This is my third blog revealing my research to identify more accurately the date the Revelation was given by Jesus Christ. Those who ignore historical documentation, and have embraced the one-hundred year old modern end-time doctrine of the Scofield Reference Bible, refuse to ask one very important question. Why would Jesus Christ tell His followers how to prepare for an event that will take place 2000 years from their time, and not prepare them for the imminent persecution that was soon to take place? It boggles my mind that common sense is not applied to this subject.
Yet, Jesus Himself reveals the urgency of the matter when He instructed John...do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand...Rev. 22:10. The Greek word for hand is engys meaning: near. Near is defined as: close in time. Jesus Christ is giving the Revelation to His followers so they can prepare for what will very soon come upon them, so they will not be surprised or discouraged by the horrific events. Yes, there are future events in the prophecy, but also past and present events are delineated.
When we were last together I asked, "How does the earthquake in Laodicea establish a more accurate date for the Revelation?"
Jesus gave an imminent word of warning in the prophecy that was to be immediately delivered to the seven churches in Asia, because the persecution of Nero could cause God's beloved fledgling church to faint in the day of adversity. Jesus needed to instruct them in the purpose of persecution, something He could not explain while He was on the earth, because they wouldn't have understood.
Emperor Nero reigned 54 A.D. to 68 A.D., although his persecution was mild, at first, but by the 60's it became vicious. If God's beloved was to be prepared for this persecution, the prophecy must have been delivered during this time, or even earlier - probably 50-60 A.D.
The city of Laodicea, where the 7th church was located, collapsed by an earthquake in 65 A.D., along with Colossae and Hierapolis, sinking into insignificance after Nero's reign of terror ended at his death in 68 A.D. In His letter to this church Jesus said...as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten...therefore be zealous and repent. Would Jesus Christ send a letter of this gravity to a church that had already been decimated?
The word Revelation in the original Greek language is apokalypsis. The English translation is apocalypse meaning: disclosure or take off the cover. Since it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, it means the unveiling of Jesus Christ. Jesus takes off the cover to disclose (eyes are opened) His plans and purposes for His church, as well as revealing all the spiritual powers behind the events on the earth.
The 'born again church' of Jesus Christ was in transition - B.C. to A.D. The Revelation was essential for helping them overcome what they must endure for this important cultural change. The visions of John were intended to supersede the visions of Daniel in guiding God's people. Daniel chapter 7 reveals 4 beast kingdoms - 3 of these kingdoms were deposed prior to the birth of Jesus.
The 4th beast kingdom with the 10 horns is Rome, which was reigning at the time Jesus was born. While not all subsequent Roman kings severely persecuted Christians, 10 kings were especially ruthless in their endeavor to destroy them and confiscate their property - ending in 313 A.D. with the reign of Emperor Constantine. Historians have documented the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecies, but scholars of the modern end-time doctrine, refuse to acknowledge this information.
When Jesus ascended to Heaven in a cloud, He was concealed from His church...Acts. l:9. Through the visions he reveals Himself once again, but this time in all His glory, showing His followers what must shortly come to pass upon the earth. John is instructed to share the prophecy with the disciples of Christ...for the time is at hand.
As gold is refined in the fire to reveal its impurities, the persecution of those who claim to be followers of Christ will do the same - reveal their impurities or pretense.
What does historical documentation reveal about the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
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