To understand the scriptures which determine the chronology and organizational structure resulting in the chronological outline below, click here to read the chapter titled, "Chronology and Organizational Structure in the Book of Revelation".
Scope:
The chronology of Revelation chapter 6-22 is the subject of this subchapter. The events of the first three chapters of the book of Revelation are understood by virtually all to be in our past, even though they are still applicable to those living subsequent to the first century. Chapter four details who is in the throne room and contains no prophesies. Chapter five presents the one who is worthy to open the prophesies of the future chapters but makes no prophesies except to say that the saints (5:8) will someday reign on the earth (5:10). The chronological difficulties lie in the synthesis of the seals, trumpets, bowls, signs and thunders... the thunders being left concealed from our view and keeping an authoritative chronology out of reach. So, the best we can do is arrive at a tentative chronology, which we might substantially revise if we knew what was in the seven thunders. But, I have prayed that God will open my eyes to see... so that this tentative chronology will be accurate, to the extent that the chronology has been revealed in scripture.
Abbreviations:
It is a challenge to present great detail for my readers in a format which may be read on small screens such as phones. Since most of my readers read on phones from Africa and Asia, abbreviations are necessary.
Abbreviations Pertaining to Structure
Bo = Bowl
M = Message
Sl = Seal
Sn = Sign
Th = Thunders
Tr = Trumpet
Si1, Si2, Tr1, Tr2, Bo1, Bo2, etc. refer to Sign 1, Sign 2, 1st Trumpet, 2nd Trumpet, 1st Bowl, 2nd Bowl, respectively, etc.
7Tr and 7Bo refer to seven trumpets and seven bowls respectively.
Abbreviations Pertaining to Content
Arm = Armageddon
Ai = Air
Bc = Birth of Christ
Ea = Earth
Eu = Euphrates
Gh = Great Harlot
Gm = Gog & Magog Attack
Gt = Great Tribulation
Wtj = White Throne Judgement
Mk = Millennial Kingdom
Nj = New Jerusalem
Ra = Rapture
Rl = Resurrection to Life
Rj = Resurrection to Judgement
Rs = Rivers and Springs
Su = Sun
C. = Sea
Tb = Throne of the Beast
2c = Second Coming of Christ
2w = Two Witnesses 10:11-11:14, (3.5 or 7 Yrs)
4d = Four Demons at the Euphrates 9:13-21
666 = Beast
An abbreviation is in bold font indicates greater emphasis.
Suggested Chronological Outline
Below, is a chronological outline of the book of Revelation. I am not declaring this chronological outline to be a doctrine of God. But, I believe that the following is one way, but not necessarily the only way to order the fulfillment of the prophecies to be consistent with scripture. I pray that by its use, you may better understand God's truth.
Suggested Chronological Outline
7MSl1Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?Bc
7MSl2Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?
7MSl3Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?
7MSl4Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?
7MSl5Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?
7MSl6Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr1Bo1Th?Ea
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr2Bo2Th?C.
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr3Bo3Th?Rs
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr4Bo4Th?Su
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr5Bo5Th?Tb
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr6Bo6Th?Eu4d
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?AiRaRlArmGh
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?Mk
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?GmRjWtj
7MSl7Sn1Sn2Tr7Bo7Th?Nj