Revelation

The Book of Revelation
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Many Christians are afraid of the book of Revelation, considering it too obscure for the average person. In this article Dr. Robert Thomas, the author of a commentary on the Book of Revelations, begins to open up the message in terms the average Christian can understand and appreciate.

The Imminence of Christ’s Return – Revelation – Part 2
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

What is the difference between “imminence,” “immanence,” and “eminence”? How do each of these terms relate to Christ?

God Plans Ahead – Revelation – Part 3
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

There are two things we can definitely say about Gods plans: What He plans will happen, and what He plans will happen exactly as He planned. Dr. Thomas explains how these things relate to biblical prophecies.

A Preview of Final Doom – Revelation – Part 4
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The article focuses on what Dr. Thomas refers to as the “theme verse” of the Book of Revelation: “Behold, He comes with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all the families of the earth will mourn over Him. Yes, amen.” (Rev. 1:7) Don’t miss this fascinating study.

The Book of Revelation: John’s Commission to Write – Revelation – Part 5
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas gives, from chapter one, a brief outline of the rest of the Book of Revelation. If you have been “afraid” to study the Book of Revelation, this series of articles would be an excellent place to begin.

Ephesus: The Church of Loveless Orthodoxy – Revelation – Part 6
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas begins to look at the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. This month he focuses on Ephesus, the church that had “left its first love.” What did this mean for them, and does carry a warning for the church today?

Smyrna: The Church of Martyrdom – Revelation – Part 7
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

What problem was the angel addressing in his message to the church in Smyrna? How does this message differ from all the others? What is the message for the church today?

Pergamum: The Church of Indiscriminate Toleration – Revelation – Part 8
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Is it all right for the Christian church to be “tolerant” of different beliefs, lifestyle choices etc, in the way our society demands? Dr. Thomas answers that question as he looks at what the Angel to the church at Pergamum had to say.

Thyatira: The Church of Compromise – Revelation – Part 9
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas explains the circumstances in Thyatira that make it a hard place for Christians to stand for their faith. What did “Jezebel” teach? And why did Jesus commend those who opposed her?

Sardis: The Church of Complacency – Revelation – Part 10
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas continues his series with the message to the church at Sardis. What lessons could they have learned from history, as well as from Jesus, that would have prevented their slide into complacency?

Philadelphia: The Church of Promised Deliverance – Revelation – Part 11
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The church is given five special promises not given to the other six churches. What are these promises? Can Christians today claim them? Dr. Thomas explains.

Laodicea: The Church of Lukewarmness – Revelation – Part 12
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas explains the political, social, and even environmental situation in Laodicea which would have made it easy for the Christians there to understand the message given to them.

The Heavenly Throne Room – Part 1 – Revelation – Part 13
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Continuing now with the fourth chapter of Revelation, Dr. Thomas begins to look at the heavenly throne-room, and the identity of those who are described as being around the throne.

The Heavenly Throne Room – Part 2 – Revelation – Part 14
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas explores the importance of the sealed scroll from Revelation 5. What does it contain? Who is worthy to open it?

The Heavenly Throne Room – Part 3 – Revelation – Part 15
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas describes a great celebration that will take place in heaven around the throne. Why (What) will they be celebrating? Who will be there? What will they be doing?

The Beginning of Birth Pains – Part 1 – Revelation – Part 16
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The “divine purgings” detailed in Revelations 4 and 5 are compared to labor pains in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse. Dr. Thomas begins a look at these events.

The Beginning of Birth Pains – Part 2 – Revelation – Part 17
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

In this article Dr. Thomas investigates the meaning of the fifth and sixth seals mentioned in Revelation Chapter 6.

One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand: Who are They? – Revelation – Part 18
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Many different groups have tried to claim exclusive right to be the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7. Dr. Thomas explains why they are mistaken, on the basis of what the Scripture has to say about the identity of this group.

The Crowd Too Large to Count: Who Are They? – Revelation – Part 19
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Last month Dr. Thomas explains who the 144,000 are—and aren’t. Now he tackles the question of the “crowd too large to count” to see if the Bible identifies them as well.

A Half-Hour Silence in Heaven: What Does it Mean? – Revelation – Part 20
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Robert Thomas looks at the events surrounding the half-hour of silence mentioned in Revelation 8 and suggests several possible meanings for the pause.

The Beginning of the Great Tribulation – Revelation – Part 21
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This article looks at the first four trumpets found in Revelation 8:7-13. Do they mark the beginning of the outpouring of God’s wrath? How about the time of tribulation?

