The lesson covered three important promises in the book of Revelation: 1) The Promised Teaching – referring to the “new song” or revealed/opened word that Jesus said he would tell plainly about the Father, explaining the real fulfillment of Revelation’s prophecies and coming through the delivery process of God → Jesus → the angel → John → the churches → the 12 tribes. 2) The Promised Temple – this is Mount Zion, the New Jerusalem, God’s eternal dwelling place described as the Holy City with 12 gates representing the 12 tribes where the 144,000 and the Lamb gather. 3) The Promised Pastor – referred to as the “faithful and wise servant” giving food/teaching at the proper time, this is the role of the new John appointed by Jesus to testify what he saw fulfilled, not self-appointed but commissioned by Jesus to send messages to the churches. The lesson emphasizes God’s pattern of prophesying through sealed words first, before fulfilling them openly through an appointed pastor at the appointed time.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Let’s remember the future day when, by God’s grace, we will fully come out of Babylon.
Today, we’ll be going over something that is kind of new, but we’ll also review some concepts.
Three Important Promises in Revelation
Rev 14:3, Rev 14:1, Rev 1:1-3, Rev 10:8-11
There are three important promises in the book of Revelation, and it is crucial to understand them well before believing in them. Our main reference chapters are Revelation 14:3, which figuratively represents the first promise, Revelation 14:1, which figuratively represents the second promise, and Revelation 1:1-3 as well as Revelation 10:8-11, which figuratively represent the third promise.
The first promise, the second promise, and the third promise are the three important promises in Revelation. Our hope and goal for today is to understand and believe in these three promises of the book of Revelation. It is essential to seal this content well, as understanding precedes belief in these promises.
3 Important Promises in Revelation
Let’s discuss the lesson for today. We’ll talk about the three important promises in Revelation.
1.- The Promised Teaching
There is a promised teaching, meaning that a word will appear at the time of the Second Coming. A word is promised to appear at the time of the Second Coming.
2.- The Promised Temple
A promised temple will appear, or a promised place of salvation will appear.
3.- The Promised Pastor
A promised pastor is prophesied. All three are promised to appear at the time of Revelation’s fulfilment.
That’s what we’ll be discussing today – the Promised Teaching, the Promised Temple, and the Promised Pastor. “Promised” simply means prophesied about or planned.
God will bring these promises to fruition. God will make them happen. Before the open word, we didn’t even recognize these things.
However, after the open word, we can see that they are all connected, and they all must appear at the time of the Second Coming. So, how does God intend to carry this out? Just as He carried out everything else that He has done.
God’s Pattern, Logic and Work
Num 23:19, Is 46:10, Hos 12:10, Am 3:7
God’s pattern, His logic, and His work are consistent. We won’t go through all these verses, but please write them down and read them again. These are verses we’ve gone over many times, but it’s always good to remind ourselves about the basics of God’s logic, His work, and the way He approaches things.
Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that He should lie, nor is He a son of man that He should change His mind. When He speaks, does He not act? When He promises, does He not fulfill?”
Isaiah 46:10 states, “I make known the end from the beginning. From ancient times, what is yet to come. I will do, and I will stand.”
What God promises will happen, what He prepares will happen. So, what He says will take place. Hosea 12:10 says, “I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions, and told parables through them.”
And Amos 3:7 declares, “I, God, do nothing without first revealing my plan to my servants, the prophets.” So, God always plans, and then later on, He fulfills. That’s His pattern and logic.
It’s been the same since the time of Adam. So, what does that look like? We know this quite well.
God comes, and He gives His word to a prophet or pastors of prophecy. And that word is given in a sealed state, meaning that its real full meaning cannot yet be known, but is sealed for the time of the end.
8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” 9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
Daniel 12:8-10
One of the prophets, Daniel, said, “I heard, but I did not understand.”
And what did God say? God said, “Go your way. These words are not for you. They are for the time of the end.” Then, verse 10 talks about two groups of people who will exist at the time of the end: those who are wise and those who are wicked. Both the wise and the wicked will exist at the same time in the same place, and they will hear the words that are opened.
When they hear the opened words, what will be their job? To listen. Those who are wise will understand, but those who are wicked will not understand.
But, instructor, is it because they are intelligent or really good at reasoning that they understand? What does God mean by wise? What did they have that’s different than those considered wicked?
It’s about the heart. That’s the differentiating factor. One whose heart is open and ready to receive, versus one whose heart is closed, sealed off, and insists on their own understanding. Remember the many times God said, like in Proverbs 3:5-7, “Do not lean on your own understanding.” Or Proverbs 30:5-6, which says, “Do not add to my words, or I will rebuke you and prove you a liar. Every word of God is flawless. Do not add to his words.”
One who is wise realizes that they are foolish. And one who is foolish does not realize that they are not wise. So, it’s very tricky. But one who is wise says, “I am foolish. I do not know. Teach me.” And one who is wicked says, “I know. I don’t need to hear.” That’s the difference.
So, at the time of the second coming or the first coming, when things are fulfilled, God comes to a promised pastor. And he gives him the opened word, and he tells him, “Eat.” Zechariah 3 and Revelation 10 talk about how the promised pastor of the first coming and second coming have to do the same thing: take the word that has been sealed and is now opened, eat that word, and then testify it to the people so that they can understand.
Testify it to the ones who need to understand, those whose hearts are humble, not those whose hearts are corrupt. And I listed here Isaiah 9:7.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:7
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. When God speaks, he is enthusiastic about fulfilling his words.
John 14:29 – Told Before (Prophecy) → Happens: Believe (Fulfillment)
Jesus also said, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.” We must think about it like this, everyone.
I’ve mentioned this several times, but it’s always good to remind ourselves. In normal circumstances, with our naked eyes, we cannot see God. We cannot interact with God with our naked eyes.
So, how does God, whom we cannot interact with in the way we as humans have grown up to interact with everything in our world, make himself known to us? We depend on our senses to operate in the world. But God is outside of our senses.
