Seven Churches of Revelation

 

God gave the apostle John important messages for the seven churches of Revelation. How do these messages give instruction for His people today?

The seven churches of Revelation are:

1. Ephesus.
2. Smyrna.
3. Pergamos.
4. Thyatira.
5. Sardis.
6. Philadelphia.
7. Laodicea.

Also known as the seven churches of Asia (modern Turkey)

As the first chapter of the book of Revelation explains, the apostle John was given a vision of end-time events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ.

Part of the instruction that John received was: “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea” (verse 11).

The order of these cities in modern-day Turkey corresponds to “the route along which a courier from Patmos [where John received the vision] would have carried the scroll” (ESV Study Bible, Revelation 2:11).

Trying to understand what these messages mean for Christians today has been puzzling. These seven churches, named by their locations, were not the sum total of all the congregations of the Church of God in the first century. Additional congregations, among others mentioned in the New Testament, were located at:

• Antioch (Acts 13:1).
• Derbe, Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-2).
• Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2).
• Philippi (Philippians 1:1).
• Colosse (Colossians 1:2).
• Rome (Romans 1:7).

So why did God the Father, the author of this message (Revelation 1:1), select these seven congregations? What relevance do these messages have for us today? As we will see, God selected these seven congregations to give timeless instruction for His people throughout the centuries.

As we will see, God selected these seven congregations to give timeless instruction for His people throughout the centuries.Because this instruction is both historical and prophetic—John was told to write about “the things which are, and the things which will take place after this” (verse 19, emphasis added)—this information must be understood from more than one perspective.

Here are three ways this section of Scripture can be understood.

Instruction for the first-century churches

The seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 were congregations of the Church of God in the first century. Located in Asia Minor (now modern Turkey), these churches represented actual communities of early Christians—not buildings or meeting halls.

In addressing each of these congregations, God said that He knew their works. Knowing the challenges they were facing and how they were responding, He admonished them to repent of their mistakes and to remain faithful in order to receive salvation. Although their circumstances varied, this message was similar for each church.

Characteristics of the seven churches of Revelation

In closer examination of these messages, it is interesting to note that God clearly understood the circumstances, difficulties and influences that the members of the congregation in each city had to endure and resist. For example:

• God knew that the members at Ephesus had lost their “first love” and that they were resisting the negative influence of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:4, 6).
• God also knew the “tribulation, and poverty” those in Smyrna were facing (verse 9).
• God was aware of the martyrdom of Antipas in Pergamos and the severe persecution the members in that city were enduring (verse 13).
• God knew that some in Thyatira had been deceived by a woman called Jezebel to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols (verse 20).
• The fact that many in Sardis were “dead” in the sense that they had lost their zeal was known by God (Revelation 3:1).
• God knew that the Church members in Philadelphia had a little strength and that they had not denied His name (verse 8).
• God saw the lukewarm spiritual attitude of the Laodiceans (verses 15-16).

An important overall lesson from Revelation 2 and 3 is that God knew the issues facing the churches and members of the first century.

Similar to Paul’s letters to various congregations in other cities, these short messages to the seven congregations were intended to encourage the members in these cities to  overcome their shortcomings and to hold fast to God’s way of life so they could be rewarded in the future.

Progressive history of the Church

Students of the Bible have also noted that the messages to the seven churches imply a progressive history of things “which will take place after this” (Revelation 1:19). Some have described this as the chronological development of the Church or church eras.

Addressing this perspective, the late professor Dr. John F. Walvoord notes: “Many expositors believe that in addition to the obvious implication of these messages the seven churches represent the chronological development of church history viewed spiritually. They note that Ephesus seems to be characteristic of the Apostolic Period in general and that the progression of evil climaxing in Laodicea seems to indicate the final state of apostasy of the church. … The order of the messages to the churches seems to be divinely selected to give prophetically the main movement of church history” (John Walvoord, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, 1989, pp. 51-52).

Another scholar, C.I. Scofield (1843-1921), editor of the Scofield Study Bible, gives a similar explanation:

“Again, these messages by their very terms go beyond the local assemblies mentioned. It can be seen that Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), though a local church in the apostle’s day, is typical of the first century as a whole; Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) characterizes the church under persecution, e.g. from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), ‘where Satan dwells’ … is suggestive of the church mixing with the world, e.g. in the Middle Ages; Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) reveals how evil progresses in the church and idolatry is practiced; Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) is representative of the church as dead, yet still having a minority of godly men and women, as during the Reformation; Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) shows revival and a state of spiritual advance; and Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-19) is illustrative of the final state of apostasy which the visible church will experience” (Scofield Study Bible, Revelation 1:20).

