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The Messages To The Seven Churches An Eschatological Application

The Messages To The Seven Churches An Eschatological Application. 23 May 2002. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter. Slide # 1. Basic Premise.

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The Messages To The Seven Churches An Eschatological Application

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  1. The Messages To The Seven Churches An Eschatological Application 23 May 2002 Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter Slide #1

  2. Basic Premise In their eschatological application, the Seven Churches of Revelation describe the collective church on earth just before Jesus takes the reigns into His own hands and brings the history of the earth to a close. The description is that of the state of the church immediately prior to the “time of the end”. The messages to the Seven Churches are intended to prepare the church for its role in end time events and for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  3. Method of Interpretation In order to arrive at this conclusion, do we have to throw out the traditional Adventist historicist reading of the book of Revelation? NO!! Adventist methods of interpretation allow for multiple applications of prophecies like the ones found in Revelation. In fact, we can use the historical and historicist applications to shed further light on an eschatological application. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  4. Method of InterpretationMultiple Applications of Prophecy “How should the Seven Churches be understood? Should the Seven Churches be read in a preterist way?...I think the answer is clearly ‘yes’… Should it be read in Idealist form?...I think very clearly the book says, ‘yes’…But let me ask another question. Should these letters to the Seven Churches be read in historicist fashion?...I don’t believe that that is the primary intention of these seven letters. Having said that, however, I would not entirely rule out an historical reading of the book of Revelation. It is just possible that…these letters may in some way be representative of the course of Christian history as it would move along. – Dr. Jon Pauline: Seven Churches and a Heavenly Vision, Tape 3, Seven Letters to Seven Churches Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  5. Method of InterpretationMultiple Applications of Prophecy “It is reasonable to conclude that the characterization of, and admonition to, the church at Ephesus was particularly appropriate to the needs of that church at the time the message was written. It is similarly appropriate to the needs of the entire Christian church in the apostolic age, and thus, in brief, represents the experience of that period in the history of the church. It was recorded for the inspiration and encouragement of believers in every age, for under similar circumstances the same principles apply. By analogy, the same is true of the messages to the other churches. In view of the fact that the focus of each of the four major lines of prophecy is on the closing scenes of earth’s history, the messages of the book of Revelation have particular import for the church today. “That a single prophetic passage may embrace more than one fulfillment is evident (see on Deut. 18:15). Some such prophecies have both an immediate and a more remote fulfillment, and in addition contain principles that are generally applicable at all times…” – Introduction to the Book of Revelation, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol 7, pp. 725-726. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  6. Method of InterpretationMultiple Applications of Prophecy What did that just say? • Valid preterist (historical / typical) application • Valid historicist application • Valid idealist application • Valid eschatological application Collective Church Just Prior To Jesus’ Return Original Literal Seven Churches History of the Church From Apostolic Age to Second Coming All Churches Throughout All Ages Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  7. Method of InterpretationMultiple Applications of Prophecy Biblical Examples Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  8. "Behold I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord" - Malachi 4:4 "...and it is he who will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah..." - Luke 1:17 "Elijah is coming and will restore all things, but I tell you that Elijah has already come...They knew that had spoken about John the Baptist" - Matthew 17:11-13 Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  9. "I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy... The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood before the day of the Lord comes." - Joel 2:28-31 "...this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel..." - Acts 2:16 "The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the Gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close." - GC 611 Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  10. Many will come in My name and mislead many...You will hear of wars...famines and earthquakes. They will kill you...and hate you. False prophets will mislead many. when you see the abomination of desolation...then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains... Then there will be a great trib- ulation...after the tribulation, the sun will be darkened...the stars will fall...and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds. - Matt 24:2-30 "The Savior's prophecy concerning the visitation of judgement upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfillment, of which that terrible desolation was but a faint shadow." - GC 36 Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  11. Method of InterpretationMultiple Applications of Prophecy What is meant by an “Eschatological Application”? The eschatological application incorporates some of the characteristics of futurism, except that modern futurists have corrupted the term with the following ideas: • Dispensationalism • Ultra-literalism • Secret Pre-Tribulation Rapture The eschatological application simply means a special application of the prophecies to a short period of time just prior to the Second Coming. