Re: Alternative understanding-This is a new age, the JESUS DISPENSATION was the refomation mentioned uin scripture.
It is of UTMOST importance that we realize that the book of Revelation is all about a NEW BEGINNING (a new age about the age of grace, the Jesus dispensation, the age of God’s LAMB….the age of eternity).......the reformation of GOD, not the reformation of Martin Luther in 1517 (Protestant reformation).
God reformed His relationship to humanity, now we should reform our relationship to Him by becoming SONS of His....instead of remaing servants......(“male and female He made them”)……
Matthew 19:4 made them male and female,
..........but now His grace goes to SPIRITS ONLY....neither male nor female…
Galatians 3:28 there is neither male nor female
Recognizing the REFORMATION OF GOD that was enabled by His firstborn son (the "LAMB") is also how we could get the time frame of scriptural events correct instead of thinking that it is talking about how things will be in the afterlife.
Romans 2:4 the goodness of God doth lead thee to reformation.
2 Corinthians 7:9 ye were made sorry to reformation, for ye were made sorry toward God
2 Corinthians 7:10 for the sorrow toward God reformation to salvation
Hebrews 6:6 and having fallen away, again to renew them to reformation
God reformed His punitive ways relationship to/with us and of handling iniquity (He made the transition to GRACE by sending a sacrificial lamb ("it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin").
.........nor can that blood make perfect the conscience of ther worshipper...(Jesus was following the Jewish purification rites/ritual).....
Hebrews 10:4 For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.
Hebrews 9:9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,