 
### Chapter 1, Verse 1

The Revealing of Christ

by

Tom Allen

Copyright 2010,2012 Tom Allen

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Cover Design Copyright © Laura Shinn

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. All quoted Bible Scripture contained in this book is from the King James Version.

Preface

This book focuses on the true purpose of the Book of Revelation as stated in chapter one, verse one, "The revelation of Jesus Christ...," and how that revealing takes place. It is not a book that outlines and details the future destruction of the world, there are plenty of those books already. Instead, this is a book about the revealing of Christ in his people, in you, as described in the Book of Revelation.

To see Christ revealed in the Book of Revelation we must first recognize the book provides information through the use of symbols. If we take the book's symbols literally, we end up with the same age-old teachings of death and destruction. The seven seals, trumpets, bowls of wrath, and other sets of symbols remain neatly packaged containers of information that follow one another in logical order, and describe the calamitous destruction of the world. The blowing of the seven trumpets follow the opening of the seven seals. The pouring out of the fifth bowl of wrath follows the pouring out of the fourth bowl of wrath and so on.

What happens if we look at these sets of symbols in a different way? What happens when we see that it is not a particular set of like symbols that provides the information that reveals Christ, but rather the combining of elements from different sets of symbols? The first elements of different sets, the opening of the first seal, the blowing of the first trumpet, the pouring out of the first bowl of wrath, and so on, reveals Christ within us in some way. The second elements of these sets, the second seal, the second trumpet, the second bowl of wrath, and so on, reveals Christ in another way. Bible scholars have long been aware of the similarities that exist between various elements of different sets of symbols, but to the authors knowledge, no one has explained what that relationship is.

This explanation of the Book of Revelation attempts to do just that, explain the relationship between elements of different sets of symbols. It attempts to explain the revealing of Christ in the Book of Revelation and in so doing, clarify the mystery of God, "...Christ in you...." Jesus Christ once said, "...I am with you always." That is either true or it is not. We either wait for his 'return' or see him as he is, in a cloud of witnesses.

The author has divided this writing into two parts. The first part is a summary of what Revelation is telling us about the revealing of Jesus Christ. The second part is a verse-by-verse explanation of the symbolism found in the Book of Revelation as it relates to the mystery of God, Christ in you.

Chapter 1: Mystery

' _Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.' W_ illiam Shakespeare, Macbeth

The Book of Revelation is quite possibly the most read, least understood book ever written. It has information intended for each and every one of us, yet this information is hidden within descriptions of wars, famines, pestilence, beasts, and a beautiful city of gargantuan proportions descending from heaven to earth. No wonder Revelation has been a chief source of material for the apocalyptic story lines found in many popular books and movies today.

No doubt many of us would appreciate these books and movies more fully if not for the fact that these cataclysmic events are to occur in our near future. Some would say, our very near future. Just tune your radio or television to any station offering religious programming and you will hear an end-times message as often as not. It seems many preachers and teachers of the Bible have concluded that we have reached that time in history when the events described in the Book of Revelation are literally coming to pass. And why wouldn't they? We are talking about the Bible here, the word of God, containing any number of prophecies that have come about. Won't these disastrous, worldwide end-times events, as foretold in Revelation and other books in the Bible, also occur sooner or later? The answer to this question is yes. The world will end as we know it. But is it the end of the world or the end of your world?

If you interpret the scriptures of the Book of Revelation literally and do not question the conventional teachings about Revelation, then the destructive events described in the book are either now unfolding or will come to pass in the near future. Some physical entity, either a single person or organization, will bring about the physical death and destruction of many people while some Christians escape all, most, or part of a great tribulation visited upon the earth.

However, if you are not convinced that God intends to do damage to a great part of the earth and most of the people on it, you might find it worthwhile to look at the Book of Revelation in a different way. Consider at least two good reasons for pursuing an alternate, perhaps controversial, explanation of the book's scriptures.

First, the book's stated purpose, found in chapter one, verse one, is the revealing of Jesus Christ. If he is to be revealed, that means he is here, but we just don't see him. Remember, he told us, "...I am with you always." The Book of Revelation is given to us in order that Christ might be revealed in, "...things that must shortly come to pass...." When we see (...let those who have eyes to see...) these things come to pass, the end of our own personal world comes about and we see Jesus Christ revealed.

The second reason seems a bit obvious. If God provided us with information about the revealing of His Christ, he must intend for us to understand it. In order to understand this information, we must accept the way God chose to package it as well as his reason for doing so. God chose symbolism as his way to communicate information in the Book of Revelation. His reason for doing so? We are to experience Christ before we can understand the scriptures that bears witness to that experience. Otherwise, it remains hidden from us until such time as we do experience Him. This is not exactly a new way for God to communicate with us. Only when we first experienced him in our lives and were "saved," did we become set upon knowing about Him.

Before we first knew God, first experienced Him, the scriptures of the Bible were just words in a book, a story. That changed when we first came to know God. The scriptures became alive to us and bore witness to our relationship with Him. Likewise, the manifestations of Christ within us, as described in the Book of Revelation, bear witness to Christ revealed in us, through us and to us. To understand the Book of Revelation is to see Christ revealed.

Revelation's apocalyptic writing style uses symbolism both liberally and intentionally to communicate information and truth. If the number of symbols found in Revelation relates to the number of truths found in the book, it must be an absolute treasure trove of enlightenment. The book has seven of this, seven of that, various Beasts, several kings, and a number of other symbols and events all meant to tell us something, but what?

Consider three of the most prominent events mentioned in Revelation: famine, war and pestilence. Famines have occurred more times throughout the history of humankind than we can count. Evil rulers, wars and widespread instances of pestilence have been legion as well. Although these and other terrible events have occurred from the beginning of time, past events are simply what they are, past events. Will they continue to happen in the future? Yes, they probably will. Disasters like these are taking place now in some parts of the world. Yet, it is the consistent repetitiveness of these events throughout history, as well as their effects on people, that make them enduring and recognizable symbols that convey pertinent spiritual information.

It is not the symbol itself, but the various attributes of a symbol that communicates information. For example, two of the many characteristics or attributes of a famine are its cause and effect on people. A famine occurs because of a shortage of food. A shortage of food occurs because there is either no food available or food is withheld from people. History shows that Joseph Stalin withheld food from millions of his people and, in effect, created a famine. Likewise, a church leader may also withhold spiritual food from God's people, starving them and not allowing them to grow spiritually. The result is a spiritual famine.

Revelation also uses the attributes of events such as war and pestilence to convey knowledge. When we understand the meaning behind the symbolism of these destructive events we recognize some deeper truths, perhaps about ourselves. Why do we go to 'war' with other people, wounding or killing each other with our 'swords?' Throughout the Bible, swords, as well as plowshares, are symbols used to depict the word of God ("...beat your sword into plowshares..."). Haven't we all been guilty of doing battle with scripture, the word of God? It is only when we finally beat our swords into plowshares that we can plow the ground, opening others and ourselves to receive the seed that will grow in us. Famine, war, pestilence, and other events found in the Book of Revelation symbolize the destructive behaviors, concepts and beliefs that have kept us from knowing God more fully.

This is the genius of using symbolism to convey information in the Book of Revelation. To recognize, experience or know the information contained within the book, we must have experienced those things that correlate to certain attributes of a symbol. Otherwise, it remains hidden.

Unlocking the symbolism found in Revelation requires applying a basic tenet. God is spirit and his word is spiritual. This is not just true of the scripture found in the Book of Revelation. In the gospel of John, Jesus explains to his disciples, who at that time numbered many more than twelve, that God's action of supplying manna to their ancestors while they journeyed in the wilderness had a higher, spiritual meaning. This 'manna from heaven' wilderness event depicted himself, Jesus Christ, being sent by God to feed his people. He is the manna, the bread from heaven provided by God, and they must eat his flesh and drink his blood if they are to live with him as he lives with God.

Most of his disciples could only understand his words in a literal sense. They understood him to say that they were to literally eat his flesh and drink his blood. Knowing some of the disciples were thinking this, Jesus essentially asks them, "You have a hard time hearing the things I said? How are you going to interpret seeing the son of man ascending to where he was before?" Jesus wants them, and us, to understand that what he says and the things we see him do need not be taken exclusively at face value. He is saying to those who are seeking to know more, that the event itself is only a shadow of deeper truth. Jesus then lays it out for them. He tells them it is the spirit that gives life, not the flesh, and that his words are spiritual. The events in the life of Jesus, and the scriptures that describe those events, have higher meaning. The literal reading and traditional teaching of scripture always contain more and deeper knowledge. This is hardly news.

As it turned out, most of his followers left him that day. Why? Those who no longer followed him could only understand what he had to say in a literal fashion. A lack of spiritual understanding, an inability 'see through' the event, caused a split among his followers that day, leaving only twelve who would follow him. When Jesus asked the twelve disciples why they had stayed, they answered that he alone had the words that provided eternal life. His words, indeed all of scripture, have different levels of meaning.

Are we still, two thousand years later, interpreting his words literally, the milk of the word, and missing the meat of the word of God? This story about Jesus is found in the gospel of John chapter six. John 6:66 reads, "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."—666, an interesting number.

Chapter 2: Understanding

Jesus Christ's last name was not Christ. Jesus is his name and 'Christ' is his title. The word Christ means 'the anointed one,' the one consecrated by God to the office of messiah. Where Christ is, so also is the fullness of God.

Our relationship with God exists because of our faith in Jesus the Christ. We believe God sent Jesus to die for our sins and to teach us how to have a relationship with God based on faith, not our ability to keep the law. We are, therefore, collectively known as Christians and as such, share some fundamental beliefs. We all believe Jesus Christ is the purposeful embodiment of God, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. We also believe that God inspired the authors who penned the scriptures that make up the Bible, and that these writings came into being for our growth and edification.

This being the case, it seems ironic that these same writings, intended to unify us, have often been a source of division in the Christian church for the past two thousand years. Disagreements about the meaning or importance of scripture have ultimately led to divisions among God's one people, his one church. These divisions however, have not been without benefit to the overall church. Indeed, they have served as a mechanism to meet the needs of those who simply had to know more about God. Those people not being 'fed' seek nourishment elsewhere, among other like-minded believers. Like cells in the human body, the original church has divided again and again until we now have literally hundreds of groups, big and small, each centered on some personal understanding or perspective of God and his purpose.

Nevertheless, it is amazing that after all the splits and movement of the church throughout the last two thousand years, we are all still rooted in some elemental biblical teachings about God and his Christ. Below is a short list of these basic beliefs. Although it could be argued that the list is incomplete, the following seven statements would almost certainly be included in any group's canon of Christian truths.

1 - Jesus died for us.

2 - We are to spread the gospel throughout the world.

3 - The spirit living in Jesus now resides within all of us.

4 - We do the work of God through service to others.

5 - God's will, not our own will, be done.

6 - We are God's people, the body of Christ.

7 - We will be with God.

Scripture supports all the above statements. Almost all our Christian gatherings teach them today. Yet, we still categorize and separate ourselves using various identities, names, groupings, or denominations based on either our understanding of scripture or the actions we take while worshiping God. As you might expect, our differing points of view and the ways in which we express our beliefs could make any description of God's people, His one church, quite lengthy, if not impossible. How then, might we explain our unity in a way that would include the many varied expressions and beliefs of all Christians? How would someone describe God's one people, his one church?

If we look closely we will see that God has already accomplished this throughout the entire Bible, but particularly in the Book of Revelation. He uses our different relationships with him as a way to describe his people. In doing so, he validates our differences and uses them to group his one people into seven churches. A church is a group of people whose thinking is closely aligned and who have the same goal or vision about God.

Each church commits itself primarily to one of seven roles. Each of the seven church's roles is different and corresponds to a role Jesus Christ fulfilled while on earth. When Jesus walked in the flesh two thousand years ago, he did so as a savior, a teacher and a worker of miracles to name just three. Jesus Christ, now in the spirit, continues in these same roles today as he works in and through his people.

Consider the rainbow as an analogy of Christ manifested within his people. Made up of many different shades or hues, a rainbow appears to have seven principal colors. God is the rainbow and Christ in the seven churches are the seven major colors of the rainbow. The many different shades or hues of colors that make up the rainbow represents the variety of people who make up God's one church, his one people. Each of the seven major colors represents one of the seven roles through which Christ manifests himself. Each of us, as a separate shade or hue of a color, is not only a part of the rainbow, but is also associated with one of the seven basic colors that appear in the rainbow. In the same way, an individual is not only a part of God's one church, but is also a member of one of the seven churches.

The seven churches are not defined through common organizational groupings. They are not Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, 'Joe's 12th Street Church,' or any other name that indicates a place, time or type of worship. Each of these organizations have a great number of good people in them doing good works. God however, does not define his people within the hard and fast boundaries of labels or theology. Instead, he differentiates his people in the way he chooses to show himself through them. This is Christ manifested in us. Just as the seven basic colors of a rainbow flow seamlessly from one to another, God's people are also united in a smooth, non-combative transition of purpose.

God's one church includes all that seek to know him, do his will, and rest in him. This certainly includes the many people not necessarily involved with religion or religious activity. They are often unseen, but you know them by their works. They raise the spirits of a stranger by simply wishing him or her a good morning. They drop a few coins in a cup, volunteer, pick up trash, or do other small acts of kindness that benefit others. Although not always seen at Sunday worship or reading their Bibles, they nonetheless express Christ within themselves in various ways. Every one of us, whether we attend a church regularly or not, is a unique, separate shade of color, a member of one of the seven churches and a member of God's one church.

Is Christ manifested within us in only seven ways? No, there are millions of ways, as many ways as there are hues of colors in a rainbow or people in God's one church. But, just as any single shade of color interrelates to one of the seven basic colors of a rainbow, any single manifestation of Christ interrelates to one of seven roles of Christ, our relationships with God. It may well be that we manifest Christ through our work as a pastor or teacher in a religious environment, but we no less manifest or express Christ in our daily occupations as clerks, executives, technicians, or department store greeters.

How can we know which of the seven churches we are a part of? If we feel comfortable with the range of actions, beliefs, and focus of one of the seven churches, then we have found the role through which Christ presently manifests himself within us. Again, a church is nothing more than a group of like-minded people who share the same goal or vision.

Listed below are the seven churches and their relationship to the roles of Jesus Christ. Also mentioned in the list below is a particular church's focus, the primary way a group of like-minded people embody a role in Christ, a relationship with God, and the way members within a church will most easily relate. You will probably recognize your own predisposition toward a particular role. You may look at the list below and feel that you have already experienced one or more of these roles or are between churches at this time. Since you are reading this book, this becomes a real possibility. Many of us are now on the move seeking to know more about God. To use an over-used analogy, an army has many members. Some fight while others cook. Some fix things, some clean the latrines, and some soldiers are in transition between duty stations. Below are the roles Jesus Christ manifested two thousand years ago and the roles through which he works within us today.

The 1st Church manifests Jesus Christ in his role as Savior. Their relationship with God is primarily Evangelistic in nature. Their focus is salvation and bringing of Salvation to all.

The 2nd Church manifests Jesus Christ in his role as Teacher. Their relationship with God is primarily one of learning and Teaching. Their focus is on Bible Scripture.

The 3rd Church manifests Jesus Christ in his role as Miracle Worker. Their relationship with God is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Their focus is on Power and Authority.

The 4th Church manifests Jesus Christ in his role as Servant. Their relationship with God is Ministry and focus on Service to others.

The 5th Church manifests Jesus Christ in Death. Their relationship with God is 'Dead to Self' and focus on the mystery of God, Christ in You.

The 6th Church manifests Jesus Christ in his role of as Resurrected Son. Their relationship with God is in Christ as 'Friend' (Strong's Concordance #5384 - One of the bridegroom's friends who, on his behalf, asked for the hand of the bride and rendered him various services in closing the marriage and celebrating the nuptials). They focus on the fact that we, dead to our own will, are now resurrected Sons of God.

The 7th Church manifests Jesus Christ in his role as 'One with God.' Their relationship with God is 'One with God.' Their focus is Oneness with God, accepting the fact that God's will IS done.

As you can see, the roles of Christ two thousand years ago and those of today have not really changed. Two thousand years ago God manifested himself through Jesus Christ, the promised savior. Jesus Christ is one with God and one with man. Today, God manifests himself in his people, in these same roles. When we see our oneness with God, it is the 'return' of Jesus Christ.

There is no 'return' of Jesus Christ however, if we do not see him as he is. We wait for Jesus Christ to appear because we do not see him returning in the way we have traditionally been taught, that is, physically coming down from heaven in the clouds. We recognize Christ as having returned when we see the work of God being done in and though his people, his cloud of witnesses.

Two thousand years ago, many expected the promised messiah, the savior, to appear as a leader who would bring salvation from the physical problems of that time. Instead, they received a messiah who gave them freedom through a new relationship with God, a relationship based not on keeping the law, but on faith. The religious establishment of that time rejected Jesus the Christ because he was not the savior they were expecting. Perhaps we, two thousand years later, are doing the same thing.

Chapter 3: Action and Knowledge

A story in the Bible tells of Jesus having a meal with two women, Martha and Mary. Instead of helping Martha prepare and serve the meal, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his teachings. When it came time to serve the meal, Martha complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her. Jesus answered Martha by telling her that she was "...careful and troubled..." about many things, but only one thing was necessary. He told Martha that Mary had chosen "...that good part..." and it would not be taken away from her. That good 'part' was resting and listening at the foot of Jesus.

This story shows us two main ways of connecting with God. One is working, preparing the meal. The other is resting and listening to the teacher. Both ways are very much a part of Christ's revelation in God's one people, the seven churches. Martha focused on preparing the meal. She saw what needed doing and did it, just as many of us, who see a need in the world today, respond to it. Although Mary would normally have worked alongside Martha, something she no doubt had done in the past, this day she decided to rest and listen to the teacher. We, the people of the seven churches, are both Martha and Mary. Some work and serve, others rest and listen. All of us together, whether working for, or resting in God, make up the body of Christ.

Martha represents those of us who take conscious, willful actions as a result of Christ working through us. These action-based expressions of Christ in us are clearly identifiable by the actions we take. We may preach a sermon and thereby feed the flock. Perhaps we teach the scriptures, show the power of the Holy Spirit, volunteer at a homeless shelter, or serve in a ministry. These are all action-based expressions of Christ within us. By taking these actions, we 'fix the meal' for others. Jesus gave us plenty of examples of these action-based expressions of God within himself. He expressed the will of his Father through teaching, healing and serving others, all actions that revealed his Father within himself.

There are knowledge-based expressions of Christ as well. Knowledge-based expressions are not as visible to people as action-based expressions, but they are just as real. And like Martha complaining about Mary, some people in the churches would like to see a little more participation in the work.

Recognition, understanding and acceptance are places in our thinking that, like action-based expressions, serve God's purpose. When we express Christ through knowledge, it does not mean that action does not take place. It does mean however, that inaction becomes an acceptable option. Consider that Jesus recognized, understood and accepted the will of his Father, all of which allowed him to endure that which was to come, and not take the action that would have circumvented the will of his Father.

The Martha and Mary story illustrates the difference between what is known in some end-time teachings as the 'Church Age' and the 'Kingdom Age.' The church age always precedes the kingdom age in our relationship with God. The church age, represented by Martha, refers to a time when the church is in charge, working away, fixing the meal, and waiting for the return of Jesus Christ to set up his kingdom on earth. The kingdom age, represented by Mary, refers to a time when we have laid down our work and are at rest, listening at the foot of Jesus. For some, the church age has ended and the kingdom age has begun. Christ has returned and we are at rest in him.

The church age and the kingdom age are two very real and separate times for each of us, experienced in sequence. No one gets to rest without first working. No one gets to experience the kingdom age without first experiencing the church age, a place which leads to a 'death' to our own will. This 'death' heralds the kingdom age within each of us. The realization that Christ is our life, despite appearances, is the start of our kingdom age.

The transition between the church age and the kingdom age happens in the 'twinkling of an eye' with the realization that this Christ for whom we were waiting is within us. With this understanding, we 'go behind the veil,' 'enter the promised land,' move into the Kingdom of God.

This 'promised land' is no bed of roses when we first arrive, it is not an easy place to set up camp. There are battles yet to fight. Why? In this place you can bring nothing with you and even worse, you can own nothing...and we are not talking about material things. We must lay down our riches, we must experience 'death' to our own will.

Each of the seven churches has a focus, the revealing of Christ in some role. Each of the seven churches has people in it who express Christ through both action and knowledge-based expressions of Christ: four action-based and three knowledge-based expressions. Consider the following analogy of the seven churches and the seven expressions of Christ within each church that hopefully, will help clarify our relationships with God.

The God Company

A well-known company, God's One People, Inc., has seven divisions. Each division reports directly to the CEO. The purpose of the company is to offer qualified, dedicated workers to the world. The seven divisions are the seven churches; the CEO is God. Each division provides a different type of skilled worker to the world; each church's focus is on manifesting a particular role of Christ. The first division provides workers specializing in recruiting (salvation, evangelizing); the second division provides educational services (scripture, teaching); the third provides auditing services (power and authority); and the fourth, janitorial services (service, ministry). The fifth division offers staff who specialize in analysis (recognition); the sixth division offers process engineering skills (understanding); and the seventh division will take over your failing business and run it for you (acceptance).

Each of the seven divisions requires the above skill sets within itself, so it can meet its own specific goals. In like manner, each of the seven churches must have within it those who manifest different expressions of Christ so that it can excel in a particular role. Each division has its own mission statement and focus, so also each of the seven churches has certain scriptures it will emphasize to further its purpose.

Employees of the company may choose to move from one division to another, but when doing so must adhere to a couple of rules the CEO has put in place. First, all employees of the company must first start work, have experienced, the recruiting division. This is the first church, whose focus is salvation. Second, if an employee chooses to work in another division, he or she must have worked in some capacity in all preceding divisions. For an example, if an employee chooses to work in the fourth division (ministry or service), that employee must have experienced divisions one, two and three (salvation, scripture, power of the Holy Spirit).