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  12. Method of InterpretationMultiple Applications of Prophecy Isn’t an eschatological application contrary to Adventist theology? On the contrary, a proper eschatological application is uniquely Adventist and is built on concepts that are foundational to Adventism and Adventist interpretation of prophecy, such as: • The Great Controversy • The sanctuary system • The state of the dead, the millennium, and the Sabbath • The literary structure of Revelation • The principles of accepted historical, historicist, and idealist applications • A rich understanding of Biblical typology Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  13. Method of InterpretationMultiple Applications of Prophecy Isn’t an eschatological application contrary to Adventist theology? “Revelation says that seven trumpets blow before we take possession of the Promised Land. Now, I’m really going to get myself out on a limb. I believe that not only do the prophecies of Revelation have a historical [historicist] application…I think that there is a literal last day application of these things, when you read them in their context. And I think that there might be a rapid repeating of these things, of the seven trumpets, just before Jesus comes…Those trumpets are getting ready to blow.” – Doug Batchelor: Through the Wilderness – Into the Promised Land, Tape 7, The Red Rope of Rahab Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  14. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach • Use Historical-Grammatical methods • Identify key terms, phrases and imagery in Revelation • Identify OT and NT background passages and cross references • Determine whether background passages have an eschatological application • Identify OT prophecies to literal Israel which will be fulfilled in the last days in relation to Spiritual Israel • Interpret the terms, phrases and imagery as literal, symbolic, or both based on context and on cross references (e.g. 12 Apostles) • Adopt a “Great Controversy” perspective • Favor universal/global over literal/local application of passages in Revelation and in cross references Note: In Revelation, John did not choose the symbols and imagery to use. He was instructed to “Write in a book what you see…” – Rev 1:11. God determined the symbols and imagery of the book of Revelation and their correlation to other Biblical cross-references. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  15. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach Though the prophet looked at events about him, he also could see far beyond his day. …the prophets words were sometimes to meet their fulfillment in the far distant future. At times they had an import, not only for the age in which the prophet lived, but also for a day far future; in other words, they had a dual application. Similarly, the ways in which God dealt with men in crises of the past are often cited as examples of the manner in which He will deal with the world in the last day. For example, Sodom and Gomorrah… The student of the Bible who hopes to secure from it the greatest help will first proceed to reconstruct the historical context of each passage. He will listen to the prophet speaking to Israel of old and endeavor to understand what his words meant to the people who originally heard them. But he will listen also for the further import the prophet’s words may have for latter times, particularly, our time. Indeed this secondary application is for us today the more significant. – SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, pp. 37. “The Role of Israel in OT Prophecy” Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  16. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach – An Example Method of Interpretation Eschatological Approach - An Example "Babylon" Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  17. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach – An Example “Babylon” in Revelation And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.” – Rev 14:8 “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! …For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality…Come out of her, my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” – Rev 18:2-5 And a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "Thus will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer. – Rev 18:21 Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  18. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach – An Example “Babylon” - Background Passages Genesis 11: Tower of Babel – Salvation by Works, Religious Confusion, False Doctrines Daniel 3: Fiery Furnace – Government Dictates Worship & Executes Dissenters Daniel 6: Lion’s Den – Government Dictates Worship & Executes Dissenters Daniel 5: Belshazzar’s Feast – King Uses Holy Things for Unholy Purpose and Babylon Falls Is there an eschatologicalapplication of these principles? Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  19. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach – An Example “Babylon” - Key Phrases Has this prophecy reached its final fulfillment? Then the lookout called, "O Lord, I stand continually by day on the watchtower, and I am stationed every night at my guard post. Now behold, here comes a troop of riders, horsemen in pairs." And one answered and said, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the images of her gods are shattered on the ground.” – Isa 21:8-9 And I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him; and he went out conquering, and to conquer. – Rev 6:1-2 (Compare with Zechariah chapters 1 & 6.) Context of reference in Isaiah 21 – Chapters 13 - 36 describe judgments on Babylon, Moab, Damascus, Etheopia, Egypt, Edom, Israel (Judah) etc. Read Isaiah 13:1-10; 24:1-6, 9-10, 14-16, 19-23. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  20. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach – An Example “Babylon” - Multiple Applications She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. – 1 Pet 5:13 • Literal Babylon during Daniel’s time – (Type) • Rome during the Apostolic Age – (Preterist or Historical) • The Church during the Middle Ages – (Historicist) • All false systems of worship throughout all time – (Idealist) • The ecumenical movement in the last days lead by an alliance between American Protestantism and the Vatican – (Eschatological) Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  21. