Revelation Part 8
MF Blume (mfblume@ns.sympatico.ca)
Mon, 27 Jan 1997 01:39:51 -0800
RENEWED DAY BY DAY BY THE
REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
Part 2
THE ISSUE OF TEMPLE REJECTION // HOW THE REJECTION EXPLAINS MUCH
OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION // TEMPLE ASPECT IN REVELATION // MORE
TEMPLE IMAGERY IN CHRIST // GRAPHIC SUMMARY
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to
show unto his servants things which must shortly come to
pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his
servant John:
Rev 1:1
THE ISSUE OF TEMPLE REJECTION
The rejection of Jesus Christ during His triumphal Entry played
a major part in the reason Christ built His Church, the true
Temple made without hands. And the Temple imagery throughout the
Book of Revelation is a necessary element required to correctly
interpret the Book of Revelation. Much Temple portrayal is used
throughout Revelation for a good reason.
HOW THE REJECTION EXPLAINS MUCH OF THE BOOK OF
REVELATION
Matthew gives us the story of the rejection of Christ during
the Triumphal Entry and shows Christ telling something quite
enlightening to the religious leaders. These men sought to
stop the worship of Jesus amongst the people. Jesus responded
and said that if the people should hold their peace the stones
would surely cry out. Jesus was not talking about literal stones.
He was actually warning the Jews that their failure to accept
Him as Messiah and King would leave Jerusalem bereft of God's
presence and deprived of His sanction upon their Temple, and
there would be the construction of a new Temple made with lively
stones having the ability to worship Him.
Jesus was saying, "If these do not worship me, I will see to
it that a new Temple is built. And the very stones of this
new Temple will be comprised of people who will worship
me. If you reject me, I will raise up another people to be
made an actual Temple of my Spirit."
I do not promote the idea that the Church some sort of Plan
B that would kick into effect should Plan A fail. The Church
was God's plan from the foundation of the world. This element
of Jewish rejection, however, does tell us of some truth we
need to know in order to to understand the plan of the Church.
Neither do I promote a racist idea that the Israelites or Jews
are evil people. They are precious people. We find that in
Romans chapters Ten and Eleven how God simply blinded them
from Christ for the purpose of raising up the Gentiles through
mercy. God will again accept Israel after the Church
period.
We know this thought of Christ's rejection at the Temple is
part of the understanding which we must keeep in mind when
reading the Book of Revelation because Jesus gave some
tell-tale signs which reveal this to be so.
To begin with, after the rejection, He entered the Temple
of Jerusalem, according to Mark 11, and notably looked
for something inside.
And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the Temple:
and when he had looked round about upon all things,
and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany
with the twelve.
Mark 11:11
Get the picture. He rebuked the religious leaders, and looked
in the Temple. What did He look for? We simply read that He
entered, looked round about inside, and then left again.
Then we read of a strange sequence of events in the immediate
verses following, which seem to tell what He looked for.
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he
was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having
leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing
thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing
but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And
Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit
of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard
it.
Mark 11:12-14
Christ looked upon the the fig tree for fruit and subsequently
cursed it due to its lack of fruit. He wanted to eat fruit.
This is symbolic of what He looked for in the Temple.
After He cursed the fruitless fig tree, He cast moneychangers
out of the Temple. All of these events come together in
proper understanding when we read of the following remarks made
by Christ afterwards.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets,
and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often
would I have gathered thy children together, even
as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and
ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you
desolate.
Mat 23:37-38
And Jesus went out, and departed from the Temple: and his
disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of
the Temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all
these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be
left here one stone upon another, that shall not be
thrown down.
Mat 24:1-2
His constant reference to the Temple during this rejection, and
the words describing stones crying out are reconciled in the
words of Peter in his epistle, where we finally discover that
Christ was referring to the following construction of the
spiritual Temple, the Church.
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom
coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men,
but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones,
are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to
offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by
Jesus Christ.
1 Pet 2:3-5
The Church is the house of lively stones which cry out in praise
to Jesus! Jesus is the chief cornerstone.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an
holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of
darkness into his marvellous light:
1 Pet 2:9
Christ sought fruit in the Temple and evidently found none.
What would that fruit be?
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to
God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving
thanks to his name.
Heb 13:15
Peter said we are lively stones meant to praise Jesus with
spiritual sacrifices. Hebrews said we are to offer the sacrifice
of the fruit of our lips. Jesus looked for this in the Temple, amongst
the religious leaders. The common people praised Him, but the
religious leaders did not.
