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Is baptism necessary and can baptism alone save you?

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age – Matthew 28:18-20.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned – Mark 16:16.

There are many who hold the view that baptism is merely symbolic, but when we examine the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, that’s an authoritative command of Jesus. An official and important undertaking entrusted to us – A mandate. Commission is one word we commonly hear in government; when one is commissioned to serve it’s usually done by the highest authority and most times taking an oath for the office and how the individual will carry out his or her duties. It is a serious command… Every word.. In verse 20 the Commission says”… obey everything that I have commanded you. Mandatory! Not merely symbolic! Jesus himself has set the example for us with his baptism. A complete example of the Great Commission is in Acts 8:24-40 – Rise and go toward the south… Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus…and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”… and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him… Most importantly the act of baptism is participating in Jesus’ death and resurrection and for the purpose of cleansing. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father” – Romans 6:4. We must, in order to be like him. Symbolic yes – It must be demonstrated – Demonstrate what you believe.

So our next argument is: Can baptism alone save you?. The simple answer is, No. Mark 16:16 answers it and Romans 10:9 says this… If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. If baptizing and not believing could save you then the Non-Messianic Jews would be saved. They are still waiting on the Messiah to come and they all practise baptism and believe in the Father, but they do not believe what Romans 10:9 says. God has cornered them, I believe. No escape route, except through Jesus. Enough said.

Small Groups Fellowship – the benefits

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:43-46.

For any believer, existing in a congregation by itself is not enough to provide spiritual nurturing, growth and maturity for the Christian journey. Therefore it is important that each and every believer participate in a small group, such as a committee, prayer group, or other ministries or fellowship groups that exist within the larger body of Christ. This type of involvement not only comes with spiritual benefits, but also builds and equips the whole person, and as soldiers of the cross it does not hurt to get a feel of each ministry of the church, then making a decision for your best fit or calling.

Other benefits to be derived from your involvement in small groups are emphasized in the text above. You are able to bring your needs, whatever they are – physical, economic, emotional and social needs to your small group. If your group is unable to assist, they can make representation on your behalf or refer you for help. All this would be difficult to achieve if you are someone who just exist by yourself within a large congregation and makes no connection. Groups strengthen the believer! Be a part of one today.

Allowance for each other’s shortcomings

If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him – 2 corinthians 2:5-8

Have we all not sinned and come short of God’s glory, and struggling with weaknesses and imperfections? It is precisely the reason Christ went to Calvary for all of us, or else today we would be running scarce on animals to sacrifice for our sins – under the old covenant where the blood of animals was used as sacrifices for sins committed. Sometimes it is not that someone has even sinned against us, but there is just a little shortcoming that we will never tolerate – ‘Perfectionists’ don’t be so hard! Bear this in mind, it is the same way you grieved others sometimes and expect them to be easy on you when you realized you have made a mistake and wished for some pardon. You want this same treatment to be reciprocated. This is one way we demonstrate the Commandment of loving our neighbours as ourselves. It does not mean that persons should not be admonished or corrected when they do something wrong – this is also love. And keep on remembering God’s enduring grace, love and mercy for us. Show some love to someone who has caused you hurt – they may be sorry and really need your forgiveness. Forever holding it against that person will be of no benefit to you. In fact, it is harmful to your well-being.

Our Inheritance

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory – Ephesians 1:11-14.

What are the details of this inheritance that Christ has given us? This encompasses all of what Christ did during his time spent here on earth and his death and resurrection.

While here on earth the Son of Man built up a legacy of good works, humility, compassion and ultimately sacrificing his life, giving us the free gift of eternal life. His example is our inheritance. We are called to exemplify all that Christ represents. Accepting Christ and believing, grant us the free gift of salvation. Through the Holy Spirit given to every Believer this inheritance is guaranteed to the praise of his glory. This inheritance is already predestined, only for us to take possession of it. It’s there… just take it! No payment, no probate of will, no stamp duty, no document transfer or transfer fees, no lawyer, no legal fees. No stress. Nada. Nothing! Free!

