The Revelation

           Comprehending the content and meaning of the final book of the New Testament is a daunting undertaking, which requires many years of diligent study and Biblical research.  Many have searched and attempted to understand and explain its content.  Clearly by the very definition of the Greek word apokalupsis (an uncovering, or to take off the cover--Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the New Testament), it will require the witness of the Holy Spirit, for the New Testament contains deep and hidden mysteries of truth which cannot be grasped by the reasoning process of the human mind.  Without the agency of the anointing of the Spirit of God, the apostle John could not have written down the words of its content.  Therefore, without that same anointing, it cannot be interpreted by either the reader or one who would undertake its exposition.  At this time in history and in understanding God’s dealings with men, an understanding of the Revelation is needed at this time of the approaching consummation of the age.  We are now living in times when a fuller revelation is needed by any who would see themselves as seekers of wisdom and understanding. Further it must be stated as an absolute that any interpretive teaching will include the support of at least one of the other prophetic witnesses.  The Lord has chosen to support, compliment and verify His revelation through the prophet Daniel in a special way, but has also used many other prophets both from the Old and New Testament writings. Do you believe the Scriptures to be the Word of God?  If so, then a searching for their true understanding becomes compulsory upon you.

            As an introduction to These Prophets and the Revelation, this writer has provided these short essays to be scrutinized as containing valuable commentary on subject matter or information relative to that which is covered in detail in the book.  A few brief but accurate statements concerning these revelations become relevant that the reader or inquirer might be impressed that the issues and subject matter have been diligently and thoroughly pursued in order to lend credibility to the more comprehensive exposition of the entire content of the Revelation.

            The Revelation is primarily an uncovering of the person of Jesus Christ.  He is revealed everywhere in the Book to be its Author through the Holy Spirit, and the subject matter of its content in every detail.  Without seeing Him as everywhere revealed as the Judge of this present world, and all of mankind whether living or dead, the pages would be void of content.  The apocalyptic events which occur and described are always expressed in terms of His offices of Prophet, High Priest of the everlasting covenant, final Judge of all things, and ultimately the already crowned King of Kings.

            The Book is shrouded in mystery, for it is a truth that the concealment of truths until the time and appropriate season of removing the cover, is to the glory of God.  Believing that the time has arrived, we would approach the mysteries that are written therein in metaphor and symbolic language humbly and prayerfully.  We come as seekers in order that the Spirit of God might teach us the truths concerning His return and His execution of righteous judgments.  His first appearance was as the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world and mankind.  His return will be as the Lion of the tribe of Judah to judge and to destroy all that is not worthy of His kingdom.  He will destroy this present earth and every element of corruption, which men have propagated, upon His creation. He will create a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness, and He will inhabit His kingdom personally in glory with all those who have loved His appearing and have been partakers by faith in the blood of the covenant that He shed and have faithfully endured the true meaning of the cross of that covenant.

            I will close in recommending These Prophet and the Revelation (Mindstir Media, 2013) available through Amazon.com, or major book retailers.  I believe that you will find its contents and the exposition of the prophetic Scriptures in light of emerging world developments to be an insightful and an edifying experience.

                                                                        David Lance Dean

You can communicate with me at:  theseprophets@gmail.com

Additional informative blogs are available at my website:  http://theseprophets.blogspot.com/

The Light of Testimony

            In the first chapter of the Revelation we are introduced to the concept of the testimony of Jesus Christ.  This testimony is necessarily bound up in the person of Christ who is revealed to us here in John’s initial vision and we are provided with some details of His glory with the use of metaphors or likenesses that we might be able to apprehend Him in some measure.  He is then to be discovered over and over again through the use of various metaphorical pictures throughout the entire text of the book.  The Revelation employs the extensive use of metaphors to illustrate spiritual realities.  The ability to interpret the meaning and application of these metaphors becomes a key to unraveling interpretation of much of the text of the book. These metaphors are often set forth in the symbolism and pictures given to us in various parts of the Old Testament.

            In the vision of Christ here revealed, John beholds Him in the midst of seven golden candlesticks.  A close examination of this use of the metaphor will lead us into an understanding of the spiritual concept of the light of testimony.  By testimony it is meant a clear showing forth of the vital spiritual aspects of the transforming life and salvation observable in a person or an assembly of believers who are living in complete harmony and faithfulness to Christ.  In John’s gospel we are instructed: “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world.” (John 19)

            Looking then to gain an understanding of the candlestick we can move to the Old Testament and the Book of Exodus.  There we would find an extensive set of directives given for the building of the tabernacle and later applicable to the temple. “And thou shall make a candlestick of pure gold…..six branches shall come out of the sides of it and thou shall make seven lamps thereof:  and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. (Read Exodus 25:31 and the following context to the end of the chapter). The candlestick was placed inside the veiled enclosure of the holy place and a provision of olive oil was constantly available to keep the light shining to assure the ministry of the priest was ongoing.  The olive oil used for fuel is the Holy Spirit, and the  burning light from the candlestick enables the priest to carry on a constant and continuing execution of his ministry before the Lord at the table of showbread and the alter of incense.