God makes himself known by speaking beforehand. He gives us clues and evidence first. So that when it is time for these things to happen, we can look back at what was prophesied and confirm, “Ah, yes, this is indeed the work of God.”
The scriptures are there, pointing it to us. We can understand now what Daniel was talking about because we can see what Daniel was talking about. Anyone could have claimed to be the Messiah, but only one Messiah came due to the fulfillment of all the prophecies concerning him.
That’s what confirmed the identity of the Messiah, not someone’s statement, but the fulfillment of prophecy. That’s God’s logic, how God has worked from Genesis to Revelation. When you see and understand that, the Bible looks totally different.
Who here has read a passage in the Old Testament and thought, “I understand this now. Wow, that’s crazy. I didn’t understand this before, but it makes so much sense now”? I hope everyone’s hand goes up. I hope you’ve read a random chapter, like Isaiah 26, and thought, “Whoa, that makes sense.”
That’s very cool. You’re understanding God’s logic now. The Bible will begin to reveal itself very differently to you as you read through it. So, I highly recommend that you do so.
1.- Promised Teaching
Promised teaching, or the promised word.
ONE – Revealed (Open Word)
Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.
John 16:25
Beforehand, Jesus had to speak figuratively, meaning that he had to use parables.
Why did Jesus speak in parables?
It was prophesied that he would do so. Psalm 78:1-2 is the prophecy: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” Jesus quoted this in Matthew 13:34-35. So, he had to speak in parables because it was prophesied, but also to protect the secrets of the kingdom of heaven from the enemies that Satan was using.
However, he then told us, “A time is coming when I will tell you plainly,” meaning he will reveal the secrets of his Father. He will tell plainly about him. And that happens when the word is open.
That’s when it takes place. So, let’s look at this promised word that Jesus gave us.
Reminder:
First Coming = Speaking Figurately (Parables) Psalms 78:78:1-2, Mt 13:34-35
Second Coming = Tell Plainly about Father
TWO – Promised Teaching = New Song!
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
Revelation 14:3
Who are they? The 144,000.
In this verse, specifically, but ultimately the great multitude too, they will sing a new what? A new song.
So, the promised teaching is the new song. The promised teaching is the new song, or the revealed word.
What does the word “song” represent figuratively? The act of preaching or delivering God’s Word.
So, as someone is speaking, teaching, or preaching, spiritually, they are actually singing. Many times, for example, in the book of Psalms, David would say things like, “Your word is the song of my decree,” or “I decree the song of your word.” (Psalm 119:54) So, as someone is speaking, they are singing spiritually.
In the book of Revelation, we see two other songs, right? We see the song of Moses, and the song of the Lamb.
What is the song of Moses? The Old Testament.
And what is the song of the Lamb? The New Testament.
The song of Moses is the Old Testament, which includes everything that was mentioned. And the song of the Lamb is the New Testament, which includes everything that was mentioned. And then the new song is how those things have been fulfilled.
This way of defining the new song is really insightful. Yes, it’s the gospel of how things were fulfilled. The gospel, meaning good news, but it’s the real words of the fulfillment of Revelation.
What does that mean? Real people, real events, real places, real times. Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how.
The 5W1H: Who, what, when, where, why, and how of how things have been fulfilled.
That’s the new song. Being able to explain the Old Testament like no one else has been able to explain. And being able to explain the New Testament like no one else has been able to explain.
And to be able to explain actual reality like no one else has been able to explain. So, those at Mount Zion are able to sing all three songs. And let’s learn them.
Yes, they sound beautiful when someone is able to speak them well and people’s spirits are joyous. Like when they’re listening to Whitney Houston shake the house down with her beautiful voice. You all should become spiritual Whitney Houstons.
But with the word.
Reminder:
The New Song (The Gospel) = The Real Words of the Fulfillment of Revelation
THREE – Revelation ( New Song) → Delivery Process
How does the promise teaching reach us?
We know the delivery process very well, as stated in Revelation 1:13.
God promises (Sealed) and Jesus Fulfills (Open)
This is the new song, and it starts, of course, with God. The sealed book is in God’s right hand, and Revelation 5:1-3 testifies that no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth could open it or look inside for how long? For 2,000 years, the book has been sealed. However, because of his sacrifice on the cross and being slain, Jesus is the only one worthy to open the seals and look inside. Not just that, to open the seals means to fulfill.
So, Jesus’ mission was to open the seals of Revelation because he was the only one who could and fulfill the words inside it. To open and fulfill, that was Jesus’ mission. When we look at Revelation, we shouldn’t think of it as a person fulfilled it because that’s not possible. A person can’t fulfill prophecy on their own; they can’t reason or intuit prophecy and then somehow compel that prophecy to happen, which is unfortunately the mistake that many make today around the religious world. They try to force prophecies to take place by reading something and then misinterpreting its meaning and then trying to act according to what they read.
That’s not how prophecy is fulfilled. Prophecy is fulfilled by heaven because only God has the power to create. When God speaks, he then acts, and he acts through someone he appoints. That’s the case for Revelation. Jesus opens, which means he fulfills.
The Mighty Angel → The representative
As Jesus is fulfilling Revelation, meaning he’s helping things take place by appointing people, he gives that opened scroll to the mighty angel in Revelation 10. This mighty angel we talked about is the spirit of truth, the counselor in the spirit that he promised in John 14-16. That’s the same spirit. If you notice, this spirit looks like God and Jesus because he is their representative, the one who speaks on behalf of God and Jesus. That’s why he has their appearance and looks very similar.
I can’t wait for us to see this when we get to Revelation 10. It’s going to be very cool. So, he sees it and receives the open scroll, and he even swears to God that things will happen as has been prophesied and will happen with no more delay.
New John is Appointed and Eats the Scroll | Rev 10:8-11
A new person then enters the scene. An angel appears to John and instructs him, “Eat this scroll.” John obeys and eats the scroll as he was told.
