By Samuel P.
Tregelles
This
argument assumes that the chapters of
the Revelation follow one another in a chronological sequence,
so that
what is
narrated in Chapter 4 (the vision of the crowned elders) must
be
fulfilled long
before that which is recorded in Chapter 19, viz. the
appearing in
glory of the
Lord. This assumption, however, is a fallacy, as a very brief
examination of
the matter will show. The order of narration is not historical
but
moral; that
which occurs last being often here (as elsewhere) narrated
first.
Indeed, it is
usual in all prophetic Scripture to exhibit the final scene of
triumph
and
glory--“the preface of blessing
,” as it has been most appropriately called--before the
intervening
development of evil and of judgment. A
conspicuous example is found in the second chapter of Isaiah,
which
contains
the first of the visions granted to that prophet. The first
five verses
present
a glorious picture of the final blessing
of Israel in the millennial day, followed by a terrible
description of
the
judgments which shall precede the Day of the Lord and the
humbling of
the
nation under His hand.
Furthermore,
the Revelation, like other books
of prophecy, is composed of a series of visions which present,
in
different
aspects and with varying details, the events of the same, or
parts of
the same
period of history, the rule being that the earlier visions
give
outlines, the
later ones details, of the same events. There is not the
slightest
difficulty
in perceiving that after the vision of the glory of the risen
saints in
heaven
given in Chapters 4 and 5 of the Revelation, Chapter 6 gives
an outline
which
reaches to the close of the present dispensation, treating, in
fact, of
the
same events as are related in different connections, in
Chapter 19.
That
the vision presented in Chapters 4, 5 is
anticipative is proved by the fact
that coincidentally with the worship in heaven of the crowned
elders
and living
ones representing the risen saints, the earth at large, and
Israel in
it, are
presented in relations of millennial blessing. The words “they
reign
on the earth” (Chapter 5. 10) which Dr. Tregelles
asserts, form the true reading (see ante,
note on p. 69) must point to Israel enjoying the
fulfillment of
Isaiah
60:8-12. And even if the saints on earth, whose prayers are
presented
before
the throne by the crowned elders in heaven, could be supposed
to be the
Remnant
of Israel during the days of Antichristian tribulation (a
supposition
full of
the most irreconcilable difficulties, but which has been
strongly
urged), it is
impossible to overlook the fact that the earth with all its
inhabitants
(verse
13) is represented as joining, at the same time, in the song
of praise
to God
and the Lamb. This could never take place until the period of
Antichristian
evil was over, and the Lord was exalted throughout the earth
(see Ps.
46, 47),
that is, until after His second
advent.
And
yet it is frequently urged that “the
structure of the Revelation” is the strongest argument for the
rapture
of the
saints at a secret coming occurring some time prior to the
Lord’s
appearing in
glory!
It
will be easily seen by the following
outline of the Revelation, that the principle of repetition is
followed
throughout that book, as indeed is the case, generally, in all
the
prophetic
Scriptures.
-
Chapter
1--General Introduction.
-
Chapter
2, 3--The decline and approaching judgment of corporate
Gentile
Christianity,
as represented by the Seven Churches of Asia.
-
Chapter
4, 5--A vision of the heavenly glory of the risen “Church of
the
first‑born,”
and the Millennial blessing of the earth; forming the
“preface of
blessing” to
the Revelation as a whole.
-
Chapter
6--A vision, in outline, of the judgments immediately
preceding
the
Lord’s
Advent. The “preface of blessing” is given in verse 2,
where the Lord
is
displayed as the Conqueror; after which the chapter retraces
the
narration,
giving instruction regarding points prior to His appearing.
-
Chapter
7-9--A section giving fuller details of the Divine judgments
which
precede
the Advent. The “preface of blessing” is given in Chapter
7, which sets
forth
the two elect bodies who are preserved for blessing at that
period;
first, The
Elect Remnant of Israel (Chapter 7:1-8); and, second, “The
Church
of
the
first-born ones which are written in Heaven” (Cf. Heb.
12:23).
-
Chapter
10-13--A section giving still fuller details of the same
judgments, but
restricted to the last 1,260 days of the dispensation,
i.e.the last
“half-week” of Daniel (Dan. 9:27). Hence this portion of
the Revelation is called “a little book.”
The plan of the chapters is as follows: Chapter 10--The
“preface of
blessing “--a
vision of the Lord’s coming in power and glory. Chapter
11--Jerusalem’s
history
during the 1,260 days’ testimony of the two witnesses.
-
Chapter
12--Christianity
outcast and persecuted. Chapter 13--Antichrist reigning
supreme.
<>Chapter
14--A vision enlarging certain of the points before
mentioned,
such as
the
testimony, sufferings, and blessed hope of the persecuted
saints. The
“preface
of blessing” is in verses 1-5.
-
Chapter
15-18--A section dealing specially with the judgment of
Babylon.
Chapter
15--The “preface of blessing:” a vision of the
Millennial glory and reign of Christ and His saints.
-
Chapter
16--Judgments upon “the seat of the Beast and all
who follow him.”
-
Chapter 17--Moral
Babylon: (The Antichristian system.)
-
Chapter 18--Material Babylon: (The
capital city of Antichrist’s dominion.)
-
Chapter
19--The coming of the Lord in glory.
-
Chapter
20--The Millennial Reign, closed by a final revolt against
God:
the
final
judgment of the wicked dead.
<>
-
Chapter
21:1-8--The New Heavens and Earth--Eternity.
-
Chapter
21:9--end, Chapter 22. 1-5--The
Heavenly City, in its relations with the Earth during
the Millennium
(“The proof of this is seen in 22:2--“the
leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” In
the New
Heaven and New Earth (21:1) there is no more
curse,
sorrow, crying, nor pain,
“for the former things have passed away”).
-
Chapter 22:6 to end--Concluding
words
of warning and promise.