“THE BOOK of REVELATION SEEN FROM THE THIRD HEAVEN” by Roger Roth Sr.

“THE BOOK of REVELATION SEEN FROM THE THIRD HEAVEN” by Roger Roth Sr.

Perhaps no other book of the Bible has more mystery surrounding its meaning or more speculation and controversy than the Book of Revelation. We question when the events occur, or did they already happen? Who is Anti-Christ? Is he already on the earth? Will the earth really burn to a cinder and billions die? Will Jesus take bloody vengeance on unbelieving mankind?

Is this book about God’s judgment on an unbelieving world? These and hundreds of more questions have been spurred by the many interpretations of this revelation. Have we perhaps totally misunderstood this book and its purpose?

Your perception dictates your understanding. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; Eph 1:18. The eye provides natural vision. It allows you to see. Eyes that do not see are blind. So the Apostle tells us that to understand we need spiritual light to enter. This is a change of perception. Paul encourages the Ephesians that in order to acquire a spirit of wisdom and revelation, light must enter their spiritual eyes (a perception adjustment).

This also teaches us that we can be a Christian and yet be blinded to greater spiritual understanding and perception. Jesus taught us that to hear spiritually is to understand and to see spiritually is to perceive; Mat 13:13-14; Is 6:10; Jer 5:21.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 12 the Apostle Paul tells us of an amazing enlightenment of his eyes gained through revelation. He was caught up into the third heaven. In verse 4 he tells us that the third heaven is the paradise of God. From this position he saw and experienced amazing things as he states, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

The third heaven according to the Apostle Paul is the paradise of God. Unenlightened eyes have thought that the things that Apostle heard in this place of perception, were things he was not permitted to speak about. In reality they were things which could not be understood under an Old Covenant perception.

Things not lawful for a man to utter. It is impossible to understand the higher things of God from an Old Covenant mentality. These are Christians who are unawakened. From this perspective many things are not permitted (unlawful). Even the name of God was not lawful to speak or write. Their eyes are not enlightened so they cannot see; 1 Corinthians 2:14. This is why Paul prayed that their eyes might receive spiritual light.

In Revelation Chapter 2 verse 7 we read; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. To him that overcometh – comes over (becomes awakened) from the natural to the spiritual in his perception. The Apostle told us that when he was caught up into the third heaven it was the paradise of God. John now adds further information about the location of the tree of life – it is in the paradise of God, the third heaven.

In Revelation Chapter 22 verse 2 we learn that the location of the tree of life is described as being in the City, the New Jerusalem as described in detail in chapter 21. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life. The tree of life is located in paradise which is also the third heaven in which we find the City of God.

Jesus told us two very important things in Matthew 5:14; You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. One is that you (plural) are the light of the world and that light in you is a city. What you (plural) are, cannot be hid. The city of God, the New Jerusalem, the Paradise of God in which the tree of life is located, is experienced by those who have been enlightened within. As Jesus also said when asked about the Kingdom. It is not here or there in some earthly location, but the Kingdom of God is within you! Before it ever appears in the earth it must first manifest within us.

There is a corporate experience. This is essential. Until we all (plural) come… unto a (singular) perfect man; Eph 4:13. You (plural) are the light of the world. A City! These people become the City in which God dwells and in which the light of the Lamb shines. You can love God and go to heaven and experience the blessings of your gifting but seeing the fullness of the revealing of Jesus and bringing forth the realization of His Kingdom in the earth cannot be done independent of each other.

There is a great spiritual awakening occurring in our day. 1. Understanding that God lives His desire out in family and not just in an individual is an essential part of that awakening. Other key ingredients to waking-up spiritually are: 2. Seeing as God sees – seeing from the position of the throne room. 3. A willingness to cease human judgment. 4. A disposition to question or refine long-held doctrine. 5. A quest to understand, emulate and dispense the love of God toward all.

Consider the following scriptures related to the centrality of being a family (the corporate man). The many are one; Rm 12:4,5; 1 Cor. 12:12,27; 1 Cor 10:17. The many are part of the one Christ; 1 Cor 6:15; The many are one man; Eph 2:14-16; Gal 3:28; The many are a perfect man; Eph 4:12-16; The many are one; Jn 17:20-22; The many are one people; Jer. 32:38-40; The many are united as one; Acts 4:32; 2 Chron 30:12; The many working as one; Phil 1:27; The many fight as one man; Jud. 20:8-11.

To see ourselves as one, to adjust our perception, to use scripture to interpret scripture and to check our thoughts in relation to what we know of God’s nature are key ingredients to allow for the Spirit to lead us in the discovery of this book. We should also note that no portion of scripture can ever be exhausted. Each comes with multiple layers that hold enormous value depending on God’s timing and purpose.

We are looking to grow in the Revelation of Jesus, to which there is no end; Isaiah 9:6-7. Although there is no end to this unfolding, there is a completion of its work within us. There is a process of this revelation that causes us to be transformed into a perfect (whole, complete, nothing lacking) man of God; Eph 4:13; James 3:2.

