As we begin with verse one in this chapter, let us remember what the Book of Revelation is about: THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST (within you). John is not writing about something that is going to happen externally, but about Christ who has come to live within His people (to indwell in His temple). The imagery that was given to John by the Holy Spirit illustrates the transformation that takes place individually, then corporately, as the body of Christ is united and ruled with the mind of Christ. It is by this progression of transformation that Jesus Christ, who is the head of the body, will return in the fullness of His glory. The message throughout this book is not to be measured by what we do, but by who we are in Christ. When we live out the reality of our union with Christ, we will change the atmosphere around us. By renewing our minds to this union, we will outwardly manifest Christ’s nature.

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” Since Chapter 12 begins with the word ‘and,’ it is necessary to connect chapter 11:19 with this verse: “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail…and there appeared…”

Verse One: “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.” This “reed” is symbolic of a measuring tool that has been given to us, the church, to discern “truth” which is being presented to God in His temple. We have been given a measuring stick to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those that worship within. This might sound confusing because we are taught in Matthew chapter seven not to judge. However, if we read beyond the first few verses in chapter seven we find we are to judge righteously.

Leaving chapter nine we put six angels behind us to open chapter ten with number seven. Remember that an “angel” is a messenger; not a winged creature flying around. The number of each messenger is connected to the growth and development of our coming into the understanding of Christ in us. John uses Old Testament symbolism to describe the process of what our body, soul, and spirit go through to be transformed from children of God into His sons.

Verse One: “And the fifth angel sounded and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” The number five is symbolic for “grace.” It is not the kind of manmade grace that says “if you do this, then I will give you grace.” The grace of God was given to each of us while we were still in ignorance and darkness. King James calls this darkness “sin.” (Romans 8:5). The grace of God gives life allowing us to overcome every circumstance that we encounter.

The Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation. What he wrote is the revelation of Jesus Christ, not revelations. There have been several views of how this book can be interpreted. Each view has its own interpretation...

In the very first verse of the Book of Revelation, we are given the key to understanding the rest of the book. The word “revelation” means the disclosure of truth concerning things before known. It also means that things that were hidden before are NOW made known to all.

Verse 7 tells us that He comes with clouds. When we read “behold” anywhere in scripture, it is important to stop and ponder what is written. It is placed there to emphasize and help us understand that this is a spiritual message, not literal. The word “come” is really the word “appears” in the original. The word “with” is really “in the midst of.” Jesus appears in the midst of clouds. These clouds are not literal clouds in the sky, but witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are over-comers

We have been discussing in the previous lessons that the Book of Revelation shows us how God does not add more to us to reveal Jesus, but removes more of “self” so that Christ is seen in us. The only way for "self" to be removed is to recognize the finished work done on Calvary.

In Revelation 1:20 Jesus addresses his body as seven churches, and says there is a mystery within. God does not keep mysteries a secret, but is telling us that in order for us to understand it, the mystery must be revealed with the mind of Christ and not with the natural mind.