Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible





And all the angels were standing round the throne and the Councillors and the four Creatures, and they prostrated themselves on their faces in front of the throne and worshiped God, Verse ConceptsCreaturesProstrationThroneWorship, Times ForHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsAngels SingingWorshiping TogethereldersadorationAngelic Beings Praising GodThousands Of Angels Worship God






In it were all kinds of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds. Verse ConceptsGod, Impartiality OfBeastsFour Other ThingsMammalsForbidden Food

and in front of the throne is what seemed to be a sea of glass, 'resembling crystal, while within the space before the throne and round the throne are four Creatures full of eyes' in front and behind. The first Creature is like a lion, the second Creature like a calf, the third Creature has a face like a man's, and the fourth Creature is like an eagle on the wing. These four Creatures have each of them six wings, and all round, and within, they are full of eyes; and day and night they never cease to say-- 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord, our God, the Almighty, who was, and who is, and who shall be.' read more.
And, whenever these Creatures give praise and honour and thanks to him who is 'seated on the throne, to him who lives for ever and ever,'

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Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) The Lamb came forward; and he has taken the book from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And, when he had taken the book, the four Creatures and the twenty-four Councillors prostrated themselves before the Lamb, each of them holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense. (These are the prayers of Christ's People.) read more.
And they are singing a new song--'Thou art worthy to take the book and break its seals, for thou wast sacrificed, and with thy blood thou didst buy for God men of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation, and didst make them a Kingdom of Priests in the service of our God, and they are reigning upon the earth.' Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,' and they cried in a loud voice--'Worthy is the Lamb that was sacrificed to receive all power, and wealth, and wisdom, and might, and honour, and praise, and blessing.' And I heard every created thing in the air, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all that is in them crying--'To him who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb be ascribed all blessing, and honour, and praise, and dominion for ever and ever.' And the four Creatures said 'Amen,' and the Councillors prostrated themselves and worshiped.

Then I saw the Lamb break one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four Creatures crying with a voice like thunder--'Come.' And in my vision I saw 'a white horse.' Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he went out conquering and to conquer. When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second Creature crying--'Come.' read more.
Then there went out another horse, 'a red horse,' and to its rider was given the power to deprive the earth of peace, so that men should kill one another; and he was given a great sword. When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third Creature crying--'Come.' And in my vision I saw 'a black horse.' Its rider held scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice, coming from among the four Creatures, crying--'A quart of wheat for a florin, and three quarts of barley for a florin! But do not harm the oil and the wine.' When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth Creature crying-- 'Come.'

As soon as they have completed their testimony, 'the wild Beast that ascends from the bottomless pit will make war upon them and conquer' and kill them. Verse ConceptsCreaturesBottomless PitThe BeastMartyrdom, Examples OfSatan, Agents OfAntichrist, Names ForSatanic InvasionBeastsKilling ProphetsCosmic CreaturesTribulation MartydomThe Two Witnesses

They are singing what seems to be a new song, before the throne, and before the four Creatures and the Councillors; and no one was able to learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from earth. Verse ConceptsCreatureselders, in the churchMarketsSongsThroneAbundance, SpiritualHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsFour CreaturesOne Hundred Thousand And MoreCosmic CreaturesA New SongFruitless LearningElders In Heaven144,000elders

Then a third angel followed them, crying in a loud voice-- 'Whoever worships the Beast and its image, and receives its brand on his forehead or on his hand, Verse ConceptsForeheadsDisfigurement Of SinMarks On PeopleThird PersonAngels Doing God's WorkFate Of IdolatersWorshipping The Devil


Then I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mixed with fire; and, standing by this sea of glass, holding the harps of God, I saw those who had come victorious out of the conflict with the Beast and its image and the number that formed its name. Verse ConceptsGlassequipping, physicaldefeatSeaPromised VictoryBeastsSea Of GlassGod Appearing In FireHarpsTransparencyOvercoming Through Christ

The first angel went and emptied his bowl upon the earth; and it turned to loathsome and painful sores upon all who bore the brand of the Beast and who worshiped its image. Verse ConceptsThe BeastDisfigurement Of SinCosmic CreaturesMarks On PeopleFirst ThingsFate Of IdolatersBowl JudgmentsCatastrophic EventsMark Of The BeastHealing CancerAbscesscancerserenity

Then the fifth angel emptied his bowl upon the throne of the Beast; and darkness fell upon its Kingdom. Men gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of Heaven, because of their pains and because of their sores; yet they did not repent of what they had done. Then the sixth angel emptied his bowl upon the great river Euphrates; and the water in the river was dried up, so that the road for the Kings of the East might be made ready. read more.
And I saw three foul spirits, like frogs, come from the mouth of the Dragon and from the mouth of the Beast and from the mouth of the false Prophet.

