The fact that the apostle in his last epistle so uncompromisingly

condemns such a doctrine, should cause any who have entertained such an idea

to reconsider, or as the same chapter says `repent unto the acknowledging of

the truth'.  These false teachers did not say that the resurrection of Christ

Himself was past already, for that is a glorious truth.  They taught that the

resurrection of the believing member of the Body of Christ had taken place

already, and instead of such teaching being the glorious crown upon the whole

of the apostle's doctrine, it is likened to a gangrene, it overturns the

faith, while its teachers are said to have `erred', `swerved' or `missed

their way', and are placed in structural correspondence with the emissaries

of the devil, Jannes and Jambres of days gone by.  We have therefore no

option in the matter.  However we may respect our brethren, and may regard

their contribution to the ministry, there is nothing left for us, if we would

remain obedient and approved unto God, but sadly yet certainly, to `shun'

their teaching.

Paul, in view of his martyrdom, would most certainly have given some

personal word here if he had looked forward to passing from his prison to the

presence of his Lord.  What he does say points in quite another direction,

for he looks forward to `that day' in common with all those that love `His

appearing' (2 Tim. 4:8).

Before any comment is made or any individual feature examined, let us

see the structure of the book as a whole, for that settles its scope.  (See

This survey presents to the eye the whole book, and demonstrates at a

glance the fact that the central member `C' is indeed not only central in

position, but is the pivot or platform of the whole.  The seven-fold division

of visions is of great importance, the whole series being found in pairs,

that which takes place upon the earth being the result of that which has

taken place in heaven, which is not only a structural feature, but the

revelation of a principle.  It will be observed that the seven assemblies are

brought into direct line with the new Jerusalem, and that little company of

overcomers is the underlying theme of the book.

Much of the failure to understand the Scriptures arises from the fact

that we approach its pages thinking that we have to explain the Bible,

instead of realizing that the Bible has been written to explain things to us.

Further, we approach the various books of the Bible as though they had no

connection with the rest of Scriptures, and thereby not

A

1.

Introduction.  The angel testifying.

Behold He cometh. The Son of man.

John falls at the feet of Christ.  Seven stars.

B

2 & 3.

The Overcomers.  New Jerusalem.  Paradise.

Great White Throne.  Time of tribulation.

Not hurt of the Second death.

C1 a

4 & 5. In heaven -- The throne, the book,

the Lamb, living ones, all creation.

b  6:1 to 7:8. On earth -- The six seals.

The 144,000 of the children of Israel.