Chapter 1143 of 1163

The Revelation Of Jesus Christ

John was a Roman prisoner on the Isle of Patmos when God gave him this revelation of Jesus Christ. The book reveals Jesus Christ the Priest-King (chap. 1), the Judge of the churches (chaps. 2–3), the Creator (chap. 4), the Redeemer (chap. 5), the Lord of history (chaps. 6–18), the Conqueror (chaps. 19–20), and the Bridegroom (chaps. 21–22). The key name for Christ in this book is the Lamb. John never lets you forget that Jesus died for the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Another key word is throne, used over forty times. The Revelation describes the conflict between the throne of the Lamb in heaven and the throne of Satan on earth. As John writes, he depicts worship in heaven and warfare on earth; and the Lord is the victor. No matter how dark the day or how strong the forces of evil, the Lamb of God wins the victory.

The key verse is 1:19. John was told to write “the things which you have seen [chap. 1], and the things which are [chaps. 2–3], and the things which will take place after this [chaps. 4–22].”

Revelation 6–19 parallels Matthew 24 and Mark 13 in describing the day of the Lord or the Tribulation. The first part is described in chapters 6–9; the middle in chapters 10–14; and the last part (“the great tribulation”) in chapters 15–19. While good and godly people disagree on the details of interpreting John’s numbers and symbols, most agree that the last days will be marked by the increase of evil, the rise of a world government and world ruler, the attempt of Satan to destroy God’s people, the pouring out of God’s wrath on a rebellious world, and the return of Jesus Christ to deliver His own and establish His kingdom.

As you read, do not get lost in details, but try to see the big picture. And keep in mind that John wrote this book to encourage believers who were going through persecution. Every generation of Christians has had its Antichrist and Babylon, and the hope of the Lord’s return has kept the saints going when the going was tough.

Revelation is the climax of the Bible, the fulfillment of what God started in Genesis. Many symbols in Genesis are found in this fascinating book: light and darkness, stars, Babylon, the bride, a garden, a tree of life, a serpent, and so on. He is “the Alpha and the Omega” (1:8). What He starts, He finishes.

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