THE APOCALYPSE AND THE TEMPLE CODE

adopted by Alexander the Great and his successors. Among the Greeks and Romans, it was a badge of royalty. Used of the dragon (12:3), the beast (13:1), and Christ (19:12).

2. Stephanos : in a contest; hence, a reward or a prize. A token of public honor for military ability; also worn at the coming of a king. It could be woven as a garland of oak, ivy, myrtle, or olive; or an imitation of these in gold.

Christ wears the royal crown and we wear a victor’s crown if we overcome!

J. Your rewards can be lost or given to another

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” - Rev. 3:11

1. Christ was speaking to the church at Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-12) 2. Christ said they have an open door and they have little strength (Rev. 3:8) 3. Christ encourages them to continue to hold fast what they have (Rev. 3:11) 4. Holding fast means to keep in check and to continue to guard something precious 5. Christ told all seven churches, “ I know your works .”

K. We work together for a reward!

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” - 1 Corinthians 3:5-8

THREE GROUPS OF PEOPLE AND THEIR WORKS

 Those that performed good works (1 Tim. 6:18-19)  Those who died and did not perform works for God (Titus 1:16)  Those who have worked evil works (2 Tim. 4:14)

You are saved by grace – but rewarded according to your works!

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Eph. 2:8-9 Rev. 2:19

The Temple in heaven is open (Rev. 11:19) as the Bema occurs in the heavenly Temple

WHY IS THE ARK SEEN NOW?

 It was accessed only on the Day of Atonement when the priests carried the blood of atonement  The original Ark is in heaven and judgment will occur near the altar and Ark  This is the Holy of Holies in heaven located behind the throne of God  The priest stood up on atonement and could not sit down until atonement was completed

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