The Poetic skills of John in Revelation

The revelation in the form of a vision was profound and dramatic, hence the gifted writer of this book of the Bible, apostle John or who may be often referred to as John the Divine was skilful enough to utilize certain symbols representing a special type of writing called an apocalypse. John received four visions which could not be related in any ordinary language for anyone to really understand the magnitude and depth of the situation. John in his writing presents a supernatural and majestic unveiling of God’s eschatological or end time plan. It was a powerful and prophetic revelation to John. The language then had to be powerful, thus he had to find a way to adequately represent the message he wishes to bring across to his audience.

The Greek name of Revelation is Apokalypsis (apocalypse), which means to uncover or reveal; it is the revelation of things known only by God. The word apocalypse is associated with catastrophic disasters and events when the world comes to an end. The Book of Revelation is therefore written in an apocalyptic form or genre, which characterizes the use of symbols, numbers and images in the times of persecution. A part of this is connected to the ancient Roman emperor and Satan as the ultimate evil. This method of writing is also used in parts of the Old Testament; one example is the Book of Daniel.

Revelation 1:19 provides a guideline of the layout of the Book – “Now write what you have seen, what is, and what is to take place after this.” Thus, in chapter 1, Christ in the vision to John tells him, firstly, to write what he has already seen; secondly, to the things that are now happening in John’s time – the letters to the seven churches (chapters 2 to 3); and thirdly, what will come later, (chapters 4 to 22).

John states in his letter that it is a revelation to him by Christ through an angel. He was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day (Sunday) when he heard the voice like a trumpet instructing him to write in a book of what he sees and send it to the seven churches. John turned around when he heard the voice and saw seven golden lampstands, and in the middle he saw someone whom he described as the Son of Man clothed in long robe and a golden sash across his chest. In his right hand he held seven stars, and from his mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword. When John saw him he fell at his feet. But Jesus placed his hand on him telling him not to be afraid – “I am the first and the last.”

Jesus explained to John the mystery of the seven stars to be the angels of the seven churches, and lampstands are the seven churches. The sharp, two-edged sword coming from His mouth is the word of God. The number seven in the Bible means perfection or completeness.

John conveys a written message to all the believers who need to be in a state of awareness and to be encouraged. The message in each letter for the respective churches was an appraisal of the individual church, telling them where they were falling short in their relationship with Christ. This revelation was presented in the form of a letter to seven Christian churches in the cities of Asia Minor, who were appraised as follows: Ephesus – the loveless church, Smyrna – the persecuted church, Pergamum – the compromising church, Thyatira – the corrupt church, Sardis – the dead church, Philadelphia – the faithful church and Laodicea – the lukewarm church. Asia Minor, now modern day Turkey was a section of the Roman Empire. These Christians suffered persecution at the hands of the Roman authorities, for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ, so John’s vision provided comfort and encouragement and gave them the assurance that God was in control and the destruction of the Roman Empire, the force of evil, was imminent.

In Revelation the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments are introduced in chapters 6, 8, and 15. There are seven separate events of each judgment causing destruction to the earth and its existence. The seven seals, trumpets, and bowls are linked to each other. The seventh seal establishes the seven trumpets and the seventh trumpet brings in the seven bowls. As each judgment takes place it will be increasingly destructive and disturbing.

The first six seal judgments:
• First seal in verses 1-2: The conqueror
• Second seal in verses 3-4: Conflict on earth
• Third seal in verses 5-6: Scarcity on earth
• Fourth seal of verses 7-8: Widespread death on earth
• Fifth seal of verses 9-11: Persecution and the cry of the martyrs
• Sixth seal of verses 12-17: Cosmic disturbance, including a great earthquake.

The breaking of the seventh seal occurs in Revelation 8 and marks the second wave of judgments, the trumpet judgments: “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
“Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them” (Revelation 8:1-2, 6).

The following judgments take place for the first six trumpets:
• First trumpet of verse. 7: One third of vegetation is burned up
• Second trumpet in verses 8-9: One third of the sea and creatures struck
• Third trumpet in verses10-11: One third of the waters struck and became bitter
• Fourth trumpet of verses 12: One third of the sun, moon, and stars darkened
• Fifth trumpet in chapter 9:1-11: Locusts are released to torment people without the seal
• Sixth trumpet of chapter 9:13-19: Plaques are released to kill one third of humankind.

