WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 14
- Prayer is talking to God
- God is always working for your good
- God’s in control
- God limits His judgment for the benefit of mankind
- God’s wrath hopes to turn unbelievers towards Him
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Reread Revelation 8-9
Summary of Revelation 8-9
Revelation 8
Jesus opens the 7th seal. There was silence in heaven. 7 angels came with 7 trumpets. An angel carrying incense with the prayers of God’s people arrived. The angel hurled fire on Earth, along with thunder, rumblings, lightning, and an earthquake.
The first 4 trumpets were sounded:
- Hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down on earth, destroying a third of the earth
- Something like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea, killing a third of all sea life and ships
- A star on fire fell from the sky, turning a third of the river waters bitter
- A third of the sun, moon, and stars turned dark
An eagle called out to beware of the next 3 trumpets about to be sounded.
Revelation 9
The 5th angel unleashes a star (this is a person with many believing it is Satan) that falls to the earth. Smoke rose from the Abyss. Locusts were released and harmed those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were tortured for 5 months.
The 6th angel released the 4 angels who were bound at the Euphrates. They killed a third of mankind.
Those who were not killed did not repent of their evil deeds.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Revelation 8-9
12a) The Plague of Blood is Exodus 7:14 is similar to the 2nd trumpet judgment in that water is turned to blood. The 3rd trumpet judgment is the reverse of the time Moses made the water sweet rather than bitter. The plague of Locusts is similar to the 5th trumpet judgment where locusts harmed unbelievers but did not kill them. The 1st trumpet judgment is similar to Exodus 9:13-25 where hail and fire fell upon the Egyptians. The 4th trumpet judgment can be compared to the Plague of Darkness (Exodus 10:21).
One main difference is that the plagues of Exodus solely target the Egyptians; whereas, the trumpet judgments target the entire planet.
b) The people who were spared from the trumpet judgments in Revelation continued their sinful ways and did not repent. Similarly, Pharaoh continued to disobey God by not releasing the Israelites until he did, but then he changed his mind anyway, letting the Egyptian people continue to face God’s wrath. God’s purpose is to bring all to Him. In the Exodus plagues, he specifically targeted the Pharaoh. In Revelation, God is targeting the entire world.
13) The study of Revelation has made me more in awe of God and His ways, more compassionate and urgent toward unbelievers, and more grateful for the saved life I lead in Him.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Revelation 8-9
I love spending multiple days on the same passage. I get so much more from these lessons when we do so.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 5: Revelation 8-9
Revelation 8
The 7 trumpets are God’s announcement of the judgments.
The prayers of God’s people are pleasing to God, like the smell of incense. They come before Him.
It’s important to remember that the 7 judgments may not be chronological. It’s hard to pin down though with certainty.
The blood could be the color of the hail and fire or what emerges afterward.
Many believe that the “mountain-like object” will be a meteor.
The sea reference is to the Mediterranean Sea. Remember, this was before the discovery of America, and man’s knowledge of the vastness of the earth was limited.
The star could be a meteor as well.
Wormwood is an herb that is bitter.
The 4th trumpet will result in darkness.
The eagle’s announcement should be heeded because 1/3 of humanity is about to die.
Note that each judgment only destroys 1/3 of the earth.
Here, God is showing His power and His mercy. God is destroying man’s subsistence (food, water, shelter, light).
God is warning all to repent before it is too late.
Are you heeding His warning?
Revelation 9
Who is the star in the 5th judgment? We are not told, but some argue it’s Satan, a different fallen angel, God’s Word, or even Jesus. We just don’t know.
The bottomless pit/Abyss here is hell or Hades. This lends doubt to the fact of the star being Satan since Satan is not in charge of anything.
What we do know is that all of this is God’s plan.
The Abyss might not be an actual location.
The locusts should be considered demon creatures, as you could probably tell by the description of these beings. They are tortured in the hopes they will repent. The locusts are instruments of God’s judgment (Exodus 10:4-14, Deuteronomy 28:38, 1 Kings 8:37, 2 Chronicles 7:13, Joel 1:4, and Amos 4:9.)
Notice that John describes the creatures using “like.” This shows that the creatures are not what is being described.
The King of the locusts is Satan. The given name means “destruction” or “torment” in Hebrew.
It is very interesting how the prayers of God’s people play into the End Times.