Then I saw the Beast and the kings of the earth and their armies, gathered together to fight with him who sat on the horse and with his army. The Beast was captured, and with him was taken the false Prophet, who performed the marvels before the eyes of the Beast, with which he deceived those who had received the brand of the Beast and those who worshiped his image. Alive, they were thrown, both of them, into the fiery lake 'of burning sulphur.'

Then I saw thrones, and to those who took their seats upon them authority was given to act as judges. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony to Jesus and because of the Message of God, for they had refused to worship the Beast or its image, and had not received the brand on their foreheads and on their hands. They were restored to life, and they reigned with the Christ for a thousand years. Verse ConceptsForeheads666Faithfulness, To Godevil, victory overdefianceBeheadingThe BeastJudgesJudgment SeatPunishment, Legal Aspects OfSelf SacrificeThe Immortal SoulMartyrdom, Methods OfSufferings RewardedRemoving HeadsCosmic CreaturesBelievers JudgingMarks On PeopleAuthority Of DisciplesAvoiding IdolatrySubsequent Witness To ChristWorshipping The DevilMark Of The BeastHow First Resurrection Is Spread OutSigns Of The Timesend times prophecyMartyrdom

And round the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these I saw twenty-four Councillors sitting clothed in white robes; and on their heads they had crowns of gold. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoldThroneWhiteWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsGold OrnamentsTwelve BeingsTwenty SomeCrowns For God's PeopleElders In HeavenGreat White Throne JudgmentTwenty Four EldersSpiritual crownsThe Elderlycrowns

And the four Creatures said 'Amen,' and the Councillors prostrated themselves and worshiped. Verse ConceptsReverence, And ObedienceWorship, Times ForAmen


And all the angels were standing round the throne and the Councillors and the four Creatures, and they prostrated themselves on their faces in front of the throne and worshiped God, Verse ConceptsCreaturesProstrationThroneWorship, Times ForHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsAngels SingingWorshiping TogethereldersadorationAngelic Beings Praising GodThousands Of Angels Worship God

Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,' Verse ConceptsAngels RejoicingMany Spiritual BeingsA Million And MoreAngels SingingVoice Of The Archangeladoration

They are singing what seems to be a new song, before the throne, and before the four Creatures and the Councillors; and no one was able to learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from earth. Verse ConceptsCreatureselders, in the churchMarketsSongsThroneAbundance, SpiritualHeaven, Worshiping GodBeastsFour CreaturesOne Hundred Thousand And MoreCosmic CreaturesA New SongFruitless LearningElders In Heaven144,000elders

And, when he had taken the book, the four Creatures and the twenty-four Councillors prostrated themselves before the Lamb, each of them holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense. (These are the prayers of Christ's People.) Verse ConceptsSweet Odoursequipping, physicalMusical Instruments, types ofPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansFour CreaturesHarpsTwenty SomeBowing Before MessiahElders In HeavenTwenty Four Elders

the twenty-four Councillors prostrate themselves before him who is seated on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever, and throw down their crowns before the throne, saying-- Verse ConceptsSittingGod Sitting In GloryTwenty SomeCrowns For God's PeopleElders In HeavenSpecific Praising Of GodTwenty Four EldersSpiritual crownsThe Elderlyelderscrownsadoration

But one of the Councillors said to me--'Do not weep. The Lion conquered--the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Scion of David--and can therefore open the book with its seven seals.' Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.)