This act of eating the scroll is not to be taken literally but rather symbolically. What does it mean to eat spiritually? It means to consume with your ears, to take in the words and understand their meaning.
When this happened to John, it was not a self-appointed role. John did not decide on his own, after reading Revelation numerous times, that he understood what was going on and could now take charge. No, that is not how it works.
John had to be appointed by heaven, just as every other person in the Bible was first appointed by heaven. By eating the word, John understood who he was and what he had to do, while no one else did. A scary moment indeed.
Every religious figure was somewhat afraid of the job they were asked to do. It’s a daunting prospect. Imagine if God appointed you right now. You look outside, and people are walking on the street, needing to hear the word you just received. You approach a random person, saying, “I received the word from heaven,” only for them to look at you skeptically and dismiss you as a random person. Scary, indeed.
Yet, the job still has to be done. John went through a very difficult time, which we’ll discuss in detail when we delve into Revelation. It was not easy for him to carry out the task he was assigned. That’s why, although the word tasted sweet in his mouth because he understood it, it turned sour in his stomach due to the challenging job he now realized he had to undertake.
What was that job? To testify.
New John Testify to Churches | 1 Peter 2:9
Prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, which we now know, of course, represents churches. Churches who don’t realize that they are now in darkness.
Because no one understands what is going on, so light has to be shown.
- Peoples represent congregation members.
- Nations represent churches.
- Languages represent doctrines.
- Kings represent pastors.
They are the churches. They are the ones that need to hear this word. And we can see this in 1 Peter 2:9, when it says the people are a royal priesthood.
Royal meaning king or ruler, priesthood meaning pastor. Pastors are essentially spiritual kings of their domain.
To Be Harvested → The 12 Tribes (Servants) | Rev 1:3, Rev 22:7
The word needs to be taught to them.
From those people will emerge the servants, the ones who are harvested and sealed—those who belong to the twelve tribes. They can then sing and testify the very same song they have heard. As someone who took the exact same class you’re taking now, I was also surprised, perhaps more times than you have been. Oh, you should have seen me when I first studied the word.
I was all over the place, constantly questioning, “What? What? What?” Just like I am now. The word is still fresh for me, but you should have seen my antics when I first learned it. Maybe speak to Evangelist Dave; he’ll tell you about me and my behavior during our in-person studies back in that era.
It was very different then, with everyone together in the same room. We’re becoming closer to that time now, though, really focusing on being back in person. It’s wonderful.
Anyway, the twelve tribes of New Spiritual Israel are the ones who come out of the peoples, nations, languages, and kings and sing that new song as well. That’s Revelation 14:3. And there’s a verse I want to discuss with these people who gather here.
Let’s turn to Revelation 22:7, which is essentially the same as Revelation 1:3. “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” So let’s read the equivalent, but in Revelation 22:7.
“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.”
Revelation 22:7
So what does Jesus say? “Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Of course, Revelation 22:7 cannot be possible until the prophecy in the book of Revelation begins to be fulfilled.
But when it begins to be fulfilled, now it becomes our job to keep the words of the prophecy so that we can be blessed. So let us keep the words of the prophecy and gather here, as one of the 12 Tribes, in New Zion, the place where God, Jesus, and heaven are.
The promise teaching is the new song, also known as the opened or revealed word, that Jesus said, “I will tell you plainly about my Father.”
The time is coming.
2.- Promised Temple
So let’s talk about that now and the shape that the promised temple must take.
Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Revelation 14:1
The promised temple is Mount Zion, where the lamb is. As it is written, “Then I saw the lamb standing on Mount Zion, his dwelling place.”
ONE – The promised temple = Mount Zion
Let’s examine further details about Mount Zion.
This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Isaiah 2:1-4
Verse two states that in the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple represents the temple itself. The mountain and temple are figuratively the same.
TWO – God’s Mountain (Dwelling) → God’s Temple (Church), Heb 12:22-23
God desires for His mountain to be His dwelling place. This is what Psalm 132:13-14 talks about, how God desires Zion for His eternal dwelling. So, God’s dwelling is His temple or church.
At the first coming, God’s temple or church was Jesus and His body. All of Jesus’s believers became God’s temple that was established. And the law, also known as the word, went out from that temple.
As people heard this law, they then realized that they have to come and gather at this location. All nations come to worship.
So, how does that play out at the time of the second coming? The same.
Holy City New Jerusalem
First, God shows us how, by showing John His holy city, New Jerusalem.
John sees the Holy City, New Jerusalem, and then he is tasked with building it.
Of course, this is a description of the holy city, New Jerusalem, from Revelation 4:1-8. It depicts what the city looks like, who is there, and what they do.
ONE – God and Jesus
In the center, on the throne, is God. And at His right hand, as we see throughout the New Testament, is Jesus.
TWO – The 24 Elders
We see the 24 elders that surround the throne.
THREE – The Seven Lamps
We also see the seven lamps, which are blazing, representing the seven spirits of God.
FOUR – Sea of Glass
Then we see a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
The water is figurative, representing the word. It is like the river of life that flows from the throne of God, which is the word as clear as crystal.
FIVE – 4 Living Creatures
Surrounding the throne are the four living creatures with eyes all around. The four living creatures represent the archangels, who have four faces or four duties.
So, we have the archangels and the many spirits that surround them. We have the archangel and the spirits, which are the eyes that surround them. And we know that the eyes represent spirits, not literal eyes, but spirits that surround the angels, as stated in Revelation 5:6.
SIX – The 12 Gates
Revelation 21 tells us that the holy city, New Jerusalem, which comes down, has 12 gates. Let’s turn to Revelation 21:9-14. I will read starting from verse 9 because there are some points I would like to make. Revelation 21, starting from verse 9.
It says, “One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, ‘Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.’ And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like a very precious jewel, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed—on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
This is the holy city, New Jerusalem, with 12 gates on each side. Each gate represents a tribe. So how will we enter the holy city, New Jerusalem? Through the gate of one of the 12 Tribes, like the John Tribe, Matthew Tribe, or Simon Tribe.
