Revelation, Book of (Rev)

Book 27 of the NT. This last book of the Bible has 22 chapters, and takes 1 hr 10 mins to read. The apostle John was given this revelation in about AD 95.

Key people: John, Jesus, anti-Christ, Satan.

Outline: The book records messages from Jesus to seven specific churches in the region of Turkey and then details events relating to the end times just prior to and after the return of Christ. These include the rise of the anti-Christ, the triumph of the King of Kings, the marriage supper of the Lamb, the final judgment with the banishment of all unbelievers to the lake of fire, and the coming of the New Jerusalem. It is a prophetic book, with some parallels to the books of Ezekiel and Daniel, which also deal with events that are yet to come.

Its style is Apocalyptic – a mosaic of symbolic images, not in strict chronological order. Because of its literary character it is faulty to identify particular passages in Revelation with specific world events and people, nor is the book a calendar or chronological countdown to the end of the world last days.

It is the only book that says, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Rev 1:3). Although somewhat difficult to understand it concludes with the promise of Christ’s soon return and the warning, “Don’t add to or take away from the prophecy of this book” (Rev 22:7,12,18,19).

Main lesson. Although the end-time events may seem scary and dramatic, causing us to wonder how things will work out, don’t try and decipher all the symbols but focus on the love, power and justice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is to ensure our name is in “the Book of Life” by receiving Christ as Saviour, remaining faithful to Him (even if it means forfeiting our life), dealing with any issues that hinder our relationship with Him, and we’ll achieve our destination – in heaven for evermore (Rev 13:10, 20:15, 21:27). Jesus is the central figure in the vision which calls for us to live a lifestyle consistent with the Kingdom He will establish, featuring justice, righteousness, freedom, and joy.

Key verses and thoughts: * “I know your deeds... yet I have this against you...” (Rev 2,3). In the specific messages to each of the seven churches they were commended for their strengths, however their serious flaws were also pointed out. Many of these same conditions exist in the church today, and in us as individuals, with or without our knowledge – things such as losing our first love and devotion to the Saviour, being almost spiritually bankrupt, compromising in the areas of truth and morals, functioning in loveless ritual, difficulties and persecution causing us to question God’s capabilities to protect, or being casual in our walk by allowing the world’s values and pressures to crowd out His standards. Which of these deficiencies are in my life? Will I take steps to correct these failures and make Christ my top priority in life? Christ, who will repay us according to our efforts, loves us too much to allow us to continue in sin and live a second-rate Christian existence (Rev 2:23). Jesus says He wants us to open our hearts fully to Him so we can experience His life-changing presence (3:20). The Holy Spirit not only convicts of sin but also encourages us when we do right.

* This is a book that gives Christians great hope. The victory and praise belongs to God the Father, and Jesus the Lamb, because it is the culmination of the plan of salvation. “O Lord, you are worthy to receive the glory, the honour and the power, for you have created all things” (Rev 4:11). Around the eternal throne will be ‘blood bought’ people from every nation exclaiming praise to God (Rev 5:9,13, 19:1). Why not get some practice in praising God now?

* Satan, the enemy to God’s Kingdom has several key accomplices. One is the anti-Christ who is Satan’s visible agent wielding immense influence and power. Mankind is forced to receive ‘his mark’ on their body to enable them to buy and sell, but this dooms all who do, to hell (Rev 13:1-18, 14:9-11). So do not submit to receiving it. To enter heaven our allegiance to the Saviour must be steadfast. The Bible records “They overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony and they did not love their lives but were prepared to lay them down for Him” (Rev 12:11). Although evil may appear to be winning for a period God is ultimately in control and He will prove Himself all powerful, returning to vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked and rebellious who reject His offer of salvation. “His judgments are true and just” (Rev 19:2).