How to Read the Bible and Understand It. Part 1 Introduction to BibleStudy

How to read the Bible and Understand

This article takes a look at the rather bizarre question of "how to read the bible?". This is one of the most important parts of the Christian faith but the how to part is often overlooked. The most important thing is this, it's what works for you that matters. Some tips on what techniques, if you can call them that, which will peel away the layers of the Bible and reveal a second dimension that is not seen by most. This is Part 1 the Introduction. There will be a Part 2 which will go into more advanced forms of Bible study which will be an eye opener.

Is the Bible just another Novel or Book?

You have to remember that the Bible is not really one book but is made up of many parts. There is the Old Testament and Old Covenant or The Law that applies to the Jews and the New Testament and New Covenant that applies to Christians or "The Church". Many say the New Testament is then "rightfully divided" into the Pre Church Age as in the 4 Gospels and the Church Age after that, which runs from Acts (some say it starts in the Gospel of John) through to the final Book where it is mentioned in the beginning and that is the Book of Revelation.

The Bible also sub divides into 66 "Books", so is not really 1 book but a book made up of 66 books. Each one has a different writer but the author is always the same. Each book has it's own character and was written in a certain time period which spans many thousands of years. In the Old Testament it features Books that cover the following categories "The Law", History, Poetry, the Major Prophets and the Minor Prophets. The first five books also forms The Torah which is the foundation of the Jewish faith.

The New Testament covers the 4 Gospels, History, Paul's Letters, General Letters and Prophecy which is contained in the final Book... The Book of Revelation.

Some books you can say can be read in isolation, in facts all the books can, but to truly understand the whole Bible you have to read the whole Bible. But where do you start? Is it best to start at the beginning or to start somewhere else. Is there a short cut? In a word NO!

You have to realise that the Bible is not really a novel written by one author but contains stories, lessons, doctrine and theology written by many, some of which defies human logic. You have to approach the Bible which is a Holy Book, with an open mind and with no pre conceived theories otherwise the knowledge it contains will not be imparted to you. This is a spiritual book and it needs to be treated as such. It's God's word and he doesn't think the way we do!

What version?

I personally use the King James Version (KJV) or New King James Version (NKJV). The NIV is easier to read, but I don't recommend it. See a whole article I wrote on that called The KJV V NIV. Which is the best version? It really does boil down to what version you get on with. If you are wrestling with thev King James Version then try an easier version and maybe progress onto that version at a later stage. The Message Bible is recommended by many for novices as a lighter version that is easier to read and get the general idea of what is happening in each chapter. Designed for all ages. It is designed to be a reading Bible. The KJV is a heavier read and is more of a word for word accuracy Bible that can be used as a reading Bible but is more of a Study Bible to find deeper meanings and is designed for closer scrutiny. Many have a problem with the Elizabethan style English language delivery but you do get used to it.

There are other easier to read versions out there such as the English Standard Version which many use or the International Version. Again these are easier to read but I think the KJV version slows you down and disables the ability for it to be speed read and you will end up seeing more being revealed. That's just my experience. Some people recommend The Message, a very readable and dynamic translation that is aimed more at general overall meaning than word-for-word accuracy.

The version of the Bible is important.......... but again it's what works for you.

What format?

There are numerous formats of the Bible available these days including online, PDF download, software to use on a PC or laptop, app for tablet or phone and of course the good old hard copy. Here's some recommendations what I use

PDF Download: If you are just after a PDF Version of the Bible to read page by page and keep things simple then PDF is a good place to start. They normally are about 9-10mb in size and can be carried on a phone or tablet, read on a pc or laptop, pretty much anything really. The functionality will be pretty basic, but it's a good place to start and a good backup to anything else out there.

Online Bibles: Bible Hub and Bible Gateway are good starting places and staples and will give you the ability to cross reference. They will show a brief outline of what each chapter is all about, sometimes even a summary part way through a chapter as well. They may give you commentary and extra information such as Bible Encyclopedia and much more.Online Bible's are more designed for in depth research on a particular topic. Another recommended site is the King James Bible Online.org. There are many others out there but these are the three main ones that I keep bumping into.

Bible Software: Bible Software can be used for just reading but is designed more with Bible Study in mind. There are a number of Bible Softwares available for Windows, Mac and Linux. I personally use Linux after getting fed up with windows many years ago. A couple of Bible Softwares that work on Linux that may worl on the other operating systems which I recommend are Bible Time (Free) and Xiphos (Free). Of the two I would say Bible Time looks better but for me Xiphos seems to offer more for doing Bible study presentations such as I do over at You Tube. The downside it doesn't look as pretty, which I can live with. Anything that is based on the Sword Project is your best bet.

Xiphos is split into different modules including Biblical Texts, Commentaries, Dictionaries, Glossaries, Daily Devotionals, General Books, Maps, Images, Cult/Unorthodoxa nd Prayer List Journal. I use it with the Strongs (Greek and Hebrew) modules and the TSK (Treasury Scripture and Knowledge) and has Morphology capabilities. There is a bewildering array of add ons including books, commentaries, biblical maps and much more. Another even better software is Bible Analyzer 4 but I had trouble getting this thing to work. A lot of the additional modules are free but a lot of the good ones are not. In short Xiphos seems to be the best in my opinion, everything is free, but again it really is down to what works best for you.

