As I study through the scriptures
there are many passages in the Bible that cause me great consternation
and leave me puzzled as to the exact meaning of them. This is
nowhere any more starkly manifested than in a perusal of the book
of the Revelation. There are a multitude of so-called
teachers and prophets down through the ages, and especially in the
present day, who have discovered all of the answers for us if
we will just listen to them. They know the meaning of every
hair on the tail of the white horse and the significance of
each toenail on the beast which rises from the sea. They can
tell us the exact timeline of the occurrence of all events
which are yet to unfold in the history of this earth. Times
and seasons and the rise and fall of this kingdom or that
are their specialties, and they are able to keep their audiences
or readers in rapt attention as they describe what the mark
of the beast is, when the Antichrist is going to break upon the scene,
or how to avoid the Great Tribulation. They consider their wild speculations
to be matters of fact and have chapter and verse to prove it.
along with their carnal explanations of deep mysteries which they
can unfold to the willing listener if they will but support their
ministry with a love gift or at least purchase their books
at a very reasonable price, considering the depth of their study and
their willingness to impart these jewels of wisdom as they make
merchandise of men. The Lord has not sent his preachers
into the earth to make a profit, but rather to be prophets of
a message which has but one subject, which is the glory of Jesus Christ,
unfolded in his redemptive work in the behalf of those whom he
has loved from before the foundation of the world. So as we read about
him who has the key to the bottomless pit, it seems clear that this
one to whom this key was given is none other than the Lord Jesus
Christ. Of this I am certain, and that
is that this whole book is the revelation of Jesus Christ. He is the central figure in it
all, and the unfolding of His glory is its purpose. Many approach
this book as though it is exactly chronological, according to the
carnal understanding of men, or that it reveals a certain
timetable of future events. I would not deny that there are
not some future events foretold in it, but it does seem that
this book is more accurately viewed as a manifestation of
the work of Christ from various perspectives. The opening of
the seventh seal was done by the only one in heaven or earth
who had the power or right to open it. And they sung a new
song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and open the
seals thereof, for Thou hast slain and hast redeemed us to
God by Thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people
and nation. Neither is there salvation in
any other, for there is none other name under heaven given
among men. whereby we must be saved. This
seventh seal is the last one to be opened. There is no further
work of Christ to be accomplished, for he has finished his work
of redemption, and yet merely awaits the moment when he shall
make manifest his purchased possession to the creation. John tells us
that he saw a star fall from heaven. I, Jesus, have sent mine
angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am
the root and the offspring of David, the bright and morning
star. Christ Jesus is the star of heaven. He is the one around whom all
creation revolves and the source of all light and life. Some tell
us that this star spoken of here must be Satan. Yet Satan has
not been given the key to the bottomless pit, for he is put
there by him who does have the key. Satan can do nothing that
is not ordained by the Almighty. This bottomless pit is a place
of everlasting destruction and is the final abode of Satan.
When the Lord is through with him according to his purpose,
as well as all of those who are not found written in the book
of life, Satan has no power to cast men into that pit or to
escape it himself, so he most certainly does not have its key.
I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen, and have the keys. of hell
and death. Fear Him.