Category: revelation

From Thick Darkness to Radiant Light: The Journey of Divine Revelation

In our times of confusion and doubt, when the presence of God feels obscured by the clouds of uncertainty, we hold fast to the truth that in Christ, God has revealed Himself, stepping out from behind the veil.

Brent Pollard

“Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.’” (2 Chronicles 6.1—the KJV says “thick darkness”)

Have you ever faced the awe-inspiring challenge of grasping the divine purpose, sensing His nearness during trials, or unraveling the intricacies of His character amidst life’s challenges? If that’s the case, you stand alongside the faithful and those who have earnestly sought truth throughout history.

The God Who Dwells in the Thick Cloud

When Solomon dedicated the impressive Temple in Jerusalem, he articulated a profound theological truth we often overlook. Before acknowledging the divine presence in the newly constructed sanctuary, Solomon first reminded the gathered worshippers that the Lord had declared, “He would dwell in the thick cloud” (2 Chronicles 6.1—the KJV states that God resided in “thick darkness”).

This statement wasn’t merely poetic language. Solomon pointed to a profound reality regarding the nature of divine revelation in the narrative of Israel’s past. During the Exodus journey, the Lord revealed His glory through a pillar of cloud. At Mount Sinai, “Moses approached the thick cloud where God was” (Exodus 20.21). The cloud was more than a convenient visual symbol; it embodied the profound mystery of divine revelation.

God reveals Himself but remains partially concealed. God makes Himself known yet retains His mystery. God comes near while transcending complete human comprehension.

The cloud embodied a dual nature, serving as both a source of revelation and a veil of concealment at once. Even as the Almighty resided with His people, an essential mystery lingered about Him, a sacred obscurity that no human intellect could fathom.

The ancient Israelites faced this theological tension in their daily lives. The divine presence resided in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, yet it was concealed by veils and accessed through sacred rituals. Prophets, sacred teachings, and divine interventions in history expressed His revelation, always conveying the understanding that something greater exists beyond the visible or the comprehensible.

The Revelation in Christ

But the story doesn’t end in darkness or shadows.

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son…He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature…” (Hebrews 1.1-3)

The New Testament unfolds an incredible progression in the story of divine revelation. In the Savior, the Almighty reveals Himself, emerging from obscurity. The heavy shadows yield themselves to brilliant illumination. What He had once hidden, we now see and understand more clearly, inspiring hope and transformation.

This truth doesn’t mean all mystery vanishes—God remains greater than our understanding—but something fundamental has changed. No longer do we approach God through shadows and symbols alone. In Jesus, we encounter “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1.15), the one who could rightfully say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14.9).

The author of Hebrews carefully constructs this theological progression. Where God once spoke “in many portions and in many ways” (including through clouds and darkness), He now speaks through His Son. Where God once concealed His glory, now we see “the radiance of His (God’s) glory.” Where God’s nature was once partially obscured, we now have “the exact representation of His nature.”

Living in the Light

What does this mean for us today?

It unveils that we serve a God who longs to be understood and embraced. From the smoking mountain of Sinai to the humble manger of Bethlehem, we witness the unfolding of God’s revelation, moving from shadow to substance and from cloud to clarity. This revelation is not distant or exclusive, but accessible and inclusive to all who seek it.

It means that although we continue to “see through a glass, darkly” in numerous aspects (1 Corinthians 13.12 KJV), we possess a profound revelation that sheds light on all else in Christ. While the shadows teach us valuable lessons, we now understand them thanks to the light of complete revelation.

God beckons us to a profound closeness with Him, though He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6.16). Thus, the veil has been torn asunder (Mark 15.38). God pierced the heavy veil of darkness separating us from that Light. As we traverse the valleys of shadow and face moments of uncertainty, we find solace in the unfolding of divine revelation. The Almighty, who once resided in the depths of dense clouds, has come close to us. Despite lingering darkness, the light still shines (John 1.5).

In our times of confusion and doubt, when the presence of God feels obscured by the clouds of uncertainty, we hold fast to the truth that in Christ, God has revealed Himself, stepping out from behind the veil. The transition from darkness to light transcends mere biblical narrative; it embodies the essence of our spiritual journey as we grow in our understanding of Him daily.