Of course, though, this happens here at Mount Zion. We will enter through Mount Zion. That is how it will take place.
By God’s grace, we are here at this time, and we’re hearing these words not by accident, but because God saw fit to call us now. Some of us are the first in our family or even in our city to hear these words. It’s not an accident.
Because through you, God knows that He can call many others too. And you will be used as a blessing to many others. So do not discount yourself.
You’re not hearing these words by accident. You’re hearing these words because God sees many people coming from you. Be excited. God’s going to use you powerfully.
So the promised temple is Mount Zion. Mount Zion, which goes by many names in Revelation: New heaven and new earth, New kingdom and new people, or you can say a kingdom and priests. And the 12 tribes of Revelation 7:14, they are the ones who will gather at this place, who are called from many places but gather in one place. And of course, spiritually. Physical location is not as important as spiritual location. Spiritual location is much more important.
So let’s enter through the gate together into the new heaven and new earth, the kingdom and priests. The color for each tribe is represented by the precious stones described in Revelation 21:19-20.
That’s the promised temple.
3.- Promised Pastor
Finally, let us discuss the ‘promise pastor’ and explore some fascinating aspects related to this concept.
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
Matthew 24:45- 47
Glory to God. Jesus even said this promise to his disciples.
ONE – Faithful and Wise Servant → Food at the Proper Time
Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and wise servant? And what does a faithful and wise servant do? The faithful and wise servant gives food at the proper time.”
Two promises are mentioned in this verse.
What two promises are mentioned in this verse?
The promise pastor and the promise teaching are both mentioned in this passage.
- The faithful and wise servant represents the promise pastor.
- The food at the proper time represents the promise teaching.
The food at the proper time can also be seen as the hidden manna of Revelation 2:17 and the revealed word of Revelation 10 that John eats. They are the same thing.
The hidden manna, the food at the proper time, the promise teaching, is given through the faithful and wise servant.
Now, some clues about this faithful and wise servant are important. Jesus is the master who goes away and will return, right?
And what did Jesus say? “It will be good for that servant, the faithful and wise servant, whose master finds him doing so, giving the food at the proper time, when he returns.”
What does that mean?
While the promise pastor is testifying the promise teaching, the master will return, which is amazing.
Now, let’s read a little bit more about their first interaction. It’s super cool.
Let’s turn to Revelation 1:9-20. And, of course, we’ll go over this in much more detail. In about a week and a half, very soon, we’ll start studying Revelation 1.
9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:9-20
So many great things here, right? What we’ve talked about. We see here the testimony of John first encountering someone like the son of man.
And this is John, one of Jesus’s 12 disciples. So this is someone who knew Jesus quite well, but he could not recognize Jesus initially. He saw a being of amazing brilliance.
His face was like the sun, his feet like bronze glowing in a furnace, with a golden sash around his chest. His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow.
His eyes were like blazing fire. Whoa, what a sight! So, of course, John fell at his feet as though dead.
TWO – Appointed by Jesus
But what did Jesus do? He placed his right hand on John. When Jesus placed his right hand on John, that was Jesus saying, “You are now my appointed one.”
You are now the one who has a job to do. Of course, the right hand represents fulfillment, which is very important.
But when Jesus placed his right hand on him, he then gave him a task. That means he was appointed. And what did Jesus say?
Of course, do not be afraid. I know the way I look is surprising, but write on a scroll what you have seen and send it to the seven churches. He was given a duty, a task that he must fulfill. It was at this point that John realized that he is the new John. He did not know this before. It was at this point that he realized, “I now have a job to do. Whoa, cool.”
THREE – Eat → Testify to People, Nations, Languages, and Kings
Later on, in Revelation 10:8-11, he is then given the scroll to eat. And then he is told to testify to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. Before he eats the scroll, he doesn’t know that he has to do this yet. All he knows is that he needs to send letters. So, things are revealed to him as the revelation is being fulfilled. He doesn’t know everything all at once. He is both an observer and one who is given a task. At the same time, he is just a servant, a person, but one who has a very important job to fulfill, a very important role to fulfill.
Many people who hear these words and don’t understand claim that we worship the new John. That’s silly. He is a person, and it says many times that he is a servant. The angels reiterate to him that he is a servant like us. When we read Revelation 22:8, John falls at the feet of the angel that is showing him these things, trying to worship him. And the angel says, “Bro, dude, get up. We don’t do that here, man. Worship God. Don’t, you’re embarrassing me.” He says, “Get up. We’re servants together. Like that.”
So, people don’t really understand. They don’t understand the open word. We should not listen to those words of people who don’t understand. They don’t get it. He is a servant, but one who is appointed. And what does he have to see? And who does he have to write to? The seven lampstands and the seven stars in Jesus’s right hand are these people right here, the seven stars, the seven messengers, and their tabernacle that appears when the revelation is being fulfilled. Initially, they were doing well, but something happens to them. Slowly but surely, they begin to betray and forsake the words that Jesus had given them because of bad influence.
So, the first task that John had from Jesus is to send them letters, letters to repent, which is Revelation 2 and 3. John sends them these letters in reality so that they can repent. But unfortunately, they don’t repent. And because they don’t repent, then God and Jesus allow the beast with seven heads and ten horns to invade and destroy them. These seven heads and ten horns come out of the sea, which is Satan’s world, a place with no water of life. And then they are destroyed for a period of 42 months. So, what is John’s task? He sees these events happen too. His job is to testify.
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
Revelation 22:8,16
If you read Revelation 22:9, you will see the angel telling him, “Do not do it. I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets who kept the words of this book. Worship God.” So, the angel had to remind him, “Brother, we don’t do that here. We are both servants.”
Keep that in mind. The promised pastor of the second coming is a servant, not someone to be worshipped. That would be silly.
FOUR – New John → Sees, Hears, and is sent to testify to the Churches by Jesus
So, what does John do? He is told, “You must prophesy what you have seen and send it to the seven churches.”