Excerpts from Chapter One*

As the book clearly states, its purpose is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. All things contained within the book therefore will lead to that revelation within the reader. It is not about the revelation of the Anti-Christ. It is about how the awakened reader can experience the full revealing of Jesus in the same manner as the Apostle John.

The Apostle Paul reveals to his readers that the good news he preached came to him not from man or through human teaching but by “The Revelation of Jesus Christ;” Paul not only got a revelation but became the revelation. Gal 1:11-12; In fact in Rom 16:24-27 he calls this revelation a mystery. He further states in Eph 1:17 that this same revelation is for all followers of Jesus. Paul became this revelation and so can we.

Paul’s epistles are themselves instructions on having the mystery of this revelation revealed within believers. If John’s book of Revelation is a divine directive on the process of Jesus being unveiled within us, then the Pauline Epistles are in-depth instructions on how this process comes to pass.

The Apostle Peter advises his readers that “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” was sought after by the prophets but reserved for those would walk it out at a later time. 1 Peter 1:10-13. He also tells us that this revelation in them, will be an instrument of grace to those who believe.

The Apostle John provides us with an entire treatise on the subject of Jesus’ revelation. In Rev. 1:1; we have the most recognized statement on “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” His stated purpose is to show the reader things which must shortly come to pass. Once this book is unveiled there are things in the readers life that will “shortly” (suddenly, quickly) come to pass. In using the entire volume of Scripture to bring spiritual interpretation to this book, we will set in motion things that will bring the soon Revelation of Jesus Christ within each awakened spirit.

This revelation is the appearing of Jesus within you; 1 Tim 6:14; 2 Tim 1:10; Titus 2:13; 1 Pet 1:7. It is what all creation is waiting to occur in order to be released from its bondage; Rom 8:19-21. The word manifestation in these verses, is the same word for revelation as in Revelation 1:1. The manifestation of sons is the revelation of Jesus within them. All creation is waiting for the revelation of Jesus Christ within His sons, you and I, and all who are awakened. This revelation is the longing and hope for the restoration of all things.

We are searching the scriptures together. We each have keys to the understanding and implementation of this revelation. As we read about how this revelation took place within John, let us seek for the same revelation by the Spirit to occur within us. Let us each be instruments of His revelation to each other. 

If you are approaching this book with the understanding that God is about to judge and heap punishment and chaos upon a very evil world, I would ask that you put that perception on hold and consider what is written in a new light. If you have been taught that Christians are soon to be whisked away from the planet, that there will be raging world earthquakes, rivers of blood, millions will be dying of natural cataclysmic events and fiery hail the size of basketballs crashing all around, why not open yourself to another possibility or at least consider that our great God may be telling us something different about His intention and desire for mankind.

Excerpts from Chapter 3*

Verse Twenty: 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.

Jesus is calling the reader to a higher relationship. He is the door and access to the Father; Jn 14:23; Song of Sol 5:1-4; Lk 12:36,37. He is the door to the sheepfold, the place of safety and the gathering of the sheep; Jn 10:7-9.

He is knocking but do you know how to open the door? How is His knock heard and in what way can we open this door of spiritual intimacy?

Verse Twenty-One: 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.

We will reign and rule with Him; Jn 17:22; 2 Tim 2:12; Mt 19:28; Lk 22:29; Rm 8:17. We are not servant but coinheritors Jn 14:21-23; Rm 8:15-17. See Rev 1:4 note on thrones.

Excerpt from Chapter 4 Introduction*

In this chapter and in chapter five the four living creatures and the 24 elders figure prominently in their work regarding the throne room. The four living creatures are an odd sight with wings and eyes and strange faces. The twenty-four elders likewise form a mysterious scene with thrones and crowns and prostrations. Is this literally what is occurring in the throne room of heaven or are these symbols of something quite different with distinct purpose in God’s ultimate plan?

Are the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders God’s instruments in the spiritual war room of heaven? Among other things, we also want to know how the Apostle John made his transition from earth to heaven. If we knew that, perhaps we could also anticipate something similar for ourselves.

The imagery in Revelation draws on events and descriptions throughout the Bible. God has established many biblical patterns that contain great insight for those willing to search them out. Old Testament descriptions found in the tabernacles, the encampments in the wilderness, the priestly garments, the mixture of incense, the feast days, the kings of Israel and Judah, the hidden messages of Psalms and many other concealed truths provide a great window on the plan and purpose of God.

In the New Testament, likewise, Old Testament patterns are unlocked by studying the Apostle Paul’s journeys, in receiving illumination from the parables, in examining events captured in the churches of the first century. These along with many other patterns form a roadmap into the operation and intention of the Spirit. Revelation being the concluding chapter of the Bible has depictions of experiences and events and contained throughout the Bible.