An important point made in the above analogy is that there is an ordering to our relationships in God. Just as a first grader, learning to add and subtract, is not ready for a calculus test, we are not ready for our first evangelical television broadcast the day after we come to know God. We all have a life-long path to follow in our relationship with God. This can mean we switch churches (our focus) one or more times. It also may mean we express Christ in different ways, while our focus remains the same. God alone chooses our path and moves us down it.

Chapter 4: The Letters to the Seven Churches

In the beginning of the Book of Revelation we find seven letters to God's people, the seven churches. In the letters, God addresses two groups of people within each church. To one group He communicating his approval of their relationship with Him, to the other, his disapproval. The information contained in each letter varies, but they are all very much the same in one respect. Each letter has four common components, listed below, within which God delivers information to his people.

1 - Identification of the Author

2 - Acknowledgment of the State of the Church

3 - Warning and/or Encouragement

4 - Promise to Those Who Overcome

All relationships with God build upon an earlier relationship, including the first, where we moved from unreconciled to reconciled. In our first relationship with God, a 'salvation' experience through which we first experience God in our lives, Jesus Christ becomes our savior, reconciling us with God. The 'Identification of the Author' section of the seven letters alludes to the order of God's relationships with his one people, the seven churches. These relationships with God are the different roles of Christ manifested within us. They are the focuses of the seven churches. In this section we will look at two of the common components of each letter, the first and the last parts, as a way of acknowledging God's ordering.

In the 'Identification of the Author' section of each letter, God identifies himself as the author of the relationship that the people of a particular church now enjoy with him. In doing so he assures the church that it is he, God, talking to them and thereby affirms his right to encourage, admonish, warn, and make promises to that particular church. This is particularly important for those now experiencing the church age because of deception issues. Is it God or is it Satan telling me this?

In the 'Promise to Those who Overcome' section, God makes promises to those who not only conquer the difficulties of their present church, but those who overcome in all churches. Each letter speaks to a different church, yet ends with a statement intended for all seven churches, "...He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches...." This is because all seven churches contain all seven expressions of Christ and are therefore themselves complete, ubiquitous containers of Christ.

As we begin to look in more detail at the Book of Revelation, we must remember that although a man named John penned the words of the book, the author of the book's content is God or, perhaps, Jesus Christ. Descriptions, inferences, and implications used in the book could be used to argue either. Therefore, throughout this exposition, references to God and Jesus Christ may be used interchangeably. There is one God, not two. Jesus the Christ is one with his Father.

The First Church

In his letter to the first church, those focused on salvation, God identifies himself as the one sovereign power over all. He declares this at the beginning of the first letter, "These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks." Chapter one of the Book of Revelation gives us the meaning of these two symbols, the stars and the candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. Angels, messengers of God, are those who promote the roles of Christ in the churches. The seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches. They are before God always. God is in their midst or 'among them.' By identifying himself to the people of the first church in this way, God tells them that he is not only the author of the salvation relationship they now enjoy with him, but also the God of all Christians who have other relationships with him. He is the "one" God.

God, the one spirit, makes a promise to all who overcome the difficulty of this first church. The difficulty of the first church is that some spread the gospel with judgment, 'hell-fire and damnation,' not with love and the grace of God, "...thy first love." God tells us to, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen...." He is telling us we have 'fallen' from a high place to a low place. Our 'high place' is a state of grace, our 'low' place is one of judging and condemning others.

Those who overcome this difficulty will be given the right to eat of the tree of life found in the midst of the paradise of God. The tree of life is one of the many symbols in the Bible used to depict Jesus Christ. The fruits of the tree are the rewards promised us when we integrate the teachings of Jesus Christ into a God-directed life.

The Second Church

God identifies himself to the people of the second church as the author of an experience they already enjoy, the salvation experience. God refers to himself in his introduction as, "...the first and the last, the one who was dead and is now alive." Those in the second church already enjoy a relationship with God based on salvation through Jesus Christ who died for our sins, rose and who, "...was dead and is now alive." Once assured that it is our savior speaking to us, we will accept what he has to say, both good and bad, about the way we pursue this second relationship in God. This new, second relationship in God is Christ manifested within us in the role of the second church, the role of learning and teaching scripture.

Those who overcome in the second church shall not be hurt by the second death. Jesus, the Lamb of God, experienced a physical first death for us, reuniting us with God. The second death, later referred to in Revelation as the 'Lake of Fire,' is a place of torment. It is the anguish brought about by those who interpret and teach scripture in a judgmental and condemning way. This is the difficulty that the second church is to overcome. We experience this 'second death' when we are 'beaten' relentlessly with scripture delivered in a way that switches our focus from grace to sin, resulting in sin-consciousness. Scripture, used as a 'sword,' tries to separate us from the grace of God. When we replace the 'sword' with the 'plowshare' we no longer go to 'war' against each other and will not hurt or be hurt by the second death.

The Third Church

Jesus Christ identifies himself to the third church as the God of the second church by identifying himself as, "...These things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges." The sword with two edges, the word of God, cuts both ways. When we use the sword to hurt or judge others, we hurt and judge ourselves as well. When Christ identifies himself in this way, the people of the third church recognize that the one who speaks to them is the author of a relationship they are currently experiencing.

The letter to the third church states clearly that the third church is where Satan's throne is. The focus of the third church is the power and authority given to us by God, the power of the Holy Spirit.

As children, we often misuse the freedom, power and authority given to us by our parents. In this same way, some of us misuse the power and authority given to us by God. Most children mature and grow out of the abuse of power, but some never do. Likewise, most of us turn back to God once we realize we have strayed into religiosity and the self-serving use of God's power and authority. Others will continue to use God for their own gain, remaining self-righteous, haughty and prideful. We must overcome this difficulty of the third church, the place of Satan's 'throne.'

Those who overcome will receive a white stone, upon which is a new name. White symbolizes purity, a stone, truth. A white stone symbolizes a pure truth. Our name is our nature; a new name, our new nature. Our old nature, carnal and earthy, focuses on ourselves. Our new, spiritual nature focuses on others, on God. We who receive this truth, this understanding, know that the spirit of God resides within us and not outside us. While many know about this new nature, only those who receive it, both 'see' and experience it. Those who overcome in the third church have turned away from judging, condemnation and self-righteousness to a new, pure spiritual nature.

The Fourth Church

To the fourth church, those in service to God and others, Jesus Christ identifies himself as the God of the third church with the words, "...who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass[bronze]." Eyes like flames of fire symbolize God's burning judgment of unrighteousness, something which the people of the fourth church, having overcome the difficulties of the third church, are not unfamiliar with. Their eyes are now open and having received a 'white stone,' see the burning judgment we heap upon ourselves and one another. Having been refined by fire, they have overcome their pride, self-righteousness and religiosity and moved into the fourth church seeking to serve God more fully.

Still, some of us within the fourth church teach or practice adulterous behavior by promoting adherence to the law, doctrines and traditions of men. It is adulterous behavior when we base our relationship with God on both grace and our ability to keep the law. Those in the fourth church who teach this type of behavior are false prophets and symbolically referred to as the prophetess Jezebel. This and other false doctrines are the difficulties of the fourth church.

When we in the fourth church overcome, we knowingly give up the personal gain (see the seven woes of the Pharisees in Mathew 23) that comes from holding others captive to laws, doctrines and tradition. We refuse to judge and be judged. To give this up is no small thing, one must 'die' to self (the 'old man'). In 'death' we experience a change in our thinking, the 'great earthquake' mentioned in Revelation.

Promised to those who overcome, is power over the nations. They will rule the nations with a rod of iron, God's unyielding law. In addition, they will receive the morning star, a symbol used to show Christ rising within them in a new way. These two promises are not in opposition to each other.

'Death to our own will' is the means by which we move from the church age to the kingdom age. When we accept the fact that God's will IS done and not judge what we think is his will and what is not his will, we can truly pray, "...nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt..." Mr 14:36. We are free of our labors. We have experienced death to our own will and receive "...the morning star."

As with all churches we have the choice to stay or move on. We may choose to stay a member of the fourth church. We will continue to 'serve the meal' and "...rule with a rod of iron...." In doing so we will bring 'death' to many, just as Jesus was "...broken to shivers, even as I received of my Father." Alternatively, we may choose to move into the kingdom age and embrace the Kingdom of God within us. In the fifth church, we will be at rest, listen at the foot of Jesus Christ, and express Christ in 'death.'

The Fifth Church

The identification section of the letter to the first church and fifth church seem quite similar. The difference however, is possession. In the letter to the first church God identifies himself as the One who walks among the seven churches or "...seven golden candle sticks." To the fifth church, he lets us know that it is he who has the seven churches. He 'possesses' the churches as in the 'bonds of marriage,' the betrothed bride, a relationship of two joined as one. He goes on to say that he knows our works, "...that you have a name and that you are alive, but you are dead." We display a nature (our old nature) of being alive (living for ourselves...the old man), but we are really 'dead' having experienced a 'death to self in the fourth church.

The people of the fifth church have a name, a new name, a spiritual nature, brought about by the death of our old earthly nature. We experienced, in the fourth church, the death of our ambitions and expectations about being able to bring forth the Kingdom of God. We surrendered, gave up the idea that it was 'me and God' working side by side to bring forth his Kingdom. It is only God. All our workings are futile. We now rest at the foot of Jesus listening and find the Kingdom of God inside us, as we rise with others, clouds of witnesses, from earthly thinking and embrace the fact that Christ lives within us. The people of the fifth church, having experienced 'death,' know the truth of the words "...it is not I that live, but Christ who lives within me." This is the mystery of God, Christ in you. This reality is the focus of the host of believers scattered throughout the seven churches who have chosen to rest at the feet of Jesus Christ.

The difficulties of the fifth church involve hypocritical beliefs and behaviors. Some live licentiously, appearing 'alive' (living for themselves) although they are 'dead.' This is 'the prodigal son' experience. The Book of Revelation describes those of us who live in this way as, "...wounded unto death," but healed.

" _He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;...."_ White raiment symbolizes the pure righteousness of Christ. Our 'new name' is our new spiritual nature. "I will not blot his name[spiritual nature] out of the Book of Life...," Christ is the Book of Life. This spiritual nature, Christ, is the key to a life of peace, joy and righteousness. It is the 'key of David' which alone opens the door to the Kingdom of God.

The Sixth Church

God's greeting to the sixth church is, "...These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David...." Those of us who have overcome the troubles of the fifth church have the spiritual nature, the key to the Kingdom of God. We are to, "...hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Our crown is our dominion, that which we have power over. We have been given dominion over sin-consciousness, doctrines and traditions of men. Those who see God before them in all things are those who overcome.

Those who overcome in the sixth church "...have kept the word of my patience...." The "word of my patience" is faith. They have not denied his name (nature). His name or nature, our nature, is Christ. Christ is the anointed one, the one who has reconciled us to God, the one mediator, the one who joins God and man together.

The promise to those who overcome in the sixth church is, "...will I make a pillar in the temple of my God...," a foundational support. "He shall go no more out," is a way of saying that they will never again be out of God's presence.

Those in the sixth church will have three names written upon them, meaning we will have and display three natures. The first name written upon us is the name of God. We will have the name or 'nature,' of God...peace, joy, love, forgiveness, and so on. The second name written upon us is the name of his city, the New Jerusalem, the 'city of peace,' composed of all God's people in all seven churches who overcome. The third is "...my new name," a spiritual nature as opposed to our old earthy nature. It is not the nature of a God separated from us, but that of a God who is one with us. The three natures are as 'one.' We are 'one' with Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is 'one' with his Farther.

The Seventh Church

The greeting to the seventh church is, "...These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God...." Jesus Christ now confirms that he is not only the beginning, but also the AMEN, the end of God's creation. This greeting, as well as the promise to the seventh church, breaches the line between Jesus Christ and God.

The difficulty of the seventh church is that we believe we are 'rich' (in understanding, wisdom, spirituality, faith, and so on) and are in need of nothing. We are prideful. To overcome these difficulties we must continue in God and 'buy' (at a cost to self) gold (divinity or a 'oneness' with God) that is constantly being refined or "...tried in the fire...."

Jesus Christ's promise to those who overcome in all churches is, "...I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." His promise is one of resting in 'oneness' with God and Jesus Christ.

Chapter 5: Two States of Being

In his letters to the seven churches, God makes reference to two groups of people within each church: those who are faithful in their relationship with him and those who are not. He encourages the first group, but warns and chastises the second. It would be easy for us to think of the differences between these two groups of people as a 'black or white' issue. God addresses two separate and distinct groups of people, good and bad, and we belong in one group or the other. It is not that simple. Every one of us has, at times, been generous, giving, humble, or long-suffering. However, each of us has also been selfish, prideful or egotistical. For most of us, these later behaviors are short diversions from the path of righteousness, and we eventually overcome our difficulties. Others take a longer time getting turned back to the path toward God. In the extremes, some live their lives humbly and completely for others in slums around the world, never asking for or expecting recognition of their works. Others are 'wolves in lambs clothing,' motivated by their own gain.

The Book of Revelation is full of some reoccurring symbolism that relates to both groups of people. Listed below are some of the more prominent and often used symbols that describe our relationships with God.

The 'Bride' represents those in the seven churches who have overcome. They are grace-conscious verses sin-conscious and are therefore "...without blemish..." before God.

The 'Harlot' symbolizes those of God's people who teach, promote or follow false doctrines. The basis of their relationship with God is sin-consciousness. They are adulterous in that they worship two Gods. One God rewards and punishes according to an ability to keep the law. The other God has established a relationship with them based on grace.

The 'Woman' symbolizes all of God's people. Our thinking and behaviors make us the 'Harlot' as well as the 'Bride.'

The 'Seven Churches' are God's people as seen from the viewpoint of our expression of Christ, our focus. The seven churches consist of people experiencing both the church age and the kingdom age.

The 'Angels of the Seven Churches' are the messengers of the seven churches. They are the members in each church committed to making Christ known in the particular role of their church.

The 'Seven Kings' represent the power and dominion of the seven churches. We have power and dominion to use or give away. We are either as the 'Kings of the Earth' (the church age) or the 'Kings of the East' (the kingdom age).

Babylon, "...that Great City...," is a place of captivity. It is a place of sin and eventual death through adherence to the law, doctrines and traditions of men. The Harlot and the City of Babylon both symbolize God's people in the 'church age.' The 'Harlot' is the symbol used to show an adulterous nature. 'Babylon' is the symbol used when referring to God's people either as being held captive by the law or keeping others in captivity.

Water is a symbol of the cleansing Word of God.

The Waters, Fountains of Waters, Rivers, or Springs, symbolize those in the churches that speak or deliver the word of God. We may contain the water, we may deliver the water, but we are not the water.

Peoples, Nations, and Tongues are those of us who share the common traditions, teachings, and structures of the church Age.

The 'New Jerusalem' refers to those who overcome in the seven churches. This city refers to Christ reigning in his people in the kingdom age.

We know God in three ways: the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. He is our Father because he is the one spirit of which we are a part. Knowing God as the Father puts the 'personal' in our personal relationship with God. We know God as the Son, not only as Jesus who walked the earth two thousand years ago, but also as the risen Christ within us today. We know God as the Holy Spirit because we recognize the use of God's power and authority through others as well as ourselves.

The Devil is the complete opposite of God. Our relationship with the Devil is similar to the way we know God. We know God as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. We know the Devil as the Red Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet. We know God as love, peace, and truth. The know the Devil as hate, unrest, and deception. He is the accuser, the prince of darkness, the one who finds fault.

The Red Dragon is like the 'Devil as Father.' Some people share the same spirit as the Red Dragon. Jesus said as much when he told the pharisees that their father was the Devil. He called them hypocrites because they were intent on preserving their own power and authority instead of promoting God. Most of us, if not all, have at one time or another fallen into this way of thinking or behavior. In doing so we receive the mark of the Beast.

The 'Beast' is like the 'Devil as Son.' It is not a physical entity, but an embodied spirit of anti-Christ denying Jesus Christ has come in the flesh...both two thousand years ago in the flesh of Jesus and today in the flesh of his believers. Those with the spirit of anti-Christ mouth the mystery of God, but deny it by looking for him elsewhere. Just as Jesus Christ is the one link between God and man, the Beast joins together the Devil and man.

Jesus frees us from the law by grace. The Beast holds us captive to the law with theory, doctrine and tradition. It rises from the sea, a sea of believers, teaching and promoting the idea that Jesus Christ has not come in the flesh, your flesh. It has seven heads, the seven churches, one of which appears "...wounded to death..." (with the sword, the word of God). This is the fifth church which has "a name [nature] that thou livest, and art dead."

The 'False Prophet' is like the 'Devil as Holy Spirit' and is again, a non-physical entity. He is "...another Beast..." that rises from the earth, the natural realm. The False Prophet causes all who "...dwell on the earth..." or natural realm, to believe that God intends to set up his kingdom based on an image of the church age. In this way he will cause all to 'worship' the first Beast.

The False Prophet, like the Beast and Devil, is not a physical human being, building, campus, or organization. It is, however, made up of all people, leaders, supporters, and followers that teach and lead God's people to worship the Beast with seven heads (the seven churches) that rises from the sea (the sea of believers).

The 'Mark of the Beast' represents the thinking or actions of those who promote the goals of the Beast. This 'mark' is symbolic, although clearly seen by others. It is found 'on' the forehead or 'in' the right hand of those who 'think' or 'take action' supporting the Beast. Our actions and beliefs that support a continuing church age make the mark of the Beast as plain to see as if it were a physical mark.

The 'Image of the Beast' is a construct. It is the idea furthered by any and all organizations, religions, denominations, assemblies, cults, studies, cells, movements, or gatherings that promote or teach that we are to seek reward, money, power, authority, rank, or the right to judge others. It is the organizational structure or structure of organizations within which the False Prophet resides.

The False Prophet, composed of those who believe in or actively promote the first Beast's agenda, encourages all to come together and form an Image of the Beast. Again, the Image of the Beast is not any single religion, denomination, group, cell, doctrine, or belief system. The Image of the Beast, like the Beast, the mark of the Beast, or the False Prophet is not a physical entity in the sense of any organization, group, building or person.

The 'Wrath of God' consists of the penalties we incur because we hold ourselves captive to the law, doctrines or traditions of men. Many of us in the churches stray, for a time, from a message of freedom to one of captivity. In doing so we not only experience the wrath of God, but inflict it upon each other by demanding adherence to the law.

The law is not bad, it is good. Because it is good, it exposes sin. If we hold ourselves accountable to the law, we hold ourselves accountable to cold, hard truths written in stone. If however, we find the law fulfilled in Jesus Christ's two commandments, love your neighbor and love your God, the external law becomes internal, written on our hearts.

The Wrath of God is the result of holding ourselves and others accountable to an external law. We accept the penalty associated with not keeping the law as our just due, delivered to us, by us. This is the Wrath of God. We are 'cups of wrath' to each other and 'pour out' judgment, blame, fault-finding, and accusation. The 'stones' we throw at each other, and the self-reproach we heap upon ourselves, result in guilt, worry, anxiety, confusion, misery, sorrow, wretchedness, pain, suffering, agony, anguish, dejection, desolation, affliction, discomfort, trouble, woe, torment, torture, shame, embarrassment, disappointment, and a million other descriptions of tribulation. This is the 'second death,' the Lake of Fire that burns forever as a result of sin-consciousness.

Chapter 6: Symbols of Expression

The scroll or 'little book' found in the right hand of the Lamb of God has writing on both the front and back. Interestingly, the paper of ancient times used papyrus reeds cut into strips and placed horizontally to dry. Once dry, more papyrus strips were laid at right angles and glued in place. Finally, after polishing, the paper was ready to use. Writing was with the grain. When writing on both sides of the paper, as with the scroll, the writing on one side would be written at a ninety degree angle when compared to the opposite side due to the grain of the paper. Whoever reads the scroll would have to, at times, turn it ninety degrees to understand it.

The writing on both the front and back of the scroll is similar to the way information about the revealing of Christ is given to us in the Book of Revelation. We have to look at Revelation from a different angle, a different perspective, if we are to understand its meaning. The Book of Revelation is like a stereogram picture, a picture hidden within a picture. On the surface it paints an image of war, famine, death, and destruction. But when we change our focus, we will see the hidden picture, one of Christ manifested within his people.

A large part of the Book of Revelation involves seven sets of symbols. Each set has seven elements presented in a seemingly logical, numerical order. Since the information contained within each set of symbols is given to us in an apocalyptic writing style, when we read the chapters containing these sets of symbols and their corresponding elements, we have a story about death and destruction. When we look at the book in this traditional, well-organized way, it is hard to miss 'the surface picture.'

To see the hidden picture that reveals Christ in his people, we need to see the elements of the different set of symbols in a new way. The first element of each set, the first seal removed, the first trumpet blown, the first angel flying through heaven, and so forth, when grouped together, show us Christ in the people of the first church whose focus is 'salvation.' When we consider the second element of each set of symbols, we see that they describe expressions of Christ working in the people of the second church, whose focus is learning and teaching the scriptures. The third elements of the seven sets of symbols, when joined together as a container of information, show us the focus of the third church. In this way, the sets of symbols and their elements piece together in a way that show Christ manifested within the body of Christ in seven different roles.

The Seven Seals Opened

The Focus of Each Church

After the letters to the seven churches, we see God sitting on a throne. In his hand is a scroll sealed seven times. Only the Lamb is found worthy to open the scroll. The Lamb is the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. The scroll is the 'Lamb's Book of Life,' later found completely open in the closing chapters of the Book of Revelation. The revealing of Christ in and through his people begins with the opening of the scroll and its seven seals. Each seal hides a role within which Jesus Christ manifests himself within his people.