The Beginning of the Great Tribulation – Revelation – Part 22
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas looks at the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments described in Revelation 9:1-21 to show what will be involved in these events during the great tribulation period.

No More Delays: The End is At Hand – Revelation – Part 23
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

In previous article we have seen the first six trumpet judgments found in Revelation chapters 8 and 9. Now Dr. Thomas explains two “side trips” that take place before the seventh trumpet sounds.

Measurement of the Temple and its Worshipers – Revelation – Part 24
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

In Revelation chapter 11 John is told to measure the temple and the worshipers in it. Dr. Thomas explains that we can understand this passage without becoming lost in “a hopeless tangle of symbolic contradictions.”

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – Heavenly Celebration – Revelation – Part 25
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The seventh trumpet has sounded. The earth is awaiting the events set forth in the seven bowls. Meanwhile, two songs are sung in heaven. The first celebrates Christ’s coming kingdom and the second celebrates God’s future judgments. These songs are the topics of this month’s article by Dr. Robert Thomas.

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – Satan’s Campaign Against Israel and Her Messiah – Revelation – Part 26
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas explains Revelation 12, which begins with an enactment in heaven and ends with action upon the earth. This chapter furnishes background information that will help us understand the “bowl” or “vial” judgments.

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – Persecution of Israel by Satan’s Chief Agent – Revelation – Part 27
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This month Dr. Thomas continues his series by giving an account of Satan’s persecution of Israel and an introduction to his chief human agent in that persecution.

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – Exploits of the Counterfeit Christ and His Helper – Revelation – Part 28
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This month Dr. Thomas shows us the accomplishments of the counterfeit Christ, the consequences for saints, and the assistance rendered by the beast’s helper, all from Revelation 13.

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending -Victorious Followers of the Lamb – Revelation – Part 29
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This month Dr. Thomas considers the victory scene in Revelation 14:1-5, paying particular attention to the victorious Lamb, the heavenly singers, and the redeemed 144,000.

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – Four Climactic Announcements – Revelation – Part 30
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Revelation 12-14 carried us through descriptions of great past and future battles in Satan’s attempt to eradicate national Israel. We have seen the victory of the 144,000. Now we come to four announcements pertaining to the awfulness of the upcoming “bowl judgments.”

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – The Harvest and the Vintage – Revelation – Part 31
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Revelation 14:14-20 gives us a preview of the great battle still to come. This preview is described as “the harvest” (14:14-16) and “the vintage” (14:17-20) Dr. Thomas explains what is involved in these graphic word pictures.

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – The Harvest and the Vintage – Revelation – Part 31
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The author of Revelation has provided substantial information in preparation for the seventh trumpet judgment. Now the time has arrived to introduce the contents of that seventh trumpet—the seven bowls filled with the anger of God.

The First Four Bowls (or Vials) – Revelation – Part 33
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Our study this month arrives at Revelation 6, a chapter that begins divulging the contents of the seventh-trumpet judgment that was first mentioned in Revelation 11:15. This month Dr. Thomas will look at the first four bowl judgments.

The Fifth and Sixth Bowls (or Vials) – Revelation – Part 34
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

If you think the misery unleashed by the first four “bowl judgments” was bad, Dr. Thomas says the worst is still to come! This month he will describe the difficulties that will be added to humanity by the contents of the fifth and sixth bowls.

The Seventh Trumpet: The Seven Bowls Pending – The Harvest and the Vintage – Revelation – Part 31
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

During the past three months we’ve looked at the first six of the bowl judgments. Now, in Revelation 16, we come to the initial description of the seventh bowl. The full account of this bowl’s contents extends all the way through the Revelation 22:5. We will begin to explore the seventh bowl this month with an introduction and an overview.