That’s what Jesus is saying in Revelation 22:16. Jesus says, “I, Jesus, send my angel.” And the Greek word for angel is the same as the Greek word for messenger. So, really Jesus is saying, “I send my messenger to the churches.” Of course, who is working with my angel too? So, both are correct.
And what does John say? “I am the one who heard and saw these things. And now I have to testify to what I have seen and heard.”
What is it that John saw and heard? What did he see and hear? These events, The Betrayal and Destruction of the Tabernacle Temple.
He knows who, what, when, where, why, and how. And he has to testify. These things in Revelation have been fulfilled. “I saw them. I know who they are, where they come from, what they did in accordance with Revelation. That’s his job.”
Amen. And that’s it. The promised teaching, the promised temple, and the promised pastor.
All three are promised, and all three must appear and be fulfilled. And they are.
Memorization
“Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.”
Revelation 22:7
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
A Deep Dive into the Three Promises of Revelation
It outlines the core concepts, promises, and figures discussed, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and the importance of understanding God’s plan as revealed in Revelation.
I. Introduction: Laying the Groundwork
- A. Reviewing Maturity and Salvation
- Infant vs. Mature: This section differentiates between spiritual infancy, characterized by dependence and lack of discernment, and spiritual maturity, marked by independence, action, and selflessness.
- The Peril of Remaining in Infancy: Emphasizes that while starting as a spiritual infant is natural, failing to mature when the opportunity arises leads to spiritual death.
- Maturity and Salvation as Destinations: Positions maturity and salvation as attainable destinations, highlighting the need to reach a specific spiritual place, just as the ark, the promised land, and Mount Zion were destinations in previous eras.
- Limited Understanding in God’s 6,000-Year Plan: Explains that complete understanding of God’s plan is only possible at the culmination of Revelation, comparing it to seeing a movie clip versus the entire film.
- The Place of Maturity: Identifies the new heaven, new earth, and Mount Zion as the ultimate destination and place of full spiritual maturity.
- B. Introducing the Three Promises of Revelation
- The Promised Teaching: A new teaching or word will appear at the time of the Second Coming.
- The Promised Temple: A designated place of salvation, symbolizing God’s dwelling, will appear.
- The Promised Pastor: A prophesied leader will guide and shepherd the faithful.
- C. Understanding God’s Consistent Pattern
- God’s Unchanging Nature: Reiterates that God’s plans and promises are consistent and unwavering, as evidenced by verses like Numbers 23:19 and Isaiah 46:10.
- God’s Work Through Prophets: Highlights how God works through prophets and pastors, revealing His sealed word, which is later opened and understood at the appointed time.
- Daniel’s Vision and the Time of the End: Uses Daniel 12:8-10 to illustrate that certain prophecies are sealed for the time of the end, with understanding dependent on a humble and open heart.
- The Role of the Promised Pastor: Explains that the promised pastor receives the opened word and testifies to those who are ready to receive it.
- Prophecy as a Confirmation of God’s Work: Underscores that prophecy precedes fulfillment, allowing believers to recognize God’s actions and distinguish true events from false claims.
II. Delving into the Promised Teaching
- A. The Unveiling of the Open Word
- From Figurative Language to Plain Truth: References John 16:25 to explain the transition from parables used by Jesus in the past to the plain revelation of God’s plan at the Second Coming.
- The New Song as the Promised Teaching: Identifies the new song sung by the 144,000 in Revelation 14:3 as the promised teaching, representing the revealed word of God.
- The Symbolic Meaning of “Song”: Clarifies that “song” figuratively represents the act of preaching or delivering God’s word.
- The New Song as the Gospel of Fulfillment: Defines the new song as the gospel explaining how prophecies have been fulfilled, encompassing real people, events, and locations.
- Comprehensive Understanding of Scripture: Emphasizes that the new song provides a deeper understanding of both the Old and New Testaments, explaining the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of fulfillment.
- B. The Delivery Process of the Promised Teaching
- From God’s Hand to Fulfillment: Traces the journey of the sealed book from God’s hand to its opening and fulfillment by Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus’ sacrifice allows for the fulfillment of Revelation.
- The Mighty Angel as Representative: Identifies the mighty angel in Revelation 10 as the spirit of truth, acting as a representative of God and Jesus.
- New John’s Appointment and Consumption of the Scroll: Describes how New John is appointed by heaven and instructed to eat the scroll, signifying his understanding and acceptance of the revealed word.
- New John’s Testimony to the Churches: Outlines New John’s mission to testify to the churches, which represent various groups: members, congregations, doctrines, and pastors.
- The Harvest of the 12 Tribes: Explains that the 12 Tribes of New Spiritual Israel emerge from the churches, embodying the new song and testifying to its truth.
- The Importance of Keeping the Prophecy: Cites Revelation 22:7, urging believers to keep the words of prophecy to receive blessings as fulfillment unfolds.
III. Exploring the Promised Temple
- A. Mount Zion as the Promised Temple
- The Lamb’s Dwelling Place: Establishes Mount Zion, where the Lamb stands in Revelation 14:1, as the promised temple.
- The Mountain of the Lord’s Temple: Cites Isaiah 2:1-4 to confirm that the mountain and temple are figuratively one, emphasizing the gathering of nations to learn God’s ways.
- B. God’s Dwelling Place and the Gathering of Nations
- God’s Desire for Zion: Refers to Psalm 132:13-14, highlighting God’s desire for Zion as His eternal dwelling place.
- The Temple as God’s Church: Explains that God’s temple or church was first manifested in Jesus and his followers at the first coming, and the word going out from that temple drew people to gather.
- The Holy City New Jerusalem: Introduces the Holy City as a vision of God’s dwelling place, revealing its structure and inhabitants, including God, Jesus, the 24 elders, the seven spirits, the sea of glass, the four living creatures, and the 12 gates representing the 12 tribes.