A nice simple one I use for scooping up verses and inserting into text on this blog/website is Wide Margin. It's basic, has a basic search, daily bible verses, what they call "Daily Readings" and a few other features, but is quick to use, lightweight and does the job for simple bible analysis. The only downside it has no cross referencing or Strongs which is essential for research of the Bible especially in Prophecy. It's designed more for reading rather than studying, but is a simple lightweight software that is a breeze to use and is in the King James Version.

Hard Copy: You can't beat a hard copy of the Bible even in this day and age of hi tech. Granted an electronic form gives you the ability to search and study in finer detail and much more quickly but sometimes the slower nature of a hard copy of the Bible just seems to drive the message home as it was intended all those thousands of years ago.

Hard copies of the Bible are available in a bewildering number of versions, sizes, paperback or hard back and from a number of sources including places such as Amazon and other online bookstores, regular bookstores in your town but the best way to get them is for free or very little cost. Churches normally will give you a copy for free (normally NIV) but the best places where I get mine are Boot Sales. I pick them up for about a pound or so, they are well used but sometimes that is better than new. With the low cost you can highlight relevant verses and phrases and even have multiple versions. I have two Bible's one is leather bound and rather antique looking that has Roman Numerals for Bible Verse numbers and the other is a bit more modern and hard bound and a similar size. You can also get them on Ebay if you are after something a bit more collectable. The advantage of a hard copy is it doesn't need any power or batteries to read it.

How Did I first read the Bible?

Before I was "Saved" on October 6th 2015, all I had read was a Childrens Bible as a kid the PDF Version of the Book of Revelation....that was it. I do not recommend starting with this Book of the Bible. Nor do I recommend starting with Isaiah which again is a difficult Book of the Bible to fathom. I started reading the Bible on October 6th 2015 and finished on 6th February 2016. 4 months to read the Bible from cover which is a monumental undertaking. This was read pretty much non stop during that period such was the hunger to read the word. This is common amongst New Borns in the faith. Again I don't recommend reading the whole Bible in that timescale, maybe a year is better. The order in which I read it was Genesis the first 7 days of creation then the New Testament followed by the the Old Testament. For the 40 days of Lent I read the New Testament again and again during those 40 days. Since then I have adopted various ways of reading the Bible using any of the following below, either one or a combination.


Suggested ways to read the Bible.

1. From Cover to Cover. Start from Page 1 and finish on the last page. In effect you are starting with the Old Testament and finishing with the New Testament. Many people get about half way through and give up with the Old Testament, it's a tough read. If you think you will finish by reading this way then go ahead. A better suggestion is 2 below

2. Start with the New Testament which is what the Christian faith is based on. Then when finished move onto the Old Testament. You will have a good grounding in Christianity and will have a much better chance to finish the larger Old Testament. You will have completed about 25% of the Bible before you even start the Old Testament.

3. Search the scriptures. There are other ways to read the Bible, one is to search the scriptures. Have a question for the Bible? Search for anything and the Bible will reveal a massive amount of information on that search. Best done with a Bible App on phone or Tablet or on PC/Laptop. This will take you on a journey through the Bible. Here's one of my favourites to get you going type in this in any Bible App "living waters" and go from there!

4. Cross reference the Scriptures. Sometimes reading the Bible especially the hard copy you will see little notes and corresponding letters appearing in the text. These are cross references that will take you to a different part of the Bible which has a similar topic, theme or meaning. Again this is something that will take you on a journey to different parts of the Bible and reveal another dimension.

5. Read a particular topic or Chapter. Maybe you just want to read Genesis and understand that, everything at the beginning. Maybe read all 5 of the first books of the Old Testament known as the Torah. Maybe you are just interested in reading about the women mentioned in the Bible and what role they had to play. Maybe you are just interested when angels appeared throughout the Bible. Maybe Sodom and Gomorrah has some interest. Maybe David or Daniel. Maybe just focusing on Paul in the New Testament and the early Church. The list goes on.

6. Look for the answer to a particular question. Maybe you have questions about life, morals, behaviour, prayer, belief, lifestyle, faith, God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit.

7. Read the Best or most informative stories first. Maybe before you read the whole Bible from cover to cover, maybe you really want to read about Solomon before reading anything else, or maybe just about Moses. Maybe the well known David and Goliath, maybe the crucifixion or birth of Jesus OR Read one of the 4 Gospels in the New Testament. Each one is a story of the life of Jesus, each has it's own style and narrative.

8. Re-reading many times is understanding. Sometimes a verse or Chapter will not reveal itself on the first read, but after multiple reads finally opens itself and reveals the meaning. Meditate on what you have read helps, not New Age meditating just staring out of the window with a cup of tea or coffee a sort of contemplative meditation with your eyes open.

9. Read chronologically. Read the books in the order in which they were written This will give you a greater comprehension of the changing times and seeing how the ideas changed over time which amounts to many thousands of years.

10. Make sure you take notes. Note take on everything you read in a separate book and not on the Bible itself otherwise it will get cluttered. You will have trouble remembering everything you read and notes will provide memory triggers.

11. Don't read the Bible all the time on your own, sometimes read it with friends in the faith and bounce ideas of one another and you will get a greater understanding and maybe find out something that you may have missed on your own.

12. Use a Bible Study Guide along with the Bible. which gives a brief outline of Chapters and Verses that cover various topics. I use The Bible Readers Handbook which you can download in PDF form. It is based on the NIV version but just for outlining the Bible this is not a problem.


How to NOT read the Bible.

1. Do not approach the Bible as merely a novel, story book, literature or an Encyclopedia. The Bible is beyond this. It is the word of God and a Spiritual book that will come alive in the right hands demonstrating the right mind set

2. Do not approach the Bible with pre-conceived notions or theories or ideas you have read or heard or seen somewhere else. Clear the mind, pray if needs be before reading and it will open itself to you and come alive in the process.

