Ancient Anglican

God knows that the church will be tempted to shrink back from its commissioning in face of its persecution. This is why the message is given, not by any ordinary angel, but one with the form and likeness of God himself, and why the commission but be fully consumed and internalized …

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star (Heb. Lucifer), son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! . . . But you are brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the Pit.”

The seven trumpets are part of the seventh seal. These trumpets announce God’s coming judgment and war against the forces of evil.

It is the blood of the Lamb that cleanses the temple and the people to receive the presence of God (Ex. 24, Lev. 4). Therefore, it is only through the blood of the Lamb that salvation is received.

Rather, judgment, harm, and destruction are simply the natural consequential result of turning away from God and the Lamb. When we reject the Lamb and the source of its power, we experience disorder, death, and destruction.

The Lamb is more than something extraordinary and worthy of this world. The Lamb is more than the descendant of Judah or of David. The Lamb is, in some way, God as well.

John wants to draw these parallels between God and Ceasar to create a binary choice so choosing both is not an option.

The challenge in reading these letters is to see ourselves as the recipient.

A book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and thought on his name. Mal. 3:16

As you read through each of these seven oracles to the seven churches – their proscription, praise, and promises – see yourself. Where do you meet the expectations of Christ and where do you fall short? Most importantly, how do Christ’s promises speak to you?

As we read through these seven letters, the challenge to us to see ourselves as being spoken to within these seven oracles. Continuously ask yourself how have I earned Christ’s commendation and how have I deserved his condemnation. Most importantly, however, see yourself as the recipient of the promises made in …

Within this vision, John introduces himself to his audience and introduces three reoccurring themes in Revelation of security, hope, and discipleship.