The sounding of the seventh trumpet proclaims Christ’s soon coming and ushers in the last and final series of judgments, the bowl judgments:
• First bowl in chapter 16:2 – Loathsome sores on those with the mark of the beast
• Second bowl 16:3: Sea turns blood and every creature in the sea dies
• Third bowl 16:4-7: Water turns to blood
• Fourth bowl 16:8-9: People scorched with fire and great heat
• Fifth bowl 16:10-11: Pain and darkness on the unrepentant
• Sixth bowl 16:12-16: The Euphrates river dries up ; time for the battle of Armageddon
• Seventh bowl 16:17-21): There will be a great earthquake and cities of nations will fall.

The Great Tribulation
In Revelation 7:4-8 after the sixth seal was opened – “And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed…” In verse 9 speaks to the Great Tribulation – “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes…” The faithful saints of Christ will be resurrected and those alive will be taken up into the rapture to heaven before the Great Tribulation takes place – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and Revelation 19:7-9.

After the great tribulation, which lasted for seven years the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands, they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years, along with the 144,000 Jews, who received salvation by accepting Jesus as their Messiah. The 144,000 Jews will play an important role. Their work and witness will serve as an essential part of God’s redemptive plan to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth in the last days. This period is referred to as the millennial kingdom rule, which is literal and not figurative as some persons interpret it to be, based on to 2 Peter 3:8.

The 1000 years is to allow more people to turn to Christ. Revelation 20:1-7, speaks clearly about the millennial kingdom, a 1,000-year period four different times. Additionally, the Bible made mention in many other texts where the Messiah will rule as king in Jerusalem on the throne of David (Luke 1:32-33). This reign will take place as a fulfillment of God’s covenant to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), to Israel as a nation (Deuteronomy 20:1-10), and to David (2 Samuel 7:10-13). Satan will be thrown into his Abyss during the period of 1000 years.

At the end of the millennial rule there will be a final rebellion and judgment as mentioned in (Revelation 20:7-15). Satan will be released from his abyss; there will be a short battle and Satan will be defeated along with his human army. They will eventually be thrown into the Lake of Fire. The unbelievers will be judged at the Great White Throne of judgment and thrown into the eternal Lake of Fire. Heaven and earth will be destroyed and recreated and there will be a new heaven, new earth, and a new Jerusalem will be created where the Lord will dwell with the believers forever (Revelation 21-22).

Imagine no more pain, no more sorrows, suffering, hard life, hunger, sickness. Ow! Wow!

http://www.discoverrevelation.com/Rev_1.html
http://www.christianbiblereference.org/faq_Revelation.htm#
http://www.compellingtruth.org/
http://www.gotquestions.org/seven-seals-trumpets.html

Interesting inspirations as this one, and more from daily devotional – Devotions on the ROCK. The first edition available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1978141696 in print and kindle.

Symbols of Revelation and Bible Prophecy

Why conceal Bible prophecies in Symbols? And Jesus said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand” – Luke 8:10. Many of the apocalyptic prophecies were given while the prophets were in a hostile foreign land. One reason God cloaked the prophecies in symbols was to protect the messages.

Animals and their Parts
• Horse = Strength and Power in Battle Job 39:19, Psalms 147:10, Proverbs 21:31
• Dragon = Satan or his agency Isaiah 27:1; 30:6, Psalms 74:13-14, Revelation 12:7-9, Ezekiel 29:3, Jeremiah 51:34
• Beast = Kingdom / government / political power Daniel 7:17, 23
• Lamb = Jesus / sacrifice John 1:29, 1Corinthians 5:7
• Lion = Jesus / Powerful King i.e. Babylon Revelation 5:4-9, Jeremiah 50:43-44, Daniel 7:4, 17, 23
• Bear = Destructive Power / Medo Persia Proverbs 28:15, 2Kings 2:23-24, Daniel 7:5
• Leopard = Greece Daniel 7:6
• Serpent = Satan Revelation 12:9; 20:2
• Tongue = Language / Speech Exodus 4:10
• Wolf = Disguised Enemies Matthew 7:15
• Dove = Holy Spirit Mark 1:10
• Ram = Medo Persia Daniel 8:20
• Goat = Greece Daniel 8:21
• Horn = King or kingdom Daniel 7:24; 8:5, 21-22, Zechariah 1:18-19, Revelation 17:12
• Wings = Speed / Protection / Deliverance Deuteronomy 28:49, Matthew 23:37

