The Book of Revelation 

Chapter 10 

As chapter 10 opens, we're presented with a mighty angel.  The description of this angel is one that astounds me.  Verse 2 declares he had a "little book open" as he set his right foot upon the sea and his left foot upon the earth.  We are not told what the book is in this instance but when we get to verses 9 and 10 (in just a little bit), we have an instruction given to John that was similar to one given to Ezekiel.  More on that in a little while.

Verses 3 and 4 tell us this angel cried with a loud voice and seven thunders also spoke.  It would have been wonderful to know what those seven thunders had to say, but John is told to seal up the sayings (much like Daniel was told to do with his prophecies and visions). 

It is of great importance to note the timing of this event!  Verses 6 and 7 of Chapter 10 tell us exactly when this will happen and also tell us that this is an event that could not have possibly EVER taken place up to this very day.

Revelation 10:6-7  "And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."

Now, friend, it doesn't matter to me what you decide to believe about the Book of Revelation, but one this passage cannot be denied.  TIME is still ongoing in this very day in the current year of 2007, but when the 7th angel sounds that 7th trumpet, TIME AS WE KNOW IT WILL CEASE.  

Since time has not ceased, there is no way you can claim the Book of Revelation has been completely fulfilled.

Read verse 7 again: 

Revelation 10:7  "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."

What do you suppose the "Mystery of God" might be?   There are several places in the Word of God that speak of a mystery and every single passages pertains to the end of all things when God himself is revealed to mankind!  Examine some of these:

Romans 11:25 speaks of a mystery concerning those who are "graffed in".   The Apostle Paul speaks of blindness that has happened to the Jews "Until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled".  To this day, the Jewish People are still blinded in part to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

Romans 16:25-26 speak of the mystery of God made known in Jesus Christ.  Paul said this was the mystery of God that had previously been kept secret since the world began (verse 25). 

1 Corinthians chapter 2 once again speaks of the mystery of God revealed in Jesus Christ, and speaks of the future things that have yet to come. 

1 Corinthians 15 speaks of the mystery of the return of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the dead.

The book of Ephesians speaks of the mystery of God throughout 4 of its 6 chapters.  Chapter 3 contains the greatest statements of the mystery of God revealed in Jesus Christ. 

The books of Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy,  and Revelation also mention this mystery.

With these in mind, read what is going to occur "in the days of the voice of the seventh angel..."

John wrote very plainly that when this angel begins to sound...the mystery of God should be FINISHED. 

Chapter 10, verse 9 is reminiscent of another event found in Ezekiel chapter 3. 

Ezekiel 3:1-4  "Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them."

In both passages, the prophet (in Revelation it was the Apostle John) was told to take the book and eat the book.  In both cases, the roll was sweet in the mouth.  Jeremiah also records that the Word of God is sweetness: 

Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

John records it was bitter in the belly.  This is a purely symbolic way of saying that the content of the words brought much grief. 

It is important to note that from verse 8 through the end of the chapter, the events are not included in the other events of Revelation (in other words, this was something specifically directed at John in that particular portion of the Revelation).   There is no relevance to us today other than gaining and understand of 2 important facts:

(1)  The Word of God is sweet and good, yet it is bitterness to the flesh!

(2)  John was not going to be exiled on Patmos forever but would prophesy again after this "revelation".  (Revelation 10:11   "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.").

 

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