- C. Entering the Holy City Through the Tribes
- The 12 Gates and Tribes: Emphasizes that the 12 gates of New Jerusalem represent the 12 tribes, signifying that access is granted through belonging to one of these tribes.
- Spiritual Location over Physical: Underscores that spiritual location is paramount, and belonging to the 12 tribes is a spiritual designation, not merely a physical one.
IV. Understanding the Promised Pastor
- A. The Faithful and Wise Servant
- Providing Food at the Proper Time: Uses Matthew 24:45-47 to introduce the promised pastor as the faithful and wise servant who provides spiritual food at the right time.
- Connecting the Promises: Links the promised pastor to the promised teaching, as the food represents the hidden manna, the revealed word, and the promised teaching itself.
- B. Clues About the Faithful and Wise Servant
- The Master’s Return: Explains that the promised pastor will be actively providing spiritual food upon the master’s (Jesus’) return.
- C. John’s Encounter with the Glorified Jesus
- The Transformed Appearance of Jesus: Describes John’s encounter with the glorified Jesus in Revelation 1:9-20, highlighting Jesus’ radiant appearance and John’s initial inability to recognize him.
- John’s Appointment and Task: Explains that Jesus’ touch on John signifies his appointment as the promised pastor and assigns him the task of writing and sending messages to the seven churches.
- D. New John’s Mission and Testimony
- Eating the Scroll and Testifying: Recounts how John is later instructed to eat the scroll in Revelation 10:8-11, symbolizing his understanding of the revealed word, and is then tasked with testifying to various groups.
- Clarifying Misunderstandings: Addresses misconceptions about worshipping New John, emphasizing his role as a servant appointed by God.
- The Betrayal and Destruction of the Tabernacle Temple: Describes the events witnessed by New John, including the betrayal and destruction of the tabernacle temple by the beast, symbolizing the corruption of the churches.
- New John’s Testimony as Fulfillment: Reiterates New John’s role as a witness to the fulfillment of Revelation, explaining that his testimony is what we are currently hearing.
V. Concluding Summary
- A. Recap of the Three Promises: Concisely summarizes the three promises: the promised teaching as the revealed word, the promised temple as Mount Zion, and the promised pastor as the faithful and wise servant.
- B. God’s Pattern of Prophecy and Fulfillment: Restates God’s consistent pattern of prophesying through chosen individuals and fulfilling those prophecies through appointed figures.
- C. Our Invitation to Join the 12 Tribes: Encourages individuals to join the spiritual ranks of the 12 tribes, embracing the revealed word and participating in the fulfillment of God’s plan.
This outline of contents serves as a roadmap to navigate the complex teachings and symbolic language of Revelation. It highlights the interconnectedness of the three promises, the importance of recognizing God’s patterns, and our opportunity to actively participate in the unfolding of His plan.
A Study Guide
Three Important Promises in Revelation Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What are the three important promises in Revelation?
- How does God typically reveal his plan to humanity?
- What is the “new song” in Revelation, and what does it represent?
- Describe the process of how the “promised teaching” reaches believers.
- What is the symbolic meaning of “eating the scroll” in Revelation 10:8-11?
- What is the promised temple, and what is its significance?
- How is the promised temple at the Second Coming similar to God’s temple at the first coming?
- How does the Holy City, New Jerusalem, connect to the promised temple?
- Who is the promised pastor, and what is his primary responsibility?
- How was John, the author of Revelation, appointed as the “promised pastor” of his time?
Answer Key
- The three important promises in Revelation are the promised teaching, the promised temple, and the promised pastor.
- God reveals his plan by first prophesying it through prophets, often in a sealed or symbolic form. Later, he fulfills these prophecies, demonstrating his power and trustworthiness.
- The “new song” symbolizes the revealed and open word of God at the time of the Second Coming. It represents the complete understanding of God’s plan and the fulfillment of Revelation, providing a clear explanation of the Old and New Testaments.
- The promised teaching originates with God, is opened and fulfilled by Jesus, given to the mighty angel (Spirit of Truth), then given to John, who consumes it and preaches it to the churches. Finally, the 12 tribes, representing true believers, emerge from these churches and also sing the new song.
- Eating the scroll symbolizes consuming and understanding God’s word. John’s act of eating the scroll represents his complete acceptance and internalization of the revealed message, leading him to comprehend his role and responsibility.
- The promised temple is Mount Zion, representing God’s dwelling place and the gathering place for his people. It symbolizes the spiritual unity and presence of God amongst his followers.
- Both temples signify a gathering of believers who follow God’s word. At the first coming, Jesus and his followers formed the temple. Similarly, at the Second Coming, the promised temple in Mount Zion will unite believers under the revealed word.
- The Holy City, New Jerusalem, descends upon a huge mountain, symbolizing Mount Zion, the promised temple. The city’s 12 gates, each representing a tribe of Israel, highlight how believers enter the promised temple through their faith and acceptance of the revealed word.
- The promised pastor is identified as the “faithful and wise servant” who provides spiritual nourishment (“food at the proper time”) to the believers. This “food” represents the open and revealed word of God, highlighting the pastor’s role as a teacher and guide.
- John’s appointment was marked by Jesus placing his right hand on him, signifying an anointing and the bestowal of authority. Jesus then commanded John to record his visions and send them to the seven churches, outlining his mission to testify and guide the believers.
Additional Questions
1. What are the 3 Important promises in Revelation?
– Promised Teaching
– Promised Temple
– Promised Pastor
2. What is the promised teaching and how was it delivered?
– Established in the last days
– The 12 tribes on Mount Zion
3. What will the promised pastor give and do at Revelations fulfillment?
– Gives food at the proper time.
– Sees, hears, and testifies to the churches.
– Is the 7th trumpet gathers the elect with the revealed word.
– Send letters to the 7 messengers that betrayed.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Babylon: In this context, Babylon refers to a state of spiritual confusion and worldliness that believers must leave behind.
- Infant/Mature (Spiritual): Spiritual infancy refers to a state of dependence and lack of understanding, while maturity signifies spiritual independence, discernment, and commitment to God’s word.
