The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto
him, to show unto his servants things which must
shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by
his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record
of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus
Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that
readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,
and keep those things which are written therein: for
the time is at hand. (Revelations 1:1–3)
Revelation means to unveil or to reveal something. It is Jesus Christ who is revealing to his church, a message from
the groom to the bride. The bride, or the church, awaits the
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groom so that the wedding can take place. “Things which must shortly come to pass.” In the view of the heavenly realm, time is insignificant. One day is as a thousand years and vice versa, time being meaningless to the heavenly point of view. So the word shortly here is spoken in heavenly terms. In God’s view, the crucifixion was yesterday and Jesus’s return is tomorrow.
Since angels dwell in the heavenly realm, their perspective is the same. While the second coming may seem to be taking
ages to us, it is imminent to them.
There has been debate over who received this vision, but in
my opinion, it is the Apostle John.
John was the youngest of the twelve apostles; along with
James, he is a son of Zebedee. A fisherman by trade until he received his calling to follow Jesus and become a “fisher of men.” Along with Andrew, Peter, his brother James, Philip,
and Bartholomew, he was one of the original six apostles who were with Jesus at the beginning of the Lord’s mission. All
were fishermen.
The original six apostles were truly a band of brothers
who all grew up, ate, and prayed together; each helped each
other in the tough times they all endured. They formed an
impenetrable cordon around each other when any of them
were attacked by an outsider. They all shared the type of
camaraderie that is very unique. It was planned this way by
the Father in the beginning. Only one thing could break
them apart, but that is for another book.
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Every one of them was marked by the Father on their
foreheads so that only the Son could see. Jesus did not choose the apostles, the Father did. God chose every one of them
by agreement with each before they even took the form of
the physical body. The Father will not violate free will under any circumstances, so one by one, each agreed to this very
special mission.
At his baptism given to him by John the Baptist, Jesus
saw the markings on Philip’s and Andrew’s foreheads and
knew they were his, purchased from the Father. On Andrew’s
forehead was the number 2, on Philip’s the number 5. Jesus
also knew that these two followers would lead to the next
four. It was agreed upon a long time ago. He knew these
men before he took up the body, and he looked forward to
spending three years with them. He loved his disciples as no man had ever loved another as the Father had chosen well.
Each apostle knew that there would be hardships along
the way. They all knew that sacrifice was the name of the
game and that they would all have to keep the gospel of the
kingdom of Christ unto death. All agreed, and all obeyed.
That is except for one, number 12, Judas Iscariot, but that was also agreed upon beforehand. There had to be a betrayal or
the mission wouldn’t be fulfilled.
John, number 4, was more than likely in his late eighties
or early nineties when he received this revelation. Every one of his brothers had been martyred. The last being Philip at
Hierapolis and Philip’s sidekick Bartholomew at Armenia in
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ad 80. John was the last of the original apostles. He missed his friends, thinking back it has been a long time since the Lord was with them. Lifetimes ago that Jesus had preached
his sermon on the mount and held them all spellbound.
Healing the sick, feeding the poor, raising the dead, and
many more miracles witnessed through his eyes. The most
important being the resurrection of the Christ that he was
now looking at.
Much heartache and sadness accompanied this life, but it
was needed as a ransom for many. Many were called, twelve
were chosen.
John was very tired and in need of rest. He longed to be
with his friends, but he knew that his time was not yet. He
had one more mission to fulfill, and at the sight of the Lord this beloved evening, he knew this was it. A brilliant white light filled his damp cave and he again heard the familiar
voice, the voice of love.
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace
be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which
was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits
which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ,
who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of
the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto
him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his
own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto
God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for
ever and ever. Amen. (Revelations 1:4–6)
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John, along with Paul, Philip, and others, spent a lifetime
building up the churches of Asia, which is modern-day Turkey.
With all the paganism that flourished in that day, that work was not for the faint of heart. They had been beaten, whipped, stoned, thrown into jail, and run out of many towns for the
Gospel of the Kingdom.
While the churches were being persecuted time and time
again, it was up to these men to keep strengthening the bride of Christ. They were the early church leaders, setting the
example for others to follow, lest the wind blow the whole
thing away.
Time and again, the enemy had tried to silence them.
Thrown out of the synagogues, put to the torch by the Romans, all were bruised with scars of the whips on their backs. Yet the Kingdom of God which was within had sustained them.
The Lord Jesus identifies himself to John as the one who
is, was, and is to come. The past, present, and future God. The one who is everything and is in everything. The beginning
and ending of all things.
The seven spirits before the throne of God are spirits or
angels who stand at the throne of the Creator of all things.
These are the chief spiritual beings put in charge of all of humanity. These seven will be the fellow messengers, along
with Jesus for this revelation. The seven spirits of God are also the Holy Spirit divided into seven parts. The seven aspects of the Holy Spirit. Love, forgiveness, compassion, faith, hope, joy, and peace. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
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Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall
see him, and they also which pierced him: and all
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even
so, Amen. (Revelations 1:7)
The return of Jesus will be with the clouds. It will be a
sign in the sky, which are orbs of light that every human on earth will see. This is the theme of this book, the return of the Christ. The saints of the future will be needing these words, so they know that in the end, no matter how bleak things may look, victory is assured.