“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Weird Dreams

Where do dreams come from and what do they reveal about us? What did the ancients say? How does God communicate with us today? What do we do with what He communicates?

Dale Pollard

        Aspects of our dreams are often a concoction of reality blended with absurdity. You might dream about the house you grew up in but surely that argument with the giant worm wasn’t real. Nobody’s heard a worm speak since probably never. From what you can recall, the argument was over a sweater that the worm was knitting and whether or not it should include sleeves. You don’t remember how the worm was knitting without arms but you remember feeling a heavy and uncomfortable tension in the room when you said, “Just knit a long tube sock and cut the end off.” What seems orderly in dream land often transforms into chaos right after our eyes open. 

Plato acknowledged that dreams could be a source of prophecy or messages from the divine. It’s evident in dialogues like Crito where he touches upon the idea of dreams stemming from an otherworldly source (Crito 1.43a-44b). This was accepted as fact in the world of the Ancient Greeks, but Plato offered his own theories stating that dreams could reveal hidden desires, fears, and impulses that reside within us. He modified a once-popular myth in an attempt to explain the abstract nature of the human soul and— at least partially—what he imagined to be the nature of dreams. Plato likened the human soul to a chariot and charioteer (reason) trying his best to control the two rowdy horses (appetite and spirit). It’s always moving in our mind but the relationship of the driver and the horses is a constant battle between order and chaos. When one sleeps the thundering chariot can no longer be controlled by the driver and those irrational steeds assert themselves and our dreams are born out of the chaos (Phaderus 245c-249d). 

At one point ancient man could talk with God face to face (Gen. 3.18), but this privilege is sharply contrasted in the words of a surprised Jacob when he said, “I have seen the face of God and yet I’m still alive” (Gen. 32.30). In the place of personal interaction with our Creator we were provided with something that, while effective, was not nearly as intimate— dreams. But what they lacked in intimacy, they made up for in mystery. The first words of the first recorded dream in the Bible are, “Behold you are a dead man…” (Gen. 20.3b). This was a terrifying glimpse into the future of the dreamer, King Abimelech. If he didn’t give Abraham’s wife back, he was dead. 

       God spoke to Abraham previously but there seems to be some distinction between a vision and a dream. The word dream occurs fifty-nine times in the Bible and fifty-two of those are found in the Old Testament. When God communicates to a character in the text the reader is either left in the dark as to how He did so or, as in the case of Abimelech, we have the method of transmission stated each time God initially responds. God came to him in a dream “at night” (Gen.20.3a).

God has always desired to communicate with us and that hasn’t changed today. Opening our Bible is what allows Him to have a word with us today, but like Abimelech, our future is determined by what we decide to do with the information received. 

Revelation’s Resounding Relevance In A Changing World

Brent Pollard

Historically, I’ve seen the Book of Revelation as rooted in a bygone era, primarily relevant to the early Christians of the first and second centuries. Therefore, Revelation 2.10, which urged faithfulness to achieve eternal life, crystallized the central message for contemporary Christians. Earlier readings of Revelation painted it as a cryptic missive, but recent interactions, set against the backdrop of current news and social media, have reshaped my understanding of its relevance to our times. (And, no, I’m not referring to premillennial notions of the end times.)

Faith & Integrity:

Revelation emphasizes the importance of unwavering allegiance to one’s beliefs. Individuals today frequently navigate the turbulent waters of societal expectations and political correctness, just as early Christians did with the imposing orthodoxy of the Roman Empire. The letters to the seven churches can be read as a call to fortitude, warning against surrendering one’s values to the winds of societal change.

Furthermore, the church in Pergamum, which Jesus chastised for its flirtation with idolatrous teachings, serves as a stark warning against even seemingly minor compromises. Deviating from long-held Biblical teachings for modern ideologies can resemble the ancient seduction of the Imperial Cult.

Perseverance & Opposition:

Revelation encourages perseverance, especially when faced with persecution. Like their forefathers, modern Christians may face scorn or disdain for their steadfast adherence to biblical values. On the other hand, Revelation offers solace by promising rewards for unwavering faith.

Hope & Future:

In the grand narrative, Revelation emphasizes the transient nature of earthly regimes. The predicted demise of “Babylon” (Rome) is a powerful reminder of the transient nature of societal norms and structures. Current political correctness or societal mores are fleeting, particularly when viewed through eternity.

