Eternity Future

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 20:6-22:21

The last piece of John's vision shows Satan being released from his prison. He spends his time deceiving people before being cast into the lake of fire eternally. Those who died are all before God, and he judges them according to their works or by Christ's death, depending on which book their name is in. The Book of Life contains the names of all the people who accepted Christ's death as their payment for sin. Everyone else joins Satan. John sees the new Heaven and Earth brought to life, and God dwells among the people who live there in eternal beauty and security.

The Return of the King

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 19:1-20:6

John's vision shows Heaven cheering at the defeat of Babylon. The triumph of Christ causes worship and celebration. Satan is bound and thrown into a bottomless pit for a time (before he will need to be released again). This vision paints the picture of the ultimate celebration in Heaven, beginning with the return of Christ!

Fallen, Fallen is Babylon

Scott Risley
Revelation 16:13-19:7

The city of Babylon was defined in the Old Testament by greed, selfishness, violence, and idolatry. In the book of Revelation, Babylon has the same characteristics, along with being predicted to lead the rest of the world astray have a direct link with the Beast. Here, John identifies Babylon as both the World System (kosmos) and a harlot whose toxic ways we should avoid at all costs. He describes a day of justice when Babylon will be judged for their sins and be cast into the sea.

There is Still Time

Conrad Hilario
Revelation 14-16

The end times mark the beginning of the end of human history on earth. During this time period God's wrath is poured out on humanity through the bowl judgments. As things go from bad to worse there is still time for people to repent. A possible reconstruction of the last battle which takes place at Armageddon is included as well.

Other Reflections on the Tribulation

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 10:1-11:14

John relays more information from his vision, while leaving some information out on purpose. He mentions the Temple, which could be confusing because there is no Temple. Ezekiel 40-48 is used to help interpret this, leading to the following conclusions: there will be a literal rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem; there will be two witnesses who are real men; and their message of judgment will be fulfilled. God is telling us the future of the world so we can respond.

God Claims His Own

Dennis McCallum
Daniel 9

John's vision now delves into a description of "The Great Tribulation". This is a period of time between the first and second coming of Christ, but specifically a seven-year period of trial near the end. This vision needs careful dissection to understand the symbolism behind this tribulation, the Abomination of Desolation, and the regathering of Israel. Daniel 9 is used as a reference to help aid this.

The Seven Seals

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 6:1-17

John describes a scroll with seven seals that needs to be opened ? the consummation of human history. The Lamb of God is the only one able to break the seals, and the seals release forms of judgment. The first is conquest; the second, war; the third, famine; the fourth, death. The fifth and sixth seals released the martyrs and natural disasters. These first six seals mostly represent passive judgment where the earth is already in agony. The question that remains is this: as the situation worsens, will this tribulation period lead people to turn to God?

The Messianic Kingdom

Jeff Gordon
Revelation 20:1-10

John describes what comes after the end of the final battle: the Messianic or Millennial Kingdom. Christ rules this kingdom for 1000 years (which takes place before the New Heaven and New Earth) with social justice, and care for the poor. Spiritual enlightenment, joy, and biological change will characterize this era of restoration. In this time, the entire world will witness Christ as ruler, the evil heart of humanity will be revealed, and the power of God to destroy Satan will be displayed.

Who is Worthy?

Dennis McCallum
Revelation 4:1-5:14

John is given another vision that displays God's wrath and intent to judge. This passage leads believers and people curious about who God is to consider what justice means and if judgement is warranted on Earth. It also leads to some startling realizations about the world we live in today and how we are closer to this time than ever.