The Book of Life

WTW 2021
8 August
Revelation 6

REVIEW

First rereading chapters 1-5

Chapter 1
Revelation from JESUS about things “now & later” directed to the 7 ekklesia (in Asia) which are the 7 stars which cannot be plucked from JESUS’ right hand

Chapters 2-3
The 7 letters are to the 7 ekklesia which are all along the sliding spectrum from most vibrant followers (enduring Ephesus) to least vibrant followers (sleeping Sardis) interjected with those who are simply faithful, near journey’s end (patient Philadelphia) and to the most pitiful and lifeless of all (lukewarm Laodicea)

All 7 of these receive fervent instruction warning strongly against the influence of the synagogue of Satan in Pergamum, directly and indirectly

Ephesus – against wicked people, false apostles, sinful Nicolaitan practices

Smyrna – slander of false Jews, synagogue of Satan

Pergamum – Satan’s throne and dwelling place, idol sacrifice food & sexual immorality (see Aaron’s calf rebellion & Jerusalem Council letter), Balaam, Balak & Nicolaitans

Thyatira – false prophet Jezebel, adultery, sexual immorality and idol sacrifice food

Sardis – dead, sleeping & soiled

Philadelphia – weak, yet simply obedient, patient & enduring, to whom wicked followers of synagogue of Satan, false Jews, claimers will bow to the faithful who will be spared from tribulation

Laodicea – illusively rich & comfortable, in reality at ease in Zion, brackish & tepid, lukewarm, wretched, pitiful, poor, blind & naked, no concern whatsoever of Satan’s synagogue

Chapter 4
Open door in heaven
Things to come
24 + 1 thrones
Living creatures & glass sea

Chapter 5
In the right hand of the Son of God
The Book of Life
Which no man can open
Which no one can pluck from his hand
Written on both sides
Sealed with 7 seals
There are a lot of names written there
From both Jews & (turn over —>) the nations

And now this dramatic history & prophecy continues unfolding as we come to

Chapter 6
This glimpse into the heavenlies reveals clearly the dual histories: here the seals in heaven are being opened almost as if in slow motion while the final events on earth are being played out regarding the end times, even as they were being experienced by first century followers as well.