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach – An Example “Babylon” - A “Great Controversy” Perspective Isa 14:4, 7-8, 12-15 … take up this taunt against the king of Babylon, and say, “How the oppressor has ceased, And how fury has ceased! The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; they break forth into shouts of joy. Even the cypress trees rejoice over you, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, ‘Since you were laid low, no tree cutter comes up against us.’ “How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations! But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.‘ Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.” Is this the king of Babylon or Satan? …or both? Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  22. Method of InterpretationExegetical Approach The same method could be applied to... • “Israel” and “Jews” • “…beginning of birth pangs” or “like a woman in labor” • “living beings” • “Balaam” • “eat things sacrificed to idols” • “commit acts of immorality” • “Egypt” or “Sodom” – maybe also “Tyre” or “Edom” • “trumpets” Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  23. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological Application • Most come to an understanding of the eschatological through the Seven Trumpets or through Daniel 12 • There are few, if any, existing expositions of the eschatological application of Seven Churches Why begin with the Seven Churches? • The Seven Churches portray the clearest example of the complete set of applications of the different methods – Historical, Historicist, Idealist, and Eschatological • The Messages to the Seven Churches contain some of the clearest internal literary evidence of an eschatological application • If you accept an eschatological application of the Seven Churches, the rest of Revelation naturally follows Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  24. The Seven ChurchesLiterary Structure of the Book of Revelation Adapted from: C. Mervyn Maxwell, God Cares, Volume II, pp.60-61. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  25. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationContext of Revelation What is the central theme of the book of Revelation? Rev 1:7 – Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen. “The salutation having been concluded with v. 6, John announces the theme of Revelation. The Second Coming of Christ is the goal toward which all else moves forward.” – SDA Bible Commentary on Rev 1:7. Ultimately, the theme of Revelation is the Second Coming of Christ and the consummation of the plan of salvation. The central theme is not the history of the Christian Church, although that historicist application does have some validity in that it chronicles the conditions which lead to the Second Coming. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  26. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationIntroductory Sanctuary Scene • Introduces each major section of Revelation • Provides contextual backdrop for the section • Provides chronological backdrop for the section • e.g. – Seven Seals occur between the “taking of the scroll” and the final “song of praise of the great multitude in heaven” • Is not part of the chronological sequence of the events of the section • e.g. – The “throwing down of the censor” does not precede the sounding of the first Trumpet It is impossible to interpret the sections of Revelation correctly without a proper understanding of the context provided by Introductory Sanctuary Scenes !!! Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  27. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The Sabbath day Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Exod 20:10 but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. Isa 58:13 "If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, and shall honor it, desisting from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure, and speaking your own word, Matt 12:8 "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  28. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The eschatological “Day of the Lord” • The language and themes of the great “Day of the Lord” passages match the language and themes of the book of Revelation Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  29. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological Application“Day of the Lord” – One Example Joel 2:28-3:2 "And it will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. And even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. "And I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire, and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. "And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered… "For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations, and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  30. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological Application“Day of the Lord” – One Example • “Pour out My Spirit” – Latter Rain (Rev 18:1-4) • “Display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire, columns of smoke” –Trumpets 1-4 (Rev 9:7-12); 7 Last Plagues (Rev 16) • “Sun to darkness, moon into blood” – 6th Seal (Rev 6:12); 4th Trumpet (Rev 8:12); 5th Plague (Rev 16:10) • “I will gather all nations and bring them to the valley of Jehoshaphat (i.e. Yahweh judges) – Armageddon (Rev 16:12-16) • “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” – Second Coming * See also: Is 2:12; Is 13; Is 58; Eze 13; Eze 30; Joel 1,2,3; Amos 5; Ob 1; Zeph 1; Mal 3,4; Acts 2; I Thes 5; II Thes 2; I Cor 5:5; II Peter 3:9-10 Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  31. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The Sabbath and the Eschatological “Day of the Lord” – A Link Between the Two • The “Sabbath” of the great “Week of Time” Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” 2 Pet 3:8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Ps 90:4 For a thousand years in Thy sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  32. