REVELATION

The book of Revelation, a book filled with figures and imagery, was written by the apostle John to the seven churches of Asia (1:4). These early Christians saw the things in the book play out in their time, as evidenced by the fulfillment timestamps found in the book itself (1:1, 3; 22:6, 10). By no means was everything in the book fulfilled in the first and second centuries AD (ie. final judgment, casting of Satan & his hosts into hell, glorification of God’s people in heaven), but in our approach to the book we cannot ignore the original recipients or the timestamps provided.

The theme of the book is victory. The Greek word nikao (that’s where Nike got their name) is found in the book 15x. Despite all the hardships and struggles we face, in the end, we will overcome through Jesus Christ.

Here is a brief summary of the content of the book:

Chapter 1 provides seven descriptions of Jesus Christ, followed by seven attributes of the Christ.

Chapters 2 & 3 contain letters to the seven churches of Asia, each following the same format: the Lord identified Himself, He assessed the church, He gave recommendations, and He promised victory to those who overcome (nikao). The phrase, “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear” is used throughout.

Chapters 4 & 5 are in the throne room of God. His people are portrayed in the image of the 24 elders; His character represented in the 4 living creatures, and Jesus is introduced as the Lion of Judah, the Root of Jesse, the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy to open the sealed scroll.

Chapters 6-7, the seals of the scroll are opened. Four horsemen are revealed: the first, on a white horse, is the Lord who goes out to conquer hearts with the gospel. Only in Him is there victory. The others portray violence, sorrow, distress, and hardships of life, culminating in death. There is a contrast of the judgment for the righteous and the wicked, and then the image of the 144,000, a representation of all of God’s people of all-time called to be with God in heaven.

Chapters 8-9, have the seven trumpets, representing God’s effort to cause the wicked to repent. After all these trials and troubles, the text ends with the scene of the final judgment.

Chapters 10-11, focus on the church, our duty, the protection of God, and the promise of victory, despite severe persecution at times. He appeals to imagery from OT prophets here.

Chapter 12 shows a woman (Israel) who gave birth to a Child (Messiah) and God’s protection of Him and His people (the church) as a dragon (the devil) seeks to destroy them.

Chapters 13-14 have the dragon enlisting the help of 2 beasts, one of the many ways the devil mocks God (see below). They seek to turn people from truth to error via persecution and lies. The Roman Empire were an early beast, but the image is made to fit any ideology or power used to turn people from God. The 666 image is here. It actually gives hope, for it is the number of a man, that is, less than deity; and thus he will eventually fail and fall. Therefore, we are to put our trust in the Lord.

Chapters 13-14 have the dragon enlisting the help of 2 beasts, one of the many ways the devil mocks God (see below). They seek to turn people from truth to error via persecution and lies. The Roman Empire were an early beast, but the image is made to fit any ideology or power used to turn people from God. The 666 image is here. It actually gives hope, for it is the number of a man, that is, less than deity; and thus he will eventually fail and fall. Therefore, we are to put our trust in the Lord.

  • 3 PERSONS – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit; Dragon, sea beast, & land beast
  • DEATH – Jesus was dead & rose again; the beast had a mortal wound & was healed
  • WORSHIP – Jesus directs people to worship God; beast directs people to worship the dragon
  • MIRACLES – Holy Spirit works miracles; beast works miracles
  • MARK / SIGN – God’s people are sealed with the Spirit; Devil’s people marked by the beast

Chapters 15-16 reveal the seven bowls, which are the seven last plagues. These show God’s vengeance upon those who opposed the Lamb and His people. They culminate with the battle of Armageddon, another image of the final judgment.

Chapters 17-18 pictures a woman (the harlot called Babylon) sitting on a beast. These two fill the same role as the beasts from chapters 13-14. She is wicked and she will fall, and all those associated with her will fall.

Chapter 19 has two great but very different feasts in it. The marriage supper of the Lamb is for the faithful who will be dressed in white. The supper of the Great God is for those who are wicked and they will be destroyed. At the end of this chapter the beast and false prophet are captured and cast into the lake of fire.

Chapter 20 focuses on the 1000 years. It is not a literal time, but a large perfect time. During the 1000 years the devil is bound and his power is restrained; and the righteous, described as priests of God, reign with Christ having the first resurrection (obedience to the gospel). At the end of the time, the devil is loosed and then cast into hell. The chapters ends with the final judgment being pictured again.

Chapter 21 speaks of the new heavens and earth. God’s people are in eternity where there is no death, sorrow, crying, or pain.

Chapter 22 John is told not to seal up the book, for the fulfillment of the prophecy was eminent. We are assured of the victory of the righteous and the destruction of the wicked. The book closes with a warning not to add to or take away from what has been revealed.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
lookinguntojesus.net