While the Bible does not give us specific dates for the time periods or eras of the Church’s development and many of these periods of time overlap, there are indications of this historical progression within these messages to the churches. Here are a few of these apparent indications of the Church’s developing history:

Ephesus, the first church mentioned in the messages to the seven churches of Revelation, served as the center for John’s ministry at the end of the first century. The island of Patmos, where John received the vision recorded in the book of Revelation, was only 50 miles from Ephesus.

It is well-known that John preached about love—some refer to him as the apostle of love—to help Christians at that time recapture their “first love” (Revelation 2:4; 1 John 3:10-11, 14, 16-18, 23).

Smyrna, the second church mentioned, was told that it would “have tribulation ten days” (Revelation 2:10).

Commenting on this verse, Adam Clarke states: “As the days in this book are what is commonly called prophetic days, each answering to a year, the ten years of tribulation may denote ten years of persecution; and this was precisely the duration of the persecution under Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were grievously afflicted. Others understand the expression as implying frequency and abundance, as it does in other parts of Scripture” (Adam Clarke Commentary, Revelation 2:10).

Regardless of the exact meaning of “ten days” in Revelation 2:10, history shows that the Church of God faced great persecution in its earliest centuries. As shown, this is implied in the message to Smyrna and is also included in the third message (to Pergamos), in which God refers to “Antipas … My faithful martyr” (Revelation 2:13).

The messages to the last four churches speak of Christ’s return—an indication that at least a remnant of Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia will still exist, along with Laodicea, in the end time (Revelation 2:25; Revelation 3:3, 11, 20).

Indicating that the progression of history prior to Christ’s return has nearly run its course, Philadelphia is promised protection during “the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10).

Advice for Christians throughout the ages

A third way the messages to the seven churches of Revelation can be understood is as advice and warnings to Christians throughout all ages. The responses of each church to the advice given can also be understood as attitudes.

The relevance of these messages to Christians throughout history becomes obvious with the closing to each of the seven churches: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Revelation 3:6, 13, 22).

An important but often overlooked component of these messages is the strong emphasis on overcoming.An important but often overlooked component of these messages is the strong emphasis on overcoming. Each message concludes with a reminder that those who overcome will be rewarded by God (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21).

Some people today erroneously think of Christianity as simply accepting a benefits package that Jesus wants to give us and there is nothing for us to do in return.

The reality is that overcoming sinful conduct, which we are enabled to do with the assistance of God’s Holy Spirit, is so important that it emphasized by God once again before the book of Revelation concludes. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son” (Revelation 21:7).

Seven churches of Revelation summary

While more complete explanations of the relevance of each message are available in the articles on each congregation, here is an abbreviated summary of the positive lessons we can learn from the instruction God gave each church:

• Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7): Don’t lose your love for God’s truth or His people.
• Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11): Remain faithful in the face of tribulation and poverty.
• Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17): Resist Satan’s influence, even to death, if necessary.
• Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29): Resist false teaching.
• Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6): ): Don’t neglect the things you have learned. Remain zealous and pure in conduct.
• Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13): Persevere and walk through the doors God opens.
• Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22): Don’t become lukewarm about God’s way of life.

Abuse of church eras

Similar to the way much of the Bible’s teaching has been misunderstood and misapplied, some have misused the messages to the seven churches in claiming that their organization or group of people represents a particular church era, such as Philadelphia, and that other believers represent another era, such as Laodicea.

No matter what humans may claim, we have to remember that Christ will be the ultimate Judge (Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1).

As for judging others to be Laodiceans, it is ironic to note that the nature of those in Laodicea was to misjudge their spiritual condition.

Again, the timeless instruction for us today is to hear and apply all of the messages given to the churches. The wise course of action is to heed all of the messages and let Christ do the judging—a role He will most certainly fulfill!

Modern relevance of the messages to the seven churches of Revelation

The messages to the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 have continuing relevance for us today. They show us that the Church of God and its members were destined to face many trials throughout the centuries before Jesus Christ would return. Yet God promised to reward His Church and individual members if they would remain faithful to Him.