3. Do not approach the Bible with any advanced human logic, a MENSA or scientific level of intelligence, it will reveal nothing to such a person.

4. Do not try to get answers from the Bible that are not there. There is a saying "if you torture a person long enough, they will give you the answer you are looking for". The Bible is no different, torture it long enough and it will give you the answer you are looking for, that fits in with your what you are expecting........ but it will not be the right answer. Read 2 above again

5. Most importantly whatever is written in the Bible no matter how far fetched it sounds, BELIEVE what it says and it will open itself up to you and reveal another dimension that most will miss. Many people call this a "coming alive". If you don't believe in it, then it will be a closed book and will read just like a mere novel.

6. Don't try to read the KJV Bible in 4 months like I did. You will have a headache fo 4 months and a headache for a couple of weeks afterwards when you finish! A little but often and regular as in daily is probably best


Bible Quotes about Reading the Bible (Old and New Testament)

Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Nehemiah 8:3
And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

The KJV Bible v The NIV Bible and other modern versions. Which is best?

Which is the best version of the Holy Bible?

The King James Vesion (KJV) of the Bible versus the New International Version (NIV) and other modern day versions of the Holy Text. Which is the best version to read. This is a topic that many Christians find clear cut and others end up getting totally confused and trying all sorts of strange and wonderful new versions. The thinking behind it being that they will find the true meaning of God´s word without the Thee, thou, verily, thine, maketh and other old fashioned terms making the Bible a harder read than it should be. This article aims to answer the question which is the best Bible version to have, is there one size one version fits all? This is a very important area of the Christian Faith and a highly personal one, the Bible is God´s word and it´s important to understand what he is trying to say to us. Knowing the Bible inside out will not make you a better Christian but it will help you to understand the role you have to play when you are in the Christian faith. Everything that life can throw at you, there is an answer in that Holy Book. The other modern versions are New American Standard Bible, The English Standard Version, The Revised Standard Version, The New Living Translation, The New English Bible, The Message Bible and many others. Most of these are quite similar to the NIV version so for comparison purposes we´ll stick with the NIV as a representative of the modern versions.

As with all these things, this will not be a conclusive article but one that will help you to form your own opinion. At the end of the day, if you are in the faith you´ve just got to go with "The Spirit" to decide which version is best for you.

Numerous questions arise with regard to the two most popular versions of the Bible being the KJV and the NIV.
1. Is the KJV version the only correct and accurate version of the Bible or is the NIV and all it's modern day equivalents more in tune with our modern times?
2.Does the Old school speak make it more difficult to understand the KJV or is it something you soon get used too and is not a problem?
3. Should you maybe use more than one version instead of being reliant on one single one?
4. Should you follow the lead of most Churches who mainly use the NIV version of the Bible?
5. Some people say the NIV version is heretic and even satanic in nature and changes some major elements that are important to Christianity?
6. Does the NIV contain new text that was found after the the KJV was published which renders the KJV obsolete?
7. Which is the biggest in Bible sales terms, surely that is an indicator?

Other questions will be looked at with regard to the Tech side of the Bible, what Bible´s are online?, best websites, can you get say a PDF version for download and is it free?, best Bible software for a PC or Laptop and what Appsare out there for your mobile?

My personal experience

To start, personally I use the KJV version, it´s the one I started with, had a brief flirtation with the NIV version and went back to the KJV. Why? THe NIV is definetly easier to read and understand but I felt that some important points were being changed with this version in the process of translating the old KJV version into something more in line with modern day speak. The KJV for me has a more meat and potatoes and veg non digested feel about it, whereas the NIV I compare to eating say Baby Food. I also find the KJV Version slows you down so you really assimilate and take time with each verse. You cannot speed read it! So I went back to the KJV after a brief couple of weeks with the NIV and haven´t looked back since. That was in my first couple of months of being "Saved".

Quite simply you do get used to the old fashoned lingo and once you know the meaning of say "Verily" which means "truly" which comes up repeatedly in the New Testament espcially, it really shouldn´t be an issue. I personally think reading the KJV wires your brain up to be more in tune with God´s Word, that´s just my personal opinion. A good tip if you are reading the Bible for the first time, read the New Testament first in KJV, that is easier to digest and it´s the main book of the Christian Faith, then move onto the Old Testament which is harder work but by then your mind will be accustomed to the old school language and just take your time. That´s how I started. To give you a rough time span, I was Saved on October 6th 2015 and read the Bible every day from that date and finished both Old and New Testaments by Feb 6th 2016....exactly 4 months, I have to say a very intensive 4 months. These days I now do more in the way of Bible study maybe focusing on one Book or One Chapter or even one verse and cross referencing. Sometimes it may be topic focused for example sin, helping the needy, baptism, salvation or anything else. That´s just my personal experience and personal view, you need to find what best fits your needs.