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The “Sabbath” of the great “Week of Time” Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Matt 16:28-17:3 28 "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." 17:1 And six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. 2 And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. The Mount of Transfiguration is a miniature representation of the Kingdom of God Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  33. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The “Sabbath” of the great “Week of Time” Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Exod 21:2 "If you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve for six years; but on the seventh he shall go out as a free man without payment.” Exod 23:10-12 10 "And you shall sow your land for six years and gather in its yield, 11 but on the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the needy of your people may eat; and whatever they leave the beast of the field may eat. You are to do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove. 12 "Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor in order that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  34. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The “Sabbath” of the great “Week of Time – The Prophecy – Why Israel went into captivity in Babylon Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Lev 26:27-28, 31, 33-35 27 'Yet if in spite of this, you do not obey Me, but act with hostility against Me, 28 then I will act with wrathful hostility against you; and I, even I, will punish you seven times for your sins. 31 'I will lay waste your cities as well, and will make your sanctuaries desolate; and I will not smell your soothing aromas. 33 'You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste. 34 'Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 35 'All the days of its desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  35. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The “Sabbath” of the great “Week of Time – The Prophecy – Why Israel went into captivity in Babylon Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Lev 26:27-28, 31, 33-35 27 'Yet if in spite of this, you do not obey Me, but act with hostility against Me, 28 then I will act with wrathful hostility against you; and I, even I, will punish you seven times for your sins. 31 'I will lay waste your cities as well, and will make your sanctuaries desolate; and I will not smell your soothing aromas. 33 'You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste. 34 'Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 35 'All the days of its desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  36. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The “Sabbath” of the great “Week of Time – The Prophecy – Why Israel went into captivity in Babylon Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Jer 34:14, 17, 21 14 "At the end of seven years each of you shall set free his Hebrew brother, who has been sold to you and has served you six years, you shall send him out free from you; but your forefathers did not obey Me, or incline their ear to Me. 17 "Therefore thus says the LORD, 'You have not obeyed Me in proclaiming release each man to his brother, and each man to his neighbor. Behold, I am proclaiming a release to you,' declares the LORD, 'to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you a terror to all the kingdoms of the earth. 21 'And Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials I will give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life, and into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon which has gone away from you. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  37. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The “Sabbath” of the great “Week of Time – The Fulfillment – Why Israel went into captivity in Babylon Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” • 2 Chr 36:20-21 • 20 And those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, • to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete. • Neh 13:17-18 • 17 Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, "What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the sabbath day? • 18 "Did not your fathers do the same so that our God brought on us, and on this city, all this trouble? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the sabbath." Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  38. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” • The Antitypical Jubilee • Occurred after seven “Sabbath’s of Years” • Represented the final release from captivity (in spiritual Babylon) and restoration of the inheritance in the Promised Land • Began as the trumpet was blown on the Day of Atonement (Lev 25:9) Lev 25:8-12 8 'You are also to count off seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years, so that you have the time of the seven sabbaths of years, namely, forty-nine years. 9 'You shall then sound a ram's horn abroad on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the day of atonement you shall sound a horn all through your land. 10 'You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. 11 'You shall have the fiftieth year as a jubilee; you shall not sow, nor reap its aftergrowth, nor gather in from its untrimmed vines. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  39. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The Sabbath • The Eschatological Day of the Lord • The Sabbath of the Great “Week of Time” • The Antitypical Jubilee Rev 1:10 – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” Yes, John meant the Sabbath…as well as much more that the Sabbath represents. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  40. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • All seven messages in one book • Symbolism of “Seven” – Complete • One message to the collective, but divided church • God picked the symbols, the imagery, and the sequence of the vision • The whole section of the “Messages to the Seven Churches” is completely devoid of any sequential language • None of the churches is identified by number • No sequential language is used • No specific events are described • Compare with Rev 8:13 (from Seven Trumpets) – “…because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound.” Rev 1:11 – “Write in a bookwhat you see and send it to the seven churches…” Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  41. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • The scene is a general scene • Jesus is not tending the lamps; He is merely among the lampstands • Note that the churches are described as “lampstands” – not lamps • The only event associated with this scene is Jesus giving John the messages for the Seven Churches Does this Introductory Sanctuary Scene describe an event or a general scene? Are there any clues as to the chronology of the scene? Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  42. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene Which of these pictures represents the Jesus of Revelation? Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  43. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • Jesus, our High Priest, is in the garb of an ordinary priest • No ephod • Parallels with Daniel 10 (robe is bad not shesh) • The uses of bad in the OT – 23 times in 11 passages • 5 passages – the garments of ordinary priests • 1 passage – the garments of the high priest on the Day of Atonement • 2 passages – the garments David wore when he brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem • 2 passages – Daniel’s vision of Jesus in chapters 10 & 12 • 1 passage – Ezekiel’s vision of the sealing angel in chapters 9 & 10 This is a “Day of Atonement” vision !!! Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  44. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary Scene • In Revelation, we never see Jesus performing taymid, or daily, services • Jesus is among the lampstands, not tending the lamps (Rev 1:12, 2:1) • No mention of the Table of Shewbread • Jesus burns incense on the golden Altar of Incense (Rev 8:3-5) • No mention of any veil • We see God’s throne (i.e. the Ark), seven Lamps, and Sea of Glass (i.e. Laver) all in the same scene – with no veils mentioned (Rev 4) • Jesus stands before God’s throne (i.e. Ark of the Covenant) (Rev 4-5) Revelation is a “Day of Atonement” vision !!! Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  45. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary SceneDescription of Jesus • Golden Girdle • Parallel to “belt of pure gold of Uphaz” in Daniel 10 • Represents purity of faith – purified by the fire of tribulation • “Gold of Uphaz” – represents distinction between Creator God and false idols (Jer 10:1-13 - Read) • Feet like burnished bronze • In sanctuary “bronze” associated with the courtyard (i.e. earth) • Jesus walked through the fires of tribulation on earth as a man • Head and hair like white wool • Parallels white turban of ordinary priests • Denotes intrinsic righteousness of Jesus Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  46. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary SceneDescription of Jesus • Voice like the sound of many waters • Jesus speaks with the authority of the Father and in the name of His people • Parallel to “great multitude” (Rev 19:6-7) & 144,000 (Rev 14:2-3) • Parallel to God the Father (Ezek 43:2) – Context of God entering the restored temple • Uses natural elements as tools of influence (Jer 10:12-13; 51:15-16 [Identical], and to distinguish between true God and false Gods) Jer 10:12-13 12 It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens. 13 When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain, and brings out the wind from His storehouses. Compare with Elijah on Mount Cramel and the Trumpets, Seals & Plagues Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  47. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationThe Introductory Sanctuary SceneDescription of Jesus • Face like the sun shining in its strength • Light of truth and righteousness – “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) • Light of the new earth (Isaiah 60:19-20; Rev 21:23-24) • Commissioning of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 26:12-15) • Elijah message & Commissioning of 144,000 • Elijah prophecy – “sun of righteousness will rise” (Mal 4:1-6) • Mount of Transfiguration – “His face shone like the sun” (Matt 17:1-13) Note the eschatological parallels. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  48. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationDescription of Jesus …out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword” – Rev 1: 16 • Represents the Word of God & the standard of judgment Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Rev 2:16 'Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. Rev 19:21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat upon the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  49. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationDescription of Jesus “His eyes were like a flame of fire”– Rev 1:14 • Eyes – Discernment & Judgment (Eschatological) • “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” – 2 Chr 16:9 • “…a Lamb…having…seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth” – Rev 5:6 • Replacing Joshua’s filthy robes with robes of righteousness – “the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes…I will remove the iniquity of the land in one day” (see Zech 3:1-10) • “the plumb line…these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth” (see Zech 4:2-14) • Compare plumb line with the measuring of the temple in Rev 11 • Two olive trees and two lampstands – Two witnesses of Rev 11 • Four colored horses “sent to patrol the earth” – Zech 1, 6 Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

  50. The Seven ChurchesAn Eschatological ApplicationDescription of Jesus “His eyes were like a flame of fire… out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword” ”– Rev 1:14 Taken together these two symbols denote judgment. In this case the imagery denotes the beginning of the final phase of judgment – perhaps the time when the Investigative Judgment moves from the dead to the living. In the parallel passage in Revelation 19, the imagery denotes the beginning of the executive phase of judgment at Jesus’ second coming. Prophecy Research Initiative Conference Bryan E. Canter

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