A seal is a device used to keep information hidden until such time as the person or persons for whom it's intended receives it. There are at least two good reasons for sealing the little scroll, the Lamb's Book of Life, seven times. First, the scroll's information cannot be revealed all at once. With the removal of the first seal, some information becomes available, but then we find another seal. The purpose of the next seal is to keep the scroll's remaining information hidden. With the removal of the second seal, we find more information, but again, another seal. The opening of seals and therefore, the revealing of information continue in this fashion until the Book of Life, is completely open.

The second reason for sealing the scroll seven times is so the information contained within the scroll will only be delivered, and thus received, in the order intended by the author. The author of the information is God and, not surprisingly, the releasing of the scroll's information is the same order in which we experience our relationships with him. As we overcome the difficulties of our present church, as described in the letters to the seven churches, we may choose to experience the role of Christ behind the next seal.

The Seven Trumpets Blown

What Each Church has to Say

Each of the seven churches has something to say about its current relationship with God and the role of Christ within it. The blowing of a trumpet symbolizes what we have to say about our relationship with God. In old testament times, Israel used trumpets for various reasons such as marking an event, sounding a warning, or as a summons to war. The same is true today as we speak about what is important to us about the role of Christ manifested in and through our particular church. As the churches make known what God has put upon their hearts, they 'blow their trumpet.' The effect of a particular church's message, in symbol, accompanies the blowing of each church's trumpet in the Book of Revelation. The effects of the trumpets being blown are not always pretty, but always necessary.

All of us, no matter which one of the seven churches we are a part of, have something to say about our relationship with God through Christ. Some of us preach about the focus of our church from a pulpit. Others speak boldly on the streets, while still others speak quietly to each other. Most of the time our message is life-giving, although sometimes delivered with judgment and condemnation. As each trumpet sounds, we're shown what effect our message has on the world and each other.

The Seven Angels Flying

The Spiritual Work of Each Church

Like the seals and trumpets before them, the seven Angels flying through heaven express an action. The act of 'flying' through heaven is symbolic of the spiritual nature of our work, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are the priests of God whose job it is to bring forth the power and authority of God. The misuse of this power by some, is the reason the third church is "...where Satan's throne is...." The term, 'Satan's throne' is symbolic of those who take for themselves what is God's. They teach false doctrines, traditions, rules, restrictions, exclusion, and the right to judge others making themselves as God. This behavior is hard to miss in some, but present in all of us. It is the 'old man,' the 'carnal in nature.' We have to become aware of this type of thinking and behavior before rejecting it.

Most priests of God express Christ in humility, realizing the real power of God is the good news of Jesus Christ. They are truly humble, giving and eager to teach about the Holy Spirit within all of us. Without them God's one people are incomplete.

The Seven Cups Poured Out

How We Live Our Lives

The fourth set of symbols revealing Christ within us are the cups or bowls of wrath 'poured out' upon the earth. The pouring out of cups symbolize the pouring out of our lives. It is the way we live our lives in service to God and others, the giving of what we have received. Like the other action-oriented symbols of expression, each time a cup is 'poured out,' the effects of a particular church's actions are then described. If we have learned to judge and be judged, judgment is what we pour out.

If we choose to lay down our judging of others, our lives 'poured out' now become 'heaps of coals' upon the heads of those who judge others. We know those who express Christ by the way they live their lives, the pouring out of their cups. They are pastors, ministers and teachers. They volunteer at local schools, organize events for the needy, and volunteer with aid groups. They are street lawyers, advocates and all who give of themselves for others.

The Seven Judgments

Recognition of the Harlot

The first four expressions of Christ in his churches have been action-based. We now move into knowledge-based expressions of God. The first of these is recognizing that 'the old man' is dead and it is Christ who lives within us. In the past, the full reality of Christ in us has escaped us. The scriptures testifying to this truth have been just words, true, but not realized, and in-congruent not only with how we have envisioned Christ appearing, but also what others think when we proclaim this mystery of God. Nonetheless, it is by faith. Our testimony becomes, "...it is not I that live but Christ who lives within me." We have not one physical shred of proof, only the word of God as our testimony. Still, once we recognize Christ within ourselves, once we lay down our lives, we begin to see him within others as well.

When we share this truth with others we are not very convincing. We still kick the car when it doesn't run, experience the hardships of the world like everyone else, and have not been 'transfigured' as expected. Our testimony is like Galileo telling the Vatican the earth circled the Sun, when everyone knew that all things circled the Earth. But, with the recognition that Christ is our life, comes the understanding of that which had kept us separated from continually experiencing the peace and joy of God. We recognize the Harlot, the part we had played in her, her judgment, and that we have 'come out of her.' We are now beginning to understand the process God has put in place to bring his people to him.

The Seven Visions

The Marriage Feast of the Lamb

The next set of symbols reveals another expression of Christ in us, one of understanding. It is the seven visions, the seven statements of "...I saw...." In the previous expression of 'death' in Christ, we saw glimpses of God's process, his 'plan' for his people. Now we are given understanding. We 'see' ("...I saw....") the process in full, the "...marriage supper of the Lamb..." in which we all have our part. We see that God's will is not only being done at this time, but always has and always will be. God IS. When we 'see,' we experience resurrection, awakened from 'death' to 'friend' of Jesus Christ. Our role is one of a fellow worker in the harvest, one who helps prepare the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Our relationship with God is no longer 'Christ in you' as is the focus of the fifth church, but 'Christ as you.' Christ is our life. This does not mean we are Jesus Christ. There is only one Jesus Christ. He died for us, gave up his spirit and is now our life. Christ is within all of us. This sixth expression of Christ, understanding, is our recognition that we are His Christ. We are the body of Christ here and now, Christ formed in us. We may not physically walk on water, heal the sick or raise the dead. Instead, we walk on the water of the word, bring the healing life of Christ to others, and raise the 'dead' by revealing a resurrected life.

The Bride

The New Jerusalem

Those that overcome in the seven churches are the Bride, the New Jerusalem. This city descends or 'comes down' from heaven as we 'see' the Kingdom of God no longer separated from us. The Book of Revelation provides a lengthy description of the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ, which we will look at later in this book.

Chapter 7: Verse by Verse

Before we get into the symbolism contained in the Book of Revelation, we should look at just one of the many ways the books of the old testament symbolize our relationship with God.

The Seven Churches symbolized

in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness

Much of the symbolism found in Revelation comes from the lives and times of the Jewish nation, especially their forty-year journey from Egypt, through the desert wilderness and into the promised land. While in the wilderness, the people of Israel met with God in a special place called the Tabernacle, that traveled with them. When it comes to objects used as symbols in the Book of Revelation, none is more prolific than the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the dwelling place of God, the place where the common people, priests and high priest met with God. The tabernacle's construction, the items it contained, and the rules surrounding its use all correlate to the symbolism found in Revelation and our relationships with God.

The tabernacle, made up of three distinct areas, contained seven main objects used in the worship of God. The first area of the tabernacle was an enclosed, but uncovered rectangular court area known as the Outer Court where the people of Israel came seeking God or to know more about God. This outer court area contained a large, bronze covered Sacrificial Altar that had four horns, one on each corner. The horns provided a place to tie the sacrificial animals on the altar until they were dead. Horns are symbols of power in the Bible and symbolize those relationships with God in which we keep God's sacrifice, the lamb of God, tied to the altar.

The outer court also contained a large basin or laver filled with water in which the priests washed after sacrificing animals. The altar and laver in the outer court symbolize the first two expressions of Christ in us. The large sacrificial altar symbolizes our Salvation relationship with God. It sat directly in front of the one and only entrance to the tabernacle. The laver symbolizes learning and teaching the cleansing word of God. Water is a symbol used in the Bible to represent the Word of God. Blood symbolizes life. If one were to look into the laver, they would see blood mixed, mingled, with water...Life in the Word of God.

A single tent erected within the confines of the outer court housed the second and third area of the tabernacle. Two thirds of this covered and completely enclosed tent area make up the second of the three defined areas of the tabernacle, the 'Holy Place.' Only the priests of God could enter the Holy Place. 'Priests' were those set aside by God to transport and support the tabernacle, minister to the people, minister to God and attend to the various duties of the tabernacle. The priests, divided into twenty-four groups or concourses, shared the duties of the tabernacle. Some number of priests were available or on call at all times, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to attend to matters of the people and duties of the tabernacle.

The Holy Place contained three objects: a golden lamp stand with seven flames set to one side of the Holy Place, a table with bread on it on the other side, and up against the curtain or veil that separated the Holy Place from the third section of the tabernacle, a second but much smaller altar called the Altar of Incense. Symbolically, the golden lamp stand represents a third expression of Christ in us, one of power and authority of the Holy Spirit found in all seven churches. The table with bread on it represents a fourth expression of Christ in us, that of service to God and each other. The Altar of Incense symbolizes a fifth expression of Christ in us, 'death' to our own will.

The third and last area of the tabernacle was the 'Most Holy Place' where God met with the high priest of the Jewish nation. When the high priest entered the most holy place, he took with him the Altar of Incense. This small altar had four horns like the large sacrificial altar in the outer court and was gold covered. The purpose of this altar was for the burning of sweet-smelling incense. No living thing could enter the third area of the tabernacle except the high priest, and then only after he had performed an extensive ritual to make himself worthy. Our high priest is Jesus Christ who, having died not only physically to his own will, but also spiritually (Matthew 26:39), qualifies as our high priest. If we are to 'enter in' with our high priest, Jesus Christ, we must be found 'dead' in him.

In the third section of the tabernacle were the last two of seven objects. One was the Ark of the Testimony, symbolic of our sixth relationship with God in Christ. Placed on top of the ark was the seventh item, the solid gold Mercy Seat where God rested. Symbolically, the Mercy Seat represents a seventh relationship with God in Christ, one of acceptance and oneness with God.

The only object that changed its assigned place in the tabernacle was the Altar of Incense, moving from the second part of the tabernacle into the most holy place by the high priest. The Altar of Incense represents our fifth relationship with God in Christ, 'death' to our own will, and is our only way into God's presence.

The Beasts of Revelation

There is one Beast in Revelation and it has seven heads. Each of the seven heads, the seven churches, has both a focus and a particular nemesis, difficulty or 'way of thinking' to overcome. Symbolically, each of the seven churches is a single 'beast' in some way, shape or form.

The voice or 'spirit' of the first four churches are the four Beasts or 'living creatures' who encourage us to "...come and see..." what's revealed by the removal of the first four seals. These four beasts or 'living creatures' symbolize our first four relationships with God in the church age and are four of the seven heads of the Beast.

One of the seven heads of the Beast is "...wounded to death, yet is alive." This is the difficulty of the fifth church, the 'prodigal son' experience. Having died, we receive our inheritance: freedom from the law. Some of us, if not all, become like the prodigal son who, after receiving his inheritance, sets off into the world to spend it on himself by living morally unrestrained. We seem 'alive,' but are dead.

A sixth head of the Beast is the 'false prophet,' the Beast that rises from the 'earth' or natural realm. The difficulty of the sixth church is the inability to steadfastly appropriate Jesus Christ's testimony and teachings, to unwaveringly continue in faith. Those who have yet to overcome this difficulty are the false prophet and urge all to worship the Beast with seven heads; take the path of adherence to an external law, traditions and doctrines of man.

The seventh head of the beast represents those who live in the difficulty of the seventh church. The seventh head of the beast are those who feel they are "...rich and in need of nothing...."

And the Beast [the one Beast with seven heads] that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven [the seven churches], and goeth into perdition. Rev 17:11

Each of the seven expressions of Christ are found in the members of the each of the seven churches. Below, we will address the seven different expressions of Christ in each church, one at a time.

Chapter 8: The First Church

The Role of Salvation

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

After Jesus rose from the dead, he gave his disciples 'The Great Commission.' He instructed them to go into the entire world and preach the good news of the gospel. This statement is the impetus behind the focus of the first church.

The First Seal Removed

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. Rev 6:1

When the Lamb of God opens the first seal on the little scroll, the first of four 'living creatures' or 'Beasts' invites us to 'come and see.' The first living 'creature' has a face like a lion. A 'face like a lion' speaks to the countenance or outward appearance of one's nature. The lion's reputation as the king of beasts, as well as the phrase 'face of lion,' reveals the fearless actions exhibited by those of the first church as they spread the good news of the gospel to the world through Jesus Christ, "...the Lion of the tribe of Judah."

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. Rev 6:2

The rider of the white horse is Christ, manifested within the people of the first church, bringing the salvation message to the world. A horse is a symbol used in the Bible to symbolize a ministry, while the color of a horse reflects the impact of that ministry. White symbolizes pureness and indicates this 'salvation ministry' spreads the pure, good news message of the gospel. The 'bow' carried by the rider is not a weapon of destruction in the typical sense, but a 'bow' as placed on a gift (Strong's Concordance #G5115 - from the base of G5088 n bow apparently as the simplest fabric bow). The gift of salvation is the weapon used by the rider as he goes forth conquering. The crown given to us represents the dominion we have been given over sin and sin-consciousness.

The First Trumpet Blown

We of the first church have something to say about our relationship with God as symbolized by the first angel blowing its trumpet. We messengers of God evangelize, spreading the good news of Christ by teaching the gospel as found in the scriptures. Unfortunately, although our message is freeing and pure, sometimes we deliver that message with judgment and condemnation.

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. Rev 8:7

The results of the first church speaking its message, "...and there followed...," is hail and fire mixed with blood being cast upon the earth. Hail and fire symbolize scriptural teachings or messages delivered in a condemning or judgmental way. That very same message, when delivered in a freeing and life-giving way, becomes 'blood.' Blood is always a symbol of life in the Bible. Ideally, what we say and how we say it will bring about freedom. Sometimes however, we deliver a pure message in a hurtful way. For this reason, we often delivers a mixed or 'mingled' message.

Fire and burning are symbols of judging, judgment or condemnation. Water is a symbol used in scripture for the cleansing word of God; frozen water or hail is the word of God being delivered in a cold, hard and condemning way that does damage. Blood, a symbol of life, represents the new, freeing life in God brought about by the good news of the gospel. The 'earth,' upon which the gospel is cast, refers to a non-spiritual way of thinking or 'the natural realm.' 'Casting' our proclamations upon the earth means letting the gospel fall where it will and with little regard for the effects it will have on others, another aspect of a mingled message. The term, "...the third..." is symbolic.

All of us are in a relationship with God in basically one of three ways. First, there are those of us seeking to either know God or know more about God. We are symbolically, the 'grass.' Another part of us, a 'third,' are in service to God and others. The rest of us, the remaining 'third,' have died to our own will, are 'dead' in Christ, and rest in a state of oneness with God. These three groupings equate to the three areas of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The non-priests or common people, 'the grass,' meet in the outer court, seeking God or to know more about God. The priests or 'trees' meet in the holy place, servants of God. Those now 'dead' in Christ, are at rest in God in the most holy place.

Symbolically, a third of God's people, the priests or 'trees,' are 'burnt up.' Their impurities burned away by the sharp two-edged sword, which cuts both ways and with which they do battle against one another. Those of us who follow these judgmental teachers and leaders are the 'green grass' and have our pride and lack of humility judged or 'burned up' by the word they teach.

In his letter to the first church God warns us to remember from where we have fallen. Some of us have 'fallen' from delivering a pure message of grace to a low place of judging each other and those to whom we minister.

The First Angel Flying Through Heaven

Our next expression of Christ in the first church is one of power and authority, communicated to us through the term, "...flying through heaven." Those who spread the salvation message in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit are priests of God.

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Rev 14:6,7

Those of us who express Christ in the power and authority of the holy spirit have the everlasting gospel to preach to all who "...dwell on the earth...," who focus on earthly things. Our message in this expression of Christ is given as a warning: give glory to God because the time of his judgment has arrived. Worship him who has made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.

Heaven is a spiritual realm, earth a natural realm. The sea is the frothy, turbulent sea of believers tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. We are the delivery systems, fountains of waters, for the word of God. 'His judgment' whose 'hour' has come, refers to the ongoing wrath of God seen in the judging of ourselves and others as we deliver the message of the gospel.

The First Cup Poured Out

The seven vials, bowls or 'cups' of wrath are the symbols used in Revelation to show the next expression of Christ in us, that of service to God and others. The descriptions that follows the pouring out of the seven cups show us the results of Christ manifested through us in service to God and others.

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the Beast, and upon them which worshiped his image. Rev 16:2

After the removal of the scroll's first seal, we saw a rider on a white horse, with a bow in his hand, going forth conquering. The 'bow' symbolizes the free gift of salvation brought to all through the 'pouring out' of our lives. The pouring out of the first cup symbolizes the actions of the first church promoting the freeing gospel message of grace. In doing so we indict those who have the mark of the Beast, those who teach or receive teachings about adherence to the law, tradition and false doctrine.

The message of grace, freedom from the law and its penalties, cause a great sore to fall upon those who live and teach adherence to the law, doctrine and tradition. The "...noisome and grievous sore..." symbolizes the damage, the feelings of unworthiness, caused by an inability to keep the law. It is this constant, repetitive message of unworthiness, rooted in sin-consciousness, that causes a wound to the soul.

We rivers, fountains and springs of water, deliverers of the word of God, are spreading a message of captivity if those to whom we minister are trying to please either us or some set of organizational rules. We are worshiping the 'image of the Beast.' We need to stop 'worshiping' or participating in the 'Beast,' come out of the 'Harlot,' and return to a relationship with God based not on our actions, but on his gift of grace. Spreading the gospel without judgment or condemnation, returning to our first love, means not using the power and influence we have over people for our own gain. This is 'death to self.'

The First Judgment of the Harlot

Having died to our will, we now see this 'Christ' for whom we have waited. In the 'twinkling of an eye,' a changing of our minds, we now know the 'old man' is dead and despite appearances, it is Christ who lives within us. With this knowledge we recognize that, 'we have come out of her;' we are no longer a part of the Harlot.

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored Beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Rev 17:3-5

The wilderness symbolizes our time in the church age. The woman, characterized here as the Harlot, symbolizes those of us in the seven churches who have not, as yet, 'overcome.' The Beast represents those of us teaching or conforming to the ubiquitous doctrines of Balaam (union of world and church) and the Nicolaitans (living morally unrestrained) which result in sin-consciousness, religiosity and tradition. The Beast is scarlet colored; the color scarlet symbolizes sin. She who sits upon the Beast is 'arrayed' in purple and scarlet, symbolizing both royalty and sin. She, we, are royal in that we are the sons and daughters of God, yet our sin-consciousness makes us adulterous in our relationship with God; we are at rest on the 'Beast' that carries us. The seven heads of the Beast are the seven churches, again God's one people, who supply the doctrines, traditions and the captivity that make up the Beast.

We, the woman, wear (are 'arrayed') with gold, precious stones and pearls. We are 'arrayed' means we 'put on' or display an air of divinity, symbolized by gold. We wear our precious stones or 'truths' proudly and we display our 'pearls' of wisdom. Still, we are one with God through Christ. We are the sons and daughters of God, royalty, symbolized by the golden cup. The fact that this 'cup' is found in the Harlot's hand, signifies we choose to control our life. Our choice, at this time, is a life lived in sin-consciousness, traditions, and doctrines of men, all adulterous behavior.

A name is 'written' on our forehead. Our name is our nature, our 'forehead' is our thinking, which is quite visible for all to see. Our nature is one of captivity, we are the city Babylon. We, God's people, who have lived and taught a life of captivity are "...the mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth." We are the wrath of God to each other.

Those of us in the first church who have experienced 'death' and have 'come out of her,' acknowledge our previous 'oneness' with the Beast and the ongoing judgment of the Harlot.

The First 'I Saw'

Our next expression of Christ in God is the resurrection that follows our 'death.' We are no longer servants, but friends of the bridegroom participating in the harvest. We 'see' and understand that all of us, as God's people, are participating in the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb. In God's letter to the first church he identified himself as, "...he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks...." He said this to reassure those who had responded to his voice that it is he, the God of all Christians, speaking to them. Now, he confirms his presence in his people by revealing himself in the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb in which all of God's people have a part.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Rev 19:11-16

When we 'see' heaven opened, we see and understand it is a realm which includes all of God's people. The white horse is the first church's pure ministry, delivering the gospel to the world. The one who sits upon the white horse is Christ in the first church. He judges and makes war with the scriptures, taking peace from the earth, the focus of the second church. Having a name written that no one knows is a promise made to those who overcome in the third church. Those who overcome in the fourth church will rule with a rod of iron. The armies following Christ in heaven follow him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Here is the fifth church, having experienced death to their own will, no longer soiled by sin-consciousness. The sixth church treads the wine-press in the harvest of the earth with their testimony of the mystery of God, the marriage feast of the Lamb.

He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. A name again, is one's nature. Those in the seventh church, those who accept that his will IS done They are his "...vesture...," his garment. His name or 'nature,' written upon us is there for all to see. We are not the King of Kings, we are not the Lord of Lords, we are symbolically, the garment He wears. We are his legs, his thigh, the body of Christ, and his Bride.

Chapter 9: The Second Church

The Role of Teaching

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. MT 28:19,20

Jesus tells those who follow him to go out into all the world and make disciples of all nations. He promises us that he will be with us until the end of the world, and he is. He is 'with' us until the end of our 'old' world or church age, but 'in' us in the new heaven and new earth of the kingdom age. Learning and teaching the scriptures is the focus of the second church as we pursue our goal of bringing the word of God to all.

The Second Seal Removed

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. Rev 6:3

After the opening of the second seal, we are again invited, this time by the second Beast, to 'come and see.' The second Beast has a 'face like a calf' symbolizing the outward appearance or nature of the second church, consumers and teachers of both the 'milk' and the 'meat' of the word of God.

While in the desert wilderness, Moses went up a mountain to meet with God. The people grew tired of waiting for his return and built themselves an idol to worship, a golden calf. Today, many of us have made 'a golden calf' out of the scriptures of the Bible while waiting for the return of Christ. The scriptures are holy, divinely inspired, and given to us by God, but they are not God.