Revelation’s resounding theme is hope despite its occasionally bleak portrayals. Regardless of current challenges, the promise of the New Jerusalem and God’s ultimate triumph herald a brighter horizon.

Discernment & Judgment:

The rich tapestry of symbols and visions in Revelation invites discernment. This challenge reflects today’s environment, which is rife with competing narratives and information overload. The imperative is to cut through the noise and identify truths that align with biblical beliefs.

In conclusion, Revelation is not limited to the period in which John wrote it. It sends an enduring message, urging believers throughout the ages to remain steadfast in the face of external pressures and to cherish the eternal promise. This message emphasizes Revelation’s continuing relevance, encouraging our forefathers and current believers to consider its teachings.

For even more on the book of Revelation, we highly recommend Hiram Kemp’s study of Revelation at Lehman Avenue church of Christ (all archives are on our YouTube page and the class is a little over halfway done.

Perseverance And Faith:

Understanding Revelation’s Message for Then and Now

Brent Pollard

John wrote the Book of Revelation when the Roman Empire persecuted Christian communities. Emperor Domitian had exiled John to the island of Patmos. So, while in exile during Domitian’s reign, John wrote to encourage other persecuted Christians. Given the focus of the first three chapters on seven specific churches in Asia Minor (i.e., Turkey), as well as the emphasis on this being an urgent message (1.3; 22.10), we can conclude that the original audience of John’s apocalypse was these seven churches located in the heart of the imperial cult.

The imperial cult’s prominence in Asia Minor created significant tensions for Christians in Ephesus and Smyrna, two of the seven cities to which Jesus sent His message. Polycarp, a disciple of John, was martyred in 155 AD in his hometown of Smyrna. Domitian (81–96 AD) declared himself to be a god, adopting the title “Dominus et Deus” (Lord and God). Loyal Romans believed participating in cultic rites was a way to pledge allegiance to the emperor and Rome. We can quickly see how this caused problems for the burgeoning Christian community, which only referred to Jesus as their Lord and God.

The Christian community suffered socioeconomic consequences as a result of this refusal. Evidence shows that participation in the Imperial Cult was a prerequisite for engaging in certain types of business or trade in some parts and times of the Roman Empire. Members of trade guilds, which governed various kinds of commerce and industry, for example, might be expected to participate in the Imperial Cult as part of their membership.

Christians who refused to worship the emperor would have been economically marginalized. It’s no surprise that John compares imperial cult submission to having the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13.16–18). The gematria system reveals the meaning of the number “666” to be “Nero Caeser.” As such, the beast was Rome, with Nero as the first prominent persecutor of Christians, responsible for the deaths of Peter and Paul, among others.

The calls for faithfulness and warnings against compromise in Jesus’ direct messages to the seven churches would have resonated in the context of the temptation to assimilate and abandon spiritual beliefs for worldly acceptance or prosperity. While the specific nature of persecution differed across time and emperors, the struggles referenced in Revelation reflect a consistent tension between the emergence of Christianity and the Roman imperial system.

Symbols like Babylon the Prostitute and the Beast represent the decadence and oppression of Rome, especially under despotic rulers who declared themselves gods and demanded worship. Revelation transitions from tribulation under oppressive powers to expressing hope in God’s ultimate triumph over evil. This message of persevering faith leading to redemption would have encouraged early Christian communities to face real-world hardships and persecution.

While modern forms of oppression differ, Revelation reminds believers that staying true to one’s values in adversity is critical. Its themes demonstrate that faith and integrity will triumph over darkness. Deliverance comes through steadfast devotion. And, in a world of growing groupthink and social credit systems, Christians in the twenty-first century may need this message of perseverance even in the face of socioeconomic isolation and persecution as a reminder not to bow the knee to anyone but Christ. 

Revelation, with its intricate tapestry of symbols, warnings, and prophecies, is a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of overwhelming oppression. Its timeless message transcends its ancient origins, providing comfort and guidance to generations. As believers faced the might of the Roman Empire in the past, today’s challenges, while different, are no less demanding. Revelation reminds us that faith can move mountains in any age and that the light of truth, no matter how dimmed by adversity, will always find its way.