So let´s take a look at the two main versions of the Bible the KJV and the NIV (these are just 2 of about 900 versions in existence)

The KJV
The King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version (AV) or the King James Bible (KJB), is an English translation of the Christian Bible for the Church of England begun in 1604 and completed in 1611. The books of the King James Version include the 39 books of the Old Testament, an intertestamental section containing 14 books of the Apocrypha, and the 27 books of the New Testament. Information courtesy Wikipedia 

The NIV
The New International Version (NIV) is an English translation of the Protestant Bible. Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society) is the worldwide publisher and copyright holder of the NIV, and licenses commercial rights to Zondervan in the United States and to Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. Originally published in the 1970s, the NIV was updated in 1984 and 2011, and has become one of the most popular and best selling modern translations via Wikipedia


The KJV v NIV arguments

The NIV Problems
1. Thousands of words removed:
There has been some recent hullabaloo about the New International Version NIV, its publisher Zondervan, Zondervan's parent company HarperCollins, and the end of the world. The claim is that the NIV has removed almost 65,000 words and several verses from the Bible, and that Harper Collins also publishes The Satanic Bible, therefore the NIV has been corrupted in essence and by association. Via Blogos

2. Gender Wording Issues:
The 2011 New International Version includes some of the same problems that caused the TNIV to go out of print. The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood found over 3600 gender-related problems, including alterations to verses like 1 Timothy 2:12 and Nahum 3:13 which misrepresent the original text's teaching on gender roles. Despite this, the 2011 will now be the standard NIV sold. More at Blogos

3. Missing Verses:
If you compare the King James and New King James Versions with the newer translations (e.g. the New International Version, New American Standard, New Living Translation, etc.) - you will notice that several verses are entirely missing from the newer translations. Examples are John 5:4, Acts 8:37, and 1 John 5:7. Mark 16:9-20 is another example, although it is always placed in the text or in footnotes. Why do these translations not have these verses? Are the newer translations taking verses out of the Bible? More at gotquestions.org 

4. Publisher Ownership:
The publisher of the NIV version is owned by News Corporation who also onwn Fox News, 20th Century Fox and National Geographic. It's published (not owned) by the same parent corporation that publishes The Satanic Bible! Via Blogos

The KJV Problems:

1. Better manuscripts, some older, have been found since the KJV was published

“The KJV New Testament (and all editions since Tyndale) was compiled primarily from the Byzantine family of manuscripts (AD 500 – 1000) frequently referred to as the Textus Receptus. But many of the newer translations were produced using a composite of later discoveries of other manuscripts and fragments dating from an earlier period. Among such are The ‘Alexandrian Family’ manuscripts (AD 200 – 400) which include the three oldest The Codex Alexandrius, the Codex Vaticanus and the Codex Sinaiticus, all which were major contributors to most Bible versions after the King James version.” via Graham Pockett Anointed Links

2. The Missing Verses issue in NIV are because they were not correct.
If you check most of the verses ‘missing’ from the NIV and other modern Bibles you will find, in nearly every case, they were an explanation of the previous verse – which makes those verses more likely to have been added by a copyist rather than deleted by a translator. This makes the ‘Alexandrian Family’ of manuscripts more likely to be closer to the original than the Textus Receptus (Byzantine Family) manuscripts, which is why they have been chosen by the later translators. via Anointed Links

3. 17th Century (KJV) Language v 20th Century (NIV) Language
People who did not grow up using the KJV have a hard time understanding it. Some of its words are no longer in use, and the antiquated forms of many words impede the understanding of the text."Words, phrases and concepts which meant one thing to a 17th Century reader often mean something totally different to a 20th Century reader?" via Anointed Links

4. Was the KJV considered heretical in 1560?
“I wonder if the Christians who used the Geneva Bible of 1560 complained loudly about the “heretical new KJV Bible” when it was first introduced?” via Anointed Links

5. Difference in Greek Translations between KJV and modern are minimal
Third, when one examines the variations between the Greek text behind the KJV (the Textus Receptus) and the Greek text behind modern translations, it is discovered that the vast majority of variations are so trivial as to not even be translatable (the most common is the moveable nu, which is akin to the difference between ‘who’ and ‘whom’! via Why I Do Not Think the King James Bible Is the Best Translation Available Today by Daniel B. Wallace via Bible.org



Conclusions on the NIV and KJV Issues
Yes there are problems with both versions as they are both mere translations and rely on the translator to provide an accurate translation. Many have come to the conclusion and have emphasized that none of the revisions in the new era translations, such as the NIV or NASB (compiled with Alexandrian Family Manuscripts), conflict with any rule of faith or doctrinal issue, but some conservative church leaders refuse to accept any tampering with the “tried and proven” Textus Receptus translation of the King James Version.

KJV v NIV Bible Sales/Readership

Bible Sales and ownership would be a good indicator as to which Bible is not only the most popular but possibly the best version? If you notice in the NIV Wiki definition it is stated that the NIV "has become the most popular and best selling modern translations". There is no mention that it is a bigger seller than the original KJV version so what are the latest figures on Bible ownership and recent Bible sales to shed some light to which is the more popular version? Historically For over three hundred years the King James Version, published in 1611, was the prominent translation used in most Protestant churches but now due to changes in the English language in that time period the NIV is more prominent in Churches as a a result.

But what is the most popular version of the Bible, the KJV, NIV or maybe some other new version. Here´s some numbers and you will be surprised. Given the strong sales of NIV translations in bookstores. The NIV has topped the CBA's bestselling Bible translation list for decades, and continued to sell robustly in 2013 so it should be the NIV. But here´s the truth according to a new study advised by respected historian Mark Noll.

