A careful look at scripture reveals a very different picture of the Temple than is commonly thought of. There are thirteen references to a temple in the book of Revelations and not one is a reference to an earthly temple. One of the verses that is often used to refer to a temple in Jerusalem is Revelation eleven.
1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Revelation 11:1-2
However let us consider somethings about this passage. First we must put this in the context of the other reference to the temple. Prior to this passage we already learn that there are a people in God's temple before His throne.
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Revelation 4:2-3
Since John was called up to be in the temple before the throne we could understand this to be the church being called up. Also there are the twenty four elders worshipping God. So we know that the Temple is in Heaven where the Throne of God is and there are worshippers in that temple.
There are several passages that specifically speak of a temple in Heaven. (Revelation 11:19,14:17,15:5, 16:17)
With this in mind we will go back to chapter eleven. In this passage we find worshippers in the temple worshipping for the forty and two months, while outside the temple is being trampled over by the heathen. If this was an earthly temple it would be highly unlikely that the antichrist would allow worshipper to remain inside for this time. Plus most state the the antichrist will enter the temple and declare himself God.
The picture which we must see here is the that of the temple of God in the third heaven being shut up with the worshippers of God in it, while the rest of creation outside in being judge. This picture can be seen in Noah's ark. While Noah and his family were safe inside God was judging the world. Here however it is more than just the earth that is being judge it is the second heaven also, where Satan and his fallen angels dwell.
As we develop this more in later articles that what is happening in the book, the bigger picture of what is happening will be come very apparent. I am not stating that there will be no earthly temple in Jerusalem, whoever an earthly temple can not play a roll that the Heavenly Temple does.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Angels of the Revelations
To understand Revelations more clearly one must understand angels. Angels are men, pretty much like we are with a few exceptions, one is they can exist in the spiritual realm. I say this because of many reasons and here are some.
“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,” (Genesis 18:2 KJVS)
“Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:” (Judges 13:6 KJVS)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 KJVS)
We will see that in Revelations that the fallen angels are going to dwell on the earth as men and unless on understands that angels are referred to as men this will be confusing.
- They are called the Sons of God, just like man is. (Angel: Job 1:6, Men: Phil 2:15)
- Angels are called men when on earth. (Gen 18:2) This seems consistent throughout scripture.
- They are compared with men and Christ. (Heb 1-2)
- We are told we will be like the angels in heaven (Matt 22:30)
- Just because angels are called ministering spirits does not mean they have no form. Before and after the resurrection Jesus is seen as a man yet He is called a spirit in as much sense the Angels are. (I Cor 15:45).
“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,” (Genesis 18:2 KJVS)
“Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:” (Judges 13:6 KJVS)
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 KJVS)
We will see that in Revelations that the fallen angels are going to dwell on the earth as men and unless on understands that angels are referred to as men this will be confusing.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Introduction
The first thing I would like to bring to your attention is about a certain place. Let’s look at two verses.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12 KJVS)
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16 KJVS)
Have you ever considered where Satan lives? Does he and his angels float around in some empty void or do they have a place to dwell. In the above verses I think we can see that there is a place that Satan dwells. Not only that, I believe we can know the name of His kingdom. It is called Babylon. Why do I say this. Look at a few more verses.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:16 KJVS)
“The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.” (Isaiah 24:10 KJVS)
The name Babylon comes from the word Babel which means confusion. What a perfect name for Satan’s kingdom. We know that he is the ruler of Babylon, because while Isaiah speaks about Nebuchadrezzar as the King of Babylon he reveals a greater hidden kingdom of which the earthly Babylon in under control
“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon… How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:4a,13-15 KJVS)
Just as God’s kingdom is called Zion, Satan’s kingdom is called Babylon and these two kingdoms are at war with each other. If you are a careful reader of the prophet you will see the little glimpse into Babylon through the nations it controls.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12 KJVS)
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16 KJVS)
Have you ever considered where Satan lives? Does he and his angels float around in some empty void or do they have a place to dwell. In the above verses I think we can see that there is a place that Satan dwells. Not only that, I believe we can know the name of His kingdom. It is called Babylon. Why do I say this. Look at a few more verses.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 3:16 KJVS)
“The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.” (Isaiah 24:10 KJVS)
The name Babylon comes from the word Babel which means confusion. What a perfect name for Satan’s kingdom. We know that he is the ruler of Babylon, because while Isaiah speaks about Nebuchadrezzar as the King of Babylon he reveals a greater hidden kingdom of which the earthly Babylon in under control
“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon… How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:4a,13-15 KJVS)
Just as God’s kingdom is called Zion, Satan’s kingdom is called Babylon and these two kingdoms are at war with each other. If you are a careful reader of the prophet you will see the little glimpse into Babylon through the nations it controls.
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