- Sealed/Open Word: The sealed word represents hidden or symbolic prophecy, while the open word signifies the revealed and understood message of God at the time of fulfillment.
- New Song: The “new song” is a metaphor for the revealed word of God, specifically the clear understanding of the fulfillment of Revelation and its connection to the Old and New Testaments.
- Promised Teaching: This refers to the open word, the clear and understandable explanation of God’s plan and the events of Revelation.
- Promised Temple: Mount Zion is the promised temple, symbolizing God’s dwelling place and the gathering place for believers united in their understanding of the revealed word.
- Holy City, New Jerusalem: The Holy City represents the spiritual perfection and unity of believers in the promised temple. Its descent upon Mount Zion emphasizes the divine presence and blessing upon those who accept the revealed word.
- Promised Pastor: This is the faithful and wise servant chosen by God to deliver the promised teaching and guide believers toward spiritual understanding.
- Food at the Proper Time: A metaphor for the revealed word and spiritual nourishment provided by the promised pastor.
- Testify: The act of sharing the revealed word and proclaiming the fulfillment of prophecy based on personal experience and understanding.
- 12 Tribes: The 12 tribes represent the true believers who emerge from the churches and gather at Mount Zion, united in their understanding of the open word.
- Seven Churches: These churches represent different groups of believers who receive John’s messages of warning and encouragement. Their fate highlights the consequences of rejecting or accepting the revealed word.
- Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns: This beast symbolizes the forces of evil and destruction that attack the seven churches due to their failure to repent and adhere to God’s word.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This timeline is based on the interpretation of Revelation presented in the lesson.
Before Creation:
- God conceives a 6,000-year plan culminating in the events of Revelation.
Old Testament Era:
- God speaks through prophets, delivering his word in a sealed state, prophecies to be understood at the time of the end. (Daniel 12:8-10)
- Psalm 78:1-2 prophesies that Jesus will speak in parables.
First Coming of Jesus:
- Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies.
- He speaks in parables, concealing the full meaning of his teachings. (Psalm 78:1-2, Matthew 13:34-35)
- Jesus establishes his church as God’s temple.
- He promises to return and reveal the truth plainly about God the Father (John 16:25)
Period Between First and Second Coming:
- The book of Revelation remains sealed for 2,000 years. (Revelation 5:1-3)
Second Coming of Jesus:
- Jesus opens the book of Revelation: This signifies the fulfillment of the prophecies within. (Revelation 5:7, Revelation 6, Revelation 8:1)
- The Mighty Angel (Spirit of Truth) receives the open scroll: He swears that the prophecies will be fulfilled without delay. (Revelation 10)
- New John is appointed: Jesus appears to John (the disciple) in a glorified form. John is appointed to receive the revealed word and testify to the churches. (Revelation 1:9-20)
- New John eats the scroll: He receives and understands the revealed word. (Revelation 10:8-11)
- New John sends letters to the Seven Churches: He calls them to repent. (Revelation 2-3)
- The Seven Churches fall away: They fail to heed John’s message and succumb to corrupting influences.
- The Beast rises: The beast with seven heads and ten horns emerges from the sea (representing the world under Satan’s influence) and attacks the fallen churches.
- The Tabernacle Temple is destroyed: The beast destroys the churches for a period of 42 months.
- Mount Zion is established: The promised temple, representing God’s dwelling, is established. The 144,000 gather there. (Revelation 14:1)
- The New Song is sung: The 144,000 sing the new song, which represents the revealed word of God and the full understanding of his plan. (Revelation 14:3)
- The Holy City, New Jerusalem, descends: The 12 Tribes enter the Holy City, the ultimate dwelling place of God and his people.
Cast of Characters
God: The ultimate authority and source of all prophecy.
Jesus (the Lamb): Fulfiller of prophecy, the one worthy to open the book of Revelation. He returns in glory to establish his kingdom.
The Mighty Angel (Spirit of Truth): The representative of God and Jesus, who receives the open scroll and ensures the fulfillment of prophecy.
John (the Apostle, New John): The promised pastor of the Second Coming, appointed by Jesus to receive the revealed word and testify to the churches. He is the author of Revelation.
The Seven Churches: Representations of churches throughout history, initially faithful but eventually falling away from the truth.
The 144,000: Those who remain faithful and gather at Mount Zion, symbolizing the redeemed people of God.
The Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns: A symbol of evil and destructive forces rising from the world under Satan’s dominion, which attacks the fallen churches.
The 24 Elders: Representations of the redeemed from all ages, gathered around the throne of God in the Holy City.
The Seven Spirits of God: Represented as seven lamps, symbolizing the fullness of God’s presence and power.
The Four Living Creatures: Representations of the archangels, each with four faces signifying their various duties.
Sister Reese: A figure mentioned as being present at Mount Zion with John and the Lamb. No further information is given about this individual.
Overview
Overview: Three Important Promises in Revelation
It emphasizes God’s consistent pattern of prophecy and fulfillment throughout history, highlighting the importance of understanding this pattern for interpreting scripture.
Main Themes
- God’s Pattern of Prophecy and Fulfillment: The source repeatedly emphasizes that God operates through a consistent pattern of prophecy followed by fulfillment. This pattern is presented as a key to understanding biblical events and identifying God’s work.
- “God always plans, and then later on, He fulfills. That’s His pattern and logic.”
- “God makes himself known by speaking beforehand. He gives us clues and evidence first. So that when it is time for these things to happen, we can look back at what was prophesied and confirm, ‘Ah, yes, this is indeed the work of God.'”
- Spiritual Maturity and Salvation: The document draws a parallel between spiritual maturity and salvation, arguing that both represent a destination to be reached. It contrasts the “infant” stage of faith, characterized by dependence and lack of discernment, with the mature believer who is independent, discerning, and actively engaged in God’s work.
- “Maturity and salvation are destinations. They represent the same thing.”