55 percent who read the KJV easily outnumber the 19 percent who read the New International Version (NIV). And the percentages drop into the single digits for competitors such as the New Revised Standard Version, New America Bible, and the Living Bible. This also confirms the findings of last year's American Bible Society (ABS) State of the Bible report. They found that 52 percent of Americans read the King James or the New King James Version, compared with 11 percent who read the NIV. The KJV also received almost 45 percent of the Bible translation-related searches on Google, compared with almost 24 percent for the NIV, according to Bible Gateway's Stephen Smith. In fact, searches for the KJV seem to be rising distinctly since 2005, while most other English translations are staying flat or are declining, according to Smith's Google research. Courtesy ChristianityToday.com



So to answer Question 6 above "Does the NIV contain new original text that was found after the the KJV was published which renders the KJV obsolete?" the answer is Yes but nothing substantially different from the Original KJV, and the KJV is far from obsolete as the readership numbers above show.

Comparing some Bible verses betwwen the KJV and NIV

If the NIV apparently uses more accurate information from different manuscripts found after the KJV was published and merely translates the meaning into a modern day English that is understandable by people in the 21st Century there really should be no major differences......RIGHT?

Here some samples taken from BibleBelievers.com taking into account some important points of Doctrine.

GENERAL VERSES

Psalms 12:6-7 (KJV) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Psalms 12:6-7 (NIV) And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. 7 O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.

Complete change in Verse 7?

John 9:35 (KJV) Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

John 9:35 (NIV) Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

Son of God changed to Son of Man?

Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:8 (NIV) "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

The beginning and the Ending Removed which I think is quite important

Matthew 8:29 (KJV) And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Matthew 8:29 (NIV) "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"

Jesus removed

John 4:42 (KJV) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

John 4:42 (NIV) They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

The Christ changed to man

John 6:69 (KJV) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

John 6:69 (NIV) We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Christ removed, Holy One replaces The Son

Ephesians 3:9 (KJV) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 3:9 (NIV) and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Jesus Christ removed

Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Isaiah 14:15 (KJV) Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Isaiah 14:12 (NIV) How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! Isaiah 14:15 (NIV) But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.

Lucifer changed from Son of the Morning to Morning Star? Hell changed to The Grave?

The VIRGIN BIRTH!
Matthew 1:25 (KJV) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Matthew 1:25 (NIV) But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Removes firstborn son which would confirm the virgin birth

ATONEMENT

Matthew 27:35 (KJV) And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Matthew 27:35 (NIV) When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

" that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet" completely missed out? Not relevant....I think it is!

Check out masses more at the superb article at BibleBelievers.com



Bible Software and Apps

If you are looking for online Bibles BibleGateway is superb with 150 versions to play around with including of course the KJV and NIV.  KingJamesBibleOnline is also good and does what it says on the tin. Search on Google for downloadable PDF versions of the Bible, normally all FREE.

There are stacks of Bible Study software for your PC or laptop some will just have one version of the Bible either NIV, ESV or KJV, some are more complex and have many different Bible versions available. Some will have additional study aids, some will have concordance, some will enable you to add notes. Some of these packages can be quite bloated and need a fast machine with some decent memory to work well. I´ve tried them all! Me personally I use the Linux Operating System and not Windows and use a very simple non bloated Bible Software called "Wide Margin". It simply lists the Books, you can do a Search and highlight text and copy to an article. You can also search for a particular word and verses will come up that feature that word and you can narrow that search. It also does verses of the day. Superb bit of software and an invaluable study aid, simple, fast in KJV only and does the job and it´s free. Also available for Windows but doesn´t appear to be available for Mac. Further details at Wide Margin Highly recommended and this is used offline

These days most people are into Apps for their mobile device such as Tablet or Phone.  The Bible App is a must and I have to say it does look hip. Again just Google Best Bible Apps for whatever system you are using Iphone, Android, Windows and you will get a good selection of Apps. Some are basic, most are free but may have ads. Mine is called Holy Bible King James Bible App for Android produced by Warp Studios. Has verses of the Day, Ability to add notes to verses, search for word or chapter or book, keeps a record of what you have read and tells you in % terms what you have read of a certain chapter. Handy when pulling out a hard copy of the Bible in certain situations is not practical or desirable, read it on your phone or tab instead. It´s a free download from Google Play again KJV.  Again Highly recommended and this is used offline.

Summary.

The choice of Bible you read from is of paramount importance but as you can see from the above you really have to decide what version you are going to use and I think stick with it. Each has it´s advantages and disadvantages, it is how that version fits in with how you read and study that is important and the Spirit will guide you to the correct version. The KJV is good but not perfect but I personally think it is as close as you are going to get. The NIV as demonstrated is much clearer, but much has been removed including sometimes the word Christ or Jesus for no apparent reason which is worrying?. Implying the virgin birth was not a Virgin Birth even accidentally shows the weaknesses of this Bible, many more mentioned in the featured videos. These I think, are quite glaring differences between the NIV and the older KJV. Many say the NIV Bible is sound just like the KJV on the major areas of Doctrine, but as the videos and verses above prov,e it can be radically different at times and this cannot be put down to the use of a different or so they say superior manuscript. The KJV version has been around since 1611 and has stood the test of time and readership levels at over 50% are testament to that fact, to this very day. If you struggle (especially in the Old Testament) to read the KJV, try the New King James Version (NKJV) which is the slightly more modern version but uses the same manuscript sources as the Original KJV.

My hard copy was obtained from a local Boot Sale for a Quid literally days after I was "Saved", leapt out from amongst many books, has been well thumbed by somebody that was very religious (still has his name and address in it) and by myself, is carried everywhere with me everyday...ALWAYS! I have been going to that same boot sale ever since looking for another bigger KJV copy for home use, and have never seen a bible let alone a bigger KJV or even a KJV version since? Divine intervention or not, that is a recommendation for the KJV version itself?