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. Rev 6:4

With the removal of the second seal from the scroll, the Lamb's Book of Life, we see a rider on a red horse. The rider is Christ within the people of the second church. The red horse symbolizes a warring nature of struggle and conflict. We are given the power to take peace from the earth, the natural realm, by doing battle with a great sword. The scriptures of the Bible are 'the great sword,' also symbolized in the Bible as a plowshare, or sickle. When we make war with the scriptures we take peace from the earth. We use the Word of God in ways that result in tribulation, conflict and famine leading to 'death.'

The Second Trumpet Blown

And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. Rev 8:8,9

The second angel refers to the messengers of the second church preaching and teaching the scriptures. A mountain symbolizes a high place of authority. The second church, a great mountain or high place, is cast into the sea, a sea of believers. This mountain is burning with fire, 'burning judgment,' a result of using God's word as a sword.

Those of God's people who seek to know him or know more about him are the "...third part of the sea..." that became blood. A 'third' part of the creatures in the sea, those of us who serve him or wish to serve him more and are 'alive,' will experience 'death' because of this burning judgment. The last 'third' of God's people, those who have died to their own will, are no longer separated from the water, the word of God, because their 'ships' are 'destroyed.'

Jesus once got out of a boat once and 'walked on the water' showing us what we must all do eventually: trust what God is telling us and 'walk upon it.' When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he too got out of the boat and walked on the water. He started to sink however, when he began to fear for his life; he needed the safety of the boat for a while longer because he was not yet ready to 'give up his life.'

Ships are symbols of places of refuge where we can safely move about upon the water, the word of God. A third of the ships, (small and large meetings, organizations, cell groups, Bible studies, prayer groups, and the like), having kept us safe from the 'deep' water, are no longer needed by those who have chosen to 'walk on the water.' The cost of walking on water is all you have, your riches, even your life, so that you might live His life.

The description that followed the blowing of the first trumpet showed us the effects of the first church's message as it is cast upon the 'earth,' the multitudes who dwell in the natural realm. The blowing of the second trumpet reveals the effect of the second church's message as it is cast into the 'sea' of believers.

The Second Angel Flying Through Heaven

Our third expression of Christ in the second church is one of priesthood, those who teach the word of God in the spirit, power and authority of God. They are rivers and fountains of water delivering the word of God in the Holy Spirit.

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Rev 14:8

The second angel, the messengers of the second church, follow the messengers of the first church. Their message, "...Babylon has fallen...," means God's people have moved from a 'higher place,' (our first love...the grace of God) to a 'lower place,' (a place of captivity). The second church is the 'burning' mountain, a high place of power, cast into the sea of believers as described when the second trumpet sounds. We hold others captive by teaching adherence to an external law, doctrines and traditions of men. This amounts to fornication, 'cheating' on a God of grace by believing and teaching that our actions determines our relationship with him. In reality, our actions only bear witness to our need, in our relationship with God.

In the letter to the second church God tells us that the devil would cast some of us into prison so that we might be tried. That prison is Babylon, a place of captivity, the burning mountain cast into the sea. God encourages us to overcome and be faithful unto death so that we might receive the crown of life, dominion over sin-consciousness, the mind of Christ, and a 'oneness' with God.

The Second Cup Poured Out

The pouring out of our cup, vial, or bowl symbolizes our lives being lived. This is the fourth expression of Christ in the second church.

And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. Rev 16:3

Those of the second church who live their lives in service to God and others pour out their 'cups' upon a sea of believers. They do this by learning, sharing and teaching the scriptures and in doing so, the 'sea of believers' becomes like the blood of a 'dead' man. Blood is a symbol of life, the life of Christ. The word of God gives us life by bringing about a 'death' to our own will. This symbolism shows us the scriptures are doing their job of bringing 'death' to God's people when used either as a sword. Those of us alive to ourselves in the 'sea of believers' will die; "...and every living soul died in the sea."

The Second Judgment of the Harlot

Having died to ourselves in service to God, we now express Christ in death. Not only do we know Christ as our life, but now also recognize the Harlot for what she is and the part we played in her. We recognize that we either promoted or followed the Beast and were easily identified by the mark of the Beast in our 'right hand' as a promoter, or in our 'forehead' in our thinking.

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the Beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. Rev 17:6,7

The 'woman,' God's people, are 'drunk' with the lives and works of others. The people of God admire, have become enamored with, others relationships with God. This fifth expression of Christ within us causes us to ask ourselves and others why we 'marveled' (...Wherefore didst thou marvel?) or had feelings of wonder. We are given our answer by being shown the mystery of the woman, the Beast that carries her, the seven heads, and ten horns in the next verse. Explained below are the symbols used to convey this mystery.

The woman symbolizes God's people, a sea of believers carried away on doctrine and traditions of men. She is 'drunk' with the blood of the saints and claims justification and glory for herself in the deeds and lives of others, including those notable people who have lived in the last two thousand years. The Beast that carries her is a construct of false concepts, laws, rules, doctrines, and traditions of exclusion. The seven heads of the Beast are the seven churches...with ten horns.

Concerning the ten horns: God promised Abraham a land that already had ten tribes settled in it. When it came time for God to fulfill his promise to the seed of Abraham, the ten tribes or peoples were now consolidated into seven, symbolically the seven churches. God led the Israelites out of the wilderness, across the Jordan River, and into this 'promised' land where they were to conquer the people who already lived there. Revelation references these peoples as 'ten kings' because they represent groups of peoples, each with a leader, each with their own dominion. They represent, symbolically, the church age. They are not a united people with one federal power ruling them (God's will). They are instead, ten separate peoples, 'the ten horns,' each with their own power and 'will.'

In another analogy, God's people, the twelve tribes, were at one time split, ten tribes to the north (Kingdom of Israel), and two in the south (Kingdom of Judah). The northern kingdom had rejected Solomon's son Rehoboam as their king and went their own separate way. This 'Kingdom of Israel' and represents a church age relationship with God.

The ten horns or kings symbolize those of us in the seven churches who are in the church age. We are not united, but struggling to keep our own identity, our own will. We occupy a land, place or condition promised to those who 'overcome.' Those who overcome in the seven churches are those who cross over the Jordan River, symbolic of death, and enter in to the 'promised' land or the kingdom age. We take over a land formerly owned by the ten tribes or 'the church age.'

The Beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the Beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Rev 17:8

Here is the promised explanation of the 'mystery' of the woman and the Beast with seven heads and ten horns, promised to us in the earlier verse. For each of us, the Beast that we now recognize as having been very much alive in us 'was.' It 'is not' because we have moved from sin-consciousness to freedom from the law, doctrines and traditions of men. The Beast 'was' in our experience of the church age. It 'is not,' because we recognized and rejected its control over us when we experienced death to our own will and accepted God's will as our lives. The Beast 'will ascend' out of the bottomless pit of sin-consciousness, resulting in the wrath of God falling upon those participating in sin-consciousness and adherence to the law.

'The bottomless pit' is judgment and condemnation. It is the constant judging of ourselves and others which brings about never-ending condemnation. Those of us who turn our backs on freedom, have our place in the Beast and go into perdition or 'ruin' until we surrender our will to God. We who 'dwell on the earth shall wonder' because we do not understand this 'mystery.' Our names, the separate natures we hold on to as the 'ten horns,' are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life from "...the foundation of the world...." Why? Because these names or natures are separate, individualistic, not 'one.' These names or natures are cloaks we put on and take off when we overcome and then fall short throughout our walk with God.

There is only one Book of Life, one name or nature, and it is spiritual. It is Christ, a oneness with God, in which all relationships with God are found. The 'foundation' of the world, our world, is the first expression of Christ in us, salvation. It is our foundation. It is acknowledgment of a God who loves us. It is the first seal opened, our first relationship with God, and the beginning of the revealing of Christ. It is foundational to our world. We are in the Book of Life because we are in Christ. Any nature of separateness we may display at times, such as haughtiness, arrogance, condescension, pride, egotism, and so on is not, cannot, be found in the Book of Life.

And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the Beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. Rev 17:9-11

The seven heads of the Beast are seven mountains that symbolize high places or places of power, the seven churches. The woman, God's people, sit upon or are 'carried away' by the doctrines and sin-consciousness that the Beast promotes.

There are seven Kings, we of the seven churches who have given our dominion and power to the Beast. Five of these Kings have come about or 'fallen.' Five expressions of Christ in his people are now made manifest. One King 'is,' those who know, see, and understand Jesus Christ within them reigns. He is the resurrection, oneness with God, the focus of the sixth church. The 'one who has not yet come' are those of the seventh church expressing either their acceptance or apathy towards God. As the letter to the seventh church states, some members feel they 'are in need of nothing.'

For each of us, the Beast that 'was' is sin-consciousness. It 'is not' because of our death and resurrection from captivity. "...He is the eighth and is of the seven..." means the Beast is the same type of entity as the seven churches, not physical, but purposed. We of the seven churches are known by our role or focus of Christ within us. The Beast also has a role and focus, that of separation from God through doctrine, tradition and sin-consciousness, and is "...of the seven...," the seven churches. The Beast is not the seven churches, it is 'of' the seven churches. The Beast "...goeth into..." perdition or destruction means it is in the doctrines and traditions of the church age that keep us separated from God until sometime in the future. The Beast is the wrath of God meant to bring us to 'death,' to destroy us.

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the Beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the Beast. Rev 17:12-13

The ten kings symbolize the people of God from the perspective of dwelling in a place they do not as yet recognize as the promised land, the Kingdom of God within us. We who are of the ten kings, who dwell in the 'church age,' receive power as kings one hour with the Beast. We believe we are to judge, exercise power, and rule over others while sitting upon a throne. We believe we have dominion and are in charge of things. When we think in this way, we give our power and strength to the Beast and do so for a time or an 'hour.' An hour is some length of time, the time each of us spends in our 'church age,' before we die to our own will.

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Rev 17:14,15

Those of us held captive in sin-consciousness will fight against the Lamb by continuing to hold ourselves accountable to the law. However, after our time in the 'church age,' the Lamb will overcome. We will join those now with the Lamb who are the called, chosen, and faithful. The 'called' are those of us either seeking God or seeking to know more about God. The 'chosen' are the those who are in service to God and others. The 'faithful' are those who 'have been faithful unto death,' as promised in God's letter to the second church. The waters are, peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. We have the water, the word of God within us, we are the sea of believers upon which the Harlot rests.

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. Rev 17:16-18

Those of us experiencing the 'church age,' the ten horns, inhabit a land, but will not 'possess' it . We hate the Harlot (the adulterous woman), hypocritically, for not keeping the law and make her desolate and naked; we make her ineffective, weak, and without cover. We eat her 'flesh,' her earthly ways, and 'burn her with fire,' the judging and condemnation of her thoughts and actions. All this we do to each other. This is the wrath of God, the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb. We are the woman, the Harlot. We are that great city of captivity, Babylon, carried about by the traditions and doctrines that are the Beast. We are the ten horns upon the seven heads of the Beast. God has put it in our hearts to fulfill his will by giving our power, our 'kingdom,' (riches, dominion, and thinking), to the Beast until "...until the words of God shall be fulfilled." Dying to our own will and finding the Kingdom of God within us, fulfills God's words.

The Second 'I Saw'

This expression of Christ in the second church is one of seeing and understanding our role in Christ when it comes to the word of God. In preaching and teaching the scriptures, the second church has brought about war, but also peace. We have created conflict, but introduced reconciliation. We see, and now understand how God uses us to bring 'death' to his people using the scriptures as both a sword and plowshare. Our actions have in the past, are now, and will be the will of God as we manifest Christ. The process of moving through the church age, giving up our will, and moving into the kingdom age is the great ongoing supper of the Lord, the marriage feast of the Lamb.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. Rev 19:17-18

The messengers of the sixth church stand in the sun, in God, saying to those of us who learn and teach the scriptures, to come do our part in the marriage feast of the Lamb. We are to bring our teachings, a great sword, and devour flesh. 'Flesh' represents the earthly thinking and behaviors of kings, commanders, mighty men, horses and those who sit on them. The 'kings' refer to all those found in the Lamb's Book of Life, all who experience salvation. The 'captains' are those who command with the scriptures. 'Mighty men' are those who display the power and authority in the Holy Spirit. 'Horses' and those who ride upon them symbolize ministers and ministries of service. The 'free' (Strong's Concordance #1658 - free from the yoke of the Mosaic law) are those free of captivity, made 'small' in death. 'The great' are those resurrected as friends, 'bonded' (Strong's Concordance #G1401 - one who gives himself up to another will - those whose service is used by Christ in extending or advancing his cause among men) to Christ.

Chapter 10: The Third Church

The Role of Power and Authority

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

We read in the scriptures that Jesus opened the eyes of the blind, made the lame walk and raised the dead. He did all this in the physical realm, but the greater works we are to do are in the spiritual realm. We open the eyes of the blind by spreading the salvation message and teaching the scriptures. We make the lame walk by revealing the power and authority of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We raise the dead through our testimony of Christ resurrected within us. All of this we do through Christ who is our life.

The role of the third church is manifesting Christ in power and authority. Some will display this power by speaking in tongues or showing other gifts of the spirit. We do not however, have to attend meetings where the power of the Holy Spirit is on display to witness the power of God. Look, and more importantly 'see' those around us working at a community kitchen, doing volunteer work, or helping the poor. People in any number of professions such as doctors, nurses, and aid workers dedicate their lives to helping others. This too, is the power of the Holy Spirit working within them in service to others. In our society there are few greater than social workers, counselors or the host of others willing to 'open the eyes of the blind' by letting us 'see' what is really important. They are like David of the Old Testament who tended the flock while his 'head and shoulder' brothers present themselves as candidates for king.

The Third Seal Removed

After the removal of the third seal from the scroll, the third Beast or 'living creature' invites us to 'come and see.' The third 'living creature' has a 'face like a man,' revealing a nature of values such as self-sufficiency, objectivity, power, control, pride, strength, and prosperity. These attributes are admirable qualities in this world, but have little bearing in a relationship with God based upon surrender, faith, submission, servitude, humility, weakness, and need.

And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third Beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four Beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Rev 6:5,6

With the opening of the third seal we see a rider on a black horse with balances, a measuring device, in his hand. A white horse symbolizes a pure ministry, but a black horse, an impure ministry. The balances represent the riders judging or measuring other people contributions or their 'days work.' The words, "...in his hand." means 'in his power to do so.'

We 'hear' or understand a 'voice' in the midst of the four living creatures telling others what they must do, say, or believe so that they might receive from God. This is the 'voice' of the church age. The rider of the black horse symbolizes those of us who feel entitled to measure or judge others efforts. They see a relationship with God as a 'quid pro quo' relationship, a thing in return for another. Accordingly, they allow a measure of wheat, symbolic of Christ, the bread of life, for a penny or a day's wage. Likewise, three measures of barley, indicative of a full anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus once contradicted this way of thinking in a parable about laborers receiving a full day's wages whether they have worked a full day or not. Like Martha judging Mary some will receive their reward without doing the work others think they should.

We are also warned by the 'voice' of the 'church age,' "...and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine." Oil is a symbol of anointing, a consecration to an office such as the priesthood. Wine symbolizes the strengthening of something such as grape juice becoming a fermented brew. Here, wine represents the strengthening of the word of God. For the 'church age,' it is important that we not hurt, damage or lessen the anointing or the word of God.

The Third Trumpet Blown

And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. Rev 8:10,11

When the messengers of the third church speak, we 'see' a great star 'fallen' from heaven as if it were a lamp, a church. This star fallen from heaven are those who promote bondage, those that have 'fallen' from a high place to a low place.

This is the third of three events that show us the tribulation brought about by what we say. The first trumpet is the message of the first church delivering the gospel message of salvation. It's delivery is as hail and fire mixed with blood and it is cast upon the earth, the natural realm. The second trumpet is the second church teaching the scriptures. The second church speaks and a great mountain burning with fire, is cast into the sea of believers. Now, the third trumpet sounds and a great star burning like a lamp or candlestick falls upon those who deliver the word of God, the rivers and fountains of water.

The name of the star, the nature of those who have not overcome in the third church, is 'Wormwood' meaning 'bitterness.' Their message is one of captivity. They judge the required amount of work for a day's wage. Their message turns a third part of the rivers and fountains of water 'bitter.' Many experience 'death' because of the waters made bitter by the rivers and fountains of water. 'Death' is the reward of those who refuse to take part any longer in what we know in our hearts is self-serving religiosity. We 'overcome' when we refuse to live in the pride, pomposity and lack of humility which are the difficulties of the third church. As God's letter to the third church points out, here is where Satan's throne is.

Third Angel Flying Through Heaven

In this expression of Christ in power and authority, we use the power of the Holy Spirit to change the lives of others. We show 'signs' or prove the Holy Spirit by speaking in tongues or the laying on of hands. We may dance in the spirit, 'slay people in the spirit,' or preach with a cadence that is seemingly a witness to others of the Holy Spirit within us. In other, less outwardly expressive Christian gatherings we may make new commitments to ourselves and others to act unselfishly and help those in need.

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the Beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the Beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Rev 14:9-11

The angel or messengers of the third church are clear: if we worship the Beast, the image of the Beast, or receive the Mark of the Beast, we will drink of the wine of the wrath of God. If we seek a relationship with God through sin-consciousness, doctrines of men, and adherence to the law, we will experience his strong wrath. Likewise, if we support and build on the concepts brought to us by false doctrines, rules and regulations in order that we might have a place to dwell with like-minded people, we will experience the strong wrath of God; this is worshiping the image of the Beast.

If we live by the sword we must die by the sword. Judgment and condemnation become assured. We who have the Mark of the Beast, those of us who promote or subscribe to the Beast's thinking, will have no rest. Our lives are the 'cup' of his indignation.

Our torment is 'witnessed' by the holy angels, those in the seven churches who have overcome. 'Smoke,' evidence of burning judgment, rises from the bottomless pit, a place of anguish and condemnation. Smoke symbolizes our obvious and never-ending shame, guilt, remorse, self-deprecation, and loss of self-esteem seen by others as we try, but fail to live up to the law and concepts of perfection.

The Third Cup Poured Out

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. Rev 16:4-7

Those of the third church who have dedicated their lives in service to God pour out their vial or cup upon the rivers and fountains of water, those who teach the word of God. In doing so the water, the word of God, becomes blood or 'life giving.'

Although we once used God's power and authority to help ourselves, we receive forgiveness and justification. We are given the blood of Christ to drink, even though we "...shed the blood of the saints and the prophets..." (used their works and faith as a covering for our own lack of belief). We tried to live on the coat tails of others in our attempt to reach God.

Some of us, influenced by the traditions of men, believe we should get what we deserve, 'quid pro quo.' Still, recognizing God's ways are not our ways, we acknowledge, "...even so, true and righteous are thy judgments."

The Third Judgment of the Harlot

And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Rev 18:1-3

We in third church who now experience Christ in death see Christ not as 'far off' in heaven, but as having 'come down' and in us. We see that the earth, the natural realm, and those who dwell in it, are 'lighted' with his, not their own, great power and authority. The 'earth' is "...lightened with his glory..." because we see him as he is, within his people.

The people within the third church who are experiencing death, recognize that they have come out of the Harlot. They know that "...Babylon the great..." has and 'is' fallen. It has become a low place, "...the habitation of devils...," and the 'hold' (a place where captives are held) of every foul spirit or unclean life. It is the "...cage of every unclean and hateful bird...," those who use God's power and authority for their own gain. We know this because we have been there. We who have experienced 'death' in the third church recognize traditions and doctrines of man holding people captive. We also recognize the part we have played in keeping ourselves and others in captivity. Having died to our own will, we now recognize that we have both given and received God's wrath in the form of judgment and condemnation.

We 'Kings of the Earth' lived in the doctrines and traditions that make up the Beast and gave up our freedom and power of choice. This resulted in fornication or 'becoming one' with the Harlot. We became the merchants of the earth (the natural realm) buying and selling God's wisdom, teachings and truths.

The Third 'I Saw'

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev 19:19,20

" _And I saw the Beast..."_ means we 'see' and understand the makeup of the Beast. We 'see' the Kings of the Earth, those who have given their power and dominion to the Beast. We 'see' the armies that follow the Beast, those with the mark of the Beast. They are all brought together to make war with Christ and his armies. Those now one with God in Christ 'see' the Beast, False Prophet, those with the Mark of the Beast, and those who worship the Beast cast 'alive' into the Lake of Fire. The Lake of Fire, burning with brimstone, is the judgment and condemnation that accompanies the scripture used to hold God's people captive to the law.

Chapter 11: The Fourth Church

The Role of Service

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. John 13:14

Not long before he experienced his physical death, Jesus Christ washed the feet of those who followed him, telling them he had done so as an example. The 'feet' symbolize those in the body of Christ who carry the word of God to others. Those of us who have overcome the difficulties of the third church are in a pivotal place, a place of service, the fourth church. In this expression of Christ as servant, we experience 'death to self' as we pour out our lives in service to God and others.

The Fourth Seal Removed

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. Rev 6:7,8

With the removal of the fourth seal, the fourth 'living creature' invites us to 'come and see.' This 'living creature' or Beast has a face like an eagle showing us the outward appearance of the fourth church. The eagle is a large, majestic bird flying high above all, yet it feeds on the weak, the dead and the dying.

If we do 'come and see,' pursue with understanding, we see a pale horse. 'Pale' is the bloodless color of a corpse and symbolizes what the rider of the horse brings with him, 'death' through service to God and others. Hell follows 'with,' not 'after' him. Death and hell are two different experiences as found here in the fourth church. 'Hell' is the process that leads us to death. It is anguish, guilt, and feelings of failure that are the burning judgments of sin-consciousness. Hell is the 'lower or nether regions,' a place of constant burning or judging, the church age. Death, or being 'dead,' frees us to know, receive and experience Christ within us. 'death' occurs in this fourth expression of Christ, a place of service to God and others. We experience 3 ½ expressions of Christ in the church age before 'death' and 3 ½ expressions of Christ in the kingdom age after 'death.'

