The flowchart here is designed to work the same way, only for the book of Revelation. In this chart, time moves from left to right, meaning that any box immediately to the right of another box describes events that occur after the events described in the first box. For instance, if there were two boxes side by side labeled A and B, with box A describing a pitcher throwing a pitch, and box B describing a batter hitting that pitch, the sequence of events described by the two boxes would be a pitch thrown followed by that pitch hit.

     This flowchart has an added feature, though, in that some of the boxes are arranged vertically, meaning that they either describe events that occur at the same time or they describe the same event in different ways. In our example above, imagine a box C the same size and directly underneath box A. Suppose that box C describes a runner on first base trying to steal second base. We can see that because box C is underneath box A they both occur at the same time. In this case that would mean that the runner was off with the pitch. This illustrates how this flowchart works.

     This flowchart can be used to study the entire book or any part you wish. When studying a particular verse, just locate the box in the flowchart that contains it. Then look for the relationship that box has with other boxes nearby, whether it's before or after, or arranged vertically. Then click on the box to see the summary notes for it in this window in order to read its explanation. An understanding of the verse should now be clearer, within both its immediate context and the big picture.

     Even though this study is relatively brief and is not intended to be exhaustive, it is fairly comprehensive, with much to be gained from it. There are five key features of this study:

     1.) The two-category comparisons of the seven churches of Asia in chapters 2 & 3;

     2.) The explanation of the first six seals in chapter 6;

     3.) The question and answer section on the Millennium, the so-called rapture, and other related subjects such as Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-17, 2 Thessalonians 1:2-12, and, even, a few thoughts about Y2K in chapter 20:1-10;

     4.) This framed page, which provides for the text of any flowchart box to be in this lower frame while the flowchart itself always stays visible in the upper frame. This allows you to be able to scroll through all the text while simultaneously being able to refer to the flowchart on the same screen;

     5.) The flowchart itself, which graphically illustrates that various sections of the book either occur simultaneously or are describing the same event in different terms, perhaps even from different perspectives.

     In the flowchart itself, time flows from left to right, so that any boxes that are arranged vertically occur in the same basic time frame, each giving details not included in the others. Four give details of Armageddon, though only 16:16 mentions it by name. They are 14:9-12; 16:16-21; 19:11-21; 20:7-10.

     A possible chronological order of the Armageddon verses could be: 14:9-12; 20:7,8; 19:11-18; 16:16; 19:19; 20:9; 16:17-21; 19:20,21; 20:10.

     Please note that this battle is not a literal war. It is spiritual, Ephesians 6:12. It is not a sign of the end, Revelation 16:15. There are in fact no signs of the end, Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; 2 Peter 3:10. This will be more fully discussed later in this study.

     The 6 numbers in the Ch 6 box are the first 6 seals.

     The 7 numbers in the Ch 8-11 box are the 7 trumpets in the 7th seal.

     The 5 numbers in the Ch 12-14 box are the 5 angels.

     The 7 numbers in the Ch15,16 box are the 7 bowls of wrath.

     Can you guess what that vertical red line represents? As you go through this study it should become clear, but it will be explained in due course.

     At first glance the flowchart itself might appear awfully complicated, but as you go through this study box by box you will be amazed to discover how simple it really is.

     One final note: This study accepts the majority scholarship view that the book of Revelation was written by the apostle John about 96-98 AD.

     It has been said that it is a good idea to avoid anyone who would claim to have this most mysterious of books all figured out, and rightfully so. It is entirely possible that much of the imagery in this book was solely for the purpose of confusing the Romans, who might otherwise consider this book and anyone caught with it a threat to the Emperor. But it is also possible that much of it might have been understood by the original readers in a way that is just not possible for us to determine today, but that doesn't mean that we can't get anything of value out of it. Otherwise, there would be no reason for the Holy Spirit to preserve it for us.

     As you go through this study, I suggest that you have your bible handy for quick reference. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations are from the NIV.