Upon hearing Jesus refer to the Temple destruction in Matthew 24:1,
the disciples asked Jesus when the destruction would occur, and
when the end of the world would come along with the sign of His
coming. Jesus then spoke of the very same series of events which
the four horsemen in the four seals of revelation chapter 6 speaks
about (See study entitled, The Four Angels and the Four Winds).
So the rejection of Jesus Christ at the Temple, demanding the
destruction of that Temple, involved elements of prophecy which
are directly connected to the first Four Seals of Revelation chapter
Six. Therefore, this picture of His rejection must have something
to do with the Seals in the Book of Revelation. And this connection
would tie the Book of Revelation together with the thought
of His alternate acceptance by the Gentiles and the making
of the Church, which we shall see is certainly the case!
Even the three remaining Seals (five, six and seven) are portrayed
in Matthew 24. The fifth seal dealt with souls under the altar
who were martyred and begged vengeance for their deaths. They
are clothed with white righteousness, and told to wait until
the rest of their brethren are likewise killed. After speaking
about being afflicted and killed, Jesus, in Matthew 24,
mentions the need for those would be saved to wait and
endure to the end.
The Sixth Seal was likewise foretold by Jesus when He described
the changed states of the sun, moon and stars. He said this
would occur "after the tribulation of those days". This informs
us that the first five seals deal with tribulation. And we
shall also see that only the period of time between the
opening of the fifth seal and sixth seal is called
"great tribulation."
For then [after the fifth seal is opened] shall be great
tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of
the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mat 24:21
After the Fifth Seal, the Sixth Seal is opened, and
Matthew's corresponding phrases by Christ in Chapter
Twenty-Four notes that Great Tribulation is then over.
All of this comparative cross-referencing between Revelation
6 and Matthew 24 reveals that Jesus' rejection at the
Temple paved the way for a new Temple of believers to be
erected, and that this truth is a major issue in Revelation.
Let us keep the rejection of Christ and the following inception
of the Church Age in mind as we continue through Revelation.
But what does the events in Revelation actually refer to?
We know there is a connection to the Temple rejection and
Christian Church acceptance of Christ. Yet we need to
correlate the book of Revelation's words properly into
the context in which God meant it.
Let us search for more clues as to the true meaning
of Revelation.
TEMPLE ASPECT IN REVELATION
We read of a Temple in Revelation. God's throne is set in
Heaven, in Revelation Chapter Four. The Mercy Seat on the
Ark of the Covenant of the Temple represented this throne
of God. Also, John saw golden candlesticks in Revelation
Chapter One, which are Temple pieces of furniture.
Even the appearance of Christ hints at Temple furniture. He
was wearing a golden girdle and His feet were like brass.
Coupling this thought with the fact that John saw
seven stars in His hands, we can see the layout of
the Temple in Christ's image.
Since the candlesticks were positioned to the South of the
Temple, and since one entered the Temple by walking
westward through the Eastern gate in order to find the
candlesticks on one's left hand side, we can picture
Christ in Temple layout fashion.
Picture Him as lying down with His feet towards the brazen
altar in the outer court. Imagine a picture of Jesus
superimposed over the Temple, we can see that His legs
would reach from the feet at the brazen altar up to
the Temple proper. And His torso, arms and head would be
positioned over the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. It is
a fact that all furniture in the Outer court, where His
legs are positioned, were made from Brass! Just like His
legs were seen to be brass in Revelation 1. All furniture
in the Holy and Most Holy Places were made from Gold.
This corresponds to the golden girdle about Christ's chest
and the brazen feet.
The candlesticks would fall directly beside His right hand,
for they were at the south of the Temple in the Holy Place.
This same likeness of Jesus was seen by Ezekiel!
And there was a voice from the firmament that was over
their heads, when they stood, and had let down their
wings. And above the firmament that was over their
heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance
of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the
throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man
above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as
the appearance of fire round about within it, from
the appearance of his loins even upward, and from
the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as
it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness
round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in
the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance
of the brightness round about. This was the appearance
of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I
saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of
one that spake.
Ezek 1:25-28
The interesting thing about Ezekiel's vision was that it
involved the Temple, too! God's glory was leaving the
Temple by way of the Chariot which Ezekiel seen.
The Glory of God left the Temple and journeyed to the
eastern mountain beside the Temple. First we see the
glory go the Temple, and then we see it leave.
Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was
above the head of the cherubims there appeared over
them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance
of the likeness of a throne. And he spake unto the
man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between
the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine
hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims,
and scatter them over the city. And he went in in
my sight. Now the cherubims stood on the right side of
the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled
the inner court. Then the glory of the LORD went up
from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the
house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and
the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S
glory.
Ezek 10:1-4
Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold
of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
Ezek 10:18
And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the
city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east
side of the city.
Ezek 11:23
This was the precise route taken by Jesus Christ after He
entered the Temple during His rejection and left the City.
And Jesus went out, and departed from the Temple: and
his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings
of the Temple.
Mat 24:1
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples
came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall
these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy
coming, and of the end of the world?
Mat 24:3
The Mount of Olives is the eastern Mountain beside the Temple!
In Revelation 4, John sees the throne sourrounded by 24 elders
and 4 beasts. Seven lamps surround the throne and are called
the seven spirits of God. A crystal sea of glass is before the
throne. When the 4 beasts praise God, the 24 elders fall down
and thank God for creation. Therefore, we must take note that
the Temple stands with a stress upon God's purpose for creation.
Obviously this note informs us that the Church fulfills God's
purpose for creation. God sought to find a Bride for Himself
with which He could be made one, and to also endow upon her
His very Life, itself.
Ezekiel's chariot also shows the Revelation scene of the Temple.
We already noticed that Christ looks identical in revelation
1 as He does in Ezekiel. But other similarites exist in the
picture of Heaven's Throneroom.
>From within a whirlwind came the likeness of four living creatures.
Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four
living creatures. And this was their appearance; they
had the likeness of a man.
Ezek 1:5
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face
of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side:
and they four had the face of an ox on the left side;
they four also had the face of an eagle.
Ezek 1:10
These are the Four Beasts seen around the throne in Revelation.
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto
crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about
the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before
and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and
the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had
a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying
eagle.
Rev 4:6-7
Amongst the description of the cherubims (see Ezekiel 10), we
read about a firmament:
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the
living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal,
stretched forth over their heads above.
Ezek 1:22
This is identical to the crystal sea of Revelation!
And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto
crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round
about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before
and behind.
Rev 4:6
And of course we see the throne in both instances
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the
likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire
stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness
as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Ezek 1:26
All of this Temple imagery was involved in the departure of
God's glory from the Temple, and is without doubt foretelling
God's departure from Israel towards the Church and the
construction of the Temple of God's people - Lively Stones.
Again let us mention that the new Temple seen in the latter
part of Ezekiel's book is the Church.
A rabbi once commented that the size of the new temple would
cover the total area of the earthly City Jerusalem. This
temple is thought to be literal by the Jews. However, we
know it to be the Church. And the notable things about
the Rabbi's point is that it falls in line with typology
regarding the Church. The Church is not only the Temple of
God, but is called the New Jerusalem in Hebrews 12:22.
MORE TEMPLE IMAGERY IN CHRIST
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle
not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that
ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins
girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of
righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of
the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints;
Eph. 6:11-18
This describes the armour of the believer. As an army we have a
captain, Jesus Christ (He. 2:10). When we superimpose the image
of Christ once again over the Temple we see that each of the
pieces of armour coincides with each piece of the furniture in
the Temple.
See diagram on my homepage.
His Head is where the Ark of the Covenant is located. This
corresponds to the Helmet of Salvation.
His Chest is positioned where the altar of incense is located
before the veil in the holy place, where He would wear the
Breastplate of Righteousness.
At His right hand, as we have already seen, is the candlesticks
of seven lights. This would be the Sword of the Spirit -
the Word of God. Truth is like light. And complete truth
is represented by seven candlesticks. The Sword of the
Word is a weapon against evil.
At His left Hand is the Table of Shewbread which corresponds
to the aspect of the Word as Shield of Faith. The Bread
represents the Word which is used for the growth of our
faith - Bread of Life. And Faith is a shield.
Where Christ's Loins would be positioned on the Temple
portrait stood the Brazen Laver. And His loins are girt
with the Truth.
At His feet was the Brazen Altar of sacrifice. And His
feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel. The basis
for all the Gospel and our success as warriors is the death of
Christ on the altar of the Cross.
--
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In Christ,
Michael F. Blume
http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/mfblume/mblume.htm
http://www.netdot.com/jwg7192/writings/mike.htm