Those who overcome and experience 'death' will 'see' or comprehend the morning star, Jesus Christ, rising and working within them. They may move on in God, express Christ in death and like Mary, rest from their labors and listen at the foot of Jesus. Others will continue in service to God and 'rule with a rod of iron.' They will use the power given to them over the fourth part of the earth to bring others to 'death.'

The 'power' given to the fourth church is the power of 'life' and 'death.' The "...fourth part of the earth..." are those in the first four churches who are 'alive' to themselves, but ready to 'die.' They are slain with the sword, hunger, death, and with the Beasts of the earth. The sword is the word of God. Hunger is the withholding of the word of God that nourishes. Death is separation from one's own will. The 'Beasts of the earth' refers to the seven heads of the Beast, the seven churches, that rises up from a sea of believers.

The Fourth Trumpet Blown

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! Rev 8:12,13

The sun, moon and stars are the perceived origins of the light of Christ by those experiencing the church age. The sun symbolizes God away from us, above us, giving us light. Christ is the light given to us by God from above. The moon, a body with no light of its own, is God's one church reflecting the light of the sun, Christ. The 'stars' are those in the seven churches who shine brightly to guide us at night, a time when we cannot 'see' the God working in our lives.

When we sound our message of service to God and 'death' to self, a third of the light, sun, moon and stars are 'darkened.' A third of God's people, those who know Christ within themselves, no longer 'reflect' an external light. Their 'light' comes from within.

" _And I beheld,_ [I looked] and heard [understood] an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" The 'inhabitants of the earth' are those held captive to the law, doctrines and traditions of men; they 'worship' the Beast and his 'image.'

Those of us who have not, as yet, rejected sin-consciousness will find the next three trumpets (woe,woe,woe,...), the testimony of the fifth, sixth and seventh churches, very hard to hear. These coming testimonies are proclamations that the Kingdom of God is here and now. Jesus Christ has returned and with him the Kingdom of God, the New Jerusalem, the body of Christ. These messages do not challenge the traditions and teachings of the church realm, but the idea that it is 'here and now' does. Jesus came two thousand years ago not to 'tear down,' but to 'build upon,' and that has not changed.

The Fourth Angel Flying Through Heaven

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Rev 14:12,13

The faith of Jesus Christ allowed him to declare that all the commandments of God are found in just these two: Love your God and Love your neighbor. His faith becomes "...the patience of the saints..." as we stand steadfast in his testimony. His testimony does not negate God's law, which is good, but external. Instead, his faith in just two commandments turns an external law to a law written on our hearts. It removes our bondage to an outer law.

" _Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth..."_ means those who know, understand and accept that all the law is found in Jesus Christ's two commandments, have 'died' to their ability to keep an external law. They have 'died' to their own power and are 'blessed' because they may now rest from their labors. Their 'death' is part of the journey to know God, part of the works written in their 'books,' which in turn, will be found in the one Book of Life, Jesus Christ.

The Fourth Cup Poured Out

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. Rev 16:8,9

The servants of God in the fourth church express Christ within themselves through the pouring out of their 'cups,' living their lives for God and others. Power is given to, not taken by, those in the fourth church so they might "...scorch men with fire..." or rule with a "...rod of iron." This is the power that was "...given unto them over the fourth part of the earth..." as described with the opening of the fourth seal. They 'shatter' others just as Jesus received of his Father as described in the letter to the fourth church. We, in service to God, will use the external law to bring death to others just as the law and those representing the law brought death to Jesus.

Failure to keep the law brings judgment, "And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name [nature] of God." They blaspheme or slander the name (nature) of God by attributing the penalties they suffer to God's nature. God's nature is one of peace, hope, love, and forgiveness, not one of punishment through condemnation, guilt, failure, and self-loathing. These are the penalties or plagues suffered when we hold ourselves accountable to the law.

God has power over these plagues, the consequences of failure to keep the law, as is his will. They are the mechanism put in place, God's wrath, to drive us into a 'death' to our own will and acknowledgment of his life within us. Nonetheless, we are a hardheaded, stubborn people and persist in our ways, refusing to become 'his' glory. Until we die to ourselves, "...they repented not to give him glory."

The Fourth Judgment of the Harlot

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Rev 18:4,5

'Another voice' is Jesus Christ within us, telling us to come out of the Harlot so that we no longer suffer the consequences of her unbelief. Her unbelief results in her plagues of condemnation, judgment, shame, ridicule, and self-reproach. Since she holds herself accountable to the law, she receives the penalties of breaking the law. This is God remembering her iniquities.

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. Rev 18:6-8

Our acceptance of 'death' allows us to see the Harlot's judgment. She is 'rewarded,' as she rewarded us. Having brought us to 'death' we are to bring her, those in the seven churches experiencing the 'church age,' to 'death' because she glorifies herself and lives licentiously or morally unrestrained. This is not retribution, but reward. We, as workers in the harvest, are to remove the wheat, the fruit of the harvest, from the stalk. The way we do that is through our testimony, a sharp sickle. The time to do this is when the stalk (church age) no longer provides nourishment, the time of the ongoing harvest.

She, of whom we were once a part, considers herself a Queen, autonomous, with her own set of powers given to her by her King. Therefore, her plagues come upon her in one 'day,' the day of 'death' and she leaves the Church Age. She will see death, mourning, famine, and be burned with fiery judgment.

The Fourth 'I Saw'

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Rev 19:21

We 'see' and understand that those who have come out of her, the remnant, have been slain by the one who sits on the horse, Jesus Christ. They were slain with the sword which proceeds out of his mouth. The word of God used as a sword is God's wrath and causes the 'death' of many.

Those in the church age that wield the sword bring us to a place where we can choose 'death' to our own will. We 'see' and understand that those of God's people who judge others pick the 'flesh' away from those who are 'dead,' fulfilling their part in the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb.

Chapter 12: The Kingdom Age

Jesus told his disciples that some among them would not taste of death until they saw the Kingdom of God. Six days later he led Peter, John and James to a mountain. What did they see? Jesus transfigured? Yes, but what they were to witness was the Kingdom of God. They saw Jesus, Moses and Elijah all talking with one another. This is the Kingdom of God, all of God's people communing with one another.

The seven churches, God's one people, make up the Kingdom of God. It is within us (righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit) and composed of those who dwell, symbolically, in one of the three areas of the tabernacle of the wilderness. Moses symbolizes those in the outer court who seek to know God or more about God. Those in service to God and others, utilizing power and authority, are Elijah the prophet. Jesus Christ transfigured or 'changed' symbolizes those who have died to their own will and are at rest in the Kingdom of God.

When the three disciples saw Jesus, Elijah and Moses talking together they wanted to create three different tabernacles, one tabernacle for each of them. The wish to make three separate tabernacles reflects our tendency to compartmentalize, subdivide and keep separate our relationships with God. After the three disciples had stated what they wanted, they heard a voice from heaven saying, "...this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." God made known his answer to their desire; there is one tabernacle not three. Jesus Christ is the tabernacle of God.

All three figures, Moses, Elijah and Jesus, communing with each other, represent the Kingdom of God. Those of us in the seven churches who express Christ in the roles of salvation or teaching are, symbolically, Moses. Those of us expressing Christ in power and authority while in service to God and others are, symbolically, Elijah. Those experiencing 'death,' resurrection in Christ, and a 'oneness' with God in Christ are, symbolically, Jesus Christ transfigured.

Chapter 13: The Fifth Church

The Role of Death

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Palms 116:15

Jesus Christ's physical suffering ended when he gave up his life and died on the cross. Likewise, our suffering caused by sin-consciousness ends when we experience 'death.' Jesus was unseen, buried in the earth for a time, before being resurrected. We too, lie in the 'earth' for a time, the natural realm, with no proof of Christ in us except for our testimony.

In this fifth expression of Christ we have found freedom from the law, doctrines and traditions of men. Now, having 'come out of the Harlot' we have another difficulty to overcome. If we no longer play a role in the Harlot, who are we? What do we do? How do we act? What is our purpose, our identity? If we are to pursue God and no longer have a part in the Harlot, with whom do we relate? Who will confirm our beliefs? Who will tell us the rules? Who will show us what to do?

These questions are not trivial. The relationships with God that we already experience, salvation, the scriptures, the power of the Holy Spirit, service to God, and now 'death,' are very real, but have led us to a place where we now seem separated from others. To make matters worse, this 'promised land' we have entered into, a place of freedom, has 'giants' to conquer and battles to fight.

One of those 'giants' is identification. We can no longer accept labels such as 'servant of God,' a separate people, the 'chosen people,' good, bad, faithful, a 'fool for Christ,' prophet, or a million others labels or 'cardboard cutouts.' We have always been able hold up these cardboard cutouts before us, either for others to see or as a way of 'seeing' ourselves. This 'death to our own will' is scary. We are no longer certain about what God wants, no longer taking part or believing in the traditions that once sustained us. To others, we seem to have 'fallen away' or 'turned aside.' We are no longer invested in supporting a structure that holds people captive, yet it is this very structure that has brought us to 'death' so that we might know the Kingdom of God within us.

The Fifth Seal Removed

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Rev 6:9-11

The opening of the fifth seal reveals our focus, our testimony, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth within me:..." Gal 2:20. We are no longer tied down on the sacrificial altar alive, but under the altar dead, slain for the word of God, free of the captivity that held us until we 'died.' We cry out with a loud voice to God, wanting to know when will others be shown this truth. When God will avenge our blood, vindicate our testimony? God's answer is to rest 'a little season,' a short time. This is analogous to Jesus being buried in the earth until resurrected. We must rest in 'death' until resurrected as a fellow worker in the harvest. We are given white robes of righteousness, and told to wait until others in the church age have experienced 'death' as we have.

The Fifth Trumpet Blown

The message of the fifth church is clear. Only through 'death' will we live. This means accepting the fullness of God and his Christ within us. The effect our message has on others is found in the symbolism used to describe what happens as the fifth trumpet sounds.

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. Rev 9:1-3

In the message of the fifth church we 'see' a star fallen from heaven on to the earth. It has fallen from a high place to a low place, from being 'alive' to accepting 'death.' We are the star and have been given the key to the bottomless pit. The key is our testimony, Christ is alive within us and we are 'dead' in our own will.

When the fifth church speaks its message, the bottomless pit is 'opened' and revealed for what it is, sin-consciousness brought about by the doctrines and traditions of man. Those who 'walk' in sin-consciousness have their place in the bottomless pit, within which, is the great furnace, great tribulation. The bottomless pit is a place where we experience punitive feelings and emotions, the consequences of continually failing to keep an external law. It is the habitual questioning of God's workings through the prism of our own conceived ideas of right and wrong. This is the wrath of God delivered to us in doctrine, sin-consciousness and judging.

When we 'see' the bottomless pit for what it is, smoke, evidence of burning, ascends out of the pit. 'Smoke' is shame, guilt, regret, remorse, and self-loathing found in the 'fire' of judging, accusing and the 'stoning' of ourselves and others. Everyone of us has participated in this type of behavior at one time or another. For those who experience these things, the sun and air are 'darkened.' God and the spiritual realm seem further away, apart from us.

Out of the smoke come locusts upon the earth, the natural realm. They are given power as the scorpions of the earth have power. Locusts are those leaders, ministers, teachers, 'mighty men,' and promoters of sin-consciousness who find power not in our liberation, but in our continual suffering. Their 'tails' are their followers, who sting as they have been stung.

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. Rev 9:4-6

The locusts cannot harm those who have a testimony of the mystery of God, the 'seal' of God. Their power to 'hurt' is that of a scorpion, a venomous sting delivered by its tail meant to incapacitate, not kill.

This goes on for, symbolically, five months, the time Noah spent in the ark upon the water God had sent to destroy the earth. Those found in Christ, 'in the ark,' are those with the seal of God in their foreheads, protected from the water, the word of God, sent by God to destroy a world of sin. Our being 'in the ark' is a symbol of being 'dead in Christ,' protected from the Word of God used by the 'locusts' in a judgmental and condemning way.

In "...those days...," the days of the 'church age,' many will seek 'death,' freedom from the law of sin and death, but will not find it. They will want to die, but cannot. The reason for this is found in a parable Jesus once told.

A certain ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments. The ruler replied that he had done so since his youth. In response to this claim, Jesus told him to sell all his riches, give them to the poor, and come follow him.

No one can keep the law as this ruler claimed he had always done, and Jesus knew it. The ruler was 'rich' in his pride, and thought highly of himself. 'Riches' represent what we value most. For many, our perception of ourselves as a good Christian, independent, self-reliant, knowledgeable, better than average, successful, good, charitable, or hard-working are 'riches' we are not willing to give up. All of these things are good, but claiming ownership of these things, holding them up for others to see and admire, is not.

To find death, as it always has been and always will be, we must give up our 'riches' and give to the poor. We are to encourage others to seek the values of the Kingdom of God within. We do this in service to God and therefore, 'follow him.' In the Kingdom of God we can own nothing.

And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. Rev 9:7,8

The shape, form or appearance, of the locusts are like horses "...prepared unto battle...." A horse a symbol of ministry. The locusts are ministries doing battle in the church age. On their heads are crowns like gold; they have dominion as is God's will. Their faces are the face of a man; a 'face' portrays one's countenance, that which other people see. The 'face' of man is one of power, control, pride, and strength. The locusts have hair as a woman; hair is a symbol of spirituality, strength. They have teeth like a lion, the king of Beasts, with which to tear away much flesh during the ongoing marriage supper of the Lamb.

And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. Rev 9:9-11

The locusts have breastplates to protect them from the stones and arrows of others. These are breastplates of iron, the unbending law with which they absolve their actions. Locusts have four wings, symbolic of the four relationships with God experienced in the church age. The sound of the wings of a swarm of locusts is like the sound of chariots with many horses or ministries running to battle. A chariot, a symbol of pride, transports people into battle; "...the chariots of thy glory will be the shame of thy Lord's house.' Isa 22:18

The locusts and their tails, those who follow them, will exercise power for five months, until the end of their church age. Again, this is the length of time the waters covered the earth at the time of Noah. When the waters recede, when the church age ends, the locusts and their tails have done their job. They have brought many to a place of death where, should they give up their riches and 'die,' they will find peace.

The locusts have a king over them who has given them their power, the "...angel of the bottomless pit...." In the Hebrew language his name, his nature, is Abaddon, but in Greek, Apollyon. Both these names mean 'destroyer.' The king who is 'over them,' the angel of the bottomless pit, is the Beast with seven heads that has risen out of a sea of believers. The Beast is the destroyer and the one to whom we, the Kings of the Earth, have given our power and dominion. His nature is one of destruction, accusation and tribulation, the wrath of God. The Beast is the mechanism put in place by God to bring, even drive his people to him.

One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. Rev 9:12

Our relationship with Christ in death is just one woe to those who live in the church age. There are two more woes or relationships with God, against which the church age will wield their sword.

The Fifth Angel Flying Through Heaven

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. Rev 14:14-16

When we look, we 'see' a white cloud of witnesses, those who express Christ in death. Jesus Christ is the one who 'sits upon' the cloud, a cloud of witnesses, the vehicle of his manifestation. On his head sits a golden crown, dominion given to him by his Father. He has a sickle in his hand. In his 'hand' means that it is in his power to bring about the harvest of the earth. The sickle is our testimony of the mystery of God made manifest in his people.

Another angel came out of the temple in heaven. 'Another angel' is again, the Lamb who opens the seals, the one who had the seven vials, he who shows us the judgments of the Harlot, the marriage feast of the Lamb, and the New Jerusalem. He tells us to use our sickles, our testimony, to harvest the earth. The time has come, 'our little season' of rest is over; it is time to harvest.

The Fifth Cup Poured Out

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the Beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. Rev 16:10,11

Those of the fifth church pour out their life, their testimony of death to self, Christ alive within you. This is a direct affront to the seat of the Beast, those of the church age with power and authority. The kingdom of the Beast, (captivity to doctrine, law, and tradition), is now seen by those who have 'come out of her' as 'darkness' compared to the 'light' of freedom from sin.

Those in captivity continue to inflict pain and suffering on themselves, "...and they gnawed their tongues for pain ...," by the words they speak and the doctrines they teach. They need the pain of not being able to keep the law to prove their blasphemy of the nature of God. They blaspheme or slander God's nature by insisting that he is a God of punishment and vengeance.

The church age is a vicious loop we get stuck in if we base our relationship with God on our ability to keep the law, on 'good' versus 'bad.' I am good, I fall short, God doesn't like it that I fall short, I feel bad about myself, God forgives me, God restores me, I am good, I fall short, God doesn't like it that I fall short,...etc. In this loop, we "...repented not of our deeds...," our 'works,' the way we approach God. We try to control our lives. The mechanism by which we gain control over God is the external law, written in stone. "If I do this God will reward me, if I do not, God will punish me." With this type thinking, we control our fate. We get what we 'deserve.' Without the law providing us the ability to control their own fate, punishment or reward, we must both rely on and trust God to use us as he chooses. This is a very scary thing. What if he chooses to use me, like he used Pharaoh of Egypt over 3000 years ago, to hold captive the people of Israel? What if He uses me in a way other than what I want? Will we accept that? Can we accept that? We can only experience freedom when we give up our illusions about working with or for God and his Christ, and realize he works through us when, where and how he wants.

The Fifth Judgment of the Harlot

And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. Rev 18:9,10

We acknowledge, those of us who were once 'Kings of the Earth,' that we had lived in and been a part of the Harlot. Again, the Harlot symbolizes those of God's people living in the church age who seek to know God through doctrines, traditions and the law. Their relationship with God and his Christ, as a member of the Harlot, is one of sin-consciousness. Having not yet died to themselves, those of the church age are held in captivity or 'Babylon' by the law of sin and death.

We grieve when we see the 'smoke' or evidence of her burning which we witness from far off, having 'come out of her.' There lies a great distance between the church age and the kingdom age although only a 'twinkling of an eye' separates them. The great city Babylon, a place of captivity, is the Harlot. Her judgment, which comes in one 'hour,' is that point in which we separate ourselves from her, from captivity. It is that time in which we accept 'death' to our own will.

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and Beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! Rev 18:11-18

The merchants of the earth are those of God's people who buy and sell the attributes, gifts, or characteristics of God. Each of these objects or materials listed above are symbolic of the ways we know, recognize or relate to God. Precious stones, pearls, fine linen, gold, scarlet, brass, and iron symbolize truths, wisdom, righteousness, divinity, sin, works, and the law. These are the things of God we bought and sold. We now realize that we "...were made rich by her...," but our riches have become nothing. We ship-masters, sailors, and all that traded upon the sea of believers now stand far off, in 'death,' and see her burning judgments.

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. Rev 18:19-20

To "...cast dust on their heads..." symbolizes being 'brought low.' We now recognize that great city of Babylon in which we had been held captive is just an image of what we desired. Having come out of her we have made her desolate, we have abandoned her.

We rejoice that God has 'avenged' us. Here is the answer to the question we asked when the removal of the scroll's fifth seal, "...How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" The answer is an ongoing and never-ending as God's people move out of the church age and into the kingdom age.

The Fifth 'I Saw'

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the Dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. Rev 20:1-3

We 'see' an angel coming down from heaven. This is our recognition and understanding of the mystery of God which is Christ in us. He has "...come down from heaven...," a place we had considered separate from us, heaven, to a place within us, the Kingdom of God. He carries two things with him. One is the key to the bottomless pit, our testimony, which we have been 'slain for' as described with the opening of the fifth seal. The testimony of Christ in us, as us, is the key that opens or exposes the bottomless pit of sin-consciousness.

The angel also has "...a great chain..." in his hand that binds the Dragon, also known and referred to as the old serpent, the Devil and Satan. The 'great chain' are those of us now 'dead' in Christ, who refuse to take part in the doctrines and traditions of men. We are 'linked' together by ous testimony of a 'oneness' with God and therefore form a great chain that binds (hold inactive) the Devil.

Our testimony that the 'old man' is dead and it is now Christ who is alive within us casts Satan into the burning fire of sin-consciousness. He is 'sealed' by our testimony or 'shut up' to us for a 'time' characterized as a day, a season, an hour, or 'one thousand years.' This 'time' begins when we come to believe and testify that, 'Christ is my life,' despite what others may choose to believe is physical evidence to the contrary.

The devil is 'shut up' to us, for a little time, until our 'thousand years' has ended. This is 'the little season of rest' experienced with the opening of the fifth seal and we were given robes of righteousness, "...that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." This is analogous to the Israelite nation thousands of years ago crossing the Jordan River (death) and resting at their first campsite in the promised land before being led off to do battle in the promised land. Another analogy: Jesus buried in the 'earth' three days, before being raised from the dead to do the work of the harvest.

Chapter 14: The Sixth Church

The Role of Friend

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:15

Jesus told his disciples that from this time forward he would no longer call them servants because a servant doesn't know what his master does. Instead, he now calls us friends, because he has made known to us all things that he has heard from his Father. We, resurrected from 'death' into a relationship as friends of the bridegroom, take part in preparing the wedding feast. We take part in the wedding feast by no longer fighting against, or 'restraining,' the captivity experienced by others to the law, doctrines and tradition. We no longer hold back the four winds from blowing, but instead 'let' God's will 'be done,' while standing ready with the sharp sickle of our testimony to harvest the fruit of the vine.

The Sixth Seal Removed

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; Rev 6:12

The great earthquake is the change in our thinking. We see and understand that God is within us, within all; the sun has become "...black as sackcloth of hair...." Previously, we saw God's light, Jesus Christ, reflected off his one people, symbolically the moon. Now, the "...moon became as blood..." meaning we see Christ, the savior of the world, within all people. Blood, again, is a symbol of life, Christ.