- “Everyone starts as an infant, but the goal is for them to mature. However, if someone does not mature when it is possible to mature, that’s bad.”
- The Importance of the “Open Word”: The source emphasizes the distinction between the “sealed” word, given in prophecy and not fully understood, and the “open word,” which is revealed at the time of fulfillment. It argues that the “open word” provides clarity and understanding regarding God’s plan and the events of Revelation.
- “Beforehand, Jesus had to speak figuratively, meaning that he had to use parables.”
- “However, he then told us, ‘A time is coming when I will tell you plainly,’ meaning he will reveal the secrets of his Father. He will tell plainly about him. And that happens when the word is open.”
Three Promises in Revelation
- The Promised Teaching: This promise refers to the “new song” mentioned in Revelation 14:3. This “new song” is interpreted as the revealed word of God, explaining the fulfillment of prophecy in clear terms, and offering a deeper understanding of both the Old and New Testaments.
- “So, the promised teaching is the new song. The promised teaching is the new song, or the revealed word.”
- “The new song is how those things have been fulfilled. This way of defining the new song is really insightful. Yes, it’s the gospel of how things were fulfilled.”
- The Promised Temple: This promise points to Mount Zion, identified as the dwelling place of the Lamb in Revelation 14:1. The source equates Mount Zion with the temple, arguing that God desires it as His eternal dwelling place. The Holy City, New Jerusalem, is seen as descending upon Mount Zion, signifying a gathering place for the faithful.
- “The promised temple is Mount Zion, where the lamb is.”
- “Mount Zion, which goes by many names in Revelation: New heaven and new earth, New kingdom and new people, or you can say a kingdom and priests.”
- The Promised Pastor: This promise is linked to the “faithful and wise servant” described in Matthew 24:45-47, who provides “food at the proper time.” This servant is interpreted as the appointed pastor who delivers the “open word” and guides believers towards understanding God’s plan. The source identifies “New John” as this promised pastor, tasked with witnessing and testifying to the events of Revelation and guiding the faithful to the promised temple.
- “The faithful and wise servant represents the promise pastor.”
- “The food at the proper time represents the promise teaching.”
- “New John is appointed by Jesus… He is appointed by Jesus, as we saw in Revelation 1:9-20. Jesus placed His right hand on him, essentially giving him the anointing.”
Conclusion
The lesson presents a specific theological interpretation of the book of Revelation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God’s pattern of prophecy and fulfillment. It argues that the “open word,” revealed through the promised pastor and delivered at the promised temple, offers a deeper understanding of God’s plan and leads believers to salvation. While the lesson primarily serves as a teaching resource within a specific religious community, it offers insights into one way of approaching and interpreting the complex symbolism and prophecies within the book of Revelation.
Q&A
Revelation Q&A
What are the three important promises in Revelation?
The book of Revelation outlines three key promises:
- The Promised Teaching: This refers to the revealed or open word of God that becomes clear at the time of the Second Coming. It unveils the mysteries and provides a deeper understanding of the Bible, revealing how prophecies have been fulfilled in real-world events, people, and places.
- The Promised Temple: This signifies Mount Zion, God’s dwelling place in the new heaven and new earth. It’s a spiritual gathering place for the 12 tribes of New Spiritual Israel, representing a united and purified church.
- The Promised Pastor: This is the “faithful and wise servant” tasked with delivering the promised teaching, also known as the hidden manna or revealed word. In Revelation, this role is fulfilled by “New John,” who receives the open word from Jesus, consumes it, and then testifies about it to the churches.
What is the significance of the “New Song” in Revelation?
The “New Song” symbolizes the promised teaching, the revealed word of God that unveils the fulfillment of Revelation. It provides a complete understanding of God’s plan, connecting events from the Old Testament to the New Testament and finally to the present reality. Those at Mount Zion, the promised temple, can understand and “sing” this new song.
How does the promised teaching reach us?
The delivery process for the promised teaching follows a divine order:
- God: The sealed book of Revelation rests in God’s hand.
- Jesus: Jesus, through his sacrifice, opens the seals, fulfilling the prophecies within.
- Mighty Angel: Jesus gives the opened scroll to the mighty angel, representing the Holy Spirit.
- New John: The mighty angel instructs New John to “eat” the scroll, signifying his complete understanding of the revealed word.
- Churches: New John testifies to the churches, revealing the truth of God’s fulfilled plan and calling for repentance.
- 12 Tribes: From those who heed the message, the 12 tribes of New Spiritual Israel emerge, gathering at Mount Zion and understanding the full meaning of the New Song.
What is Mount Zion’s role in Revelation?
Mount Zion represents the promised temple, God’s chosen dwelling place in the new heaven and new earth. It’s described as a mountain raised above all others, attracting people from all nations to learn God’s ways. It symbolizes a purified and united church, where the 12 tribes of New Spiritual Israel gather.
How does the promised pastor receive his authority?
In Revelation, Jesus appears to John, one of his original disciples, in a glorified form. When John falls down in awe, Jesus places his right hand on him. This act signifies John’s appointment as the promised pastor, receiving the anointing and authority to fulfill his mission.
What is the promised pastor’s task?
The promised pastor, New John, receives the opened scroll and is instructed to “eat” it, symbolizing complete comprehension of the revealed word. His task is then to testify to the churches, revealing the truth about God’s fulfilled plan, calling for repentance, and detailing the events that have unfolded according to Revelation.
What happens to those who reject the promised teaching?
Those who refuse to repent and reject the promised teaching face the consequences outlined in Revelation. They are subject to the destructive forces of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, symbolizing the influence of Satan and the forces opposed to God’s plan.
Why is it important to understand these promises?
Understanding these promises provides a deeper comprehension of God’s plan as outlined in Revelation. It allows believers to recognize the fulfillment of prophecies, discern truth from falsehood, and seek a place among the 12 tribes of New Spiritual Israel gathered at Mount Zion. This understanding brings hope and encourages faithful living in anticipation of the Second Coming and the establishment of God’s new kingdom.