Read Revelation 6:1-8 along with Leviticus 26:21-26 and Matthew 24:1-14. Note the common key words in these texts. What do you learn about the meaning of the first four seals on the basis of these parallels? The events of the seven seals must be understood in the context of the Old Testament covenant curses, specified in terms of sword, famine, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rev. 6:1-17, Lev. 26:21-26, Ezek. 4:16, Deut. 32:43, 2 Thess. 1:7-10. Memory Text: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “To My Father, and Your Father,” pages 829-835, in The Desire of Ages; “The Gift of the Spirit”, pages 47-56, in The Acts of the Apostles. The message of Revelation 4 and 5 is particularly important to the people of God living at the close of earth’s history. The coming of the Holy Spirit … Continue reading –>
By Andrew McChesney One of the most perplexing questions that people ask is how to choose the right spouse. For Mario Brito, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Inter-European Division, it was simple: He asked God two seemingly impossible things. Mario remembered Maria while praying for a mission-minded wife as a third-year theology student at … Continue reading –>
In the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4 confirms one of the most decisive events in the history of the plan of salvation: the inauguration of Christ into His post-Calvary ministry as High Priest and King in the heavenly sanctuary (see also Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2:33). Through His high-priestly ministry at the right hand of the Father (Rev. … Continue reading –>
Read Revelation 5:8-14 along with Ephesians 1:20-23 and Hebrews 10:12. Together, what are they saying that should give us great hope and comfort amid a world that, of itself, offers so little of either? As Christ the Lamb approaches the throne, He takes the scroll. This act shows that all authority and sovereignty belong to Him (see Matt. 28:18, Eph. 1:20-22). At that … Continue reading –>
Read Revelation 5:1-4. In light of Isaiah 29:11-12, what is the meaning of the sealed scroll, and why did John weep? The Greek text indicates that the scroll was lying on the throne at the right hand of the Father. It waited for the One who was worthy to take it and “to loose its seals” (Rev. 5:2, … Continue reading –>
The description of the elders in Revelation 4:4 shows that they are not angelic beings. The title “elders” in the Bible always is used for humans. In contrast to angels, who invariably stand in God’s presence, these elders sit on thrones. The white robes they wear are the attire of God’s faithful people (Rev. 3:4-5). The victory crowns (from … Continue reading –>
Starting in Revelation 4:1, Jesus invites John to come up to heaven to be shown a panoramic survey of history from his time until Christ’s return. Revelation 4:1-8, Ezekiel 1:26-28, and Revelation 5:11-14 describe heaven’s throne room. What do these verses teach us about the nature of the heavenly throne room? The apostle looked through the open door into … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Revelation 4:1-11, Ezek. 1:5-14, Revelation 5:1-14, Eph. 1:20-23, Heb. 10:12, Acts 2:32-36. Memory Text: “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5, NKJV). Last week, we looked at Christ’s messages to His people on earth. Now … Continue reading –>