Then one of the Councillors turned to me and said 'Who are these who are robed in white? and whence did they come?' Verse ConceptsPromises To The AfflictedWhite And Bright ClothesWhite ClothsWho Is This?Elders In HeavenWhere From?elders

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At this the twenty-four Councillors, who were seated on their thrones before God, prostrated themselves on their faces and worshiped Him, Verse Conceptselders, in the churchThroneHeaven, Worshiping GodTwenty SomeElders In HeavenTwenty Four Elderselders

Then I saw, 'rising out of the sea, a wild Beast with ten horns' and seven heads. On its horns were ten diadems, and on its heads were blasphemous names. Verse ConceptsCreaturesBlasphemy, Examples OfThe BeastSeaSevenSeven Body PartsTen ThingsSeashoresHorns In AllegoryBlasphemyCrowns On CreaturesSand And GravelThe World Ruler


Another portent also was seen in the heavens There was a great red Dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. Verse ConceptsDragonsNames And Titles For SatanColors, ScarletSeven Body PartsSeven ThingsTen ThingsHorns In AllegoryCosmic CreaturesRed AnimalsSigns In The SkyCrowns On CreaturesLittle HornSpiritual crownscrowns







Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

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Then I saw, rising out of the earth, another wild Beast. It had two horns like those of a lamb, and its voice was like a dragon's. Verse ConceptsSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InHorns In AllegoryCosmic CreaturesTwo Of Body PartsThe False ProphetThe Second Coming

And he bore me away in a trance to a lonely place, and I saw a woman seated upon a scarlet Beast, which was covered with blasphemous names; it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup, full of idolatrous abominations, and the unclean fruits of her licentiousness; while on her forehead there was written this mystic name--'BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF ALL IDOLATROUS ABOMINATIONS UPON EARTH.' read more.
And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of Christ's People and with the blood of the martyrs for Jesus. When I saw her, I was amazed beyond measure; but the angel said to me-- 'Why were you amazed? I will tell you the mystic meaning of the vision of this woman, and of the Beast, with the seven heads and ten horns, that carries her. The Beast that you saw was, but is not, and is about to rise out of the bottomless pit, and is on its way to destruction. Those who are living on earth will be amazed--those whose names have not been written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world--when they see that the Beast was, but is not, and yet will come.' (Here there is need for the discerning mind.) The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the woman is seated. They are also seven kings; of whom five have fallen and one remains, while one is not yet come. When he comes, he must stay for a little while. So must the Beast that was, but is not. He counts as an eighth king, although he is one of the seven, and is on his way to destruction. The ten horns that you saw are ten kings. who have not yet received their kingdoms, but for an hour they receive the authority of kings, together with the Beast. These kings are of one mind in surrendering their power and authority to the Beast. They will fight with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; so, too, will those with him who have received the Call and are chosen and faithful. And the angel said to me-- 'The waters that you saw, where the Harlot is seated, are throngs of people and men of all nations and languages. The ten horns that you saw, and the Beast--they will hate the Harlot, and cause her to become deserted and strip her bare; they will eat her very flesh and utterly consume her with fire.


Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

These are the men who never defiled themselves in their intercourse with women; they are as pure as virgins. These are the men who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were redeemed as the first-fruits of mankind for God and for the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFollowing Jesus Christdiscipleship, nature ofDefilement, By SinCommitment, to Jesus ChristAsceticism, TypesMarketsCelibacyMetaphorical Firstfruits144,000UniversalismDefilementFirst fruitsSexual PurityThe Rapturerevelationredeemedvirginity




Then a voice said to me 'Write-- "Blessed are those who have been summoned to the marriage feast of the Lamb."' And the voice said-- 'These words of God are true.' Verse ConceptsBabylonFeastingBanquets, Events CelebratedCelebrationsAngels as agents of judgmentAngels, as God's messengersGuestsHonestyLove FeastMarriage, Customs ConcerningWeddingsBlessed Through GodMarriage To GodWedding GuestsRomanceGay Marriage


Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, and were laden with the seven last Curses, came and spoke to me. 'Come here,' he said, 'and I will show you the Bride, the Wife of the Lamb.' Verse ConceptsNames And Titles For The ChurchSeven SpiritsSeven ThingsEnd Of ActionsMarriage To God

And, when he had taken the book, the four Creatures and the twenty-four Councillors prostrated themselves before the Lamb, each of them holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense. (These are the prayers of Christ's People.) Verse ConceptsSweet Odoursequipping, physicalMusical Instruments, types ofPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesHeaven, Glimpsed By HumansFour CreaturesHarpsTwenty SomeBowing Before MessiahElders In HeavenTwenty Four Elders

for the Lamb that stands in the space before the throne will be their shepherd, and will lead them to life-giving springs of water; and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.' Verse ConceptsEyes, Used In PropheciesdiseasesBereavement, God's Comfort inFountainsGuidance, God's Promises OfKnowing God, Effects OfRest, EternalWellsTearsWhat Heaven Will Be LikeFountains Of LifeMetaphorical SpringsGod Will ComfortWells, Figurative Use