Colors
• White = Purity Revelation 3:4-5; 7:14; 19:14
• Blue = Law Numbers 15:38-39
• Purple = Royalty Mark 15:17, Judges 8:26
• Red/Scarlet = Sin/corruption Isaiah 1:18, Nahum 2:3, Revelation 17:1-4

Metals, Elements, and Natural Objects
• Gold = Pure Character Precious and Rare Isaiah 13:12
• Silver = Pure Words & Understanding Proverbs 2:4; 3:13-14; 10:20; 25:11, Psalms 12:6
• Brass, Tin, Iron, Lead, Silver dross = Impure Character Ezekiel 22:20-21
• Water = Holy Spirit / Everlasting Life John 7:39; 4:14, Revelation 22:17, Ephesians 5:26
• Waters = Inhabited area/people, nations Revelation 17:15
• Fire = Holy Spirit Luke 3:16
• Tree = Cross; People / Nation Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Psalms 92:12; 37:35
• Seed = Descendents / Jesus Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:16
• Fruit = Works / Actions Galatians 5:22
• Fig Tree = A Nation that should bear fruit Luke 13:6-9
• Vineyard = Church that should bear fruit Luke 20:9-16
• Field = World Matthew 13:38, John 4:35
• Harvest = End of World Matthew 13:39
• Reapers = Angels Matthew 13:39
• Thorns / Thorny Ground = Cares of this life Mark 4:18-19
• Stars=Angels/messengers = Revelation 1:16, 20; 12:4, 7-9, Job 38:7
• Jordan = death Romans 6:4, Deuteronomy 4:22
• Mountains = Political or religio-political powers Isaiah 2:2-3, Jeremiah 17:3; 31:23; 51:24-25, Ezekiel 17:22-23, Daniel 2:35, 44-45
• Rock = Jesus / truth 1Corinthians 10:4, Isaiah 8:13-14, Romans 9:33, Matthew 7:24
• Sun = Jesus / the gospel Psalms 84:11, Malachi 4:2, Matthew 17:2, John 8:12; 9:5
• Winds=Strife / commotion / “winds of war” Jeremiah 25:31-33, 49:36-37; 4:11-13, Zechariah 7:14

