A WEDNESDAY NIGHT BOOK STUDY
EDGEMONT BIBLE CHURCH
FALL 2009- SPRING 2010
FEBRUARY 17,2010
THE SEVENTH TRUMPET - Part 6
REVELATION CHAPTER 11:15-19
THE SEVENTH SEAL

IX. THE SEVENTH SEAL IS OPENED (Continued from previous week)
H. The Seventh Trumpet sounds - Angelic announcement
1. The kingdom(s) of this world...
a. The hierarchy of heaven from Creation
* Cherubim (Archangels?), Seraphim, Living Beings, Elders, Angels: Gen 3:24; Ez 10:1-20; Ez 28:14-16; Rev 4:1-11
* Thrones, dominions, principalities, powers Col 1:16;
* Rulers, hosts Eph 6:12
* Watchers Dan 4:13, 17, 23
b. Rebellion in the heavens Isa 14:12-17; Ez 28:12-17; Rev 12:4
c. The fall of man and the usurpation of authority - the kingdom of our God becomes the kingdom(s) of this world!
* Sovereign authority and delegated authority
* Deceit over authority and equality with God ~Satan
* Whom you obey, his servants you are Rom 6:16; 2 Pet 2:19
* The delegated kingdom of God on earth is now influenced and bonded by man's willingness to heed the words of the liar, the devil, Satan, making it literally the kingdom of Satan or the power of darkness and him the god of this age, the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that works in the sons of disobedience
* Every place men go to subdue and have dominion over the earth they are dogged with their bondage to the usurper, who would enslave them to follow his dictates; their sin of distrust of God and self-exaltation contributed to the wickedness of the new "kingdom" and the blind following of Satan as if they themselves were still in charge; they are no more than slaves to his will
* The intensity of this battle to control finds a full expression in the "days of Noah" when the wicked angels propagate with the daughters of men to create a hybrid race of half-human/half-demon men resulting in a powerful, but wicked breed that is intended to stop any messiah to come from the seed of man. This of course resulted in the judgment of the flood and the destruction of all but 8 of the human race!
* A battle between the holy angels and Satan and his angels for the right to rule ensues because the kingdom belongs to God and His kingdom rules over all
* In the same way the kingdom was lost, through acceptance of the statements of the liar as true, the only way the holy angels can assist man in his proper dominion of the kingdom delegated to him is if such a man or men trusted God's word over their own self-centered deceit and practiced truth. When men give themselves over to the fear of God, faith in God and application of His Word in obedience that nation or kingdom becomes a holy nation or kingdom. When men give themselves over to the lie, distrust or forget God and exalt themselves, that nation is corrupt and on a path to destruction.
* This is why we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but
against principalities and powers etc. These two ranks of angels are in a pitched battle continuously for the dominion over earth. It is lost or won on the basis of what men believe and act on about God - truth or lie. As we believe, promote and live truth, the region we are in comes under the influence of the Spirit of God and the holy angels. As we reject truth, believe and act upon lies, the region comes under the influence of the one who has come to steal, to kill and to destroy.
* Our goal must be to pray for those in authority over us (that they will be God-fearing, believing leaders) and to promote the truth that tears down strongholds and every thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God
d. A principality is a prince over a region, city or district.
* Any "kingdom" or "nation" which gives itself over to the lie, is dominated by a principality. He is now known in Scripture as the prince of that territory; see Daniel 10:12-13; 20
* Ranking under him and used by him would be those known as powers, rulers of the darkness of this age and spiritual hosts of wickedness. There function is to keep all "citizens" "fat and happy" with their slavery to the wicked one
* But there will be a battle going on for the hearts and minds of the thoughtless people who are being used by the principality. The battle is conducted by the promotion of truth, humility, faith and prayer. These are the tools that empower the holy ones to win the battle for control back from the wicked ones. It is always a tentative holding as men are given over to sin and a sinful nature than they are to holiness. Idolatry, power, control and passions are more likely to dominate than holiness and submission to God. It makes it very hard for any nation to stay under God's control and enjoy His blessings!
2... .have become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ.. .forever and ever!
a. The angel's announcement is so wonderful as to cause all of heaven to pause and to reflect on the truth that the ages-long battle is finally over!
* As a man had lost the delegated kingdom of God, so too now a Man, the man Christ Jesus, has won it back!
* The kingdom on earth shall never be lost again and all things shall be corrected as they ought to be!
*The slavery has ended; the slave master is judged and condemned!
* The new covenant with the house of Judah and the house of Israel will soon be in force!
* The kingdom promised to David and to all Israelis finally to be seen and realized!
* All prophecies and visions shall be completed and fulfilled!
b. The announcement is so profound and awesome, the four elders fall on their faces and worship God!
* They praise His Omnipotence and eternality
* They give thanks for His mighty intervention of grace, mercy, power and righteousness for regaining the kingdom of earth.
* They acknowledge His longsuffering in dealing so patiently with the enraged nations and finally bringing His wrath to bear on their total unrighteousness.
* They acknowledge that the righteous dead will be rewarded and the unrighteous dead will finally receive the well-deserved punishment
* They acknowledge that those who have destroyed the earth, the devil and all his hordes, shall be finally themselves destroyed!
3. The temple of God in heaven, which had been closed to sinful man, is now opened for all to see!
a. This means that God's presence will now be open to all men!
b. Mercy, grace, fellowship with God are now an every moment occurrence!
c. As God had foretold, He will tabernacle among His people, be
their God and they shall be His people!
d. The missing Ark of the Covenant is now seen to be in the Holy of Holies in heaven!
3. As a response to this announcement, the atmosphere and the earth respond with lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake and great hail!