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. Rev 6:13

The 'stars' of heaven are those who lead and guide in the churches at 'night,' those times when God seems far off. Having found God within themselves, these 'stars' no longer point the way. They have 'fallen to the earth' in the same way a fig tree, when shaken by a mighty wind, casts her untimely figs.

Figs should mature and fall from the tree during the harvest in due course. Untimely figs are those figs that continue to stay on the tree until shaken by a mighty wind. Most of us mature in the church age, die to ourselves in service, enter into the Kingdom of God, and rest from our labors. The rest of us hang on to the church age until a mighty wind, great tribulation, finally shakes us free.

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. Rev 6:14

Heaven as we have known it "...is departed...," severed from us. The opening of the scroll, the revealing of Christ, has enabled us to see Christ within us through different expressions, churches and roles. We now see and understand the open scroll is 'rolled together,' joined as one. In the resurrection, in this sixth manifestation of Christ within us, we no longer need to find God by the seven churches and their roles. Every mountain (church or seat of power) and every Island (role or place of separation) ceases to offer a place to hide from the truth that God simply IS, "....for in him we live, and move, and have our being;..."Acts 17:28

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? Rev 6:15,-17

Those in the seven churches who have not, as yet, experienced 'death' seek safety in the mountains and rocks. They want their mountains (high places) and rocks (truths) to cover and protect them from seeing their oneness, the face of God.

That time has come. Our oneness is wrath to those in the church age who need, even want, a God and his Christ apart from them. If they remain separated from God and his Christ, they can stay 'alive.' The church age wants something, anything, to place between God and themselves, such as definitions of good and bad, right and wrong, or even a dividing of his 'oneness' via his seven churches by their roles. Without someway of identifying ourselves, who will be able to stand before God?

A review of the first six Seals.

Before the opening of the seventh seal, we are again shown, in another way, our first six relationships with God through Christ.

And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. Rev 7:1

First, we see the angels, messengers, of the first four churches standing on the four corners of the earth. The four corners of the earth represent the limits of the 'church age:' salvation, teaching, power, and service. They are church age boundaries, and symbolically, the same as the four horns on the corners of the sacrificial altar used to tie and hold a live sacrifice captive until dead. Like the four horns of the altar, the church age holds us captive to sin-consciousness until we are dead to our own will.

The four angels of the first four churches have in their power the ability to cause much tribulation. They are the "...four winds...." They 'hold' or restrain the first four churches from 'blowing' or bringing tribulation to those on the earth, in the sea, or any tree for a time. The 'earth' is the natural realm of the multitudes, the 'sea' is the sea of believers, and the 'trees' are the servants or priests of God.

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Rev 7:2-3

" _Another angel..."_ rises from the east which is symbolically, the direction associated with God. Those dead in Christ, after resting a short time, or 'a little season,' rise (...ascending from the east...) from the 'dead' in Christ. They have the seal of God, they testify to the mystery of God. They are 'friends' of the bride groom and are found in all seven churches. They cry out with a loud voice to the 'four angels' of the church age saying "...hurt not..." (bring to the point of death) the multitudes of the earth, the sea of believers, or servants of God until they have been 'sealed' in their forehead (their thinking). Once 'sealed' by those in the seven churches who know and experience the mystery of God, the four angels who hold back the four winds are free to bring tribulation. The four angels of the church age bring tribulation to God's people and force them to either accept continued captivity or 'step out' in faith in the mystery of God.

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Rev 7:4

The number 144,000 is not literal. It symbolizes those of the seven churches experiencing the kingdom age who know themselves joined to God in Christ. 144,000 is a number rendered from the 12 tribes of 12,000 that symbolically represent the New Jerusalem ( to be discussed shortly).

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four Beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Rev 7:9-12

We 'see' with understanding, "...I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude...," stand before the throne and the Lamb. Those in all churches who have 'overcome' have the righteousness of Christ represented as white robes. They are experiencing victory as symbolized by palms in their hands. They cry out with a loud voice (one voice, not seven) "...Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." Symbolically, God's throne is his one people, those he 'sits' upon or rules in. The twenty-four elders (priests or servants of God) and the four Beasts (symbolically the four churches of the church age) stand 'around' the throne.

They fall on their faces, from a high place to a low place, and worship God. 'Falling on their faces' is hiding their appearance, making their will subservient to God's will. In doing so, they worship God by proclaiming, truly, "...Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might...." to our God. We worship God by giving up our own will and manifesting Christ in the roles of salvation, scripture, power and authority, service, death, resurrection, and acceptance.

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 7:13,14

One of the priests, a servant in pursuit of God, asks who these people are, why they wear white robes and where they came from. The answer is that he already knows. The ones in white robes are those who have experienced death. They have overcome and moved out of the great tribulation of sin-consciousness. They have "...washed their robes...," removed the stain of sin, and made them white. They have 'put on' the mind of Christ.

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev 7:15-17

They are before the throne of God and serve him at all times because they are 'in' him, the temple of God. God sits on his throne, He reigns in their lives and dwells 'among' them or in their 'midst.' They shall no longer hunger or thirst because both the manna from heaven, Christ, and water, the word of God, are within them. The sun (good) and heat (bad) no longer fall upon them because God is no longer seen as distributing either good or bad from a place separate from them. Instead, they know his will IS done. They no longer judge events as 'in his will' or 'not his will.'

Neither the sun nor heat will fall upon them because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne (in them), shall feed them with 'the hidden manna.' The one who lives within us "...shall lead them unto living fountains of waters..." those experiencing the mystery of God, who know Christ within themselves. The result is "...God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes...." They shall 'see' themselves no longer as a supplicants or victims, but with the new perspective that God's will IS done in all things.

The Sixth Trumpet Blown

And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. Rev 9:13-16

The message trumpeted by the sixth church is, "let the harvest go ahead." We are to no longer restrain, but to 'loose' the four churches who are bound in the river Euphrates, the river of 'water' that feeds Babylon, city of captivity. The water that feeds Babylon holds God's people captive in traditions and doctrines that keep us separated from God.

Our testimony, rooted in understanding, is to "...loose....," no longer restrain, the four churches from having their part in the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb, the supper of God. Let tribulation bring people to 'death,' as is God's will. No longer restrained, "...the four angels..." of the church age slay a third of men. Those slain are the servants of God ready to experience death by the 'sword.'

Those who do the slaying, the army of horsemen, number "...two hundred thousand thousand." This number represents the many people in the church age who bring great tribulation upon the earth. "...I heard the number of them..." means we 'understand' that the armies, as the sand of the sea, are an innumerable multitude.

' _And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.' By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. Rev 9:17-18_

" _And thus_ [in the following manner] I saw...." We 'see' or understand what the horses (ministries) and those who sit upon the horses (those in control of the ministries) represent. They have breastplates of fire, jacinth, and brimstone which protect and keep themselves from being killed or 'experiencing death.' Fire, jacinth (a red, transparent stone) and brimstone symbolize judging, war and burning truths; all signify a 'purifying' torment.

The heads of the horses, ministries, are fearless like lions. Out of the mouths of the horses come the ministry's messages symbolized as fire, smoke, and brimstone (judgment, condemnation, and burning truth). By these three, death comes to a third of God's people, those ready to die to their own will, the servants of God.

For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. Rev 9:19-21

Their power as leaders is found in what they say and in their 'tails.' Their 'tails' are those who follow the leaders, who hurt, bring tribulation to others, as they have been hurt. Those not killed, those who do not experience death, by these plagues of fire, smoke, and brimstone "...repented not of the works of their hands...." They continue to build the image of the Beast.

The "...works of their hands..." is the building of an abstract structure of organizations, religions and groups that support a way of thinking that keeps the law, doctrine and the traditions of man between themselves and God. This image is a non-physical construct composed of "...idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood..." built upon concepts, theory and doctrine. They are but a shadow God(gold), Christ(silver), judgment(brass), truth(stone), and man(wood).

Those who preach captivity repent not of their murders, sorcery, fornication, or thefts. Murder is 'taking' another person's life instead of bringing that person to a point of choice, a place where a person can choose to 'lay down' their life. Sorcery means causing things to 'appear' that are not there, such as theories, traditions and doctrine. Fornication means being 'one' with sin-consciousness instead of being 'one' with Christ. Theft is taking to themselves that which is not theirs, God's glory and righteousness.

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. Rev 10:1-3

The mighty angel is Jesus Christ, the angel with power over fire. He is clothed with a cloud, a cloud of witnesses, and has a rainbow upon his head. The rainbow symbolizes the seven churches, his crown, his dominion, the reward of his labor. His 'face' being like the sun means his countenance, his nature, is 'one' with God. His feet, as 'pillars of fire,' symbolize those of us in of the body of Christ who bring the wrath of God. In his hand is a little open book, the scroll, the Lamb's Book of Life, the reveling of Christ in us, with all seals removed.

'Setting' his right and left foot symbolizes taking dominion. The right foot is upon the sea, a sea of believers. 'Right' is indicative of being 'in favor,' in a place of receiving. His left foot is on the earth or natural realm. 'Left' symbolizes being 'out of favor' and represents the multitudes concerned with earthly things. Standing on the land and the sea indicates his dominion over all.

He cries out with a loud or great voice as a lion, the king of beasts. His 'crying out' with a loud voice symbolizes the seven trumpets blowing, his people proclaiming Christ as they know him. These are the seven thunders that utter their voices, the messengers of the seven churches. "...and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices." When God speaks, we repeat what we hear.

Our message is heard as thunder because it is a frightening message, a message about being 'one with God,' 'dying,' and acceptance of his will. In the wilderness over three thousand years ago, God spoke to the people from the top of a mountain and the people heard God's voice as 'thunder.' This frightened the people so much they told Moses to talk to God and then, after speaking to God, tell them what God had to say, 'lest we die.' It is the same today. We want others to tell us what God has to say so that we do not have to experience death, and thereby lose control of our lives.

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. Rev 10:4

The seven thunders speak of a 'oneness' with God, but their messages are 'sealed up.' We are not to 'write down' what God said to the people through the angels of the seven churches. Why? There are two ways God gives us information. One way is 'one on one,' God speaking to us directly, perhaps through others, but we know his voice when we hear it. If we are 'alive to our selves,' not yet 'dead,' what God has to say to us is frightening because what he has to tell us will bring us to death.

Another way to receive information from God is to receive it 'written down,' symbolically an alternate path of communication between God and his people. We receive the information God has for us 'second hand.' Instead of hearing directly from God, others speak to God or read the Bible for us, then tell us what He said. When God speaks to us indirectly, the 'rivers and fountains of water' can 'massage' what God has to say to make it more palatable and certainly more survivable.

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Rev 10:5-7

With the opening of the seventh seal, when the seventh angel begins to trumpet the message of the seventh church. The mystery of God, the revealing of Christ in you has come to fruition.

A review of the first six Trumpets

Before the blowing of the seventh trumpet, the last trumpet, we are again shown the mystery of God. It is our testimony, the testimony of the seven churches, that brings both the wrath of God and the mystery of God into being.

And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. Rev 10:8-11

The little book is the scroll, the revealing of Christ in us. We are to eat it completely, make it part of us. The revealing of Christ is "...in thy mouth sweet as honey..." meaning it is easy to talk the talk. However, 'experiencing' this manifestation of Christ "...shall make thy belly bitter...." This is 'walking the walk' and is the process of dying to our own will.

We are to prophesy again, repeat in a new way, the revealing of Christ in us.

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. 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. Rev 11:1,2

We are given "...a reed like unto a rod..." and told to rise, as the angel has risen, "...and the angel stood...," and to measure the temple of God and those who worship in it. We rise, resurrected, from our expression of 'death' to take part in the harvest as friend of the bridegroom. As a worker in the harvest, we are to measure the temple of God, the holy place, and those who worship inside the temple. We are also to measure the Altar of Incense, now before God in the most holy place, and those who worship there.

A 'reed' is a stalk of a water plant commonly used as a walking stick at that time. It was also used to measure, and referred as a 'rod.' As workers in the harvest, Jesus Christ in us, the spiritual man, will measure those inside the temple according to their walk in God.

We are not to measure the outer court, where the people come to first experience God and learn more about God. This area is given to the Gentiles, the multitudes, to tread underfoot for forty-two months. Those in the outer court, both the common people who seek God and the priests performing priestly duties there, will be 'trampled under foot' forty-two months or three and a half years. These times represent the time of the church age. Those who do the trampling are the multitudes, nations, tribes, and tongues, those experiencing the church age.

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. Rev 11:3-5

The two witnesses, symbolically Moses and Elijah, symbolize the law and the prophets, the power of the church age. 1260 days is 3 ½ years, symbolically, the time of the church age. There were 360 days to the Hebrew year at that time, thirty days to the month. It is a time of prophecy in 'sackcloth,' symbolic of supplication. Those who have power and authority burn others with the 'fire,' judgment, which proceeds from their mouths. They devour or 'eat the flesh' of their enemies with what they say. This is the description found in the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb. If any man hurts (kills) these two witnesses, they must also "...in this manner be killed." If we live by the sword, we must die by the sword.

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the Beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Rev 11:6,7

Moses and Elijah represent the thinking of the church age. The church age follows a path to God offered by the law and prophets, adherence to the law, doctrine, and tradition. They "...have power to shut heaven, that it rain not..." means their message of captivity keeps us from hearing God's refreshing, unvarnished message of freedom, the cooling rain water of the word.

The Moses and Elijah church age thinking has power over those who deliver the word of God, or 'the waters.' That 'power' is in the plagues with which they smite the 'earth' or natural realm as often as they will. Traditions of men, accusations, condemnation, judgment, and adherence to the law are the 'plagues' that will bring 'death' to those who follow church age thinking.

When they have finished their testimony, when they have come to the end of their 'church age,' the Beast that rises from the bottomless pit defeats them, brings them to death. They have run the good race, put to 'death' by tradition, doctrine and the law.

And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. Rev 11:8-10

Having chosen 'death' rather than continuing in the judging of good and evil, their (our) bodies lie in the street of the great city (Jerusalem). Spiritually, this is Sodom and Egypt, a place of fire and brimstone where the people of God persecute each other. They lie 'dead' in the streets of the 'old' Jerusalem, Babylon, or 'church age,' for a short time. This is 'the little season' that follows being "...slain for the word of God, and for the testimony...," as described with the opening of the fifth seal.

Inhabitants of the city "...shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves..." means these two witnesses are given no rest. They are persecuted as 'back-sliders' or hypocrites because their physical actions belie their testimony of, "It is not I that live but Christ who lives within me." Those who "...dwell on the earth..." rejoice because these two prophets (those who are now experiencing 'death' and are at rest), who no longer persecute them with the law, doctrine and tradition.

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. Rev 11:11-13

After the church age, those servants of God currently experiencing 'death' in Christ 'stand up' in their testimony of the mystery of God and great fear falls upon those who 'see,' who understand. The servants of God, having rested a little season in 'death,' now begin to testify to the mystery of God, Christ in you. In doing so, they are responding to the great voice out of heaven "...saying unto them, Come up hither." Rising from 'death' they ascend, resurrected, in a new expression of Christ, in a cloud of witnesses via their testimony. Their enemies, those who fought against freedom, now 'see' their freedom from sin-consciousness.

When this happens, in that hour, there is a great earthquake, a 'shaking' of former beliefs. As a result, "...the tenth part of the city fell...," a tenth part of Babylon, city of captivity, falls, a tithing in the ongoing harvest, the 'seven thousand' who are slain. The building blocks of Babylon, rules, doctrines and traditions, can no longer stand. There are seven thousand, a symbolic number, in the seven churches whose relationship with God depended on these 'building blocks' protecting them. At the end of captivity, instead of protecting them, they cause their 'death.' The seven thousand experience 'death' under the weight of these rules, laws, doctrines, and traditions. Those brought to 'death' in the earthquake and now lie dead and are the 'tenth of the city.' Those left 'alive' in the city remain captive and become fearful. What had been their easy path to a relationship with God, obedience to the law, doctrine and tradition, is now in question.

The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Rev 11:14

The second of the three woes is past. The first woe revealed 'death to our own will' in the blowing of the fifth trumpet. This second woe reveals our resurrection from 'death' in Christ, to a place of understanding, raised as 'friends' of the bridegroom and fellow worker in the harvest.

The Sixth Angel Flying Through Heaven

And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. Rev 14:17

Those who express Christ as friend join those who express Christ in 'death,' the fifth church, in the harvest. The 'sickle' is again our testimony, our message of a 'oneness' with God and his Christ, the mystery of God.

The Sixth Cup Poured Out

And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the Beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Rev 16:12-14

The messengers of the sixth church pour out their vial on the great river Euphrates. Again, the Euphrates river is symbolically the 'water' that feeds Babylon, filled with judgment, doctrine and tradition. In our 'vial,' or cup, is our testimony that God's will IS done. Let the wrath of God do its work. Our testimony will 'loose' the four churches who are bound in the river Euphrates. We no longer see them as opposing God's will, but rather as having their part in the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb.

The river's water, the word of God, made bitter with doctrine and tradition, becomes 'dried up' and no longer sustains the people. With the river dried up, the way for the Kings of the East 'is prepared.' East is the symbolic direction of God. Those in the seven churches experiencing the kingdom age are the Kings of the East.

The Euphrates river is the 'mouth' of the Dragon, Beast and False Prophet. With the river dried up, these three unclean spirits like frogs, come out of the river on to the Kings of the Earth. Those in the seven churches experiencing the church age are the Kings of the Earth. They go to the battle of that great day, the marriage feast of the Lamb. The Kings of the Earth meet the Kings of the East in battle, the Beast and his armies meeting Christ and his armies. That meeting point is a place called Armageddon, the place where an ongoing battle is fought, where they, we, can choose 'death.'

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. Rev 16:15,16

He comes as a thief. He comes from 'within' a people who are thieves, who steal God's righteousness and make it their own. We 'thieves' are advised to 'give attention to' and 'attend carefully' our garments. Being covered with the blood of the Lamb, our garments are white in the righteousness of Christ which stems from death to our own will. Each one of us will absolutely be brought to Armageddon to do battle, to fight for our lives, and hopefully lose.

Armageddon is in a place called 'Tel Megiddo,' or the mountain of Megiddo. A high place, situated at a crossroads that overlooked a major trade route, it was historically a site of several important battles. It was a marketplace for goods and thought to have had a huge stables for horses. Armageddon symbolizes a place where we buy and sell the things of God, a place of ministries and commerce, where one can make a profit. Each of us fight our own great battle here. The only way we of the church age can win our battle is to lose, surrender. We must have all of our riches taken from us and accept 'death,' the defeat of our own will.

The Sixth Judgment of the Harlot

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. Rev 18:21

The mighty angel is Jesus Christ and the millstone or truth he takes up and throws down into the sea of believers is the mystery of God, Christ in you. This great truth, like a millstone, crushes the many separate grains of wheat into what will produce the one bread of life, Christ, the manna from heaven. Our captivity to anything other than God will be no more.

The Sixth 'I Saw'

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the Beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev 20:4

As workers in the harvest we have been given a "...reed like a rod..." to "...measure the temple of God...." It is the work of the harvest to 'see' or discern ("...and I saw...") those who have been 'beheaded,' have come out of the Harlot, are experiencing 'death,' who no longer worship the Beast or his 'image,' and do not have the 'mark of the Beast.' They live and reign in Christ for a thousand years. One thousand years is the symbolic time of each expression of Christ through us.

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Rev 20:5-6

" _But the rest of the dead..."_ tells us that not all experience resurrected at the same time. There is a great 'pool' of the dead and each person entering the pool must rest until their 'thousand years' is complete. After resting 'a little season,' we experience a sixth relationship in Christ (resurrection) as a fellow worker in the harvest. This whole ongoing process of entering into death, resting in death, and being resurrected to a new expression of Christ is the 'first resurrection.'

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power..." Those willing to rest in death 'a little season' as instructed, 'rise' in Christ and take part in the first resurrection. Those not willing to 'rest a little season' take action. This is the difficulty of the fifth church. They are 'dead,' wounded unto 'death' by the sword, but seem 'alive' and are, symbolically, the one head of the seven heads of the Beast whose "...wound was healed...."

Having experienced 'death,' those who choose not to rest 'a little season' now live 'the prodigal son' experience. Having received their inheritance, freedom from the law, they live morally unrestrained and with little regard for other people's beliefs. We who live in this fashion are the 'man of sin' as described in 2 Th 2:3. This 'man of sin' is found in all seven churches. The second death or 'Lake of Fire' still has power over those of us living for ourselves.

A 'thousand years' is a length of time for each of us in each expression of Christ. This sixth relationship in Christ, understanding, seems like the perfect spot to end our journey in God and for some, this is the case. This sixth expression of Christ however, is no place to become complacent. From those who do not overcome in the sixth church, the false prophet emerges.

And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the Beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Rev 20:7-10

After 'resting' in death and when the "...thousand years are expired...," we experience a relationship of 'friend' in Christ. It is at this time that Satan is 'loosed' out of his prison, the Euphrates river, the Lake of Fire or bottomless pit, in the form of 'the man of sin,' or the one 'dead,' but yet alive. Those of us who make up the 'man of sin' are free to "...deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle...." This is God's will. The four quarters of the earth, God and Magog, are the four churches of the church age.

The name Gog, its nature, is that of a 'mountain,' a high place. Magog means 'covering.' Gog and Magog, symbolize the church age 'thinking' that covers the earth. Their number is, "...as the sand of the sea...," a sea of believers from which the Beast rises and gathers together its armies to do battle.