Miscellaneous Objects
• Lamp = Word of God Psalms 119:105
• Oil = Holy Spirit Zechariah 4:2-6, Revelation 4:5
• Sword = Word of God Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12
• Bread = Word of God John 6:35, 51-52, 63
• Wine=Blood/covenant / doctrines Luke 5:37
• Honey = happy life Ezekiel 20:6, Deuteronomy 8:8-9
• Clothing = Character Isaiah 64:6, Isaiah 59:6
• Crown = A Glorious Ruler or Rulership Proverbs 16:31, Isaiah 28:5, Isaiah 62:3
• Ring = Authority Genesis 41:42-43, Esther 3:10-11
• Angel = Messenger Daniel 8:16; 9:21, Luke 1:19, 26, Hebrews 1:14
• Babylon = apostasy / confusion / rebellion Genesis 10:8-10; 11:6-9, Revelation 18:2-3; 17:1-5
• Mark = Sign or seal of approval or disapproval Ezekiel 9:4, Romans 4:11, Revelation 13:17; 14:9-11; 7:2-3
• Seal = Sign or mark of approval or disapproval Romans 4:11, Revelation 7:2-3
• White Robes=Victory / righteousness Revelation 19:8; 3:5; 7:14
• Jar / Vessel=Person Jeremiah 18:1-4, 2Corinthians 4:7
• Time = 360 Day Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32; 7:25; Daniel 11:13 margin
• Times = 720 Days Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5
• Day = Literal year Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34
• Trumpet = loud warning of God’s approach Exodus 19:16-17, Joshua 6:4-5
Actions, Activities, and Physical States
• Healing = Salvation Luke 5:23-24
• Leprosy / Sickness = Sin Luke 5:23-24
• Famine = Dearth of Truth Amos 8:11
People and Body Parts
• Woman, Pure = True Church Jeremiah 6:2, 2Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:23-27
• Woman, Corrupt = Apostate church Ezekiel 16:15-58; 23:2-21, Hosea 2:5; 3:1, Revelation 14:4
• Thief = Suddenness of Jesus’ coming 1Thessalonians 5:2-4, 2Peter 3:10
• Hand = Deeds / Works / Actions Ecclesiastes 9:10, Isaiah 59:6
• Forehead = Mind Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Romans 7:25, Ezekiel 3:8-9
• Feet = Your Walk / Direction Genesis 19:2, Psalms 119:105
• Eyes = Spiritual Discernment Matthew 13:10-17, 1John 2:11
• Skin = Christ’s righteousness Exodus 12:5, 1Peter 1:19, Isaiah 1:4-6
• Harlot = Apostate church/religion Isaiah 1:21-27, Jeremiah 3:1-3; 6-9
• Heads = Major powers/rulers/governments Revelation 17:3, 9-10

Bible Numbers
Many of the numbers in the Bible have deeper prophetic significance. Both in the Old and New Testaments, numbers reveal hidden concepts and meanings that commonly escape the casual reader. And throughout history, men with great minds, like Augustine, Isaac Newton, and Leonardo Di Vinci, showed more than just a passing curiosity regarding the importance of biblical numbers. Once more, Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are numbered” Matthew 10:30. Obviously, Bible numbers should be carefully considered.
1 – represents absolute singleness and unity (Ephesians 4:4-6; John 17:21-22.) (We presume readers need no more than these two citations, as most of the biblical information regarding unity and singleness is common knowledge.)

2 – represents the truth of God’s Word; for example, the law and prophets (John 1:45), two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1), and a sword with two edges (Hebrews 4:12). See Mark 6:7 and Revelation 11:3. It is also used 21 times in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

4 – represents universal truth, as in the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1; 20:8). In acts 10:11, a sheet with four corners symbolizes the gospel going to all the gentiles.

5 – represents teaching. First, there are the five books of Moses. Second, Jesus taught about the five wise virgins and used five barley loaves used to feed the 5,000.

6 – represents the worship of man, and is the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. It is used 273 times in the Bible, including its derivatives (e.g, sixth) and another 91 times as “threescore” or “60.” Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26, 31). See also Exodus 31:15 and Daniel 3:1.
This number is especially significant in the book Revelation, as “666” identifies the beast. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:18).

7 – represents perfection, and is the sign of God, divine worship, completions, obedience, and rest. The “prince” of Bible numbers, it is used 562 times, including its derivatives (e.g., seventh, sevens). (See Genesis 2:1-4, Psalms 119:164 and Exodus 20:8-11 for just a few of the examples.)
The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in Daniel and Revelation alone. In Revelation there are seven churches, seven spirits, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven thousand slain in a great earthquake, seven heads, seven crowns, seven last plagues, seven golden vials, seven mountains, and seven kings.

10 – represents law and restoration. Of course, this includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. See also Matthew 25:1 (ten virgins); Luke 17:17 (ten lepers); Luke 15:8 (healing, ten silver coins).

12 – represents the church and God’s authority. Jesus had 12 disciples, and there were 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation 12:1, the 24 elders and 144,000 are multiples of 12. The New Jerusalem city has 12 foundations, 12 gates 12 thousand furlongs, a tree with 12 kinds of fruit 12 times a year eaten by 12 times 12,000 or the 144,000. (See chapter 21.)