These rewards include eating from the tree of life (Revelation 2:7), being given the crown of life (verse 10), being given a new name (verse 17), being given power over the nations (verse 26), having one’s name written in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5), becoming a pillar in God’s temple (verse 12) and sitting with Christ on His throne (verse 21).

These rewards can likewise be ours if we follow the admonitions given these churches. This encouragement from God reminds us that serving Him is well worth the effort.

What are you doing with the spiritual knowledge you have received? Are you remaining faithful to what God has revealed? Continue reading the information on this website to learn more about God’s way of life and how you can strengthen your relationship with God. You may find it especially helpful to study our booklet Where Is the Church Jesus Built?

Apocalypse in the Bible

 

Why do most people associate the word “apocalypse” with end-of-the-world events? What does apocalypse really mean in relation to biblical prophecy?

The popular narrative often shows a collapsed civilization. The planet has become a wasteland of crumbled buildings and motionless cars. Millions of bodies are scattered about. Radios and televisions are silent. The power grid is gone, and all appears dark.

But then, like Noah and his family stepping off the ark, a few survivors who took refuge in underground shelters slowly make their way to the surface to rebuild the earth. As they stumble through the smoke and rubble, they begin to gather in small groups, searching for meaning in their now-shattered world.

Post-apocalyptic fiction

Novels and films with such doomsday scenarios abound. When most people hear the word apocalypse, it engenders an immediate association with great devastation on the earth that leaves only a remnant of survivors to carry on the human race.

Stories about the end of the world have fascinated people throughout human history, and today science fiction movie theatrics can create the vivid imagery of nuclear explosions and leveled cities, catastrophic loss of human life and zombies roaming the streets in the aftermath.

(See our related articles “Post-Apocalyptic Fiction and Fact” and “Zombie Movies: What Do They Get Right?”)

While history shows that humanity in general has a penchant for bringing much suffering, the world is not destined to end this way. Please read on.

Religious apocalypse or meaningless apocalypse?

Author Daniel Wojcik wrote, “Until recently, the end of the world has been interpreted as a meaningful, transformative, and supernatural event, involving the annihilation and renewal of the earth by deities or divine forces. During the last half of the twentieth century, however, widespread beliefs about a meaningless apocalypse have emerged and now compete with traditional religious apocalyptic worldviews” (End of the World as We Know It: Faith, Fatalism, and Apocalypse in America, p. 1).

In other words, a more contemporary use of the word apocalypse describes meaningless mass destruction.

The age of potential annihilation

Over the past 60 years or so, interest in the end of the world has dramatically increased. But why such a fascination with the destruction of society?

According to Wojcik, “The creation and proliferation of nuclear weapons, in particular, have fundamentally altered contemporary apocalyptic thought, fueling fears of global annihilation and evoking widespread fatalism about the future of humanity” (p. 1).

The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August of 1945 helped promote the idea that civilization as we know it could end by an apocalyptic disaster. This fairly universal human concern is one major reason for the popularity of apocalyptic movies and novels.

Added to that, scientific research is often dramatized by media portrayals of other risks to humankind. These include the gradual destruction of the environment, mega-storms, volcanic eruptions, solar storms, global ozone depletion, widespread famine and incurable strains of diseases.

These are real concerns, but they also help feed fatalistic fears that the world might end by one or more of these causes.

Expecting an apocalyptic disaster

A February 2020 YouGov poll reported, “Nearly three in 10 (29%) US adults think it’s likely that there will be an apocalyptic disaster in their lifetime.” What did they think would be the most likely cause of an apocalypse?

• Global pandemic, 19 percent.
• Climate change, 19 percent.
• Nuclear war, 17 percent.
• Judgment day, 13 percent.
• Something else, 5 percent.
• Worldwide revolution, 3 percent.
• Zombies, 2 percent.
• Alien invasion, 1 percent.

In a 2012 Ipsos poll conducted in 21 countries and involving 16,000 adults, one in seven (14 percent) agreed with the statement “the world will come to an end during my lifetime.”

While there are many potential global hazards, the world is not destined to end this way.

Apocalyptic themes and the fascination with biblical disaster

In the United States interest in apocalyptic themes in Bible prophecy is integral to the worldviews of many evangelical Christians. Such widespread interest in apocalyptic disasters in recent decades is indicated by the success of best-selling books on the subject.