They are singing the song of Moses, the Servant of God, and the song of the Lamb-- 'Great and marvelous are thy deeds, O Lord, our God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are thy ways, Eternal King. Verse ConceptsGod, Righteousness OfGod, Sovereignty OfKingsKingship, DivineMoses, Significance OfServanthood, In Life Of BelieversSongsNames And Titles For ChristThe AlmightyGod Reigning ForeverComposersGod Doing RightDoing RightSlaves Of GodWhat God Does

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The wall of the City had twelve foundation stones, on which were the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. Verse ConceptsFoundationsThe Number TwelveFoundations Of NationsWalled TownsTwelve DisciplesTwelve ThingsNew Jerusalem

and they are crying to the mountains and the rocks-- 'Fall upon us, and hide us from the eyes of him who is seated on the throne, and from the Wrath of the Lamb, Verse ConceptsFace Of GodPainSuicideThroneLamb Of GodGod Sitting In GloryStones For ProtectionBeing Hidden From GodHidden From GodEnd Timeswrathhidingrevelationjumping

Then, in my vision, I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. With him were a hundred and forty-four thousand men, with his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. Verse ConceptsForeheadsGuaranteeZion, As A SymbolWhat Heaven Will Be LikeGlorified SaintsThe Sealing Of The Holy SpiritOne Hundred Thousand And MoreWriting On PeopleFather And Son AlikeRelationship Of Father And SonCalled By God's Name144,000

Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

Then I saw, rising out of the earth, another wild Beast. It had two horns like those of a lamb, and its voice was like a dragon's. Verse ConceptsSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InHorns In AllegoryCosmic CreaturesTwo Of Body PartsThe False ProphetThe Second Coming

After this, in my vision, I saw a vast throng which no man could number, of men from every nation and of all tribes, and peoples, and languages. They stood in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, robed in white, holding palm branches in their hands. And they are crying in a loud voice-- ' Salvation be ascribed to our God who is seated on his throne and to the Lamb.'

And I saw no Temple there, for the Lord, our God, the Almighty, and the Lamb are its Temple. The City has no need of 'the sun or the moon to shine upon it, for the Glory of God illuminated it,' and its Lamp was the Lamb.


Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities






The Law, though able to foreshadow the Better System which was coming, never had its actual substance. Its priests, with those sacrifices which they offer continuously year after year, can never make those who come to worship perfect. Verse ConceptsFreedom from the LawLaws, AbolishedForeshadowingRestored In Jesus ChristPerfection, HumanPriesthood, In NtShadowsWorship, Acceptable AttitudesLaw, TemporaryAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristAntitypesUnceasingEvery YearDoing RepeatedlyOffering SacrificesReligious FreedomFreedomSacrificeSelf Imagelawimagereality

Get rid entirely of the old leaven, so that you may be like new dough-free from leaven, as in truth you are. For our Passover Lamb is already sacrificed-Christ himself; Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTAtonement, Types OfLambsMalicePassoverPassover lambSacramentsSin, God's Remedy ForTypesChrist, Types OfShowbreadPurgingAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristOld NatureFreshIdentity

The bodies of those animals whose blood is brought by the High Priest into the Sanctuary, as an offering for sin, are burnt outside the camp. And so Jesus, also, to purify the People by his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go out to him 'outside the camp,' bearing the same reproaches as he;

Every other priest stands day after day at his ministrations, and offers the same sacrifices over and over again--sacrifices that can never take sins away. But, this priest, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, which should serve for all time, 'took his seat at the right hand of God,'

Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

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The Law, though able to foreshadow the Better System which was coming, never had its actual substance. Its priests, with those sacrifices which they offer continuously year after year, can never make those who come to worship perfect. Otherwise, would not the offering of these sacrifices have been abandoned, as the worshipers, having been once purified, would have had their consciences clear from sins? But, on the contrary, these sacrifices recall their sins to mind year after year. read more.
For the blood of bulls and goats is powerless to remove sins. That is why, when he was coming into the world, the Christ declared-- 'Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire, but thou dost provide for me a body; Thou dost take no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. So I said, "See, I have come' (as is written of me in the pages of the Book), "To do thy will, O God."' First come the words-- 'Thou dost not desire, nor dost thou take pleasure in, sacrifices, offerings, burnt offerings, and sacrifices for sin' (offerings regularly made under the Law), and then there is added-- 'See, I have come to do thy will.' The former sacrifices are set aside to be replaced by the latter. And it is in the fulfillment of the will of God that we have been purified by the sacrifice, once and for all, of the body of Jesus Christ. Every other priest stands day after day at his ministrations, and offers the same sacrifices over and over again--sacrifices that can never take sins away. But, this priest, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, which should serve for all time, 'took his seat at the right hand of God,' and has since then been waiting 'for his enemies to be put as a stool for his feet.' By a single offering he has made perfect for all time those who are being purified.