The 4 angels in the 6th trumpet judgment are standing at the 4 corners of the altar.
Do note we do not know if these are the same angels in Revelation 7:1.
The Euphrates River, remember, is the Cradle of Civilization. It’s where mankind first settled down to farm. It is where many events happen in the Bible, from the first sin (Genesis 2:10-14) to revolt (Genesis 11:1-9) and war (Genesis 14:1). Abram came from here (Ur) and it is where God’s people abide. (Genesis 15:17-21).
The horsemen number may or may not be literal. The army may be demons, based on their description.
Despite the army against them, those remaining did not repent. He continued in his worship of idols and demons. Man’s memory is short. People move on very quickly.
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
Summary of Revelation 9
The 5th angel unleashes a star (this is a person with many believing it is Satan) that falls to the earth. Smoke rose from the Abyss. Locusts were released and harmed those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were tortured for 5 months.
The 6th angel released the 4 angels who were bound at the Euphrates. They killed a third of mankind.
Those who were not killed did not repent of their evil deeds.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
9) The first four judgments targeted the earth and animals. These judgments targeted man himself.
10a) Believers. They would be tortured for 5 months but not die.
b) It makes me want to tell them more about our Lord and Savior. This sounds horrible to endure.
11) They were worshipping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. They worshipped idols they could not see or hear. People do this still today. They worship ideas, objects, people — anything they can put above God.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
These judgments against mankind are very harsh. They should propel you to try harder to bring those you know to Christ. God is merciful in giving us these details, so we can warn others.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 4: Revelation 9
Note the first four judgments target nature; the 5th & 6th judgment target mankind.
Who is the star in the 5th judgment? We are not told, but some argue it’s Satan, a different fallen angel, God’s Word, or even Jesus. We just don’t know.
The bottomless pit/Abyss here is hell or Hades. This lends doubt to the fact of the star being Satan since Satan is not in charge of anything.
What we do know is that all of this is God’s plan.
The Abyss might not be an actual location.
The locusts should be considered demon creatures, as you could probably tell by the description of these beings. They are tortured in the hopes they will repent. The locusts are instruments of God’s judgment (Exodus 10:4-14, Deuteronomy 28:38, 1 Kings 8:37, 2 Chronicles 7:13, Joel 1:4, and Amos 4:9.)
Notice that John describes the creatures using “like.” This shows that the creatures are not what is being described.
The King of the locusts is Satan. The given name means “destruction” or “torment” in Hebrew.
It is very interesting how the prayers of God’s people play into the End Times.
The 4 angels in the 6th trumpet judgment are standing at the 4 corners of the altar.
Do note we do not know if these are the same angels in Revelation 7:1.
Those who torture God’s people now face retribution.
The Euphrates River, remember, is the Cradle of Civilization. It’s where mankind first settled down to farm. It is where many events happen in the Bible, from the first sin (Genesis 2:10-14) to revolt (Genesis 11:1-9) and war (Genesis 14:1). Abram came from here (Ur) and it is where God’s people abide. (Genesis 15:17-21).
The horsemen number may or may not be literal. The army may be demons, based on their description.
Despite the army against them, those remaining did not repent. He continued in his worship of idols and demons. Man’s memory is short. People move on very quickly.
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
Summary of Revelation 8:6-13
The first 4 trumpets were sounded:
- Hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down on earth, destroying a third of the earth
- Something like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea, killing a third of all sea life and ships
- A star on fire fell from the sky, turning a third of the river waters bitter
- A third of the sun, moon, and stars turned dark
An eagle called out to beware of the next 3 trumpets about to be sounded
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
6) Angels are sounding their trumpets, releasing destruction upon the earth and its inhabitants.
7a) God is giving mankind more chances to come to Him, using this as a warning. He is showing mercy to those who survive.
b) God is merciful, powerful, wonderful, loving, and caring.
c) It gives me awe that God cares so much about us that he delays his judgment, giving all a chance to come to Him. Such a wonderful God we worship!
8a) “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
b) I am comforted because I know God is in control and I am saved by the blood of Christ, so I will not face his judgment.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
I love how merciful our Lord is. He warns us what will happen, and even in the midst of judgment, He gives us second chances. He is like this in life, too, how in the midst of our trials, He is there, offering us a helping hand up.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 3: Revelation 8:6-13
“There came” is the divine passive.