The Mystery Of The Thundering Voices

Tuesday Column: Dale Mail

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Dale Pollard

John is getting ready to faithfully record more of the incredible (and incredibly bizarre) visions in heaven as Revelation ten begins. However, the text says this, 

“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.” 10.1-4 

This wouldn’t be the first time that partial information is purposefully held back. The book of Daniel is considered to be “Revelation’s relative” and in Daniel 12 we see a similarity. The prophet understands that Israel will be destroyed and, understandably, he would like to know when these things will take place. 

“Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” 12.8 

The answers aren’t given and Daniel is left to wonder. The angels goes on to say, 

 “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” 

9-13 

We don’t get to know everything. In fact, we know based on these two accounts that God doesn’t reveal all of the information we’d like to know. We can rest peacefully knowing that God does reveal everything we need to know. For those of us who enjoy a good mystery, there are many to be found within scripture. 

The content shared by the thundering voices in Revelation 10 aren’t revealed in scripture. Perhaps because we don’t need to know these things. Maybe what was being said has already taken place, or maybe the information is beyond our earthly comprehension. God’s Word is a fascinating and incredible collection. It has the ability to save all of us— as well as the tendency to make us scratch our heads. 

Seven Horns And Seven Eyes (Revelation 5)

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

Dale Pollard

By the time we reach Revelation chapter five John is writing in greater detail all of the glory unfolding in the throne room of God. The door to heaven was opened and the revelator was called through it by the trumpeting voice of the Lord. The theories and wildly different views on the book and it’s meaning for the modern Christian seem to become more prominent in this chapter as well. Let’s briefly work our way through some of the challenging sections. 

Seven Seals 

First, in the opening lines we read of a scroll with writing on the front and back. This seems to indicate that there was much to be revealed as scrolls were typically written on one side only. 

Some have taken the seven seals to mean seven different scrolls, but the text only indicates one scrolls with seven wax seals holding it together. 

Over the years scholars have debated the contents of the scroll, but Jesus could break the seals (5.3-4). While there are several opinions about what was contained on the scroll, it’s best seen as the final will for the affairs of the universe. As vague and frustrating as that may sound, there’s simply no textual evidence to assume otherwise. In ancient Rome it was common to have government wills and classified documents protected by seven seals. To open such an important scroll required a high ranking individual. 

A Mighty Angel 

Calling out in a loud voice the angel asks, “who can open the scroll?” John begins to weep. If this mighty angel is searching for someone worthy, surely there’s not another who could possibly open it. 

The Lamb With Seven Eyes & Seven Horns 

The lamb which is representing Christ here is depicted as having features not normally seen on these animals. Seven eyes, which symbolize God’s all seeing eye. Then there are the seven horns, representing God’s ultimate power. The number seven was God’s number and it represents perfection and completion. The seven spirits, then, indicating the fullness and completeness of God. 

Who can open the seals? Only Jesus with His perfect power and foresight is able to open this one. Revelation is the great revealing of Christ, and Christ is the only One able to reveal it’s secrets. 

The book in it’s entirety has a message from God for us, but we must be sure to understand His revelation— not man’s. 

 Homesick For Heaven 

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

Daleheadshot

Dale Pollard

There is so much debate out there as to what Heaven will actually be like. Some make the argument that we just can’t know for sure. We know that there will be no tears in Heaven, so since that is the case there will definitely be some meatloaf there. Because in a place where there is no meatloaf present, I would cry. Now with that out of the way, let’s look at three quick promises about Heaven.

First there is the promise of “relationship.” In Revelation 21:3 it says, “He will dwell among us…” Not just any relationship, an actual relationship with Jesus Christ.

The second promise is that of “Relief.” In the very next verse it says, “God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” How many of us can’t wait for that day?

Now the third promise is one that is pulled from a verse that many people do not like to read. In Revelation 21:8 we see that there is a promise of “refuge.” You see, Heaven is going to be so great because of who will not be there. After we get a glimpse of what is promised to those who love Him (James 1:12), we see what is promised to those that don’t. Yet even here we see a blessing. Heaven is going to be place that is absent of, “…the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars…” Heaven is going to be a place filled with family. The faithful Church family.

