Revelation is greatly misunderstood, likely because it is told in symbols, lol. But an informed person has no reason to worry about its message. After all, worse case scenario - if not informed - His grace will carry one through.
Some of Revelation and prophecy have occurred, but prophecy fulfillment is most often like ripples in a pond.. from smaller ripple to larger..
I believe this to be proven by how the Greek word translated “END” is “tel” root of telecope.. And literally means “end-aim”. And describes quite well, prophecy - its “telescoping” quality. Like with the Lord’s two advents - first a smaller in scope fulfillment, and then larger in scope (global) fulfillment at the “end-aim”.
Putting the Revelation vision in a box labeled “7 years only” or in any box, is imo irresponsible. And it doesn’t work!
The vision is like a stage production with scene changes and meanwhiles.. And is like an orchestra of notes all chiming in (beginning) at different times.. and once begun continue to sound to the ‘end’. Each scene may not have the exact same starting point. Is it any wonder it has caused much confusion?
But! We are (still) at an important place in the narrative - namely chapter 7.
Seal 6 had just occurred, in chapter 6, but since the seals are described - at their first - as their full effects, from first TO last.. Well, more confusion. The vision is veiled by this one tricky move alone. I am absolutely convinced that seal 6 is then held in check, which check we are still in (for now).
And during this pause of seal 6? “Harm not the land, trees or seas until we mark the foreheads of God’s servants with His seal”. A seal of clarity? (As it’s on the forehead.) TWO groups are sealed. How do I know that? Because one group is counted, and another is “too many to count”. So there you have it. We should all get in line. I think this is very important. Of course He has to inform us of it before we can knowingly get in line.
Then what? Said pause/check is interrupted - chapter 8. A HUGE sign. As was the first seal 6 event. WHICH, was Rev.13:13 also! But it pinpoints an OFFICE, not an individual (not yet anyway?) Confused yet? Don’t worry, once the pieces fall into place, it’s pretty easy to see.
So what happens after this huge seal 6 (element of the age) recurs? The proverbial you know hitting the fan, does not happen yet? (I hope?)
Not globally yet, I guess. So for most of us, not yet? But! it does no harm to prepare! First spiritually, then any way you are led by the Spirit/“the Helper” (God’s Spirit/Presence with us).
A Brief Summary of What Happens, Followed by Some Keys to Understanding the Vision:
After the huge, earthshaking crises (surely?) is when the two notorious ones, symbolized as beasts (!) will ‘step up’. (Beasts in biblical language refers to kings and the governings of men (mankind). Rev.13.
Beast one (13:1-10) rose out of the seas of humanity. A many headed geopolitical entity (of TODAY). Along with the littler beast, which carried out 13:13 (and prophecy buffs, please.. isn’t it obvious?) and he rose out of the land.
They bring about a “seven year league/treaty with the many” which is broken in the middle with, you guessed it, Israel, in one way or ANOTHER(?) See Mk.13:1-2?
Then 1,290 days, or that is about 3.5 years plus 30 days later, will be “set up” the final desolating abomination, this time upon the human temple meant for God’s Spirit (surely!) The notorious 666. And the next verse? Daniel 12:12 - tell me, doesn’t that verse say “happy is the one who waits, and comes to, 45 days later”? So there it is. Clear information. (Rev.13; Dan.9:27)
Yet there’s also this - “He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws” (remember prophecy repeats in larger scope) “and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time” (1,260 days) - Dan.7:25. This means 75 days after Israel is betrayed (holy place gone) believers are in his hand and reach. Check my math:
betrayal -> 1,290 + 45 = 1,335
(See Dn.12:12)
betrayal -> 75 + 1,260 = 1,335
[Jacob’s trouble?
1,335 back 2,520 days; Mt.23:39]
KEYS to the Revelation vision -
[1]to solve the Revelation Riddle you have to look at the world, not just the vision.
[2]the seals R described as their fuLL effects 1st to last
[3]ch12 is an insert, vs17 needs mt23:39
[4]we r @ 7:1 (and chapter!) for now..
[5]it’s mystery babble-on, that becomes the global (on 7 hills/continents) wicked $ity, ch.17&18
[6]13:13 was an office, will “head” 13:1, todAy’s geopolitical emerging
[7] in Rev.22 there’s narrative outside the vision..
The vision is told 3 times
(a) 6:1-11:19
(b) ch.12
(c) 13:1-19:11
Notice the matching of
6:1 & 19:11 - the ride of the white horse rider
