Revelation

Before I get into the book, let me give you some background. If you recall, Jesus said that he would build his church, and the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matt 16:18). He also said that he would be with them always, even to the end of the age (Matt 28:20). Well, some sixty years later we find the church being persecuted and no word from Jesus in sometime. All of the original disciples, except for John, were dead. John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. Things looked very bleak. It appeared to the discouraged church that the gates of hell were prevailing against the church and that Jesus had abandoned them. So, this book was written to encourage them. It lets them know that Jesus is still on his throne, knows exactly what is going on in the churches, and that he has a plan for the future, a plan for victory over evil.

I’m going to give you a quick summary of each chapter. There are two books and one website that I would recommend for more information on Revelation and prophecy in general. The books are: The Footsteps of the Messiah, A Study of the Sequence of Prophetic Events, by Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum. The other is The Things to Come, A Study in Biblical Eschatology by J. Dwight Pentecost. The website is Lamb and Lion Ministries (www.lamblion.com) by Dr. David Reagan.

Rev 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy.”

This is the only book in the Bible which specifically promises a blessing for those who read it, yet, sadly, it is oftentimes neglected. What is the blessing that can be derived from reading Revelation? Can it be the peace of mind that one receives knowing that Jesus is still with his Church and that the future is one of victory for the church?

Rev 1:12 “I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands and among the lampstands was one “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.”

The lampstand is a symbol for the church. This vision shows that Jesus had not abandoned his church; he was among them, among the lampstands.

Rev 2-3 The Letters to the Seven Churches in Asia Minor. 

Jesus is not only among the lampstands (churches) but he knows the strengths and weaknesses of each of them. If Jesus were to write a letter to your church today, what would he say? If he were to write a letter to you, personally, what would he say?

The Rapture of the church takes place at the end of chapter three. From then on, the church is not mentioned in Revelation until 22:16, indicating that the church has been taken from the earth and will not go through the tribulation. Those who become believers during the tribulation are not referred to as saints, but as believers.

Revelation 4 John is transported “in the spirit” to Heaven to the throne of God where worshipping takes place and God still hears our prayers.

Revelation 5 Jesus is shown as a lamb and lion. Jesus came first as a lamb to die for the sins of man, and will return as a lion of Judah to pour out the wrath of God.

Revelation 6-19 Is the Tribulation period. The Antichrist conquers the world followed by war, famine and death.

Revelation 7 God appoints 144,000 Jewish servants to preach the Gospel during the tribulation period

Revelation 8 & 9 The trumpet judgments are poured out. In chapter 9 a plaque of demonic locust causes great suffering. The sixth trumpet lets loose 200 million soldiers who kill a third of the earth’s population

Revelation 10 This is a flash forward to assure John that everything is going to work out well.

Revelation 11 Two witnesses are killed and resurrected

Revelation 12 This is a flashback which shows that this battle goes back to the Garden of Eden between Satan and God. Israel is attacked, the Antichrist stops the sacrifices in the temple and sets himself up for worship. The Jews flee into the wilderness, perhaps Petra area.

Revelation 13 Satan persecutes Christians and Jews through the Antichrist. The false prophet leads the false world religion and requires the Mark of the Beast (666) to allow people to buy or sell.

Revelation 14 Angels go forth to preach the Gospel, Babylon is destroyed.

Revelation 15 & 16 The last series of judgments, the bowl judgments. A great army marches into the Valley of Armageddon.

Revelation 17 The Antichrist turns on the false church and sets up his own one world religion.

Revelation 18 In one hour the kingdom of Babylon is destroyed

Revelation 19 Heaven is rejoicing, the Lord’s return is after the marriage feast of the Lamb in heaven, Jesus destroys the Antichrist.

Revelation 20 Jesus binds Satan and reigns with the saints for 1000 years. Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet are all cast into the lake of fire. God resurrects the unrighteous who appear at the Great White Throne Judgment where they are condemned to the “lake of fire.”

Revelation 21 A new heaven and a new earth are formed

Revelation 22 There is no longer a curse. A blessing is promised to those who not only read but heed the teaching of the Book of Revelation. We are told not to seal up this book.

So, Jesus, who is the head of the church, knows what is happening, has a plan and the good guys are going to win in the end. This is a book of hope. It is not to be sealed.