Wojcik holds up Hal Lindsey’s 1970 book The Late Great Planet Earth as an example of works appealing to those interested in biblical end-time prophecies (p. 37). It became the largest-selling American nonfiction book of that decade (New York Times Book Review, April 6, 1980, p. 27). By 1991 more than 28 million copies of the book had been sold (Los Angeles Times, Feb. 23, 1991).

Apocalypse etymology: it originally meant revelation

Though the word apocalypse has come to have doomsday overtones, it’s interesting to note what it originally meant. According to Dictionary.com, the English word apocalypse comes from the Greek word apokálypsis, which simply means “revelation,” and is equivalent to apokalýptein, meaning “to uncover, reveal.”

In religious contexts it is usually a disclosure of something hidden, like knowledge or understanding.

Bible prophecy reveals that humankind will come to the very brink of self-destruction. At that point, Jesus Christ will return to put a stop to humanity destroying itself.In the Bible the Greek word apokálypsis refers to the book of Revelation, which was given to the apostle John. The book of Revelation is Jesus Christ’s unveiling of events to His servants (Revelation 1:1). What is revealed is a series of major events that lead to the end of this present age, including Christ’s return to the earth.

Apocalypse in the Bible: What will happen to planet earth?

The Bible is the only absolutely reliable source for learning the fate of planet earth. Within this divinely inspired book, God reveals His plan for humanity through His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7).

God has given an outline in the Scriptures of troubles that will intensify in the end times because of the increase of many evils in societies around the globe (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Revelation 6:1-7). To understand what is prophesied, see our article on this subject: “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: What Are They?”

Bible prophecy reveals that humankind will come to the very brink of self-destruction. At that point, Jesus Christ will return to put a stop to humanity destroying itself (Matthew 24:22).

The world will not end with some cataclysmic, apocalyptic event, leaving just a few human beings wandering aimlessly in a struggle for survival without law and order. Thankfully, this is not the final outcome that God has in store for planet earth!

The good news of the Apocalypse

When Jesus Christ returns to earth, He will forcefully put down all opposition and establish the Kingdom of God. This will be the start of 1,000 years of global peace, prosperity and abundance. This Millennium of joyous, meaningful existence is a stark contrast to the apocalyptic scenarios imagined by many today. While there are difficult times ahead, God tells us the future is very bright!

To learn more about what is prophesied to occur at the end of this age, please see the section on end-time prophecy on this Life, Hope & Truth website.

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ

 

The last book of the Bible is titled “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is often shortened to “Revelation” or the “Apocalypse.” These titles come from the Greek word apokalupsis (meaning “disclosure” or “revelation”) used in the first verse of the first chapter. The title thus conveys the idea of uncovering or revealing.

Many perceive this book to be the most mysterious of the Bible and the hardest to understand because of the symbolism used. Yet when one understands the terms as used in other sections of Scripture, the book reveals what will happen before and after Christ’s return to earth.

In other words, this book is intended to reveal information rather than conceal it.

Indeed, there are many prophecies, images and symbols contained in this book that are all part of this “uncovering” or “disclosure” from God.

Among these are a beast with seven heads and 10 horns; two witnesses; “Mystery, Babylon the Great”; a great harlot; seven churches; seven golden lampstands; three angels; four living creatures; 10 kings; 24 elders; the 144,000; the Great Tribulation; a scroll with seven seals; four horses (each a different color); seven trumpets; vials full of plagues; locusts; a Great White Throne; New Jerusalem; 1,000 years (the Millennium); the first resurrection; the second death; Gog and Magog; a lake of fire; 1,260 days; a great dragon; the Book of Life; a mark of the beast; and the number 666.

Be sure to read the explanations of these terms so you will know the difference between speculation and what the book of Revelation actually means for your future. 

The Book of Revelation

To many people, the book of Revelation is the most mysterious and enigmatic book in the whole Bible. What is its purpose? What does it mean?

The last book of the Bible, Revelation, is also sometimes called the Apocalypse. The word comes from the Greek word apokalupsis, which is used in the first verse. This word means “disclosure” or “revelation” and conveys the idea of laying bare or uncovering. It is from this word that we get the English translation “Revelation.” So the very name of the book means to “disclose,” “lay bare” or “reveal.”

As part of Scripture, the book of Revelation was “given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, this book contains information God intends to disclose or reveal to humans, rather than conceal from us.