It will be instantaneous. Like lightning that flashes in
the east and shines in the west, so shall the coming of the
son of man be. This is very important information for the
tribulation saints. Many will come before Jesus’s second
coming to proclaim themselves the Messiah. They’ll say,
“Look here and look there, here is the Messiah,” but they will all be counterfeits. If you have to go looking for him, then it is not the case. When the true return happens, all will know and all will tremble at the glorious sight.
When the true second coming happens, it will be golden
orbs of light shining through all the clouds. Lights that shine throughout the entire earth. It will be the event of the ages so that no matter where you stand on this planet, you’ll see the return. You’ll have no doubt that your Savior is here.
The second coming will shake the earth’s very foundations,
so glorious it will be.
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But for those who didn’t keep their lamps lit, it will be
a time of fear. They will not know what to make of it. They
didn’t keep watch; therefore, they will have no idea. They’l see it as an alien invasion on the earth and it will make their spirits wail.
The enemy will wail the loudest. They’ve run amok on
this earth for millennium, but their time will be over through complete and total defeat. The concentrated negative energies which have run roughshod will scream in terror at the sight
of this event. They’ve known it was coming, they just didn’t know the hour. Only the Father knew when the clock was to
strike twelve.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,
saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is
to come, the Almighty. (Revelations 1:8)
Here is Jesus proclaiming himself to be God, the creator
of all things. The source of everything that was, is, and is to come. It all stemmed from him. As he told Philip at the last supper, “The Father and I are one.”
Jesus is the physical representation of the Father, it’s as
simple as that. The Father who is pure energy and spirit
created a physical being called Jesus and enveloped that
being and became one. Ever since that wonderful day when
John the Baptist baptized Jesus and the Holy Spirit settled
down on Jesus head like a dove, they have been one being.
It’s a declaration of the eternal. The first thought and the
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last action all wrapped up into one. What the verse says to
me is that Jesus is Lord and has been all along. The firstborn child of God, who is God, who became flesh. The soul, which
became spirit, which became mind and body. The example set
for the rest of us to make this a heavenly planet. If we would only follow his teachings, we could surely make this world a better place.
But there is good news, the time will come when we will
grow out of adolescence, move into maturity, and become one
with the Father just as Jesus has.
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in
tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus
Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the
word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
(Revelations 1:9)
John was exiled on the Island of Patmos in the eastern
Mediterranean while Domitian was emperor of Rome. John
had seen them come and go as rulers of Rome in his lifetime
and not once did he waiver from his obedience to Jesus. He
never bowed down to a foreign god. Like his brother apostles, persecution meant nothing to him, he was ready to give up
his life if needed, as his brothers had done.
Rome had killed many Christians for not bowing down
to their emperors, why was John spared? I know not. I’m sure they tried, but it wasn’t John’s time yet. He had one more
vision to give to the churches.
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Notice that John does not set himself above any others
in the church but calls them “brothers.” Humility is a trait which we all need to answer our calling. Never should we
set ourselves above others, but instead, we should strive to become servants of our brethren. The least is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. That’s what Jesus meant when he said,
“The first shall be last and the last first.” It’s the same as the humble shall be exalted and the exalted humbled. John could
have very easily set himself above those left in the church; after all, was he not one of the originals? But that wasn’t this apostle’s way. John was always a humble man.
The early church looked upon the original apostles as if
they were demigods, but they wouldn’t have none of it. They
were servants, nothing else, who washed the feet of those just as Jesus had washed theirs. They were also eyewitnesses to the living God and they did their utmost to follow his example.
The saints leaned on each other in those early hours of
persecution. John needed his churches he had help found
and build as much as they needed him. The churches of Asia
needed his guidance and wisdom; he needed their strength
and endurance. He was an old man now, his time short, yet
he needed to know that the church would be in good hands
at his departure.
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind
me a great voice, as of a trumpet. (Revelations 1:10)
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In the spirit on the Lord’s day meant it was a Sunday. The
early church had already venerated Sunday as a holy day, the day of the week when Jesus rose from the grave. Up until that point event of mankind. The world changed on a Sunday, it
will change again on another Sunday, but I’m getting ahead
of myself.
In the spirit meant John was deep in meditation and prayer
when the vision occurred. Have you ever prayed so deeply
that answers were given you? Meditated to furthest reaches of your existence? Seen the light of creation within you? I have, and it’s a glorious experience. It’s an almost trancelike state of being, and when you can go within at that depth, all things come to those who listen.
When one lives in a cave, as did Elijah, John the Baptist,
and now John the Apostle, there is ample time for deep
meditation. This was the state of mind John was in when he
heard the voice which sounded like a trumpet blast. I’m quite sure it startled our beloved John.
Imagine it, your fires are lit, your eyes are closed, you’re rocking back and forth, entering a world of the unknown
when all at once you hear a voice like a trumpet blast! Must have shaken him to the very foundation of his soul.