The blood could be the color of the hail and fire or what emerges afterward.
Many believe that the “mountain-like object” will be a meteor.
The sea reference is to the Mediterranean Sea. Remember, this was before the discovery of America, and man’s knowledge of the vastness of the earth was limited.
The star could be a meteor as well.
Wormwood is an herb that is bitter.
The 4th trumpet will result in darkness.
The eagle’s announcement should be heeded because 1/3 of humanity is about to die.
Note that each judgment only destroys 1/3 of the earth.
Here, God is showing His power and His mercy. God is destroying man’s subsistence (food, water, shelter, light).
God is warning all to repent before it is too late.
When “woe” is spoken, doom usually follows.
Are you heeding His warning?
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
Summary of Revelation 8:1-5
Jesus opens the 7th seal. There was silence in heaven. 7 angels came with 7 trumpets. An angel carrying incense with the prayers of God’s people arrived. The angel hurled fire on earth, along with thunder, rumblings, lightning, and an earthquake.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
3a) Silence
b) It could either be silence to hear the prayers of the martyrs or silence because of the impending judgment to come. The half hour is significant because heaven is a place of constant worship and praise (hence, noise). So, this would most likely be striking.
c) An angel came and hurled the censer with fire towards earth. This could be in response to the prayers of the martyrs for judgment to be handed down.
4a)
Joel 2:1: The day of the Lord
Exodus 19:14-17: A meeting with God
Numbers 10:2: For calling the community together and for having the camps set out
Joshua 6:2-5: It was the signal for the army to shout and for the walls of Jericho to fall down
1 Thessalonians 4:16: Announcing God coming down from heaven and believers rising again
b) The coming of judgments
5) A trumpet blast could occur at any time, so we must be ready, prepared, and eager for the Lord’s return.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
I love how solemn heaven is with the opening of the 7th seal. It’s such a profound moment when God decides it’s time for judgment.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 14, Day 2: Revelation 8:1-5
The 7 trumpets are God’s announcement of the judgments.
The prayers of God’s people are pleasing to God, like the smell of incense. They come before Him.
It’s important to remember that the 7 judgments may not be chronological. It’s hard to pin down though with certainty.
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Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 13
- God shields believers from harm
- When we praise God, we find peace, joy, strength, courage, and energy to keep going
- God is always with us, even in the suffering
- View your difficulties as opportunities to do God’s will for your life
- Live for Christ always
- God has got you
TAKE AWAY: Jesus’ blood protects us from God’s final judgment.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 5: Revelation 7:13-17
Summary of Revelation 7:13-17
Those in white robes are those who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They worship God night and day and are sheltered by God. They will never be hungry, thirsty, or hot. For the Lamb is their shepherd who leads them to springs of living water. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 5: Revelation 7:13-17
11) The white-robed multitude is those who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
12) White robes represent salvation and covered in God’s righteousness. Therefore, the multitude has been saved.
13) They worship God night and day and are sheltered by God. They will never be hungry, thirsty, or hot. For the Lamb is their shepherd who leads them to springs of living water. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
14a)
John 1:29: Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 10:1-18: The shepherd knows his sheep by name and he calls each of them. All who follow Jesus gain salvation. He lays down his life for the sheep.
John 4:4-14; 7:38: Jesus offers the elixir/drink of living water; whoever drinks it will have eternal life and will never thirst again. “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
b) Definitely more reverently. Jesus is our provider and our salvation. He is the only thing we need. We need to cling to him over everything else in this world.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 5: Revelation 7:13-17
I love Jesus as the Good Shepherd. It’s one of my favorite ways I like to look at the Lord. He leads, he calls, we follow. End of story.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 5: Revelation 7:13-17
Many Bible scholars believe the elders are martyrs for Christ.
Note there are no barriers to God in heaven. All come to worship Him.
God dwells with His people.
There will be no more sorrow, pain, or tears. Simply love.
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 4: Revelation 7:9-12
Summary of Revelation 7:9-12
A great multitude in white robes was praising God and Jesus. Then the angels, elders, and 4 living creatures stood around the throne, bowed before God, and began worshipping Him.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 4: Revelation 7:9-12
9a) The multitude was so great that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
b) God’s people come from every nation and race from all over the world. God loves and includes everyone in His promises, His love, and His plans.
c) “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” They were acknowledging God’s plan Jesus’ execution of our salvation.
d) This is tough because almost everyone I know personally is Christian. There are probably people at work who are not, so I do my best to live a Godly life and give Him the credit when I can, hoping my personal testimony will at least open the door to Jesus.
