Reflections on Revelation day 191. Remember Revelation is overlaid with the Sanctuary service, its symbols, and its imagery. 

Day 191 

We need to remember how the OT sanctuary service is overlaid on top of Revelation forming bones for its structure. The 7 visions are preceded by a sanctuary scene. The Sanctuary was the OT system that involved symbolic sacrifices, furniture, buildings and 7 Holy days (Sabbaths). The first half of Revelation is overlaid by the daily rituals of the sanctuary that centred in the slain lamb. The second half of the book is overlaid with the yearly ritual surrounding the Day of Atonement. 

In a nutshell: The 7 Churches (Rev2-3) are introduced by Jesus, our representative in heaven, walking amongst the candlesticks dressed as the High Priest. The 7 Seals (Rev6-7) were introduced by that amazing worship scene in heaven, (Rev4 & 5) with the ascending crescendo of praise that centred in the Lamb who was slain, as the entire universe acknowledged the Divinity of the Lion/Lamb. The 7 Trumpets of Rev8-11 had Rev8:2-6 as their introduction as the angel stood at the altar of incense. 

As we move to the centrepiece, the 7 Great Controversy scenes, we find these are preceded by Johns invitation into the Most Holy Place in Rev11:19, where he is given a virtual tour of this apartment of the Heavenly Sanctuary. There he sees the Ark of the Covenant. In this piece of furniture, we would find the two tables of stone upon which the 10 commandments were inscribed. The thunder, lightning and earthquake are reminiscent of Sinai. 

The 7 last plagues of Rev16-18 are preceded by another worship scene in heaven, equally as impressive as Rev4 & 5. The de- inauguration of the sanctuary. 

In Rev19 & 20 the 7 Great Controversy scenes are expanded. These are preceded by Rev 19:1-10, another scene of Heavenly praise from the courtroom of Heaven involving the 24 elders and the great multitude. The Angels then announce the invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (to which you are invited!) 

The 7 part New Earth Vision (Rev 21 & 22) is preceded by Rev 21:1-8, the Doxology from the sanctuary, where it declares that God will again dwell with his people.