics and some are talking about this now. But first, all should be reminded back in 1967 people thought these last 7 years might have been happening because Israel reoccupied the territory. So today, (not from this bible study plan though) there is focus on Trump’s Peace Plan which is in the works, has been delayed many times moving forward, but may be agreed upon before the end of this year (2020) between Israel and the Palestinians.

Getting back to the details in Revelation 11: John is told: “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. ² But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.” (42 months is 3.5 years, midway through 7 years). Recently some archaeologists have suggested the ruins of the prior Temple may NOT be located UNDER the present day Mosque, so it is possible that the Mosque is located on the “outer court.” The following is not from the study plan but from another source: If the Peace Plan reaches consensus, Israel may build the 3rd Temple (as plans are prepared).

Back to the Bible: There will be two witnesses appointed by Jesus for 1,260 days (about 3.5 years). They will have supernatural powers according to Revelation. Could this be God’s final attempt for people to believe and repent by using supernatural examples during the Tribulation? The witnesses end up getting killed, their bodies lie in the streets, but are raised after 3.5 days when God breathes life into them and takes them up to Heaven. An earthquake occurs when this happens.

Midway through the 7 years, at the 3.5 year mark, the AntiChrist is revealed. with the “abomination of desolation” in the temple. The Book of Daniel 7-8 also refers to this.

The 7th Angel sounds the Trumpet and says: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” This is a little confusing to me personally because this sounds to me like it’s over when this statement is made. But this is still at the 1/2 way point (3.5 years into the Tribulation)

This statement is my own thought, not from the study plan, about the next chapter: Revelation 12 seems to pause with the chronological events prior to this giving a broad overview or clarification as to why all of this is happens (a quick history).

Revelation 12 – The Woman and the Dragon

What are the symbols?

• The Pregnant Woman: Some think it’s Mary (the Mother of Jesus) and others think it’s Israel (the whole nation), the sun and moon from Joseph’s dream explain this connection further here , the 12 stars are the 12 tribes of Israel, there is another reference by a prophet that compares Jerusalem to a female, so I can see how this woman could be symbolic of Israel.
• The Child: The Messiah, Jesus who ascended into Heaven
• The Dragon: Satan, the Devil- Satan was an angel, but was rebellious and 1/3 of the angels joined him (demons) when he was thrown from Heaven, his ongoing goal was to kill the Messiah, prevent Jesus from becoming King
• 7 Heads and 7 Horns: represent Power

The war in Heaven occurs and ends with Satan hurled to the earth. Symbolism explained by the study plan: Satan is angry so he continually has pursued Israel (the symbolic woman) throughout time on earth because Jesus was the descendant of Israel and becomes King. Israel takes shelter during this next 3.5 years and Satan goes after all the people who keep God’s commands and continue to believe in Jesus. As the study plan mentions: all of this is symbolic but tells the story of real things that happened and are to come in the future. Why did God make it so confusing to understand all this? We don’t truly know the answer, but a good probability is to make us seek Him….make us curious enough to spend time figuring out the puzzle, where eventually we will learn something from it.

Revelation 13 – The Beast coming out of the Sea

You’ll need to read Revelation 13 (linked above), but here is a guide to the symbolism from the study plan:

• Horns are symbolic of power and represent individual kingdoms
• The First beast from the sea is made up of 10 kingdoms (A unification of 10 Kingdoms)
• Seven is the symbol for “complete”
• again we see a reference to 42 months where the beast is given power and control for 3.5 years and all the people (except those who follow God) are impressed and support the beast (super powers)
• The bible says during this time: “This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.”
• The Second beast from the earth has 2 horns (so 2 Kingdoms together) supporting the first beast and this second beast (from the Bible): “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.”

Revelation 14 – The Lamb and the 144,000

These 144,000 are the ones mentioned earlier whom the angels marked with God’s seal and they are in Heaven. Then 3 Angels announce that judgement will commence and give every remaining person on earth one more chance to repent. (Revelation 14: 6)

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Revelation 14: 12-13

Then came blood flow as the first part of judgement.

Revelation 15: Seven Angels with 7 Plagues (next part of judgement)

Revelation 16: All these events then occur during God’s wrath (justice): Sores, blood, fire, demonic spirits release from the dragon in preparation for war with God, earthquake, hail stones and plague. The people curse God.

Revelation 17: Babylon the Prostitute on the Beast

• Symbolism:
• Babylon the Prostitute: this requires knowledge from reading the bible for the symbolism here. Many times God compares making anything (money, power, our own knowledge or abilities, control, materialism, lust, etc) more important than God, basically cheating on God, to adultery. The Prostitute part is getting paid for making anything more important than God.
• Babylon the City: Throughout the bible, you will notice there are two primary cities referenced: Babylon and Jerusalem. Babylon represents “worldly focus” as opposed to “God focused” – two opposing viewpoints: including world religion (which is godless) and a world economic system (one that focuses on becoming “like God” or becoming a god through not recognizing God, not giving God the credit for the abilities, denying God, denying the existence or importance of God)
• The 7 heads according to the angel’s explanation represent the seven hills where the “woman” sits: the study plan suggests this could be the city of Rome because of the seven hills. But the 7 heads also represent 7 kings and the beast is the 8th King belonging with the 7 others until his destruction. The 10 horns or 10 kings only are in authority for 1 hour, then they give their power to the beast. They will fight against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph. (Lamb: is Jesus) The water represents people, multitudes, nations and languages. The woman is a city that rules over the leaders of the earth.

Revelation 18: The destruction of Babylon

A voice from Heaven gives another warning to people to leave before the destruction of this City. (Revelation 18:4-8) then the city is destroyed and many are shocked.

CHAPTER 19: JESUS TRIUMPHS

First there is tremendous celebration in Heaven over the destruction of Babylon, then Jesus (the Heavenly Warrior defeats the Beast).

(THIS IS THE END OF THE EARTH WE KNOW)

CHAPTER 20: THE MILLENNIUM- JESUS REIGNS FOR 1000 YEARS

The Devil or Satan, different from the beast, is imprisoned for 1,000. The souls of the people who had not taken the mark of the beast were brought back to life and reigned with Jesus for 1,000 years. (First Resurrection)

After the 1,000 years, Satan is released, deceives nations and gathers nations to fight. They surround the camp of Gods people, but fire came down from Heaven and devoured them. Then the devil is “thrown into the lake of sulfur” where the beast and false prophet (AntiChrist) were thrown where they will be tormented for ever and ever.

Then all dead were judged according to what they had done. (Non-believers) This is the second judgement. All those names who were not found in the book of life were thrown into the “lake of fire”.

CHAPTER 21 – 22: A NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH

This Chapter is best in full text: “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a] 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’^[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

⁵ He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

⁶ He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. ⁷ Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. ⁸ But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.””

The New Jerusalem – God’s Kingdom is described in great detail here.

Chapter 22:

Eden is restored and described, John and the Angel have a conversation and the book of Revelation ends with this message:

¹² “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

¹⁴ “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you^[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. ¹⁹ And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

In summary, the main message is we won’t know until after it happens, but we are given clues, even by Jesus to understand when it’s getting close. But who wants to not be prepared? The longer we wait to prepare ourselves, the higher the personal consequences. God keeps giving people chances to repent (meaning change our mind, don’t follow the world) all the way until the very end. But if we make up our mind BEFORE the very end, we may avoid some of the hardships that will happen someday to those who wait until the last minute. I guess it all comes down to what is your personal level of risk aversion? God encourages us and promises us that our personal worldly sacrifice will be worth it; He has something wonderful planned for us in the end.