The church age covers the earth and surrounds the camp of the saints, the holy city or New Jerusalem, but fire comes down from heaven and devours or 'consumes' those experiencing the church age. The fire is the ongoing wrath of God, the consuming judging and condemnation that causes death. It is given and received by those experiencing the church age. The devil, that concept of a power rivaling God, is cast into the Lake of Fire, sin-consciousness, a place of torment, within which resides the Beast and False Prophet.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Rev 20:11-13

We 'see' or understand, "...the great white throne and him that sat on it...," as God ruling, his will IS done in all of us. "From whose face the earth and the heaven fled away" means we can no longer contain God within the framework of words like heaven, earth, good, bad, good times, bad times, light, or dark. The 'containment of God,' is the 'old' heaven and 'old' earth. "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God." Those experiencing 'death' are the small, those experiencing the resurrection are the 'great.'

The 'small' are of little ego, having died to their own will. The 'great' are experiencing resurrection, Christ as friend, fellow workers in the harvest. "...and the books were opened...," we are the 'books,' those of us in the seven churches who are 'dead.' Another 'book' is opened, Christ, the little scroll, the Lamb's Book of Life. We, the 'dead,' are judged according to our works, our relationships with God in Christ as described in the seven letters to the seven churches.

The sea, a sea of believers, gives up the 'dead' that are in it. 'Death and hell,' places of misery, torment and separation give up the 'dead' that are in them. All of us in the seven churches are judged according to our works, our relationship with God through Christ...the Book of Life. All of this 'judging' is not some single event, but rather the ongoing walk of the seven churches in God.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 20:14,15

Death and hell, the realm of the law and the prophets, are cast into the Lake of Fire, the second death. The 'Lake of Fire' is a place of guilt, condemnation, and self-loathing brought about by the doctrines and traditions of men. It is a place of refinement by fire.

There is only one Book of Life. There is only one name, one nature found in the Book of Life and that is Jesus Christ. If we are found in the Book of Life, we are found in him. If we have a name or nature other than his, we are 'cast into the Lake of Fire' until that nature is no longer found in us.

Chapter 15: The Seventh Church

The Role of Acceptance

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. John 14:20

The Seventh Seal Removed

And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. Rev 8:1,2

With the opening of the seventh seal, the revealing of Christ is complete. Before the opening of the seventh seal the seven angels stand silent. After the church age, ("...the space of half an hour[figurative time].") and upon entering the kingdom age, (the other half an 'hour'), the seven angels or messengers of the seven churches are each given a message to 'trumpet' about their relationships with God.

And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. Rev 8:3-6

The 'another angel' is our high priest, Jesus Christ, also symbolized in Revelation as the 'angel that has the power over fire.' He comes and stands at the Altar of Incense, now in the 'most holy place' before God, and is given much incense, representing the sweet smell of the burning away of our impurities offered to God with the prayers of God's people. The smoke of the incense rising to God "...out of the angel's hand..." shows us that it is he, Jesus Christ, who has brought about our relationships with God. The "...golden censer...," a symbol of his life or 'cup,' is filled with fire from the altar and cast into the earth or natural realm. We, the people of the seven churches, are the burning coals poured out upon the earth. In this way God answers the prayers of the saints for the return of Christ and the setting up of the Kingdom of God by revealing of Christ in his people.

This results in voices, thundering, lightnings, and an earthquake. The 'voices' are God's people worshiping him. The 'thundering' is God speaking to us. The 'lightnings' are 'enlightening' or understanding. The 'earthquake' is our foundational teachings and beliefs being shaken or torn. All these things will, have, and do occur in the continuous, ongoing revealing of Christ.

The Seventh Trumpet Blown

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Rev 11:15

The great voices in heaven are those in the seven churches who are experiencing the kingdom age, who now recognize, understand and accept the will of God in the seven churches. The "...kingdoms of this world..." are separate 'dominions' symbolized as the seven churches (Kings of the Earth, Kings of the East, religions, thrones, or the 'ten kings'). These 'dominions' have been our focus, our parsing of God by the relationships we experience in him. In 'acceptance' we now see the seven major colors of the rainbow as merely building blocks. It is the rainbow itself that is the one thing of beauty, God, within whom we all live.

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshiped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. Rev 11:16,17

The twenty-four elders, priests of God, who had previously 'sat' on their thrones before God, now 'fall' on their 'faces.' They hide their face, countenance, from God, and become subservient to his will. In doing so they 'worship God.' They give thanks, acknowledging that God has, is and will come to each of us because he has taken to him his great power, Jesus Christ manifested and reigning in his people.

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. Rev 11:18

The 'nations,' those in the church age, are angry that they experience the wrath of God, and that those who are 'dead' receive their reward. God's wrath has brought about the 'time of the dead' in which reward is given to his servants and the saints, both great and small, who have chosen death to their own will. Their 'reward' is freedom from sin-consciousness. The 'small' are those who have experienced 'death' to their own will; they are of 'small presence.' The 'great' are those resurrected as friends of the bridegroom, fellow workers in the harvest.

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Rev 11:19

The temple of God is his people, a temple 'not made with hands.' Being 'opened' for all to see means we become transparent, revealing Jesus Christ within us.

In the wilderness, the ark of the covenant or testament rested in the most holy place and contained three things. First, there was a pot containing manna that came down from heaven and fed the Israelite nation in the wilderness. This symbolizes the 'hidden' manna, Jesus Christ within us. The ark also contained Moses' staff, dead wood which had flowered. We, now dead and resurrected, 'flower' with a new life, Christ. Lastly, the ark contained the tablets of the law. The external law, once written in stone, (hard, unwavering edicts), is now written on our hearts. Jesus Christ taught this when he proclaimed all the law fulfilled in his two new commands, love your God and love your neighbor.

The temple of his people is 'opened,' Christ is seen in it, and there are lightnings, voices, thundering, an earthquake, and great hail.

The Wrath of God:

The Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet

Jesus Christ brings about a reconciliation between God and man. We 'experience' this reconciliation in a journey through the wilderness, acceptance of 'death,' and by entering into the promised land. The mechanism put in place to bring this about, the great conveyer belt of God, is tribulation or 'the wrath of God.' Tribulation comes about when we use the word of God as a 'sword,' which generates sin-consciousness. This results in guilt, remorse, sorrow, and so on. The origins of tribulation are found in our belief that we somehow share control of our lives with God. As long as we think we share control, we are in conflict about who is responsible for what. This type of thinking is the foundational to the 'Beast' and 'false prophet.' Our actions and thinking in support of 'Beast' are 'the mark of the Beast' and the building of 'the image of the Beast.'

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. Rev 12:1,2

The great wonder or 'sign' in heaven portends or signifies a significant event. The event is the reconciliation between God and man, the revealing of a risen Christ within us. We, the people of God, are the woman and our relationship with God is that of having the 'moon' under our feet; our relationship with God rules our relationship with his church, not the other way around. Upon our head is a crown, symbolizing dominion. The twelve stars on the crown symbolize that we follow the trials, tribulations, rules, laws, traditions, practices, and history of the twelve tribes of Israel, which are but a shadow of our relationship with God. We, God's people, struggle to bring forth a child, Christ in us, just as the Israelite nation struggled to make themselves a worthy people by trying to obey God's law.

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red Dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. Rev 12:3

'Another wonder,' or sign, shown to us is the deceiver, the Red Dragon. The Dragon, described as red because of its warring nature, uses the word of God as a sword. The red Dragon has seven heads, the seven churches. Symbolically, it is also the Beast with seven heads. The Dragon has ten horns symbolizing those of us in the church age who unknowingly inhabit, yet refuse to accept the promised land, the kingdom of God within. The seven crowns upon the Dragon's heads symbolize our seven separate dominions, the focuses of the seven churches.

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Rev 12:4

His tail symbolizes those of us who follow the teachings and thinking of the great deceiver, the Red Dragon, as given to us by the Beast and the False Prophet. We, the tail, deceive those who experience freedom in Christ, our first love, and cast them into bondage, "...cast them to the earth." The deceiver awaits those who 'come out' of the woman, the Harlot, so it might 'devour' or destroy the woman's child with doctrines and traditions of man, "...and the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born...."

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. Rev 12:5

The one brought forth was (about to, at the point of doing) to rule with a rod of iron, the church age. Instead, the child "...was caught up unto God, and to his throne...," the kingdom age.

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. Rev 12:6

Having given birth, the woman flees into the wilderness where she has a place "...prepared of God...," the church age. One thousand two hundred and sixty days equal three and half years, as does forty-two months, and 'time, times and half a time.' These 'periods of time' signify the first half of our seven relationships with God. They are the time of the church age. The last three and a half relationships with God are in the kingdom age.

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the Dragon; and the Dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great Dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Rev 12:7-9

The child that was 'caught up' to heaven are those of us who have 'died' and have come out of the church age. This results in war in heaven. Heaven, the spiritual realm, had always been a place where we constantly did battle against right and wrong, good and bad. Now that we have 'died' to those battles we see a new heaven. We know by faith that the 'old man' is 'dead,' Christ is our life, and God's will IS done. For those of us who experience this, the Dragon is 'cast down' into the natural realm, the concern of those who 'dwell' upon the earth. We have defected from the army of the Dragon and have become the angels that fight with Michael, 'one who is like God.' Michael is our head, Jesus Christ. We are his body, his angels or messengers.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev 12:10-11

A single voice, not seven, states, "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ...." The accuser or great deceiver (the Red Dragon, the devil, Satan, the old serpent) who accuses our brethren in the church age is cast out of heavenly places, the promised land. How? "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb[their salvation], and by the word of their testimony[their strength]; and they loved not their lives[instead they loved the kingdom of our God] unto the death[the power of his Christ]."

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the Dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. Rev 12:12,13

Since the devil is cast down from us, we, and the spiritual body (heavens) of which we are a part, rejoice. This is not the case for those of the church age who inhabit the earth and the sea. It is a sorrowful event and the third of three woes.

The first 'woe' occurred after the blowing of the fifth trumpet, a testimony of embracing 'death to self' instead of continually 'living' by striving and failing to keep the law. The second woe, brought about by the blowing of the sixth trumpet, is our testimony of resurrection in Christ, as friends of the bridegroom. The third woe is more bad news to those waiting for the descending of Christ from above. The devil "...has come down unto you...."

For those who seek a kingdom outside of themselves, it is the Dragon who has come down from heaven unto the earth with great wrath, great tribulation. God's will IS done, "...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope...." RO 5:3,4

The acceptance and testimony that God's will, makes up the third 'woe' to those that dwell on the earth, those who receive the great deceiver cast down from heavenly places. The Dragon knows he has only a short time to persecute the woman, those who do not have the testimony of, "...it is not I that live but Christ who lives within me...." The 'short time' is the length of the church age, a time for each of us before experiencing 'death' to our will.

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. Rev 12:14

The woman who has given birth to those who see and know Christ within them, retreats into the wilderness, the church age, on two wings of an eagle, the law of Moses and the proclamations of the Prophets. The woman continues in her relationships with God in the church age: salvation, teaching, power and authority, and service for, "...for a time, and times, and half a time...." She 'is nourished' during the church age from the 'face' of the serpent. The 'face' of the serpent is the countenance or outward appearance (good verses evil, the will of God versus 'not' the will of God...etc.).

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the Dragon cast out of his mouth. And the Dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:15-17

The deceiver uses the word of God, water, to pour out judging, condemnation, and accusations so that we might be carried away by sin-consciousness. The earth, those of God's people who dwell in the earth or natural realm, help the woman by opening their mouth and swallowing, or 'buying into,' these teachings. This helps the woman because this 'flood,' the wrath of God, will bring 'death' to many and usher in the Kingdom of God. The Dragon is angry with the woman because the action he uses to hurt, kill and torment God's people is the very means God uses to bring them to him...the wrath of God. The Dragon, infuriated at this, and goes to make war with the remnant, the 'man-child,' those to whom the woman has given birth, those who overcome in the seven churches.

The Beast

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a Beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the Beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the Dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. Rev 13:1,2

We are as the sand of the sea, a sea of believers. The Beast rises out of the sea having seven heads, ten horns, ten crowns, and the names of blasphemy on its heads. The seven heads symbolize the seven churches. Ten horns represent power over what we, in the church age, perceive as our kingdoms. The ten crowns symbolize our separate dominions, our separatist thinking that permeates the church age and joins us to the Beast. Upon the heads of the Beast are names of blasphemy, slanderous beliefs and teachings about a God with a vindictive, punitive nature.

The Beast is like a leopard, an animal noted for its fierceness and being covered in black spots (symbolizing impurity). It has feet like a bear; like a bear we stomp and tear each other apart. When we deliver a message, it is with condemnation and judgment. We 'trod upon' or 'tear down' each other.

The Beast has a mouth that roars like a lion, the king of Beasts, a voice that all fear. The Dragon gives the Beast his seat or dominion, his power, and his great authority over all who dwell upon the earth.

In contrast, God gives Jesus Christ his throne or dominion, his power, and his great authority over all who dwell in him.

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the Beast. Rev 13:3

We who are dead in Christ, a fifth expression of Christ in us, are "...one of his heads...," the fifth church. The difficulty of the fifth church is that some of us act 'alive,' but are 'dead.' Having been set free from the law, we take up again our own will by living in licentiousness in the unbridled use of our freedom. Our being "...wounded to death..." means we realize we are 'dead,' Christ is our life and we are free of the law and sin-consciousness. "...and his deadly wound was healed...," means that instead of resting in death 'a little season' as instructed, we take up our old ways and seem to others that we are 'alive,' pursuing our own will. We have received our inheritance, our freedom from the law, and proclaim, "It is not I that live, but Christ who lives within me." But all the world wonders as we, in our ignorance, live licentiously with little regard for the effect we have on others' relationships with God. This is 'the prodigal son' experience.

And they worshiped the Dragon which gave power unto the Beast: and they worshiped the Beast, saying, Who is like unto the Beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. Rev 13:4,5

Those experiencing the church age, worship the Dragon and the Beast by adhering to the law, doctrines and traditions. "Who is like unto the Beast? Who is able to make war with him?" These questions acknowledge that no one can make 'war' with the Beast, prevail against the thinking and reasoning of those who preach and support the doctrines and traditions of men.

Those who support or prop up the Beast are the false prophet. They are the 'mouth' given to the Beast to speak great things and blasphemies for forty-two months, the 'time' of the church age for each of us.

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev 13:6-8

When the false prophet speaks he blasphemes or slanders God, his name or nature, his tabernacle (the one people of God) and those that dwell in heaven, the kingdom age.

" _And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:..."_ The Beast's mouth, the false prophet, overcomes the saints by bringing them to death. He has the power to prevail over all who 'live' in the church age. All that dwell upon the earth shall worship the Beast, whose names (natures) are not found in Christ, the Book of Life, from the "...foundation of the world."

The 'foundation' of the world, our world, is the first expression of Christ, salvation. It is the first seal opened, the beginning of the Lamb's Book of Life. When we know and express Christ in any way, shape or form, whether in the church age or kingdom age, that name or nature is found in the Lamb's Book of Life. We are found in Christ even while we stray from our first love and support the Beast. When we display a nature of separateness in our walk with God, as we all do at times, it is that nature or name that is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

This is not about being, or not being, 'saved.' It is not about some of us going to hell or heaven based on a listing called the Lamb's Book of Life. When we display a nature of separateness, that 'name,' that 'nature,' is what is not written or 'found' in Jesus Christ, the Lamb's Book of Life. When we believe, act, know, understand, or accept Christ in any way, shape, fashion, or form, then that 'name' or 'nature' is found in the Book of Life. Jesus Christ is the Book of Life and we are found in him.

If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Rev 13:9,10

If we lead into captivity, we end up in captivity. He that kills with the sword must be killed by the sword. This is the path to God. Is it God's will that we die by the sword? Is it God's will that we go into captivity? Yes, just as it was God's will that the people of Israel be held captive in Babylon for years. The path we walk is God's will. It is Christ, the life within which God and man become one, it is the patience and faith of the saints.

The False Prophet

And I beheld another Beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a Lamb, and he spake as a Dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first Beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first Beast, whose deadly wound was healed. Rev 13:11,12

'Another Beast' is the false prophet. It has two horns which symbolize the law and the prophets, the power of the church age. He speaks like a Dragon. His message is one of adherence to the law, doctrine and tradition which result in condemnation and judgment. This second Beast arises from the earth or 'natural realm,' and employs all the power of the first Beast while in the presence or 'in the spirit' of the first Beast. The false prophet causes those of God's people who are currently experiencing the church age to 'worship' the first Beast by adhering to the doctrines and traditions of men.

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the Beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the Beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. Rev 13:13,14

The false prophet performs great wonders by making "...fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men...." Fire symbolizes burning judgment. He is able to make fire come down from heaven in the 'sight' of men because the church age sees a God with a punitive nature, who punishes those who do not keep the law. He deceives those who dwell on the earth, the church age, with these miracles or wonders he is able to do in the 'sight' of the Beast. The 'sight' of men who dwell on the earth and the 'sight' of the Beast with seven heads (the seven churches) are the same thing. It is the adherence to the doctrines, law and traditions. It is what we 'see,' it is the 'sight' of men.

The false prophet's message, to those who dwell on the earth, is to build an image of the Beast, an organizational structure or structure of organizations based on the adherence to the law, rules, regulations, and doctrine. It is an image constructed of thoughts and beliefs about God's one people, his seven churches, based on our differences.

And he had power to give life unto the image of the Beast, that the image of the Beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the Beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the Beast, or the number of his name. Rev 13:15-17

The false prophet, manifested in those of God's people who promote the goals of the Beast, has power to give 'life' to the image of the Beast so that it can speak and cause all who will not worship the image, "...should be killed." The image of the Beast 'speaks' through those who promote or follow its rules, decrees, and doctrine. Those who will not worship the Beast are 'killed' (brought to death) by the 'sword,' ultimately a good thing since we cannot enter into the 'kingdom age' alive.

Those who worship the Beast are 'alive' and the False Prophet causes them to receive the 'mark of the Beast.' Those 'merchants' who buy and sell the things of God in the 'image of the Beast,' have the mark of the Beast, the name of the Beast, or the number of his name.

The 'mark' of the Beast is believing in and or promoting the Beast's agenda. Those who believe in the Beast's agenda have the mark 'in' their foreheads. Those who promote the Beast's agenda have the mark of the Beast 'in' their right hand. The mark of the Beast is symbolic, but as plain as any physical mark. The name or 'nature' of the Beast is one of captivity. The number of the Beast's name is the number of a man, six, and represents the idea of the 'completeness' of man, 666.

Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the Beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Rev 13:18

" _Let him that hath understanding..."_ is telling us there are those in the seven churches who 'see' a distinction between living a life in the 'harlot' versus 'coming out of her.' They understand the difference between being 'alive' as opposed to being 'dead' and know the difference between the church age and the kingdom age. The word 'count' means think about or consider, vote for or against, "...the number of the Beast...."

When we have someone's number, as in, 'I've got his number,' we are aware of someone's negative patterns of behaviors or self-motivating interests. Here, those with wisdom who understand, who 'see' the Beast, must 'count' or vote either for or against. Be either 'hot' nor 'cold.'

We can have a life of 'riches,' power and dominion in the Beast and rise to what we see as our full potential in the church age. As warriors of God we can bring many to the Lord and fight the good fight, as is God's will. Alternatively, we can give up our life, uncertain about when, where or how God will use us. There will be no acolytes, reputation, legacy or 'tail' of followers. Our only reward will be a continuous peace, joy and His righteousness...the Kingdom of God.

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four Beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. Rev 14:1-3

Mount Zion (spelled Sion in the KJV above) is the hill or mount upon which sets the highest part of Jerusalem. It symbolizes the New Jerusalem. The 144,000 with their Father's name written in their forehead symbolize those who overcome in the seven churches. They have their Father's name, his nature, written or sealed in their foreheads. God is always on their mind, always before them.

A single voice from heaven, not seven, speaks and it is "...as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder...." The one voice that is heard is like the voice of musicians. It relays one message. This 'voice' no longer sings the song of Moses, a song about what God has done in the past and what he will do in the future.

The one voice sings a new song, the song of the Lamb, a song of oneness with our God and the acknowledgment of his ways. This new song can only be sung by those who have crossed the Jordan river, experienced 'death,' and "...were redeemed from the earth...," the natural realm. There are many, in all seven churches, that sing the song of the Lamb.

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev 14:4,5

Here are God's elect, the man-child brought forth by the woman, 'the remnant' that is not 'married' to any organization, image, or church. They have never been satisfied with any focus other than a complete oneness in God ("...they are virgins...") and are willingly used by God in any way whatsoever. They experience a new relationship with God, redeemed from the 'church age,' and are the 'first fruits.' Like the first resurrection, they are not "...the first fruits..." in the sense of being before others, but rather in the sense of those being 'offered to God' as was the custom of Israel during the ongoing harvest.

In their mouth is found no guile or bitterness (Wormwood), for they are without 'fault' before the throne of God. This does not mean they do not, at times, fall short. They are without 'fault' because they have died and it is Christ who lives within them.

The Seventh Angel Flying Through Heaven

And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. Rev 14:18-20

Here is the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the one with power over fire telling those who have been given a sickle to harvest the earth. The sickle is our testimony of the mystery of God. We thrust in our sickle, gather the fruit attached to a stalk that no longer provides life, and cast it into the great "...winepress..." of the wrath of God. The wine-press of God is found outside of Babylon, city of bondage. Those who have 'died,' recognizing their inability to keep the law, leave captivity and crushed in the wine-press of God.

Blood, the life of Christ and the testimony of this mystery of God, flows to the height of the horses (ministries), bridles who trod the wine-press of God. The blood 'covers' the horses and their actions, but is not found 'in' the horses mouths, just "...unto the horse bridles..." It is not, as yet, their testimony for they are 'bridled' or encumbered by laws, doctrine and tradition.

Blood covers an area of 1600 furlongs, the forty-year length and width of the wilderness experience and symbolically, the church age.

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Rev 15:1,2

We have been shown the ongoing harvest, God's people leaving bondage and entering into the wine-press of God. They have given up trying to make a place with God through their own righteousness. Now we 'see' something "...great and marvellous...," the seven angels with the last seven plagues. It is great and marvelous because in the 'cups,' the lives of the seven angels are 'poured out,' the mystery of God made known to those now 'dead' to themselves. It is the end, the last of the wrath of God.