I’m going to Heaven! It’s a choice. It’s a choice to live right and follow Christ no matter what. You have the ability to say it confidently and you should never have to wonder if you’re going to Heaven. It’s a promise! Take hold of that promise, because it’s the only thing that matters.

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STUBBORN TRUTHS

Neal Pollard

—And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery (Mat. 19:9).
—Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
—For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error (Rom. 1:26-27).
—And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all…There is one body (Eph.1:22-23; 4:4).
—And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:18-19).
—A woman is not allowed to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet (1 Tim. 2:11-14).

Passages like these are hotly debated, denied, and derided by those who either cast them against other Scripture or subjugate them to current cultural expectations. Those who desire to accept verses like those above as simple truth are often thought to be ignorant or, worse, dangerous.

The same book reveals the person and sacrifice of Jesus. It reveals the nature and attributes of God. It tells us where we came from and where we are going. It speaks of grace and faith. We accept these truths at face value. But when we come to passages that go against the grain of popular opinion (in or out of religion), cultural mores, or religious orthodoxy, we somehow attempt to say they do not say what they say they say. Jehoiakim’s scribe’s knife and his brazier fire did not eliminate truth (Jer. 36:23). It actually intensified the message against him (36:29ff). The number of academic degrees, religious followers, or oratorical skill will not change the truth of Scripture. It is what it is. Our role is to humbly submit to it or forever beat ourselves against it. May we love and revere God enough to always do the former.

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Attributing Work To The Holy Spirit

Neal Pollard

Inquiring minds want to know.  How does God work through providence? How does He answer our prayers to strengthen, help, lead, and endow us with wisdom? We are without doubt that God is active, interested, and involved in our lives today. Deism denies this, saying that a Creator set things in motion and then permanently stepped out of the picture on planet earth. Theism affirms His present involvement and interest in the affairs of men today. The dogmatic at either extreme purport to speak for God, absolutely affirming or denying what He does or does not do. There is an area in which we cannot say how God operates or whether it is the Father, Son, or Spirit who is at work simply because it has not been revealed and we are not in a position to observe what is transpiring in the heavenly realm. Moses once said, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29).  Moses told Israel that some things aren’t revealed to us, but he also said some things are revealed. We are obligated to observe what is revealed.  We are on dangerous ground when we affirm what Scripture does not reveal.

Scripture does not reveal that the Spirit is involved in our decision-making in a direct way apart from the Word. It does not indicate that He is stirring inside our hearts, influencing us to think, speak, or act in a given way for a given purpose or moment.  He does not give us our words in the miraculous way He did for the apostles, who had no need to prepare or study for a given moment (cf. Matt. 10:19-20).  When we boldly assert such things, we stand without the foundation of revealed truth beneath us and, at best, stand upon dangerous conjecture.

The Spirit’s work in written revelation informs my heart and mind, and it (Scripture) awakens me to appreciate and depend upon the power of God through that word and its promises.  The Bible says we are strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:16).  We do not know the full implication of that promise, though we are thrilled by it. What a leap it is to go from acknowledging the Spirit strengthens us to claiming He gives us thoughts, ideas, or direct guidance in addition to His Word.  If we say, “The Spirit led me to take this job” or “The Spirit told me to speak to that person” or “The Spirit told me I’m saved,” we speak from ignorance (i.e., lack of knowledge or information). Kathy once studied with a woman and showed her the multitude of passages proving the essentiality of baptism, but she replied, “But the Spirit told me I’m saved.” We know that it was her own will and desire in her heart that she attributed to God. That is the danger of such reckless assertions. We easily confuse what we desire and prefer with “the will of God” or even “the Spirit’s work.” God repeatedly warns that our hearts can deceive us, that we can credit God for what, in reality, is our will (Prov. 14:12; 16:25; Jer. 10:23).

We do need to study the personality, the work, and the Deity of the Holy Spirit more. It is obvious, hearing and reading after even some brothers and sisters in Christ, that we have neglected studying about Him. Let us handle each other without suspicion, in a spirit of love and kindness and without attacking people and personalities. Let us also always be careful not to “exceed what is written” (1 Cor. 4:6), never adding to or taking away from what is revealed (Rev. 22:18-19). Yet, let us be grateful that our great God is interested and involved in our lives, being content to affirm only what Scripture reveals.