10a) God’s sovereignty over all beings. The importance of worship. How we get to worship God, too.
b) His grace, His forgiveness, His provisions, Him being in control, Him worrying for me.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 4: Revelation 7:9-12
I love how everyone worships in heaven. Such greatness!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 4: Revelation 7:9-12
“After this” introduces a new vision.
We can see the Great Commission (Matthew 24:14) having taken place here.
White robes represent righteousness and priestly service.
The palm branches should remind you of Jesus entering Jerusalem (John 12:12-16). They are symbols of victory.
Salvation is God’s greatest gift, so it’s fitting all in heaven recognize that.
“Amen” signifies “let it be so.”
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 3: Revelation 7:1-8
Summary of Revelation 7:1-8
John saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. He saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given the power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”
144,000 from all the tribes of Israel were sealed: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 3: Revelation 7:1-8
5) The second angel had the seal of the living God. The seal will protect believers (those with the Holy Spirit and believers in Christ as Savior) from God’s judgment.
6) Judah is mentioned first. David and ultimately Jesus is most prominent. Judah may be mentioned first because Jesus comes from the line of David/Judah.
7) I know I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, the redeemer from my sins, into my heart. That is all that is required to be sealed in salvation and chosen to be God’s children.
8 ) I think I have a clearer idea of salvation. I can articulate it better and explain salvation to others better. I think this makes me more effective in my walk with God, too. I can become closer to Him the more I understand.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 3: Revelation 7:1-8
Love, love, love God’s care, love, and forethought! God does not miss anything. He sees everything!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 3: Revelation 7:1-8
Winds are often a force of judgment in the Bible.
God often used seals to mark his people Ezekiel 9:4. Kings used seals for royal decrees and orders. Hence, they are always to be obeyed.
We’ll see in (Revelation 14:1) that the seal is some form of God’s name.
The 144,000 is divided equally with 12,000 being from each tribe.
Note that the tribe of Dan and Ephraim is left out. Here, we see Levi (as the tribe of the priests, they received no land so they were normally left out of things), and Joseph (Ephraim’s father) instead. Bible scholars disagree on why this is the case. Some think this is because Dan may be the tribe of the Anti-Christ based on these passages. Daniel 11:37 and Jeremiah 8:16. Dan and Ephraim were also the tribe that introduced idolatry into the nation of Israel (Genesis 49:17; Judges 18:30, (Hosea 4:17). And, some Bible scholars believe the tribe of Ephraim is indirectly implied through Joseph, so they are in fact listed.
But, Dan is the first tribe listed in Ezekiel’s millennial roll call of the tribes (Ezekiel 48). So, who knows? God has His reasons, doesn’t He?
All that being said, is the 144,000 symbolic or the actual number? Many believe that this number represents the entire church. Or, as Jewish people brought through the tribulation.
The fact is, only God knows, and He wants to keep it that way or He would have explicitly told us. We’ll all find out when we get to the other side of heaven!
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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 2: Revelation 7:1-3
Summary of Revelation 7:1-3
John saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. He saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given the power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 2: Revelation 7:1-3
3) The four angels were standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.
4a) God’s judgment.
b) The winds are being held back so that the faithful/believers can be marked, so they are not harmed in God’s judgment on unbelievers. The winds will also only damage 1/3 of the earth (so judgment is being held back here, too), giving others a chance to turn to God before the final judgment is pronounced.
c) I’m sure there have been many, many times in my life where I deserved to suffer more/worse consequences for my sins than I was given. God is extremely merciful when we mess up, knowing the right consequences to teach us a lesson without overdoing it. He is SO great!
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 2: Revelation 7:1-3
I love God’s mercy here and His care for His people. No mistakes will be made under God’s care!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 13, Day 2: Revelation 7:1-3
Winds are often a force of judgment in the Bible.
God often used seals to mark his people Ezekiel 9:4. Kings used seals for royal decrees and orders. Hence, they are always to be obeyed.
We’ll see in (Revelation 14:1) that the seal is some form of God’s name.
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