Chapter One: Introduction with the key to understanding the time-line is verse 19 - "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter (Ch. 1 - by verse 19, John had seen the Glorified Lord.
Chapters Two and Three: The things which are: at that time, there were seven churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), each symbolic of the seven types of churches throughout the Church Age.
Chapters Four and Five: Because the Church is not mention after Chapter Three, and John was a born again believer, his call to "Come up hither" in Ch. 4:1 is believed to represent the removal of genuine believers via the Rapture of the Church (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-54; 1 Th. 4:16-17). These two chapters take place in heaven.
Chapters Six - Eleven: These chapters discuss what happens on earth during the first half of the seven-year Tribulation. Chapter Six clearly describes what is about to take place as "the wrath of the Lamb (v.16-17). Many believe that the wrath of God is not poured out until Chapter Thirteen, but the entire seven years are described as the "Time of Jacob's Trouble" (Jer. 30:7), and the "Seventieth Week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27). Chapter Eleven reveals the "Two Witnesses," who are given three and a half years to proclaim God's kingdom (11:3-12).
Chapter Twelve: Seems to be an overview of Satan being confined to the earth (v. 3-4); his attempt to kill the "male child" (some believe the woman is Israel, and Jesus is the Child; others believe the woman is Israel, and the "male child" is the Church, and as the Body of Chris, it is removed in the Rapture). The problem with the second view, is that "male child" is singular; He was to "rule with a rod of iron" (Ps. 2:9; Rev. 2:22; 12:5; 19:15) but it was postponed; and when He is caught up, it is to His throne! The "woman" represents corporate Israel; notice the verb is plural in verse 12:14 ["And to the woman (sing.) were (plur.) given two wings of a great eagle, that she (sing.) might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (3 1/2 years), from the face of the serpent.").]
Chapter Thirteen: This chapter is what is called "the midst of the week" (Dan. 9:27; Rev. 24:15-16). It is when The Beast (Antichrist - 1 Jn. 2:18) miraculously recovers from a mortal wound, and is empowered by Satan (the Dragon - 13:3-4). Then "Another Beast" (the False Prophet - 13:11; 19:20) joins up with the "First Beast," and he is given authority to kill all who will not worship the "First Beast" (13:15).
Chapters Fourteen - Eighteen: The Antichrist and False Prophet attempt to destroy Israel, but God protects them as His remnant (See 12:14).
Chapter Nineteen: The Second Coming of Christ!
Chapter Twenty: The thousand year reign of Christ (the Millennium), and the Great White Throne Judgment)!
Chapters Twenty-one - Twenty-Two: The New Heaven and New Earth / Eternity!
Church members will experience the horrors of the Tribulation;
Born again believers will spend that seven years with Jesus in heaven!
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