A careful examination of the book of Revelation explains its purpose and what it is about. Here are some basic questions and answers from the book itself:

1. Who is the author of the book of Revelation? “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him. … And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” (Revelation 1:1, emphasis added throughout). God the Father is the author, and Jesus Christ is the One who gave the revelation to an angel to give to John. It is not—as some Bible translations may say in a subtitle—the revelation of John. John was simply the person who recorded the message. 

2. Why—and to whom—did Christ give this Revelation? The beginning phrase of the verse quoted above continues, “… to show His servants—things which must shortly take place” (Revelation 1:1).

And who are Christ’s servants? “And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints” (Revelation 11:18). The prophets of God span the time periods of both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The “saints” are those who have obeyed and served God through the ages and who also comprise Christ’s New Testament Church. So Christ revealed the information in the book of Revelation to show His faithful, obedient servants things that will happen in the future.

The word “shortly” in verse 1 actually means “in haste” or “with speed.” In other words, whenever these events begin to happen, they will transpire at a rapid pace.

3. Who did Christ convey or dictate this disclosure to, with the charge of relaying it to Christ’s servants? “And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” (Revelation 1:1).

Christ is also called “the Word” of God (John 1:1); that is, He speaks not only on His own behalf, but on behalf of God the Father. The word “angel” in Revelation 1:1 is translated from the Greek word aggelos, which means “messenger” and can mean either a spirit or human messenger. In this case, it refers to a spirit being. As the last chapter further explains: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). 

This revelation was “signified”—declared or made known—to the apostle John, as Christ’s human agent responsible for transmitting it to Christ’s servants on earth. It was about A.D. 94 or 95 when John received this revelation while on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9).

4. To whom did John initially deliver Christ’s revelation? “John, to the seven churches which are in Asia” (Revelation 1:4). Christ then told John, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea” (Revelation 1:11).

These seven cities were all on a mail route in the first century, and there was a congregation of God’s Church in each city. However, at the time there were congregations of God’s Church in many other cities as well, so apparently these seven were chosen to represent all of Christ’s servants and congregations. We then see that in chapters 2 and 3, prior to the beginning of the actual revelation of end-time events, Christ has a personalized message for each of these seven congregations.

The history of God’s Church through the centuries is a fascinating story; but to condense what we see in these two chapters, Christ chose each successive congregation (as it fell in order on the mail route) for its unique characteristics that would also be the predominant characteristic of His whole Church at a particular period in time. These periods of time, or eras, began with the characteristics of Ephesus in the first century and continue through the characteristics of Laodicea in the end time, prior to Christ’s return.

An additional concept to understand about these seven churches is that the problems the members of each congregation faced are similar to the problems Church members would face throughout history. Christ plainly tells each congregation, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7). No matter what the age, God’s people must listen to and obey His instructions as found in each of the admonitions to the churches.

5. How is the book of Revelation laid out? Is there any logic or pattern to its contents, chapter by chapter, that we can see in outline form? Yes! In fact, seeing the main subjects laid out in outline form can help us grasp the big picture being disclosed by Christ in the book and help us understand the contents better as they fall within these main subjects. Although there are occasional sections providing supplemental information in a broader, historical perspective, in general, the information is presented in chronological order.

The book begins with Christ’s messages to the seven churches (chapters 1-3). Next, we notice a scroll being presented to Christ in heaven (chapters 4-5). This scroll is sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1) and contains the details of what will happen before and after Christ’s return. We see that Christ Himself is the only One qualified to open the seals of the scroll, revealing its contents.

Think of a continuous roll of writing paper with a strong adhesive seal preventing you from unrolling the paper. If you open the seal, you find writing on the paper and you can unroll and read it until you hit a second seal. Of course, the first seal is still open when you open the second seal. This is an important key to understanding the book. The seals are consecutive in time order; and once a seal is opened, it remains open to the very end!

6. What are these seven seals on the scroll about? They reveal details of major events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ and even after.

In brief, the first six include four symbolic horses (sometimes called “the four horsemen of the Apocalypse”), great tribulation and heavenly signs. Although the fulfillment of the first four of these seals has been ongoing since the time of Christ, they will intensify prior to Christ’s return. The great tribulation and heavenly signs are yet to occur. 

To help you visualize how the contents of the book, including the seven seals, seven trumpets and seven plagues, are presented by Christ, see the chart below.

7. Is there a major theme to the book of Revelation? Yes, there is. In fact, we can see it by looking at the outline of the book. Notice that the first six seals are all opened in chapter 6. Then notice that the seventh seal, comprising seven trumpets, begins to be opened in chapter 8, and continues until the end of the book! So, the seventh seal is the predominant theme of the book. (For an explanation on the first four seals, see “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.”)