Either way, whether you use the KJV Bible, the NIV Bible or any other modern version of the Bible it shouldn´t be used as a way of judging somebody in the Christian faith or a way of dividing the flock, just like denominations, we all worship the same God but I think whatever version works for you,stick with it and don´t use multiple versions especially in preaching (see Rick Warren) . The true test of a Bible is when you read a verse and you are continually checking with another version of the Bible either in hard copy or online, something is not right. Personally as stated I have read the NIV and returned to the KJV after a couple of weeks. Something didn´t feel right with it.

As you´ve probably gathered I´m firmly and very enthusiastically in the KJV camp but my attitude is whatever version floats your boat and speaks to you with God´s CORRECT word, that is the right version to use. On a final note some people ask "what is the best version of the Bible to read to get "Saved". A website called Chick.com answers that question . The bottom line is reading a particular version of the Bible or the Bible in general will not get you "Saved". Going to a particular Church or Churches in general even on a daily basis will not get you "Saved". Visits to the Holy Land or any other religious Geographical location get you Saved either, but all those things will "sow seeds" and  be guides to head you in that direction. I started to read the KJV Bible and went to church AFTER I got "Saved or Born Again" and not before!

Where is Mystery Babylon mentioned in the Book of Revelation

Mystery Babylon. Where is it, what is it and the importance of this in the Book of Revelation and End Times Prophecy.

There are many theories as to what the Mystery Babylon or Mystery Babylon the Great mentioned in Revelation 17 and 18 in great detail is and what it represent. This article will narrow down what Mystery Babylon is in our modern times, why it is mentioned as a "Mystery" and the three prime candidates that fit most accurately the quite detailed description of who, what and where this place is.u

The three prime suspects are as follows:
1. Rome or more precisely The Vatican and The Roman Catholic Church.
2. America or more precisely New York
3. Saudi Arabia or more precisely Mecca and Islam

Istanbul in Turkey has been mentioned as another possibility, the original Babylon in Iraq, Europe and even London are others. These have not been looked into here but it has been mentioned many times by many people that Turkey has a role to play in the unfolding end times scenario and is always watched closely and cannot be ignored. Recent events unfolding confirm that fact. Some say it will be the seat of Satan in the End Times.

This is not a Prophetic article it´s just a demonstration that all of God´s plans are contained in the word. Only God has the whole picture. We just get the jigsaw puzzle and have to fit the pieces together via what is contained in the Bible. It´s just knowing where to look......but it is there, it just seems to reveal itself to people that have the understanding of how God works. This article ties in with The Rapture and the Tribulation article as Mystery Babylon is a key component within the forthcoming Tribulation time frame.

Everything about Mystery Babylon is contained in Revelation 17 and  Revelation 18 and the detail is quite frightening in places as in it´s . If you cross reference from a hard copy KJV Bible from these two chapters you will be led to mainly two books. The Book of Isaiah and Jeremiah tie up closely with Revelation and many cross references reference those two books by these two Major Prophets from the Old Testament. Genesis also comes up on occasion especially with specific reference to Sodom and Gomorrah, which means this Mystery Babylon has similarities and will be judged accordingly. The cross references strongly suggest this!

When doing these Bible studies to see whether Rome, New York or any other city in the US and Mecca fit the bill....everything must align with the word...everything. Just having a theory and pulling out Bible Quotes to support that theory may seem convincing, BUT do ALL the jigsaw pieces fit?

The way this research was approached was via videos that each were convinced that their particular theory was correct and that it just can´t be denied. Many videos were watched and just four in my personal opinion, came up with a convincing argument that Mystery Babylon was definetly and undeniably the place that they think it is.

There are many Bible quotes in reference to Mystery Babylon but I have reduced it down to 23 verses/quotes which I think are key in identifying Mystery Babylon, some are major, some are very small details. Sometimes it´s the smaller details that really nail what and who and where this Mystery Babylon really is. Some people say the Book of Revelation is full of metaphors and symbolism and is not to be taken literally. Sometimes that is true, sometimes it isn´t. In Revelation 17 and 18 anything that is a metaphor or a symbol is quite clearly explained.

Here´s the key Bible quotes that give away the identity of Mystery Babylon and narrow things down quite convincingly to the Rome (Vatican), US (New York) and Saudi Arabia (Mecca) candidates.

Revelation 17 Relevant Bible Quotes (10)

Rev 17:1. And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Rev 17:3. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Rev 17:4. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Rev 17:5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Rev 17:6. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Rev 17:9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

Rev 17:10. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

Rev 17:12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Rev 17:15. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Rev 17:18. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 18 Relevant Bible Quotes (13)

Rev 18:2. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Rev 18:3. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Rev 18:7. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

Rev 18:8. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

Rev 18:9. And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Rev 18:11. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
Rev 18:12. The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Rev 18:13. And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

Rev 18:17. For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Rev 18:18. And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

Rev 18:19. And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

Rev 18:23. And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

Rev 18:24. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

The Rome Argument

Rome in Relation to Revelation 17
Rev 17:1 It does not sit on many waters, it is not a coastal city. The nation Italy is but the Vatican is not. Rome is inland with no access to the sea.
Rev 17:3 The wilderness referred to here is desert. There are no desert regions in Italy or near the Vatican
Rev 17:4 The Pope wears Purple, Scarlet and Gold and the Golden Cup is also a Roman Catholic identifier
Rev 17:5 No reference
Rev 17:6 The blood of Martyrs and Saint The Roman Catholic Church has been responsible for many Christian deaths via the Roman Catholic Crusades and the Roman Catholic Inquisitors
Rev 17:9 Rome is the City known as the City of Seven Hills
Rev 17:10 No reference
Rev 17:12 No reference
Rev 17:15 The Vatican is not renowned as a multicultural melting pot but the Roman Catholic Church does have many peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues
Rev 17:18 The Roman Catholic Church is a Mariana (Mary the Mother of God) based religion which would fit The Woman. Are the world leaders answerable to the Pope in finality is another question.