40 – represents a generation and times of testing. It rained for 40 days during the flood. Moses spent 40 years in the desert, as did the children of Israel. Jesus fasted for 40 days.

50 – represents power and celebration. The Jubilee came after the 49th year (Leviticus 25:10) and Pentecost occurred 50 days after Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2).

70 – represents human leadership and judgment. Moses appointed 70 elders (Exodus 24:1); The Sanhedrin was made up of 70 men. Jesus chose 70 disciples (Luke 10:1). Jesus told Peter to forgive 70 times 7.

Adapted from http://www.revelationbibleprophecy.org/prophecy_symbols.html#

Symbols of Revelation – Literal Meaning

Ark of Testimony
Ark of the convent/mercy seat where God dwell
Exodus 25:10-22 (127); Psalm 80:1 (917)

Balaam, doctrine of
Advancing our own interests, compromise, idolatry
Numbers 22:5-25 (259)

Beast
Kingdom, government, political power
Daniel 7:23 (1310)

Binding of Satan
A symbolic chain of circumstances
Isaiah 14:12-20 (1041)

Black
Moral darkness, sin, apostasy
Exodus 10:21-23 (103): Jeremiah 4:20-28 (1112); 8:21 (1120);
Acts 26:18 (1641): John 12:35 (1573): Joel 2:1-10 (1334)

Blood
Life
Leviticus 17:11 (191), Deuteronomy 12:23 (311)

Bottomless pit
Earth in chaos, torn up, dark & empty
Genesis 1:1, 2 (1); cf Jeremiah 4:23-28 (1112); Isaiah 24:1-4, 19 (1822)

Bow
Success in battle against evil
Psalm 7:11-12 (863); Psalm 45: 4,5 (890)

Crowns
Kingship, victory
I Chronicles 20:2 (682), II Kings 11:12 (619), Ezekiel 21:26,27 (1242);
James 1:12 (1774); II Timothy 4:7,8 (1750); I Corinthians 9:25 (1679)

Cup
Meted out suffering and judgments
Psalm 7:11,12 (866); 75:8 (912) Isaiah 51:17,22-23 (1088);
Jeremiah 25:15-17 (1146); 49:12 (1188)

Door
Opportunity
II Corinthians 2:12 (1693); Revelation 3:20 (1804)
Probation
Luke 13:24,25 (1521)

Eagle
Speed, power, vision, vengeance, protection
Deuteronomy 28:49 (337), Habakkuk 1:6-8 (1365), Revelation
12:14 (1813)

Eating the book
Assimilating the message
Ezekiel 3:1-3 (1211); Jeremiah 15:16 (1131)

Egypt
Symbol of atheism
Exodus 5:2 (93)

Eyesalve
Holy Spirit to help us see truth. Discernment to
understand word; Antidote for spiritual blindness
Ephesians 1:17-19 (1715), Psalm 119:18 (947); I John 2:20,27
(1791); John 16:7-13 (1578)

Faithful witness
Christ
John 18:37 (1583); John 3:11 (1550); Revelation 1:5 (1800);
Revelation 3:14 (1804); 19:11 (1821)

False prophet
Apostate Protestantism
Revelation 16:13,14 (1817); 13:13,14 (1814); 19:20 (1822)

Fornication
Illicit connection between church & world
Ezekiel 16:15,26 (1229); Isaiah 23:17 (1050); James 4:4 (1777);
Revelation 14:4 (1815)

Four Beasts or Living Creatures
Heavenly beings with special responsibilities
Revelation 5:8-10 (1805), 6:1-7 (1806), 14:3 (1815); 15:7 (1816), 19:4 (1821)

Garments
Covering of righteousness
Genesis 35:2 (57), Isaiah 61:10 (1099), Isaiah 52:1 (1088)

Gold
True riches of heaven, faith, scripture
Psalm 19:7-10 (871); Galatians 5:6 (1711); James 2:5 (1775);
Job 23:10 (839)

Hand
Symbol of work
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (1013)

Harlot
Apostate church/religion
Isaiah 1:21(1025); Jeremiah 3:1-3, 6-9 (1109)