The seventh seal is also known as “the Day of the Lord.”The seventh seal is also known as “the Day of the Lord.” We can see that the events within this seal are mirrored in other prophecies recorded in Isaiah 2:12; Isaiah 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:1, 11, 31; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7-8, 14; Zechariah 14:1; Acts 2:20; and 2 Peter 3:10.

Also, John says in his introductory comments that he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). “In the spirit” means in spirit (nonhuman) visions from Christ, through which He relayed this information to John. “On the Lord’s Day” is better translated (from the original Greek words) as “in [or into] the Lord’s Day.”

By seeing the predominant subject matter of the book—the seventh seal, also known as “the Day of the Lord”—we know that “the Lord’s Day” in Revelation 1:10 is simply another way of phrasing “the Day of the Lord.” In either form, it is important to realize that mankind has had his “day”—going his own way, apart from God—for thousands of years now. And God has stood back and permitted man to build his own civilizations and do as he pleases on this earth, largely without intervening.

But the day is coming when God will begin to intervene on a global scale in order to begin ruling over this earth and to establish His Kingdom upon it. It will then be His (the Lord’s) day and no longer man’s day to do as he pleases.

And so we see that God’s day—“the Lord’s Day”—will begin after the sixth seal concludes. God will be intimately involved from then on, all the way through to Christ’s return to this earth and His rule upon the earth for 1,000 years (the “Millennium,” Revelation 20:4, 6) and then through the Great White Throne Judgment period (Revelation 20:11-15), the arrival of the New Jerusalem upon the earth (Revelation 21) and beyond!

8. What are the seven trumpets of Revelation? As we see in the outline and chronological flow of the book, the seven trumpets are within the seventh seal. Again, the seventh seal is also called the “Day of the Lord,” which will begin with Christ gradually taking control of the earth.

The seven trumpets are actually phases of plagues and warfare, during which Christ progressively administers judgments upon stubborn and rebellious mankind.The seven trumpets are actually phases of plagues and warfare, during which Christ progressively administers judgments upon stubborn and rebellious mankind. But even after punishment, there will be a pattern of refusal to repent. “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent” (Revelation 9:20). And so God punishes more severely, with more plagues. “And they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory” (Revelation 16:9).

Again, God administers punishment and again mankind refuses to repent. “And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds” (verse 11).

9. What are the seven last plagues of Revelation? These are within the seventh trumpet. Again, see the chart below.

10. What does Christ intend we do with this information He has revealed? “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7).

The instructions Christ gave in His letters to the seven churches, as well as in the rest of the book, contain sobering reminders to remain loyal and obedient to God no matter the pressure to the contrary (even “until death,” Revelation 2:10; Revelation 12:11), to overcome (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21; Revelation 21:7), to repent (of sinning by breaking God’s laws, Revelation 2:5, 16; Revelation 3:3, 19), to keep the commandments of God (Revelation 12:17; Revelation 14:12; Revelation 22:14), to withdraw from the ungodly ways of the world (typified by “Babylon,” Revelation 18:4-5) and to never compromise with obedience and loyalty to God (Revelation 20:4).

In other words, one reason Christ reveals to His servants what will happen prior to His return to set up God’s Kingdom is to remind them of what they need to do in order to be allowed in!

Story Flow of Revelation

Chapter 1	Introduction
Chapters 2-3	Messages to the seven churches
Chapters 4-5	Christ proclaimed worthy to open the seals
Chapter 6	First six seals opened
Chapter 7	Sealing of two groups
Chapter 8-9	The seventh seal, comprised of seven trumpets
Chapter 10	Declaration from an angel
Chapter 11	Two witnesses
Chapter 12	The true Church through time
Chapter 13	Two beasts
Chapter 14	144,000 and messages from three angels
Chapter 15-16	The seventh trumpet, comprising seven last plagues
Chapter 17-18	Judgment on the false church and beast
Chapter 19	Christ returns to earth
Chapter 20	1,000 years, resurrections, lake of fire
Chapters 21-22	New Jerusalem on a new earth

For additional study, be sure to read the accompanying articles covering subjects and events found in “Revelation.”

For a quick link to all the other books of the Bible, see “Books of the Bible” on the Learning Center.