Rome in Relation to Revelation 18

Rev 18:2-3 The nations have drunk of the wine of her fornication could refer to the Catholic Eucharist. The Kings of te Earth have committed fornication with her just doesn´t fit. Merchants of the earth rich via her delicacies. No convincing argument there either except for materials for church idols and worship.
Rev 18:7. The Roman Catholic Church has glorfied itself and the Pope is more a Celebrity figure than other Church leaders.
Rev 18:8-11 No reference
Rev 18:12-13 Some of the merchandise listed does appear at the Vatican and in Catholic Churches around the globe but beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots. Slaves historically but not in these modern times. Souls of men you could argue is very relevant but not exactly a precise fit overall.
Rev 18:17. Rome and the Vatican has nothing to do with shipmasters, and ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea.
Rev 18:18 Why would the Vatican be burned to the ground?
Rev 18:19 "And they cast dust on their heads". This is not an Italian or even Vatican or Roman Catholic Custom
Rev 18:23 Catholicism is renowned for burning of candles in it´s Churches and weddings take place in Catholic churches with a bridegroom and a bride. The pieces do fit here.
Rev 18:24 Mention again of the Blood of Saints and Prophets which the Roman Catholic Church is guilty of in it´s past

The Rome Video



The America Argument

New York and America in Relation to Revelation 17
Rev 17:1 America sits on many waters, The Great Lakes, The Atlantic Ocean, The Pacific Ocean and The Gulf of Mexico. The Great Whore could be in reference to the Statue of Liberty which is based on the Goddess of Ishtar which is the goddess of fertility, love, war, and sex.
Rev 17:3 America has Desert but it is to the West. New York has no wilderness or desert where the Statue of Liberty is based.
Rev 17:4 The Statue of Liberty is Jade Green and is not dressed in Purple and Scarlet, she has something in her hand but it is not a Golden Cup but a Flaming Torch or representation off it.
Rev 17:5 The Statue of Liberty has no writing on her forehead
Rev 17:6 America is a predominantly Christian Nation and has not been responsible for the death of Christian Prophets, Martyrs and Saints.That´s unless it is the Secret sponsor of ISIS?
Rev 17:9 The woman sitteth on Seven Mountains. New York does not sit on Seven Mountains, America does not sit on Seven Mountains it sits on hundreds of mountains. The video following this states the Seven Mountains are Seven Continents which the US has control over. Form your own opinion.
Rev 17:10 Some say the Seven Kings are the Seven Presidents of the United States,the last being the present President in Office. Form your own opinion.
Rev 17:12 No reference
Rev 17:15 The waters are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Yes America and New York in particular is a nation/city of peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues as in multicultural.
Rev 17:18 The woman as in the Statue of Liberty the first thing you see when entering the US from the East and representation of that Nation is the current World No1 and Superpower and in effect rules over the other Kings (Presidents) via the US Dollar and superior military firepower and technology.

New York and America in Relation to Revelation 18

Rev 18:2-3 All the nations have drunk of the wine of her fornication. This could be applied o the US with it´s liberal views and Westernised society that has spread throughout the world, with Hollywood Films and Pornography dominating their respective markets along with Technology.
Rev 18:7 America has cartainly glorified itself and been proud in it´s history which is lately turning to arrogrance in it´s latter days.
Rev 18:8-11 No reference but if the US were to collapse it would cause major disruption to trade around the globe.
Rev 18:12-13 Some of the items in this merchandise list may be applicable to America but importation of food as suggested by this Bible verse just doesn´t fit whatsoever. The argument that the prophecy is an old one and these are the goods that they had in those times does not hold either. Spices could be equated to drugs but if the Bible mentions Spices....then it is Spices.
Rev 18:17 And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off. This isvery relevant to America with it´s many seaports and New York in particular is a busy Seaport.
Rev 18:18 The destruction mentioned here and mention of a Great City again ties in with New York but loosely.
Rev 18:19 And they cast dust on their heads. This is a very small detail but a major one in the Revelation prophecy. In the US (as far as I´m aware) it is not a national custom to "cast dust on their heads" in anguish. A small point but a major one and another jigsaw puzzle piece that doesn´t fit.

The America Video



The Saudi Arabia - Mecca Argument

Mecca and Islam in Relation to Revelation 17
Rev 17:1 Mecca, Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsular sits on many waters including the Persian Gulf on the northeast, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman on the east, the Arabian Sea on the southeast and south, the Gulf of Aden on the south and the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
Rev 17:3 Mecca and Saudi Arabia are predominantly wilderness or desert and dust.
Rev 17:4 The woman decked in scarlet and purple and decked with precious stones could represent the wealth of Saudi Arabia.
Rev 17:5 No reference
Rev 17:6 Blood of Saints and Martyrs. Recent news headlines confirm that many Christians are being killed or beheaded or persecuted by extreme and radical Islam such as ISIS
Rev 17:9 Mecca the capital of Saudi Arabia sits on seven hills
Rev 17:10 No real reference but the country of Saudi Arabia is not run by a President but by Royalty and a King
Rev 17:12 No reference
Rev 17:15 The waters are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Saudia Arabia is 90% Arabic and 10% Afro/Asian. It is not a multicultural country. It does serve multitudes of nations, tongues and peoples via it´s world leading oil production.
Rev 17:18 "Is that great city that reigneth over the Kings of the Earth" Saudi Arabia is the 2nd largest oil producer in the world with the US only recently claiming the No1 spot due to it´s newly found shale oil and gas exploration. Islam isthe worldssecond religion and rising fast only Christianity is bigger. The Islam religion and capital of the Islamic faith is Mecca