            At Revelation 1:13 we find Christ in the midst of the seven candlesticks, and we are given the identity of the candlesticks later in the chapter: “The candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”  We see the application of this truth at Revelation 2:4-5.  There the Lord speaks to and admonishes the church at Ephesus through the Holy Spirit.  “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or I will come unto you quickly, and will remove thy candlestick.”  The burning of the light of the testimony is conditional, and when Christ is not held in absolute honor, love, and devotion over the church the light is removed no matter what other religious activity may continue.  It will just continue to go on in darkness without the light of testimony. This is the condition of the vast majority of today’s supposed Christian assemblies and churches.

             Does a genuine desire exist to further understand the many mysteries revealed in the Revelation and other prophets?  These are all covered in the context of emerging world events and developments as they have been prophesied and can be found in my recent title: These Prophets and The Revelation (Mindstir Media, 2013) available at Amazon.com.

                                                                        David Lance Dean

You can communicate with me at:  theseprophets@gmail.com
Additional informative blogs are available at my website:  http://theseprophets.blogspot.com/

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

            Periodically, I will be posting brief commentaries on various topics related to the publication of my book These Prophets and the Revelation (Mindstir Media, 2013).  The content of the book is a comprehensive study in Biblical prophecy as it interfaces with current world conditions and developments. The content of these postings are provided to stimulate an interest in the book itself which can be obtained at Amazon.com for a nominal price.

            The current topic of discussion is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans brought forth as an issue in the churches at Ephesus and Pergamos. Before touching on the doctrine and its applications to Christian churches or assemblies, it is first necessary to define the term for within the definition of the word lays the root of understanding the issue as is raised in the Scripture.  The word is a compound word from the Greek that can be broken down into two segments. The prefix Nico contains the meaning of conquest or victory, and the second portion of the word deals with the concept of the laity, or simply said the people within the assembly.  Therefore, what we have expressed in the word is a victory over or the conquest of the people. The appearance of the word is twice recurrent in the second chapter of Revelation at verses six and fifteen.  In the first instance, the church at Ephesus is extolled for they have not adopted the doctrine.  “But this thou hast, that thou hate the deeds of the Nicolatians which I also hate.” (Rev.2:6)  The second appearance is found at verse fifteen and addressed to the church or assembly at Pergamos.  Again, we see the emphatic attitude of rebuke of the Holy Spirit towards the doctrine as a condition requiring repentance.  “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” (Rev.2:15) Note that in both contexts the use of the word hate expresses a strong negative condemnation of its practice.  What can be gleaned from other Scriptures related to this principle and its operation within the context of the Christian assemblies?

            Jesus’ words at Matthew 20:25-27 gives clear instruction concerning the order of conduct and function of all of those within any gathering of his people.  “You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise dominion over them.  But it shall not be so among you, but whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”  And again: “But be not ye called Rabbi: but one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23:8)

            These exhortations bring into judgment the condition and function of today’s Christian assemblies, denominations and fellowships, whatever their other doctrines may entail for there exists among them almost without exception the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.  That is to say there exists universally within what we would refer to as the church a division from  and a separation between  the leadership elevating them above the laity at large or the people generally who are involved in the assembly; victorious over the people. This reality is a restraint upon the Spirit of God to anoint certain individuals to carry out legitimate ministry and the function of spiritual gifts, as well as the legitimate recognition and function of a plurality (not one individual) of elders to oversee the ministry and shepherd the people according to the gifting and directing of the Holy Spirit.

            From a prophetic perspective there is one yet to be revealed who will assume and demand absolute dominion and authority over the people employing the principle of Nicolaitanism.   He is the Antichrist whose power and anointing come from Satan.  He will conquer and rule the people utilizing this presumed and elevated superiority to deceive the people to their own destruction.

            “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and lounges, and nations.” (Revelation 13:5-7)

                                                                        David Lance Dean

You can communicate with me at:  theseprophets@gmail.com

Additional informative blogs are available at my website:  http://theseprophets.blogspot.com/