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the
last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send
it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto
Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and
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unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia,
and unto Laodicea. (Revelations 1:11)
There were many more churches in Asia, but Jesus had
these seven specifically in mind for this revelation. There
is reason for that. Not only were these seven churches
representative of all the churches of that time period, they represented the entire church history from that day to this.
Each church symbolized an age of the church, from the first
to the last. There was indeed method in the Lord’s madness.
Also, there is a twofold meaning here. Not only do these
churches symbolize the entire church age, they also symbolize each church from that point to this.
Many churches have strengths and weaknesses. There is a
little bit of each one of these churches in all of them. Some evangelize more than others, some pray more than others,
some are more persecuted than others, and so on.
Jesus used these seven churches to communicate to all
churches from that day to this.
Two thousand years of the church symbolized by these
seven churches of Asia. The first church age represented by
Ephesus, the second Smyrna, the third age by Pergamos, the
fourth Thyatira, the fifth Sardis, the sixth Philadelphia, and the last church age represented by Laodicea. Symbolism at
its finest.
You’ll find as we go along that this entire book is riddled
with symbols and meanings.
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These seven churches get the message of the vision first
and then pass it on to others.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And
being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in
the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the
Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot,
and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head
and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and
his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto
fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice
as the sound of many waters. (Revelations 1:12–15)
As Jesus will reveal soon, the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches of Asia. They being symbolic of the entire church age mean that they also represent the bride of Christ through the entire church age.
In the middle of the churches is Jesus. How do we know?
Jesus, while in the flesh, often referred to himself as the “Son of Man.”
It must have been like looking directly into the sun when
he saw this vision. His head and hair were white as snow, eyes like fire, and feet the color of brass. John did the best he could at describing the indescribable. Doesn’t exactly look like the humble image of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, does
it? I’m sure to John he looked more like the vision Peter,
James, and himself saw at the Mount of Transfiguration. A
being of pure energy, light, and power.
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John, being one of Jesus’s traveling companions for three
years, would know what the Son of Man looked like so when
he wrote these revelations to the churches describing the Son of Man, they would know exactly who he was referring to.
Son of Man while in the flesh, Son of God in his risen
state. Two parts to the same being.
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of
his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his
countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he
laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not;
I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was
dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and
have the keys of hell and of death. Write the things
which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the
things which shall be hereafter. (Revelations 1:16–19)
The seven stars are the seven angels which keep watch
over the seven churches. One angel for each church.
Certain angels are assigned for certain areas. Some angels
are assigned for individuals, some for churches, and some for entire countries.
I had a conversation with the Angel Samuel who was
appointed to me; he informed me that I was a lucky one, not
everyone had an angel assigned to them. I don’t know why
I’m so fortunate, I certainly haven’t done anything to deserve the honor. I just know of his name and the angel he serves,
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which is the Archangel Michael, whom we will be speaking
of plenty in this book.
Angels are a peculiar race of beings. They are spiritual,
so they aren’t limited by physical matter. They see far more than we do. They know everything about the past including
a person’s past lives and everything about the present. What they don’t know, unless it has been given to them, is the future.
When I had my discussion with the Angels Samuel,
Thomas, and Elizabeth, they seemed concerned with our
future. That we were under siege from dark demonic forces
that we couldn’t possibly fathom, but more on this later on.
Notice Jesus in this image says the right hand, the hand
of power.
Out of his mouth, a sharp two-edged sword; again, we
have more symbolism. His mouth is his greatest weapon. It’s
the tool he used to instruct his apostles, it’s the tool he will use to cast away the enemies of humanity. It’s double-edged, therefore it cuts both ways, front and back. Both sides equally sharp. Words that cut one way will also cut the other. Jesus hasn’t showed up to this vision on a donkey, this time he has a sword. It’s time for the long-awaited battle!
John did what all we would have done, drop to the floor
on his face! It’s what Daniel did when he saw Gabriel and
Michael. If you’ve ever had an angelic visit, you will know
what I am talking about here, a most magnificent presence.
A powerful positive presence permeates the scene at any
angel’s arrival. Your first thought is to worship. John was awe impressed at what he witnessed.
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Jesus then told him two words that he used over and over
again while he was in the flesh, “Fear not.” This is something we need to continuously remember, not to fear. No matter
what trials and tribulations life brings upon us, fear not. No matter what negativity is lurking around the corner, fear not.
“Fear not, for I am with you.” Words to live by.
John is then instructed to write down what he is shown.
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in
my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks.
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches:
and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the
seven churches. (Revelations 1:20)
Remember what I told you about the seven churches
representing the entire church age? The seven stars are the
seven angels for each age. One angel for the first age, one for the second, and so on. A twofold meaning pertaining to the
churches at that time and the churches which are to come. An angel assigned for each church and an angel assigned for each church age. Like running a relay race, angels handing off the batons to each other as one age ends and another begins until finally the baton is handed off to Jesus at the second coming.
Each age attacked from within and without by the enemy,
yet each age persevering, the gates of hell not prevailing
against it.
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The seven Churches