The Seventh Bowl: Part One of Intercalation #1, The Harlot and the Beast – Revelation – Part 36
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas suggests that the section from Revelation 17:1-19:10 provides a parenthetical look at Babylon before continuing with the chronological progression of future events. This month’s article looks at the angelic guide, the harlot and the beast mentioned in Revelation 17:1-6.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Two of Intercalation #1, The Beast with Heads and Horns – Revelation – Part 37
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The author of Revelation, John, “marveled with great amazement” at the vision of the beast. In this passage he tries to describe what he has seen. Dr. Thomas helps us to understand what we read about the beast’s heads and horns.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Three of Intercalation #1, Judgment of the Great Harlot – Revelation – Part 38
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The focus in Revelation 17 now shifts back to the “great harlot” her sphere of influence and her ultimate destruction.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Four of Intercalation #1, Fall of Commercial Babylon Begun – Revelation – Part 39
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Babylon’s sins, and therefore her guilt, have already been described, now John describes the judgment that will come upon her. Dr. Thomas leads us through the descriptions found in Revelation 18.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Five of Intercalation #1, Fall of Commercial Babylon Completed – Revelation – Part 40
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Continuing his study of Revelation chapters 17-19, Dr. Thomas describes the events surrounding the fall of Babylon and the attitudes of the people involved.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Six of Intercalation #1, Celebrating the Fall of Babylon – Revelation – Part 41
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Revelation chapter 19 reveals five songs. Who sings each? What is the purpose of each song? Dr. Thomas paints a glorious picture of a heavenly “praise service”.

Events of the Seventh Bowl #1: The Second Coming of Christ – Revelation – Part 42
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This month we begin an investigation of the events of the seventh bowl found in Revelation 19:11-20:15. This article will concentrate on Revelation 19:11-16, the second coming of Christ. In particular, Dr. Thomas identifies the Rider on the White Horse, and his enemies.

Events of the Seventh Bowl, #2 and #3: Armageddon – Revelation – Part 43
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This month we begin an investigation of the events of the seventh bowl found in Revelation 19:11-20:15. This article will concentrate on Revelation 19:11-16, the second coming of Christ. In particular, Dr. Thomas identifies the Rider on the White Horse, and his enemies.

Events of the Seventh Bowl, #4: Satan Bound – Revelation – Part 44
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

When will Satan be bound? Where will it take place? For how long will he be bound? What is the purpose of this binding? These are the questions Dr. Thomas answers in this month’s article.

Events of the Seventh Bowl, #5: Resurrection and Millennial Rule – Revelation – Part 45
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Who are the ones sitting on the thrones in Revelation 20:4? Revelation 20:5 speaks of two resurrections. Who will be involved in each? Dr. Thomas gives us the answers.

Events of the Seventh Bowl, #5: Satan’s Last Fling – Revelation – Part 46
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

In Revelation 20 we learn that Satan will be released for a time. Dr. Thomas paints us a picture of what will happen during that time; what Satan’s army will be like; and what will happen to Satan at the end of that time.

Events of the Seventh Bowl, #6: The Great White Throne Judgment – Revelation – Part 47
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas describes for us the setting of the Great White Throne Judgment, and the ones who will stand before it in judgment. Who will be judged, and on what basis?

Events of the Seventh Bowl, #7: Sketch of the New Jerusalem – Revelation – Part 48
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The eighth scene of the seventh bowl judgment presents a bit of a surprise. Dr. Thomas explains this picture of the new heaven and new earth.

Second Look at the Seventh Bowl (Vial): A Review and Intercalation #2 Begun – Revelation – Part 49
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas briefly reviews what he has shown us about the Seventh Bowl judgment, and points out striking parallels in the verses describing Babylon and the new Jerusalem.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Two of Intercalation #2, Physical Features of the Holy City – Revelation – Part 50
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Who is John’s angelic guide mentioned in Rev. 21:9-10? What will the Holy City be like? Dr. Thomas tells us from Revelation 21:11-21.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Three of Intercalation #2, The City’s Illumination – Revelation – Part 51
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

Dr. Thomas explains that there will be not temple in the Holy City because, in a sense, the whole city will be a temple. And the city will not need a created light source, because God’s pervading presence will provide all the light needed.

The Seventh Bowl: Part Four of Intercalation #2, Inner Life of the City – Revelation – Part 52
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

In this section Dr. Thomas discusses what nourishes and enriches the life of new-creation inhabitants and God’s slaves who live in the new Jerusalem.

Testimonies of the Last-Plague Angel and John- Revelation – Part 53
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

The Epilogue of the book of Revelation contains a series of exchanges between one of the angels of the seven plagues and john, and between Jesus and John. This article concentrates on the testimony of the angel and the response of John.

The Closing Words of Jesus – Part 1- Revelation – Part 54
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This month Dr. Thomas begins his look at Revelation 22:12-14. This is important, not just because they are among the last utterances of Jesus in the New Testament, but also because of the message in these words.

The Closing Words of Jesus – Part 2- Revelation – Part 55
By: Dr. Robert Thomas

This final articles in the series on the Book of Revelation discusses the warnings given in Revelation 22:18-19, and John’s response in verses 20-21.