For, when every command had been announced to all the people by Moses in accordance with the Law, he took the blood of the calves and of the goats, with water, scarlet wool, and a bunch of hyssop, and sprinkled even the Book of the Law, as well as all the people, saying, as he did so-- "This is the blood that renders valid the Covenant which God has commanded to be made with you." And in the same way he also sprinkled with the blood the Tabernacle and all the things that were used in public worship. read more.
Indeed, under the Law, almost everything is purified with blood; and, unless blood is shed, no forgiveness is to be obtained. While, then, it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly realities to be purified by such means as these, the heavenly realities themselves required better sacrifices. For it was not into a Sanctuary made by human hands, which merely foreshadowed the true one, that Christ entered, but into Heaven itself, that he might now appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor yet was it to offer himself may times, as year after year the High Priest entered the Sanctuary with an offering of blood--but not his own blood; for then Christ would have had to undergo death many times since the creation of the world. But now, once and for all, at the close of the age, he has appeared, in order to abolish sin by the sacrifice of himself. And, as it is ordained for men to die but once (death being followed by judgment), so it is with the Christ. He was offered up once and for all, to 'bear away the sins of many'; and the second time he will appear--but without any burden of sin--to those who are waiting for him, to bring Salvation.


Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) The Lamb came forward; and he has taken the book from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And, when he had taken the book, the four Creatures and the twenty-four Councillors prostrated themselves before the Lamb, each of them holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense. (These are the prayers of Christ's People.) read more.
And they are singing a new song--'Thou art worthy to take the book and break its seals, for thou wast sacrificed, and with thy blood thou didst buy for God men of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation, and didst make them a Kingdom of Priests in the service of our God, and they are reigning upon the earth.' Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,' and they cried in a loud voice--'Worthy is the Lamb that was sacrificed to receive all power, and wealth, and wisdom, and might, and honour, and praise, and blessing.' And I heard every created thing in the air, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all that is in them crying--'To him who is seated on the throne and to the Lamb be ascribed all blessing, and honour, and praise, and dominion for ever and ever.'



Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

To the Angel of the Church in Sardis write:-- "These are the words of him who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars;--I know your life, and that men say of you that you are living, though you are dead. Verse ConceptsLettersReputationSpiritsChurch, Examples OfSeven SpiritsSeven LightsNot Maintaining LifeSpiritually DeadChrist Knowing About PeopleWriting LettersOne's Deeds

From John, to the seven Churches which are in Roman Asia. Blessing and peace be yours from him who is, and who was, and who shall be, and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne, Verse ConceptsSevenSpiritsNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritProvincesThe Existence Of GodSeven PeopleSeven SpiritsGod In Three PersonsGrace Be To YouThe Fact Of His ComingGoing To Church

Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities

Out from the throne 'come flashes of lightning, cries, and peals of thunder'! There are seven torches burning in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God; Verse ConceptsLightningSpiritsSymbolsThunderSeven SpiritsSeven LightsFire Of The SpiritRumblingThe RainbowThunder Showing God's Presence

Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities



The bodies of those animals whose blood is brought by the High Priest into the Sanctuary, as an offering for sin, are burnt outside the camp. And so Jesus, also, to purify the People by his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go out to him 'outside the camp,' bearing the same reproaches as he;