Heads
Major powers, rulers, government
Daniel 7:6 cf Daniel 8:8,22 (1311); Revelation 17:3,10 (1888)

Hidden Manna
Christ
John 6:49,50,53 (1558); Matthew 13:44 (1419)

Horn
Power and strength
Deuteronomy 33:17 (348); Zechariah 1:18,19 (1377)
King or Kingdom
Psalm 89:17,24 (923); Danies 8:5,21,22 (1311)

Horse
Symbol of battle
Exodus 15:21 (112), Isaiah 43:17 (1076); Jeremiah 8:6
(1119); Ezekiel 38:15 (1273); Zechariah 10:3 (1385)
Special representatives/angels
Zechariah 1:8,10 (1376); 6:1-8 (1380)

Image
A likeness
Exodus 20:4 (119); Genesis 1:26 (2); 5:3 (7); Deuteronomy
4:25 (296); Romans 8:29 (1657)

Incense
Prayers of God’s people
Psalm 141:2 (961); Revelation 5:8 (1805); 8:3,4 (1818)

Israel
True followers of Christ
Romans 9:6-8 (1658); Romans 2:28,29 (1650); Galatians 3:29 (1710)

Jezebel
Immortality, idolatry, apostasy
I Kings 21:25 (593); II Kings 9:22 (615)

Key of David
Power to open and close the sanctuary
Revelation 3:7,8 (1803); Isaiah 22:22 (1049)

Keys
Control/jurisdiction
Isaiah 22:22 (1049); Matthew 16:19 (1425)

Lamb’s wife
New Jerusalem
Revelation 19:7-9 (1821); 21:2,9,10 (1823)

Lion
Strength and Jesus Christ
Genesis 49:9 (84); Revelation 5:4-9 (1805); Psalm 7:2 (862)

Locusts
Destructive/destructive agencies
Joel 1:4 (1333); Deuteronomy 28:38 (336)

Man child
Jesus
Psalm 2:7-9 (860); Revelation 12:5 (1813)

Mark
Sign/seal/mark of approval, or disapproval
Romans 4:11 (1652); Revelation 7:2,3 (1807); Ezekiel 9:4 (1220)

Measuring rod
God’s law
James 2:10:12 (1775); Ecclesiastes 12:13,14 (1016)
God’s word
Isaiah 8:19,20 (1034); II Timothy 3:16,17 (1750)

Merchants
Advocates of Babylon’s teaching
Isaiah 47:11-15 (1082); Nahum 3:16,17 (1363);
Revelation 18:3,11,15,23 (1819)

Moon
Permanence
Psalm 89:39,37 (924)
Moses’ system of types and sacrifice
Hebrews 10:1,11 (1766)

Morning Star
Jesus
Revelation 22:16 (1826)

Mountains
Political or religio/political powers
Isaiah 2:2,3 (1025); Jeremiah 17:3 (1133); 31:23 (1157);
Jeremiah 51:24,25 (1195); Ezekiel 17:22,23 (1234);
Daniel 2:35,44,45 (1298)

Mystery of God
The gospel
Ephesians 1:9,10 (1714); 3:9 (1716); 6:19 (1721); Colossians 1:26,27 (1729)

New Jerusalem
The Holy City of Heaven
Revelation 3:12 (1804); 21:2 (1823)

Oil
Holy Spirit
Zechariah 4:2-6 (1378); Revelation 4:5 (1804)

Open Door
Unlimited opportunity
I Corinthians 16:9 (1689); Acts 14:27 (1618); John 10:7-9 (1567);
Hosea 2:15 (1322); Colossians 4:3 (1732)

Rainbow
Token of covenant keeping
Genesis 9:11-17 (12)

Red (color)
Sin, corruption
Isaiah 1:18 (1025); 26:21 (1053); Psalm 75:8 (912); Jeremiah 46:10 (1183)
Persecution
Ezekiel 32:6,11 (1260); Jeremiah 46:10 (1183); Nahum 2:3 (1362)

Reins
Seat of will, affections
Psalm 7:9 (863); 16:7 (867); 26:2 (875); 73:21 (911); Proverbs
23:16 (993); Jeremiah 17:10 (1133