The Saudi Arabia Video 1



Mecca and Islam in Relation to Revelation 18
Rev 18:2-3 For all nations have drunk of her wine: The wine of Saudi Arabia has just got be OIL. Kings of the Earth have committed fornication: Prominent World leaders have ensured Saudi Arabia is protected because of the resources she has. The merchants of theearth are waxed rich: Saudi Arabia is a net importer of food, goods, spices, vehicles, gold etc.
Rev 18:7 Saudi Arabia has certainly glorified itself amongst the nations especially amongst it´s other Middle Eastern counterparts and proud of it´s powerful relations with the West.
Rev 18:9 "when they shall see the smoke of her burning". If Arabia was to experience agreat fire as mentioned in Revelation then there would be much burning and vast amounts of smoke due to the oil reserves that she has and the oil dependent West would sorely miss those supplies.
Rev 18:11 "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more". Saudi Arabia is a net importer of Food and Goods as it has limited means of production. It imports around 80% and produces 20% locally.
Rev 18:12-13 All the merchandise mentioned in these two verses are very relevant to Saudi Arabia. Replace Chariots with cars and slaves with cheap imported labour from Africa and Asia working in horrific conditions on building sites and other jobs that Saudi´s do not want to do and this is a best fit of the three
Rev 18:17 "And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off" Most of the trade for Saudi arabia arrives viaseaports such as Jeddah which serves Mecca.
Rev 18:18 If Saudi Arabia was to burn, it would burn for some time with much smoke due to it´s extensive oil reseves.
Rev 18:19 "And they cast dust on their heads". This custom does not fit the New York US argument or even the Rome argument. What society casts dust on their heads and what country has plenty of dust? The Middle East. It´s an old Judaism custom and a symbol of mourning and is still practiced today by Islam although not as much as in the days of old.
Rev 18:23 Can´t see any fit in relation to Mecca or Saudi Arabia. Possibly Islam with the Sorcery as Islam is a Baal Worship based religion.
Rev 18:24 See Rev 17:6. Same reasons

Extra Cross References:
In my KJV Bible there is a reference to Isaiah 34.10 and the verse before it as in 34:9 explains it further and gives in my opinion further confirmation.

9. And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.
10. It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Pitch produced from plants is also known as resin. Pitch in it´s other various forms may also be called tar, bitumen or asphalt. These are derivatives made from OIL

Saudi Arabia and Mecca Video 2





This is an extremely quick skim on how I look at the Prophecy in relation and how it fits in with our modern times. Mystery Babylon is a reference to a New Babylon that has yet to come (based at the time of the prophecy writings). Rome was around in Biblical Times but New York and America were not and the Religion Islam came after Christianity (about 600 years) which would also earn it a Mystery tag.

Each one of the four videos gives a convincing argument that makes you believe that particular theory is the best fit when viewed in isolation, but when viewed one after the other, the theories do not seem so clear cut. For me personally Mecca, Islam and Saudi Arabia tops the list, the pieces just seem to fit. New York and America a close second and Rome and The Vatican and the Catholic Church a close third. All 3 are inter connected in some way and in reality the best option is to watch all 3 closely for developments. For example the Pope visited the US for the first time on 23 September 2015 which gives strength to the Rome and US argument, but again always follow the scripture.

Finally what ultimately swayed my decision is to always remember, keep your eyes on the following areas in this order Jerusalem, Israel, and the Middle East. Most of Revelations is centred around those areas and Yes America, Russia and China are powerful but they are I think 3 of the Ten kings mentioned in Rev 17:12. The world could be divided into 10 kingdoms prior to the establishment of the New World Order One World Government.

Still not convinced Saudi Arabia is the Mystery Babylon. Watch this last video 

Chapter 11 Book of Revelation KJV

Chapter 11 Book of Revelation KJV. The measurement of the Temple of God. The Two Prophets and their powers and the Prophecy and the Two Olive Trees and Two Candlesticks. The Beast ascends out of the Bottomless Pit. The seventh angel sounds. The reward to those who fear Gods name. The temple of God opened in heaven


1. And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
3. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
8. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
9. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
13. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14. The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
15. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
16. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17. Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
18. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
19. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Chapter 6 Book of Revelation KJV

Chapter 6 Book of Revelation KJV. The lamb opens the seals and releases the creatures and catastrophic events onto the earth

1. And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
3. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
5. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
6. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
7. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
9. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11. And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
12. And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17. For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation. King James Version

Chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation King James Version. John is taken before the throne of God, twenty-four chosen ones, and four Creatures covered with eyes, front and back. One looked like a lion, the second an ox, the third a face of a man and the last an eagle in flight. They give glory to God.


1. After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
7. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Chapter 3 Book of Revelation KJV

Chapter 3 Book of Revelation KJV. John continues to write about the Seven Spirits of God to the remaining seven churches asking them to be true to the faith and warns those that deny the name of God

1. And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
7. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8. I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
13. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
14. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.