With the wrath of God completed, we see in a new way. We see a "...sea of glass mingled with fire...," God's people. They are the 'sand of the sea' being turned into a 'sea of glass' by the burning fire of tribulation. They are victorious over the Beast, his image, the mark of the Beast, and the number of his name...all instruments of purification. In victory we 'stand on' the sea of glass, symbolic of standing in our testimony of the mystery of God. We have become harps of God.

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. Rev 15:3,4

We sing both the song of Moses and the Lamb. The song of Moses is about what God has done for us in the past and what he will do in the future, "...Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty...." The song of the Lamb is one of here and now, "...just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints...." With acceptance of his ways, the songs we sing declare his judgments manifested in the ongoing revealing of Christ through us...past, present and future. All of us who overcome, whether currently experiencing the church age or the kingdom age, are one in God and a "...sea of glass mingled with fire...."

And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. Rev 15:5-8

After "...looking..." and seeing ("...behold...,") we see and understand that the temple has been 'opened' to us. Our eyes opened, and we see the temple of God as our relationship with God in Christ.

The messengers of the seven churches or seven angels who come out of the temple, come from God. They are 'clothed' in white linen, symbolizing righteousness, and their breasts are 'girded' with golden girdles. A girdle, used for work or battle, symbolizes working or battling for God.

One of the four beasts gave the seven angels the seven last plaques, the wrath of God. The last of four Beasts, church age expressions of Christ, gave to the seven angels their testimony that is to be poured out.

The temple of God is "...filled with smoke...," the burning away of our own will. In this 'burning' the glory of God appears, Christ made manifest in his people. No one can enter into the temple or a 'oneness' with God until the smoke clears, the burning away of our own will completed, and "...till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled."

The Seventh Cup Poured Out

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. Rev 16:17,18

After the seventh angel pours out his cup or vial into the 'air,' the heavenly realm, there is heard from the temple of God (we are the temple of God) one voice, not seven, saying, "It is done." The Revelation of Christ is complete. The mystery of God, Christ in his people, revealed. And there were voices, thunder, lightning and a great earthquake, the ongoing revealing of Christ within us.

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. Rev 16:19-21

That great city God's people is divided into three parts: those who know God or want to know more about him, those who serve God and others, and those who are dead in Christ and recognize their oneness with God. "...and the cities of the nations fell...," are those places of meeting like fellowships, Bible studies, gatherings, or convocations of intolerance that find fault. Their thinking is one of exclusion, "God loves us, but not them." They will receive the "...cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath..." in order that they might be driven to know God as he is.

When we accept God's will, instead of our will, "...every island fled away, and the mountains were not found." These pockets of refuge will no longer exist for us. There will no longer be Islands of separation to escape the world. Now that we see Christ within us, we no longer seek mountains, high places, or great ministries to follow so that we might be closer to God. Hearing Christ is here or Christ is there no longer motivates us because we know Christ where Christ is, within us.

These truths, ('death' to self, Christ manifested in you, the Kingdom of God is now), are like a great hail out of heaven for those of the church age. Every 'stone' or 'truth' is about the weight of a talent. A 'talent' was a unit of measure used two thousand years ago used to measure precious metals and speaks to the immense value of these truths..."...hail out of heaven...." Seeing and understanding these truths is precious, but causes great strife. "...and men blasphemed God [slandered his nature] because of the plague of the hail [the revealing of these hard truths]; for the plague thereof was exceeding great...."

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Rev 17:1,2

We 'see' the completed wrath of God, the 'judgment' of the Harlot who 'sits' on many waters. We are the waters, rivers, springs, and fountains of water. We are the Kings of the Earth who, having been given dominion over the earth, gave our kingdom to the Beast. We committed fornication, became 'one' with the Beast, and became drunk with power over others.

The Seventh Judgment of the Harlot

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. Rev 18:22,24

Those who have overcome in the seven churches have come out of the Harlot and will no longer be found in her. The voice of harpist, musicians, pipers, and trumpeters represent those who now speak in support of freedom, rather than captivity. Former 'craftsmen' who built Babylon with doctrine and tradition have left the city. The 'sound' of a millstone, those preaching and teaching death to self, Christ in you as you, and God's will IS done, are heard no longer in her. The 'light' of a candlestick, our 'burning away' so that God's light might be seen, will no longer be seen in Babylon. Two separate voices, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of his bride, will no longer be heard in the 'city of captivity;' the two voices are as one outside the city.

We were the "...great men of the earth...," merchants, who bought and sold the word of God for profit. With 'sorcery' we 'craftsmen' build a 'city' with doctrine and tradition using the word of God. We had revered others who had given up their lives in service to God, the 'blood' of the prophets and saints.

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. Rev 19:1-3

One voice, not seven, gives praise to God, accepting of his ways. True and righteous is his judging of the Harlot, Babylon, who inflicted punishment on us until we experienced death. Smoke, evidence of her burning judgment, symbolizes the constant burning away of impurities.

Our path in God is like the life cycle of a grain of wheat. The seed is 'planted' within us and grows along with weeds, our shortcomings. When we accept 'death,' the stalk we grew on, the church age or city of captivity, and the weeds we grew with, sin consciousness, doctrines and traditions, are 'burned' away in tribulation. This is and always has been an ongoing process, "...and her smoke rose up for ever and ever."

And the four and twenty elders and the four Beasts fell down and worshiped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. Rev 19:4,5

We priests of God fall from a high place (being alive) to a low place (death in Christ) and worship God. We no longer reign or 'sit' upon the Beast, but rather acknowledge that it is God who 'sits' or reigns on his throne; we are his throne. One voice from the throne, not seven, tells his servants and those who fear him to praise God. We are the servants of God who fear him (venerate, worship in awe, reverentially obey), both small and great. The 'small,' are those who, having died to themselves, have become 'small' in their own eyes. The 'great' are those raised from the 'dead,' to prepare the bride for the bridegroom.

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Rev 19:6

Again, we hear 'one' voice, a voice of a great multitude, the voice of many waters, the voice of mighty thundering, the people of God. We, the seven churches, speak his message and give testimony to his ways by saying Alleluia, God reigns...now.

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Rev 19:7,8

God reigns, his will IS done, the marriage feast of the Lamb has come and it is now. His wife, not his future wife or bride, has made herself ready through death to her own will. She is "...arrayed in fine linen...," righteousness. It has been made white by the burning away of impurities in the furnace of sin-consciousness.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev 19:9,10

Jesus Christ, the one messenger, tells us to write or testify to others that blessed are they who "...are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb..." All of us have a part in the marriage feast. We either have our 'flesh' (earthly nature) ripped away or we do the ripping away. During the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb, we die to religiosity, self-righteousness, sin-consciousness, doctrines, and traditions. We accept that Christ is our life, and in doing so make ourselves ready for the bridegroom.

Having a part in the marriage feast of the Lamb neither qualifies us to be worshiped or to worship those who testify of God and his Christ. We are not to worship the messenger, "...See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus...." To do otherwise would be to, once again, 'shed the blood of the prophets and the saints.'

The Seventh 'I Saw'

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev 21:1-2

We 'see' a new heaven and new earth. Our understanding of heaven has changed. The 'first heaven' and 'first earth' have passed away from us. We now not only see a sea of believers tossed to and fro with every whim of doctrine, but also 'the ongoing marriage feast of the Lamb.' What we once perceived as conflict and battle in the churches, as well as ourselves, we now understand as the tribulation necessary to bring each of us to a place of 'death.'

We see the New Jerusalem descending even as we are 'raised' to meet Christ in the air or 'the spiritual realm.' Jesus Christ and his people are continually becoming united in God. He is the bridegroom, our head. We are his bride, the body of Christ, adorned or 'made ready' for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Rev 21:3-5

One great voice out of heaven, not seven, testifies that the tabernacle of God is with us, Jesus Christ dwells within us. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes..." means the 'falling short,' sorrow, and separation from God experienced in the church age is at an end for those in the seven churches that rest in acceptance, "...the former things are passed away."

When we 'see' with two eyes we see seemingly contradictory events. We see the hurtful events of this world yet know a God of love. We see the innocent found guilty and guilty found innocent, we see right and wrong, good and bad.

When we 'see' with one eye we know God's will IS done. Does it always make sense to us? Do emotional or physically painful events hurt less? Does the harm the people of the world do to each other now make sense? No. Seeing with 'one' eye however, allows us to know a God who IS, has power and his will IS done. Our understanding that God's will IS done removes the tears of 'two eyes.' Former ways of thinking pass away, all things 'are made' new.

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Rev 21:6-8

God is the first and the last, the first church and the last church, the beginning and the end. He gives to anyone who desires the means to overcome,"...the water of life freely." We have free access to the "...fountains of water...," those 'angels' or messengers of God in the seven churches who 'show' the way to God. These 'rivers and fountains of waters' are not necessarily the one standing in front of us on Sunday morning. They are, perhaps, in our workplace or at a store register. No matter where we are or where we go, the angels or messengers of God are among us.

Those who overcome the difficulties of the churches will inherit all things; he will be our God and we will be his son. We will be His 'son' because we are one with Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son.

Those of us who have not as yet overcome have our place in the Lake of Fire, as is God's will. We, the fearful, do not embrace the life of Jesus Christ, salvation, the joining of God and man. We, the unbelieving, are those who cannot accept a life with God 'given,' not earned, as taught in the scriptures. We, the abominable, are the throne of Satan and use God's power for our own gain. We murderers kill with the sword. We fornicators 'know' death, yet live licentiously. We idolaters are false prophets and cause many to worship the Beast. We liars claim that we are in need of nothing.

All of us who show these natures or 'names,' will have our time in the Lake of Fire, the second death, until we 'come out of her.'

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. Rev 21:9

The angel who had the seven vials or cups of wrath in which the wrath of God is 'complete' shows us the bride, the Lamb's wife. We see God's people, no longer betrothed, but 'one' with her husband. We 'see' the New Jerusalem.

Chapter 16: The New Jerusalem

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. Rev 21:10-15

He "...carried me away..." tells us we leave someplace. We leave a place of separation to a place of 'oneness' described as a great and high mountain. We are 'carried,' brought to a oneness with God, the highest dominion, authority and power. Only in God can we see the New Jerusalem descending, Christ manifested in a cloud of witnesses. As we begin to 'see' the New Jerusalem, the first heaven and first earth begin to fade away.

God's people are the New Jerusalem, the glory of God. Our light is like a stone (truth) most precious, the mystery of God, Jesus Christ manifested within us. "...and her light [the New Jerusalem] was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;...." God's people are the building blocks of the city, made "...clear as crystal..." so that the light of the city might shine through them.

The New Jerusalem has one great, high wall with twelve gates. God's people are one wall, not four walls. Each of the twelve gates has an angel posted by it and on each gate a name of one the twelve tribes of Israel indicating that entrance to the city is through the names or 'nature' of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The wall has twelve foundations that support the wall, each with the name of one of the twelve apostles. We are 'built' upon foundational teachings of the twelve apostles.

And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. Rev 21:16

The city lies 'foursquare' means that the one wall of the city faces different directions, the four corners of the earth. The length is as large as the breath means all 'sides' of the one wall are equal, none is higher, greater, longer, or wider than another.

The New Jerusalem is measured with a reed, a walking stick or rod, which was a common unit of measure of distance at that time. Measuring with a reed symbolizes a measurement of our walk in God. The 'golden' reed is used to measure a golden or divine walk, a walk that is 'one with God' in Christ.

We are one wall, not four. Those of us in all seven churches, currently manifesting Christ in the church age make up the four sides of the one wall. Our expressions of Christ in the roles of salvation, teaching, power and authority, and service, enclose the city and keep anything unworthy from entering. What is found within the walls of the city represents the last three expressions of Christ in the seven churches. The one wall with four sides, together with what the wall encircles, is the New Jerusalem.

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. Rev 21:17-18

The wall is 144 cubits thick according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. The measurement is done with a 'golden reed.' Gold is a symbol of God or divinity, a reed symbolizes the measuring of our 'walk' in God. One man, Jesus Christ, had a 'golden' walk in God. To enter into the city, we must be found in him. In him, we enter the city by the twelve gates, through a wall of believers supported by the teachings of the twelve apostles.

" _And the building of the wall of it was of jasper...."_ Although jasper is found in various colors, the Jasper used for the wall is as clear as glass. Those who make up the wall are transparent. If anyone is to see Christ, they must look 'through' his people. The city is pure gold, yet described as "....like unto clear glass." Again, it is the city, not the building blocks, that is pure gold. We, the building blocks of the city, are experiencing the burning away of our impurities and being 'melted' into one, as sand turned into glass.

And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. Rev 21:19-21

The city sits on twelve foundations, the teaching of the twelve apostles that support the city. Each of the twelve gates to the city, constructed of a single pearl, has the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel written upon it; entrance to the city is through truths of great value (pearls of wisdom). The street, not streets, of the city symbolizes Jesus Christ, the one in whom we walk. The street is transparent, yet made of pure gold; we see God in and through Christ.

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Rev 21:22,23

There is no temple in the city because God and the Lamb are its temple. There is "...no need of the sun, neither of the moon...." because God is no longer 'above' or separated from us. His light is no longer reflected off his one church, symbolically, the moon. God lights the New Jerusalem from within. God's glory, our oneness with God in Christ, the Lamb of God, is the light of the city.

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev 21:24-27

All of God's people, those experiencing the church age as well as the kingdom age, make up the city; "...the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it." Our 'glory and honor' is Christ manifested within us.

The gates of a city in ancient times were typically shut at night to keep infiltrators from entering. The gates of the New Jerusalem are never shut because there is no night; those times when God and his Christ seem separated from us.

Only those found in the Lamb's Book of Life, those found in Christ, can enter into (be part of) the New Jerusalem. No nature 'separated' from God and his Christ can enter into the city.

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Rev 22:1-5

Within the city we find a pure river of water, clear as crystal. The river, like springs and fountains of water, is a delivery system for the word of God and symbolize those of God's people who deliver God's word. Like the wall of the city made of clear Jasper stone, it also is "...clear as crystal..." meaning it has within it any of the 'self interest' that muddies the word of God. The river of the word of God flows from a pure source, the throne of God and the Lamb. We are the throne of God.

The street symbolizes Jesus Christ, the one in whom we walk. In the 'midst' of the street and on either side of the river is the tree of life. Our walk in God is both in the wilderness and the promised land, the church age and kingdom age. The pure river of water flowing from the throne divides these two places, just as the Jordan River divides the wilderness from the promised land. The tree of life, Christ, is on either side of the river and yields twelve kinds of fruit every twelve months. This 'fruit' can be thought of as access points to God, precious truths or the twelve angels at the twelve gates that allows entrance to the New Jerusalem. The leaves of the tree symbolize those in the seven churches used by God for the healing of the nations. The 'nations' are those of us 'alive' and holding on to separate identities.

The curse of the law is not found in the city, the New Jerusalem. Instead, those who have 'overcome' and are the 'throne' of God and the Lamb, deliver the water of life freely. The servants of God will serve him and shall see his face (see him as he is) and find his name (his nature) in their thinking or mindfulness (in their foreheads). And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle [candlestick or 'church']..." A sun above, a God separate from them, is not needed, "...for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Rev 22:6-7

The revealing of Christ is complete, in us, to us and through us. The Lord God sent his angel, Jesus Christ, to show himself within his people. "Behold, I come quickly...," tells us of his appearance now, without delay. Blessed is he who keeps (fulfills, observes) the sayings, the prophesy of this Book of Revelation.

Chapter 17: The Final Message

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. Rev 22:8,9

We have the tendency to worship those who deliver the word of God, the springs, rivers and fountains of water as if they provided the 'water.' This is not the case, they just delivered it. Jesus once responded, when addressed as 'good Master,' or teacher, with "Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God." Luke 18:19

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Rev 22:10,11

Do not hide, but let what the Book of Revelation has to say come into being. The time is now. Let him that will not accept or experience justification in Christ 'remain unjust.' Let him that will not be washed by the water of the word, remain unclean, or filthy. Let him that is righteous continue on his path to God. Let him that is holy, one with God, remain in God. When we accept that God's will IS done in both our lives and others, we are 'letting' God's will 'be done.'

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. Rev 22:12-15

Jesus Christ comes quickly, without delay, and his reward is with him because his reward is 'oneness' with him. He gives to each of us 'according to our work,' the revealing of Christ within us.

He is the "...Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." He is our salvation, our first expression of Christ, our first relationship with God. He is the Omega, our last relationship in Christ, oneness with God through acceptance of his will.

Blessed are we who do his commandments and have washed our robes in the blood of the lamb. In doing so, we have access to the tree of life and may enter through the gates and become part of the city, the New Jerusalem. Outside the city are those in the seven churches who have not as yet overcome the difficulties of their churches.

Those who do not return to their first love, the grace of the gospel, are 'dogs.' They are of an impure mind. Some are 'magicians' with the word of God. They twist the truth in ways that make doctrines and traditions appear out of nowhere. In doing so, they make wisdom and spiritual understanding disappear. Some are 'whore-mongers,' prostituting themselves for power, money or fame. Some are 'murderers.' They 'kill' with the sword instead of leading others to give up their own will. Some are 'idolaters' who, after receiving their inheritance of freedom, go back into the world and use their freedom living morally unrestrained. Although 'dead' they seem alive and thereby worship two Gods. Others are false prophets who "...loveth and maketh a lie...," by promoting the Beast.

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev 22:16,17

Jesus has sent his angel, his messenger, to testify and make known these things in the churches. Jesus Christ is both the "...root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." He is the 'root' of the vine on which we grow and the 'offspring of David,' the one whose throne (God's people) is established forever. He is the bright and morning star as promised to those who overcome in the letter to the fourth church.

Jesus Christ and his bride, those who are one with him, invite others to drink of clear water not muddied with self-interest. Let those who 'hear' what the Book of Revelation has to say, come and drink of the water of the life of Christ freely. Let all who thirst, those eager and enthusiastic to know more, come and drink from the pure, clear river of water that flows from the throne. In this 'pure water' is found no judgment or condemnation. "And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Rev 22:18,19

Everyone that 'hears,' understands and believes, that Christ is within his people, receives a final warning. We must not 'add to' or 'take away' from what is necessary for the revealing of Christ within us. Those who would 'add to,' hold people captive to doctrine and traditions. In doing so God will 'add to' or increase their plagues, the wrath of God, as revealed in the Book of Revelation.

If they 'take away from' what is necessary, 'death' to self, than licentiousness and moral compromise arise. God "...shall take away his part out of the book of life...," the New Jerusalem, and that which 'is written' in the Book of Revelation.

God promises that the name or 'earthly nature' one must have to 'add to' or 'take away' from the truths revealed in the Book of Revelation will not be found in the Book of Life.

During our walk in God we fail constantly, but eventually turn back again to the way of the Lord. We overcome time and time again, and when we do return to God, like the prodigal son, we are restored.

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Rev 22:20,21

Jesus Christ, who testifies to these things, will come quickly, in the twinkling of an eye. Although our journey toward God is sometimes painful and confusing, be reassured by the knowledge that we must diminish so that he might increase. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Chapter 18: The Mind of Christ

Some of us, the violent, take the Kingdom of God by force. Using the scriptures of the Bible, we battle with each other until we realize that we not only do not have the peace and serenity promised in the Bible, but we are not going to get it by doing what we have always done, battle with the sword. We may still believe God wants us to fight, we may want to fight, but we just simply cannot do damage to others any longer on the battlefield of religiosity. Better that we be unfaithful to what we think God would have us do, then continue to hurt and push others away from God with our sharp sword.

For us, the violent, putting down our sword means 'death' to our own will and it may feel like defeat. Our prayer has no choice but to be, "Father, I give up. I don't know what your will is, but I can no longer do battle. Use me as you will. Let your will be done in my life, even if it is not what I want." We must pray as Jesus did, "...not my will, but thine, be done." If we can pray this and actually mean it, we have gained that which we thought could only be gained by fighting.

We have crossed the Jordan River, entered into the promised land, and have made our first encampment. Having crossed the Jordan River, we are met by the angel of God, Jesus Christ in the expression of 'death.' We are told to take off our shoes (shoes symbolize the scriptures you 'walk' in) for this is holy ground. Our previous ideas and concepts about heaven, the Kingdom of God, who we are, and 'what it will be like...' come crashing down. That's all right, they were only meant to get us into the promised land anyway.

Those of us 'new' to the promised land may still be sometimes plagued with remorse, self-doubt and guilt...welcome to the club. The Kingdom of God is within you, as is the Lake of Fire. Both are internal. Some of us stay near the Lake of Fire so we can take an occasional dip in it to remind ourselves of who we think we are: undeserving, unworthy, an habitual sinner, or an imposter pretending to be something we are not. The Lake of Fire, the bottomless pit of remorse, guilt, and the inability to do the right thing at times will always be within us. We can never escape these feelings that are, in fact, defined in stone: the external law. They are, however, external, where we no longer live. They will eventually surface only occasionally to remind us of what it was like when we considered ourselves separated from God.

Our dips in the Lake of Fire become less and less frequent as we move further into the Kingdom of God and get about our Father's work. It follows then, that the source of our difficulty is our point of reference. When we first enter the Kingdom of God we continue to judge according to a mind schooled in the things of the past and future. We sing the song of Moses.

As we become rooted in the Kingdom of God, we know God's will done. We sing the song of the Lamb. The concept of doing or not doing what God wants drops away from us proportionally as we move further and further into the Kingdom of God. The burdens we carry about our past lighten as we realize God's will is not only done now, but has always been done. God is now, this moment, the one within whom we move and have our being.

When our relationship with God is foremost in our mind, if we are 'sealed' in this concept, we find that we become one who manifests the Kingdom of God.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

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