Second Death
Lake of fire
Revelation 21:8 (1824); 20:14 (1823)

Serpent
Satan
Revelation 12:7-9 (1813); Revelation 20:2 (1822)

Seven Candlesticks
7 Candlesticks in Holy Place of Sanctuary
Exodus 25:31-40 (128
Seven Churches
Revelation 1:20 (1801)

Seven Heads
Seven political powers
Revelation 17:9,10 (1818); Isaiah 2:2,4 (1025); Jeremiah 17:3 (1133)

Seven Lamps
Jesus, Word of God
John 9:5 (1565); John 1:9 (1546); Psalm 119:105 (950);
Revelation 4:5 (1805)

Sickle
Symbol of harvest – End of world
Matthew 13:39 (1419); Revelation 14:14 (1816)

Sodom
Moral degradation
Ezekiel 16:46-55 (1231)

Stars
Angels
Revelation 1:16,20 (1801); 12:4,7-9 (1813); Job 38:7 (854)

Sword
Bloodshed, destruction
Isaiah 3:25 (1028); 13:15 (1039); Acts 12:1,2 (1612); Jeremiah 48:2 (1185)

Testimony of Jesus
Spirit/gift of prophecy
Revelation 19:10 (1821); 22:9 (1825); I Corinthians 13:2 (1684)

Time
Literal year
Daniel 4:16,23,25,32 (1303); 7:25 (1311); 11:13 margin (1317);
Revelation12:6,14 (1813); cf 11:2,3 (1811)

Torment
Test, prove by trial
I Corinthians 3:13 (1672); Hebrews 12:29 (1772); Isaiah 33:14 (1062)

Twenty-four Elders
A group redeemed from earth
Revelation 5:9,10 (1805); 4:4 (1804); 7:9,14 (1801)

Two-edged Sword
God’s word – Sword of spirit
Ephesians 6:17 (1720); Hebrews 4:12 (1760); Matthew 10:34
(1412); Isaiah 49:2 (1084)

Two Witnesses
Old and New Testament
John 5:39 (1556); Zechariah 4:1-14 (1378); Psalm 119:130,105 (951);
John 12:48 (1573)

White robes
Victory & Righteousness
Isaiah 61:10 (1099); Revelation 19:8 (1821); 3:5 (1803);
Zechariah 3:1-5 (1378); Revelation 7:14 (1808); Galatians 3:27 (1709)

Winds
Strife, commotion, “winds of war”
Jeremiah 25-31, (1147); 49:36,37 (1190); 4:11-13 (1112);
Zechariah 7:14 (1382)

Wine
False doctrine/teachings
Jeremiah 25:15-18 (1146); 51:7 (1194)
Jesus blood of atonement
Matthew 26:21-29 (1444)

Wings
Speed
Habakkuk 1:6-8 (1365); Jeremiah 4:13 (1112); Exodus 19:4 (118)

Wormwood
Sorrow/bitterness
Jeremiah 9:15 (1121); 23:15 (1142); Lamentations 3:19 (1205)

Wrath of God
Seven last plagues
Revelation 15:1 (1816)

Adapted from http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/studies/spiritual/revelations/symbols_revelation.htm – Lorraine Day, M.D.

Meet and Greet – All Bloggers

Well this is the third post I have done like this so far and I have seen some great connections. I’ll keep doing these off and on and I think they provide a great way for “active bloggers” to network. This post now has over 2,000 active bloggers waiting to connect in it. I encourage anyone looking for new blogs to view or people to converse with to browse through the comment section and network.

All bloggers are welcome to use this post as a “Self-Promotion” thread for their blog, projects, causes, writing, books, eBooks, food, fashion, or whatever you are into. You may post links, book covers, or whatever you like and feel free to revisit and leave a new comment as this thread will quickly fill up.

Hopefully some authors, photographers, painters, writers, and bloggers will take the opportunity to push their work. Please keep promotional comments on the posts dedicated for that purpose.

Feel free and re-blog or share this post. Thanks!

Thanks – OM