Excerpt from Chapter 4*

Verse One: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.

“After this I looked,” relates this verse to the previous chapters. In chapters two and three John was prophetically seeing details concerning the Church. After this there was a door open in heaven; Ez 1:1. John has gone from viewing things regarding the Church on earth to being repositioned in heaven. This voice was speaking with John, and it was clear (like a trumpet).

The first thing John sees is an open door. This means he has access to another dimension. All images in Revelation in one way or another shed light on Jesus and His ministry. Jesus is the door. There is only one door and one way; Jn 10:7-16; Heb 9:7,8.

The first thing John hears is a voice speaking to him. This was the voice of Jesus; Rev 1:10. The voice was like the sound of a trumpet. It wasn’t a trumpet but was like a trumpet, that is, it was distinct, clearly heard. Trumpets in the Bible garnered the attention of the hearer. They were used to announce the coming of dignitaries, special feasts and preparation for battle.

The message for John was that he should “come up here” – the place from where the voice was coming. John was taking a heavenly position. We likewise are called to take our heavenly position. Ministry will always remain second dimensional until we respond to the Spirit’s call to come up into a third dimensional (throne room, war room) experience with Jesus. This is the place where kings and priests reside. The Levitical priesthood is an earthly type of the Royal (Melchizedek) priesthood. A royal priesthood – a priesthood of Kings, royalty; 1 Pt 2:9. As the Levites ministered in the natural so God’s priests minister in the spiritual.

The church must come over from the natural to the spiritual side. Those in the natural or earthly realm dwell in an old relationship based on the Old Covenant replete with natural sacrifices, the law of Moses, the Levitical priesthood, an Aaronic High Priest, natural feast days. Although the modern Christian Church does not do the literal acts of the Old Covenant, it often engages in similar rules and requirements, making it Old Covenant in their thinking and actions. The relationship of the spiritual realm is based better things such as: A New Covenant, Heb 8:8; spiritual sacrifices; 1 Pt 2:5, the royal law, Ja 2:8; a Royal Priesthood, 1 Pt 2:9; a Melchizedek High Priest, Heb 6:20; and spiritual feasts, 1 Cor 5:8; Jude 1:12. Everything of earth has a heavenly counterpart. To recognize this is a key to understanding and receiving revelation.

The reason for coming up was so that John could be shown things that must happen hereafter – that is after or concerning the events of the previous chapters – things of the Church Age. God is calling us up higher. From this higher position we will see things that must happen within us and within the true Church of God. When we rise past the Church Age (wilderness age) mentality (the second dimension) we gain access into the throne room – the third dimension, the Holiest of Holies, the throne room of God.  

How do you think John came up higher? Did the earth shake and a stairway appeared on which he stepped his way to heaven? Was he whisked to heaven as angels fasten their wings upon his cloak and flew him into heavenly realms? Did his spirit leave his body as he gently floated up into the throne room of God? If we are looking only for spiritual manifestations to occur we may not hear when He is calling us to come up higher. Heavenly encounters are real. They occur when we are looking for and at Him. John saw an open door (the door is Jesus). 

When He says come up, He is calling us to leave earthly thoughts, emotions, desires and to position our minds on the higher things; Col 3:1,2. This opens our spirit to heavenly encounters. We experience what we imagine. This is not a fleshly imagining such as, I want a new car so I imagine someone giving me a beautiful new automobile and suddenly it happens; A form of what some would call the power of attraction. Rather God puts into our hearts His desire for us; Is 57:15. This is what we seek. It is built upon His will and not upon our wish. Spiritual alignment is having our wants adjusted to match His will. John did not call himself up higher but was called up higher by the Spirit. To come up higher we also need to hear the call of the Spirit that echoes within.

You see in Chapter Three Jesus is standing at the door and knocking. If anyone opens the door He will come in and sup (eat the word of God) with them. In the first verse John hears the voice as a trumpet. This is Jesus is knocking load and clear. To those who hear they can make the transition from the earth to a heavenly throne room relationship with Jesus. He goes on to give the reader much understanding of how this can happen within them. A great key is to understand how to awaken to the voice and higher realms of the Spirit. We like John are invited to sit on His throne, just as He overcame and sat on His Father’s throne; Rev 3:21. This is your invitation from Jesus into the higher realms and relationship of the throne room. The place from which all things, including the Book of Revelation can be understood and experienced.

*Excepts taken from copyrighted book: “THE BOOK of REVELATION SEEN FROM THE THIRD HEAVEN” by Roger Roth Sr.

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Roger Roth Sr. is a ministry son of Dr. Mark Hanby. Together with his wife Karen, they are the set ministry of a local church in Northeastern Wisconsin, and oversee the Bloodline Network Newsletter. They consider it an honor to work with Dr. Hanby for many years, helping to oversee the ministry of Papa Mark’s extended family—”The Father’s Heart.”

      Any questions or comments please contact them at rogerandkaren@live.com