Bible Studies
The Resurrection Depicted in Revelation 6-22
Series: ResurrectionIntroduction:
1. For the past several weeks we have given consideration to the resurrection as it is described in Scripture. 2. We have observed the concept as it is depicted in the O.T. prophets. One of the most vivid images is the valley of dry bones in Ezek. 37 that comes to life by means of the Spirit of God. 3. But there are other depictions as well: of a new creation, a new heaven and a new earth. There are depictions of a coming kingdom and the exaltation of God’s king who will reign forever. 4. Stepping into the N.T the king, Jesus Christ, has arrived, but dies on a cross and is raised by God to be seated at His own right hand—coronated King as a result of His resurrection. 5. He is raised as the first fruit of the new creation. Believers are joined together with Him in His death and raised to spiritual life by faith in the working of God who raised Him from the dead. 6. The life begun in baptism reaches into the future, past physical death, to the time of the King’s return when all those who are dead will hear His voice ad come forth. The dead in Christ will be caught up to meet the Lord and will live together with Him. 7. And while the Book of Revelation is written in figurative language its images dovetail with what we have studied previously. 8. Our study this morning will survey material from Rev. 6-22 and conclude the series.Discussion:
I. The first suggestion of resurrection is in 6:9-11.A. Chapter 5 describes a book with seven seals.
1. Only the lamb that was slain and now living can open the seals.
2. When the fifth seal was opened John saw the souls of those slain because of the word of God and because of the testimony they maintained.
B. They are crying out, “How long . . .?”
C. They are given a white robe and told to rest until their brethren who were to be killed would be completed.
D. In 20:4-6 those killed because of the word of God and their testimony come to life and reign with Christ.
1. God’s people are his witnesses (Isa. 43:10).
2. The church is His witness today.
E. In 20:11-15 in the judgment of the great white throne the resurrection theme continues.
1. Those whose names are in the book of life are not hurt by the second death.
2. Anyone’s name not there was thrown into the lake of fire.
II. These depictions are in harmony with our previous study.A. John 5:28-29.
B. Acts 24:15.
C. Dan. 12:1-2.
D. Rev. 3:5—Those who overcome will be clothed in white garments and their names will be in the book of life.
III. Revelation chapters 21 and 22 focus on the final stage of the final resurrection.A. A new heaven and a new earth is portrayed (21:1-3).
B. Death is no more (4).
C. The King makes the water of life available (5-8).
D. John is shown the bride the wife of the Lamb (10ff).
1. She is the new Jerusalem.
2. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life are there.
E. Coming from the throne is the water of life and on either side is the tree of life (22:1-5).
IV. The invitation (22:14-17).Conclusion:
1. Is your robe washed? 2. Is your name written in the book of life? 3. Are you a citizen in the city of God? 4. Will you reign with the King? 5. If not, then submit yourself to Him. In faith give your life to the word of God and His testimony. 6. Be joined together with Christ in His death. Be raised to walk in newness of life by faith in God who raised Him from the dead.