Then, within the space between the throne and the four Creatures, and in the midst of the Councillors, I saw, standing, a Lamb, which seemed to have been sacrificed. It had seven horns and seven eyes. (These eyes are the seven Spirits of God, and they are sent into all the world.) Verse ConceptsAtonement, in NTHornsSpiritsSymbolsCherubim, At God's ThroneAnimal Sacrifices, As A Type Of ChristFour CreaturesSeven SpiritsSeven Body PartsHorns In AllegoryChrist Was KilledElders In HeavenGod Sending ProphetsHeavenLeadership Qualities


but into the inner only the High Priest goes, and that but once a year, and never without taking the blood of a victim, which he offers on his own behalf, and on behalf of the errors of the People. By this the Holy Spirit is teaching that the way into the Sanctuary was hidden, as long as the outer part of the Tabernacle still remained. For that was only a type, to continue down to the present time; and, in keeping with it, both gifts and sacrifices are offered, though incapable of satisfying the conscience of the worshiper; read more.
the whole system being concerned only with food and drink and various ablutions--external ceremonials imposed until the coming of the New Order. But, when Christ came, he appeared as High Priest of that Better System which was established; and he entered through that nobler and more perfect 'Tabernacle,' not made by human hands--that is to say, not a part of this present creation. Nor was it with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, that he entered, once and for all, into the Sanctuary, and obtained our eternal deliverance. For, if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, purify those who have been defiled (as far as ceremonial purification goes), how much more will the blood of the Christ, who, through his eternal Spirit, offered himself up to God, as a victim without blemish, purify our consciences from a lifeless formality, and fit us for the service of the Living God! And that is why he is the intermediary of a new Covenant; in order that, as a death has taken place to effect a deliverance from the offenses committed under the first Covenant, those who have received the Call may obtain the eternal inheritance promised to them.

This explains why even the first Covenant was not ratified without the shedding of blood. For, when every command had been announced to all the people by Moses in accordance with the Law, he took the blood of the calves and of the goats, with water, scarlet wool, and a bunch of hyssop, and sprinkled even the Book of the Law, as well as all the people, saying, as he did so-- "This is the blood that renders valid the Covenant which God has commanded to be made with you." read more.
And in the same way he also sprinkled with the blood the Tabernacle and all the things that were used in public worship. Indeed, under the Law, almost everything is purified with blood; and, unless blood is shed, no forgiveness is to be obtained. While, then, it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly realities to be purified by such means as these, the heavenly realities themselves required better sacrifices. For it was not into a Sanctuary made by human hands, which merely foreshadowed the true one, that Christ entered, but into Heaven itself, that he might now appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor yet was it to offer himself may times, as year after year the High Priest entered the Sanctuary with an offering of blood--but not his own blood;

The Law, though able to foreshadow the Better System which was coming, never had its actual substance. Its priests, with those sacrifices which they offer continuously year after year, can never make those who come to worship perfect. Otherwise, would not the offering of these sacrifices have been abandoned, as the worshipers, having been once purified, would have had their consciences clear from sins? But, on the contrary, these sacrifices recall their sins to mind year after year. read more.
For the blood of bulls and goats is powerless to remove sins. That is why, when he was coming into the world, the Christ declared-- 'Sacrifice and offering thou dost not desire, but thou dost provide for me a body; Thou dost take no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. So I said, "See, I have come' (as is written of me in the pages of the Book), "To do thy will, O God."' First come the words-- 'Thou dost not desire, nor dost thou take pleasure in, sacrifices, offerings, burnt offerings, and sacrifices for sin' (offerings regularly made under the Law), and then there is added-- 'See, I have come to do thy will.' The former sacrifices are set aside to be replaced by the latter. And it is in the fulfillment of the will of God that we have been purified by the sacrifice, once and for all, of the body of Jesus Christ. Every other priest stands day after day at his ministrations, and offers the same sacrifices over and over again--sacrifices that can never take sins away. But, this priest, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, which should serve for all time, 'took his seat at the right hand of God,' and has since then been waiting 'for his enemies to be put as a stool for his feet.' By a single offering he has made perfect for all time those who are being purified. We have also the testimony of the Holy Spirit. For, after saying-- '"This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days," says the Lord; "I will impress my laws on their hearts, and will inscribe them on their minds,"' then we have-- 'And their sins and their iniquities I will no longer remember.' And, when these are forgiven, there is no further need of an offering for sin. Therefore, Brothers, since we may enter the Sanctuary with confidence, in virtue of the blood of Jesus, by the way which he inaugurated for us--a new and living way, a way through the Sanctuary Curtain (that is, his human nature); and, since we have in him 'a great priest set over the House of God,' let us draw near to God in all sincerity of heart and in perfect faith, with our hearts purified by the sprinkled blood from all consciousness of wrong, and with our bodies washed with pure water.