In the seven addresses to the churches, these are searching words in the midst of much outward profession – “Hold fast till I come” (Rev. 2:25). And again, “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee” (Rev. 3:3). And again, “Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou halt, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11). Woe be to the carnal worldly professor. who sets light by these solemn warnings, so suited to the state of the church. during its seven-fold history, of the things that are now. In Revelation 4 things are revealed that will take place after these – “I will show thee things that must be hereafter,” or after these (Rev. 4:1). And then, in blissful vision, in Revelation 4 and 5, the redeemed are seen gone from the earth, and seated around the glorified Lamb.
Revelation 6 to 19 contain the words of the Spirit of God as to the end of the present age, the church being at that time taken to be with the Lord. “Then sets in the great and terrible day of the Lord. Peace is taken from the earth that they should kill one another” (Rev. 11:4). Who can describe the terrors of that fearful day!
I do not go into the detail of the woes and judgments of this day of vengeance, answering to all the prophets have said, and all the passages we have read, in the words of Jesus, as to this time of great tribulation, such as never was – no, and never will be again. More gifted servants of the Lord have written on these things.
I may just remark, in perfect keeping with every other part of Scripture. the whole scene becomes Jewish in character during this day of wrath. Satan is cast down to the earth in Revelation 12 and persecutes the Jewish remnant. In Revelation 13 Satan is worshiped, and the head of the Roman Empire, to whom Satan gives his power, is worshiped. (Rev. 13:3-8). In Revelation 17 the ecclesiastical apostacy, having lost her temporalities in the empire. now in her last most blasphemous character, sits upon the beast; that is, guides the imperial head in its last acts of wickedness. The Roman Empire which was, and is not, shall again appear in its most terrible character. Ten kings are seen confederate with the imperial head; and as the Roman people formed the empire, when it was, so assuredly they shall be again. It would seem, however, not by conquest; for the ten kings or kingdoms give their power to the beast. The reconstructed empire for a time carries the whore; but being infidel at heart, throws her off, and the ten kingdoms which will exist in that day “hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire” (Rev. 17:16). Revelation 18 is occupied with a description of her burning.
The church having been with the Lord from Revelation 6 now returns with the Lord in Revelation 19. The full number of the first resurrection being completed in the beginning of Revelation 20, then takes place the millennium, or thousand years’ rest. with Christ. The rest of the dead live not until this thousand years’ rest is completed. During this thousand years, every promise of blessing to this earth will be fulfilled – Satan bound – sin not allowed, but immediately judged. Then comes the end. Satan is loosed a little while; and then the great judgment of the dead takes place (Revelation 20:11-15). And this over, the eternal state of inexpressible blessedness sets in – new heavens and new earth,
Where God shall shine in light divine.
In glory everlasting.
I will conclude with the last closing sounds of the words of the Lord Jesus on this solemn subject: – “Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7). “And behold I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give to every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12). “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come. Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
(Continued from page 251).
(Concluded).